STRATHAVEN STRIDERS AGM WED 22^ND NOVEMBER

                        BUCKSHEAD HOTEL

Presidents Report

Craig Hamilton welcomed Striders to the club AGM and outlined the agenda for the evening. He explained how the club appealed to many different types of runners, how we competed at different levels and at various places around the world. Elaine Calder was congratulated in her position as Scottish Champion in her chosen event.

The ballot for Strider of the Year and the two club entries for the London Marathon were organised

Treasurers Report

John Thompson reported that membership of the club had risen from 45 1^st claim members to 61 1^st claim members largely due to the success of the early session. Due to the increase in annual dues from £7 to £10 the club was now in a healthier financial position.

John reported that the club’s annual dance made a profit  which was distributed to two chosen charities. The treasurer went on to ask the club if surplus funds could be used for new coaching courses. It was agreed that these would be made available to interested parties.

John then proposed that the fees stay at £10 which was seconded by Tom Wilson. The motion was carried unanimously.

Race Directors Report

Irene Wilson reported on the John Lucas Ultra run mentioning that the event although low on numbers was declared a success by all participants. A report appeared in the Mercury race magazine. Although the race itself made a loss Irene explained that most of last years merchandise could be used for this years race. It was also explained that these funds were separate from the main Striders account. Irene thanked all participants and volunteers who helped on the day.

The Club weekend this year will be the Kintyre Way and will be the first weekend in May. Accommodation will be booked for anyone wishing to go.

Social Secretary’s Report

Hilary Wright reported that the Christmas Fancy Dress handicap race would be on the 10^th December 1.30pm at Low Kype. A new kiddies Santa race will take place this year on the 23^rd December at Strathaven park.

Hilary reported that this years charity dance will be held on the 3^rd February at the Scout and Guide hall. Theme will be mad hatters/masks with all the usual features auction etc. Tickets will be available early January. She asked that names of charities be discussed before the dance.

It was also mentioned that a Secret Santa (£5 max) would be held as usual after the fancy dress race but this time in the Buckshead function suite where sandwiches would be provided.   

Secretary’s Report

John Pitt reported that after discussion with the SAF and correspondence from the London Marathon the club now has two club entries for the said event. It was minuted that this increase was due to the success of the early session.

Correspondence from the SAF determined the annual payment in respect of 1^st claim members.

A letter of thanks was received from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer fund thanking the club for their kind donation.

Scribes Report

Tom Wilson explained that race reports were written on the club website when members phoned in with information. He also reported that he regularly gave reports to the Echoes newspaper detailing Striders activities. The “lost” report on the Glasgow half marathon will appear at the end of the year.

Coaches Report Early Session

Tony Thistlewaite explained that he is now back taking both early sessions after attending to family commitments. He thanked the various Striders who had helped in his absence. He also reported that both early sessions were still being well attended.

Coaches Report

John McGillivray reported that Wednesday night coaching session were still proving to be successful throughout the year. He reported that as he is a Level 3 coach and that Tony Thistlewaite was a Level 1 coach the club had adequate insurance cover. He also suggested the possibility of John Pitt taking a level 1 course.

Any Other Business

1. A coached session for the 2^nd session on a Monday was discussed by the members. It was felt that every Monday night would be too much as some members preferred a longish run on this night. After some discussion a vote was taken between every second Monday and the first Monday of the month. The vote was unanimous for the first Monday of every month. John McGillivray agreed to coach this session, the first session being Monday 4^th December
2. A Strathaven Striders 10K race was discussed by the members. Irene Wilson, being the Race Director asked that a small steering committee be formed to ascertain if this event would be feasible for the Striders to organise. The route suggested was from Ardoch Rig back to Strathaven. A fairly level/downhill route suggested that it may be popular with runners. Transport would have to be provided to take runners to the start of the race. The members voted it to be a potential yes but stressed that it would need to have an abundance of volunteer help for it to be a success.
3. Should committee members stand down after 3 years in the post? Points for keeping the status quo was that new members could offer fresh new  ideas but a point against was that it was getting increasingly difficult to change banking details during a change in OB’s. After some discussion and clarity on this subject it was decided that Committee members could stay on after 3 years
4. It was decided that the existing committee members would serve another year in office

Club Championship

John McGillivray reported on the club champions for this year

Ladies

1^st Rosie Bell

2^nd Elaine Calder

3^rd Margaret Allison

4^th Tina Alexander

5^th Gayle Mercer

Men

1^st Tony Thistlewaite

2^nd Eddie Kerr

3^rd John Pitt

4^th Robert Thomson

5^th Bill Ion

Coaches Award

Eddie Kerr

Strider of the Year

Cathy McDonald (early session)

Extra Award

Irene Wilson   ( in recognition of running 50 marathons and many other ultra runs)

London Marathon Ballot

John Pitt   Reserve Gayle Mercer

Caroline Brogan   Reserve Pauline Keegans

Craig Hamilton President closed the meeting by thanking all for their attendance. A special vote of thanks went to Bill Ion for his excellent work on the club website