COLCHESTER HARRIERS ATHLETIC CLUB
Since becoming your Chairperson I have been taking a closer interest with all aspects of our Club I have been very impressed and to date I have really enjoyed working with all members and parents I see regularly on Tuesdays at The Arena Club and the Track on Thursdays.
2008 is a special year for the Club and probably one of the most important since the Club was formed. I can only think of two previous years in the Clubs history when we took decisions that dramatically changed our Club. In 1988 we affiliated into the AAA, and believe me that event alone caused more than a few ripples. In 1994 we changed our name from Colchester Joggers to Colchester Harriers, thinking back there was a large majority who voted for change and since then we have progressed to be one of the most successful and consistent Clubs in the county.
This year we are endeavouring to obtain our Clubmark; this project alone involves a lot of hard work by your Committee. All aspects of the Club have got to be looked at and evidence produced to prove that we are a fit and proper Club and capable of and providing a first class product to our community. Dominic KING has taken on the responsibility for this project and I ask that every assistance be given to him so that we can achieve our objective.
Some of you may already know that we have formed a composite men’s team with our neighbours Colchester and Tendring Athletic Club. Colchester men will be a formable team in the league this coming season.
Just a few days ago it was confirmed that we have been accepted into the National Junior League, we have formed a composite team with CAT’S and Braintree and at a recent meeting it was decided that the team would be called Team COBRA and our vest colour would be light blue. Ipswich and Chelmsford have also formed a composite team and will be known as Team SAXON. It is anticipated that selection will be on performance and in some cases by invitation. Final details have not been decided upon but the NJL will be a priority fixture. Each Club will have a co-ordinator who will look after our interests and report to the main Committee. Clare ROLEWICZ the Chairperson of Braintree AC has volunteered to be the Lead co-ordinator for Team Cobra.
The formation of this team will give our up and coming talented athletes a chance to participate in a higher standard competition. There will obviously be an additional financial cost to the Club and parents.
Just recently nine members attended a basic first aid course new first aid kits will be purchased and will be available whenever our teams travel to a meeting. I am presently looking at ways to raise sufficient funds to purchase an automatic defibrillator for use at the track and Club meetings. Any suggestions on finance for this project would be welcomed.
On the Social Scene the Club has arranged two camping weekends, details are on the notice boards and information can be obtained from Margaret in the Clubhouse on Thursday evenings. The camping weekends have in the past been very successful and enjoyable, lots of fun for the kids and a chance for parents to get together and have a drink and socialise. The social side of our Club sets us apart from most other Athletic Clubs and adds to the team and social bonds between our members. Please come and take part and have some fun.
During July, Peter THOMAS celebrates his 80th birthday, Peter has been running with the Club for many years and you will see him most weeks helping me with the ladies group. Peter is an inspiration to us all and we hope to celebrate his birthday with a party at Hull Farm, Ardleigh on Saturday 5th July 2008. All members and hopefully some guests are invited. Food and drinks will be supplied.
The year has barely begun and already trophies are flowing in. Individual and team medals obtained and there have been some great press coverage. We must thank all those involved and a special thanks to Allen SMALLS our Webmaster. Our website although not flashy is full of up to date information and photographs. I have been told that other Clubs look at our website for information not readily available elsewhere. From January I intend to publish Committee meeting minutes on the website for all to see and any feedback, comments for and against will be welcomed and if possible acted upon. I believe that to be an active successful Club all members must have a voice and all Committee members will bring any concerns to the notice of Committee in confidence.
Hopefully you will receive this message in a Newsletter. Roy MOORE our editor would like to publish a regular newsletter. He requires articles of interest, jokes, tales anything that will make a good read and also profiles of our athletes. I’m sure that some of you can put together a few words of interest and submit them to Roy. He is available most Thursday evenings in the hut.
I am looking forward to the coming season and I am sure that our athletes will win many County and National honours. For some of the summer I shall be away as I am retiring from work and taking a long holiday. I will stay in touch by email and telephone and will try to attend most Committee meetings; I know that our Club is in the good hands of a strong and dedicated Committee who will look after the interests of us all.
Lance Williams
Chairperson