AGM

LOSTOCK AC - AGM - 3rd Dec 2008

Apologies – Kath Johnson, John & Jackie Roberts, Pete & Liz Hopley and Sheila
Anderton.
Minutes -- Accepted --- Proposed by Leo
Seconded by Gill
Matters Arising -- None

Correspondence -- None

Motions ----- None

Appointment of Captains – All present Captains Expressed a desire to carry on
For 2009 season and were accepted.
Reports
a) Chairman ---
b) Secretary --- all reports are attached
c) Treasurer ---

Election of Officials -- Leo proposed to re – elect all standing officials &
Seconded by Gill and this was passed.
Captains Reports
X-Country – Gill had nothing notable to report other than races are
Being supported reasonably well.
Fell -- Adrian said that it had been a mixed sort of a season
Congratulations were passed on to Mick Green for
His achievements over the season.
Road -- Keith reported of an indifferent year, some people were
Affected by injury at the start of the season but came
Back into it, and we should support 2009 Grand Prix
As it is the last one.
Charitable Donations
£150 to both the Bolton Scout Trust and Bolton Mountain Rescue.

In closing the meeting the Chairman thanked the 14 members who attended and said that there would be a Lostock 6 meeting on Wed. 17th Dec at 9pm in the club, also that Mark would get info to purchase a Gazebo for use at X-Country and on camp. Any possible new races for calender to be presented at committee meeting 16th Jan.2009


Chairmans report

This has been a eventful year for me, starting off with an injury that kept me out of running more or less up to June, due to which I put on a bit of weight which I am still struggling to lose, and this shows with my Wed night efforts or lack of, but at least I am enjoying my running again. June was also the month that I finally fully retired from work and this has lead to a weekly thrash around various golf courses, mostly in the rain, with fellow retiree John Garnsey.
That’s enough about me, what about the years events of Lostock AC, first off the Lostock 6 another well attended race with lots of good comments on the forums and also adding a nice sum to our bank account, Leo’s Duathlon in April and Hobble in October both a lot fun and well organised as usual. My thanks to Leo and Sheila for their efforts over the last 4years, they have now called it a day –THANKS to you Both – our Fell Race Hendersons End attracted larger fields in both senior and junior races which is very encouraging and enabled us to give sizable donations to the Scouts and Bolton Mountain Rescue without whom we could not put the event on, there was reasonable support for the three Chairmans Races but all who attended enjoyed the events and the suppers here at the Bridge, my thanks to all those who took part and who helped by marshalling.
What is the general consensus of this meeting, should we carry on with the chairmans races or think of something else?
To finish I would like to say what an excellent Club Camp we had this year, we tried something a bit different by booking a coach to transport us all to the start of the walk and it went very well, we even managed a bit of sunshine as well, I am already planning next years walking route. If you have never been with us on camp you have been missing out.

My thanks to all who have supported the various Club events over the year and may I wish you and yours all the very best for Christmas and the New Year

THANK YOU

John Smith


AGM - 2008 Report of the Secretary Peter Hopley

Firstly I wish to give my apologies for not being able to attend in person tonight

Membership
There has been a fall in membership over the year from 61 to 52 members. Whilst we have attracted a few new members there is a general decline in our numbers over the past few years. This is not just Lostock phenomenon; other clubs are also reporting a drop in numbers, as the sport generally has lost some ground against other activities.

Whist our numbers are generally holding up, I am more concerned with the lack of racing which is a theme echoed throughout all disciplines, road, XC and fell. The Grand Prix this year was particularly poorly supported as we did not win or achieve a placing in any category. Despite this many of our members have embarked on many events both home and overseas and it is good to see great enthusiasm from some quarters.

I propose that Lostock affiliate to the Grand Prix next year. As this will be the final year, the GP Committee are proposing a memento for all runners who complete the requisite number of races, hopefully this be an incentive to “Get Lostock Racing” again.

We should also consider introducing a jogging section to the Wednesday nights, which could be in effect be a slower group setting off ahead of the faster groups. Jogging is far less intimidating that running for beginners. Astley and Tyldesley have done this and have structured their club night so that as beginners improve they move into the running group. They have managed to greatly increase their numbers, which is now being reflected in good numbers at races.

Committee

I am pleased that we have stuck to the quarterly committee meetings proposed last year. Whilst this is only an informal gathering is does give some focus to the year. I propose we continue with this in 2009.

Highlights

1) Lostock 6 was again very well organized and successful

2) The Chairman Races have been well supported in the main

3) Leo’s Hobble was well supported in the end and was a fantastic route. I would propose that we run the event next year on the same course. I recognise Leo does not want to do all the work himself, but we should try to keep the event going and get the whole club behind the event.

4) Lostock versus Burnden was well supported and we were again victorious!

Finally I would like to some see some investment of funds for the club. Suggested expenditure should include;-

1) A gazebo/ large tent for XC/ Fell racing
2) Sponsored running clothing for members
3) Camping equipment


Thanks for all the support form the Chairman and Committee, I am happy to stay on as Secretary should this be the wish of the club.


Peter Hopley