14th Stowmarket Striders AGM

The 14th Annual General Meeting on Monday 29th January 2001 saw a
good turnout of about 30 club members. With a smooth introduction
and apologies for absences, the chairman gave his report on the
previous year.

Chairman's Report

"The year ended with 79 paid up members, of which 26 ran the Flora
London Marathon raising in excess of £5,000 between them. Thanks
once again to Phil Rampley for organising the transport, which he has
agreed to oversee again this year, the details of which will be available
soon.

Throughout the year the club entered teams at the County Cross Country
Championships, County Relays at Mutford, Ekiden Relays, Nowton Park
Cross County and the Eastern Counties Cross Country Championships.
May I take this opportunity to thank everyone who represented the club
at these events, especially those that ran at short notice, one such lady
was Mary Tricker who has now developed into a very good club runner.
In answer to those that say they don't want to run in fear of letting
anyone down because they are slow my reply is that they let people
down if they don't run.

The club continues to have a broad base of abilities with Colin Pitts and
Tamara Jordon regularly featuring in the top 3 as well as many members
in the lower half of finishers and I hope everyone feels appreciated at
races and club nights, if not speak to a committee member. The winners
of the Club Championships were Sue Seggars and Glen Stephens. This
year you have 2 chances to compete with the Beccles 10km and
Martlesham 10km the chosen events, dates to be confirmed. The Striders
of the year as voted for at the Christmas party were Anne Fish and Nick
Stephens with Ellen Broughton and Gordon Slack very close runners up
respectively.

The club organised the County Cross Country Championship in January
2000, as well as the 10k in April, Friday 5 in June and the Scenic 7 in
November and we also helped with marshalling at the Mid Suffolk Triathlon.
I would like to thank all sponsors and everyone who helped with marshalling
etc. This year saw us challenge Ipswich Jaffa to a 5000m race at Northgate
although finishing 2nd a good night was had by all and it is hoped to be
repeated this year.

This year's newsletter has had a different format to previous ones, which I
think has been well received, thanks to Chris Gladwell. Also on the information
front, this year saw the launch of the club Website, which is constantly being
updated by its creator Richard Nash.

This year marks the 15th Anniversary of the club and it is hoped to mark the
occasion with some special functions through out the year, so watch this space.
Finally I would like to thank the out going committee for all their help through
out the year and wish the incoming committee all the best for the year ahead."

Chris Starmer, Chairman

Treasurers Report

A three-page statement of the Club accounts was distributed for comment.
Stuart briefly went through the figures and explained that the Club’s running
events had not produced the same income as previously due to lack of
sponsorship and slightly reduced numbers at races.

Richard Fellingham asked if the Clothing stock had been taken into account in
the figures to which Stuart explained that they had not. It was suggested that
we perhaps should carry out a stock check.

Stuart went on to explain that he felt it important to make a slight increase in
the annual fees from £10 to £12, pointing out that he believed that we are the
cheapest club in the county.

Committee Elections

All positions were duly elected including the reappointment of Chris Starmer as
Chairman.

Any Other Business

Annual Membership Fees

The biggest debate for the evening was on the club membership fees
for 2001. The fee being raised to £12.00 pa did not attract much
discussion, the item under discussion was whether the club should
sponsor each runners entry fees for relay and/or cross country events.
The argument being that those running on these events represent the
club and sponsoring the entry fees will act as an incentive for a good
club turnout. After much discussion it came down to 4 proposals for the
members present to vote upon. All proposed a membership fee of £12.00
raised to £15.00 to late payers after 31st March 2001 which included;

club sponsorship of total entry fee for relay events only;
no club sponsorship for any events;
club sponsorship for all entry fees for relay and cross country
events; or
club sponsorship of entry fee for relay events only less £2.00 passed
onto each individual runner.

A final vote carried the 4th option.

Post AGM note:

The tricky subject of 'part year membership costs' had come up in July's
committee meeting. The following rules were drafted :-

a) Annual membership is £12 up to end March 2001. Thereafter for existing
members the cost is £15. (this to encourage punctual payment).

b) New members will pay £12 to join for the year 2001. However, if they join
the Club after 31^st July 2001 then only £6 is payable. (Pro rata by the month
is not an option and new members should be allowed a ‘week or two’ to decide
on whether or not to join. However, for insurance reasons they must then be
given every encouragement to pay up.)

c) Second claim members who join Striders on a regular basis pay same as first
claim members.

Newsletter Distribution

Discussion was also heard over the communication of club events and races,
with the main focus being on the distribution of the newsletter for those
unable to attend club nights. It was finally carried that those wishing for a
Strider Newsletter to be posted directly to themselves should provide
stamped self address envelopes. Copies in the future will hopefully be
available on this website as an alternative.

Club Night Runs

A serious point was raised regarding the Thursday night runs. Despite
previous attempts, members still run their own race and do not run as a group.
This has meant that some of the slower runners have been left alone at the
back. It is not good for those left running alone and doesn't do much for
team spirit.

Date of the Next AGM

The next AGM will take place on Monday 28th January 2001, at Mid-Suffolk
Leisure Centre.

Grayhame Fish (Minutes Secretary) / Richard Nash (Committee Member)