Minutes of meeting of Hethersett and Meltons’ Sports Association (HAMSA) at Park Farm Hotel, Hethersett, January 30th, 2017
Apologies
Apologies were received from Patricia Mills (PM), Peter Hoult (PH) and Bobby Dowling (BD).
Round Table Introductions
There were 10 present - Peter Steward (PS), Shane Hull (SH), Helen Lawn (HL), Wayne Johnson (WJ), David Bills (DB), Mel Perkins, Jackie Sutton (JS), Maurice Durrant (MD), Darren Neal (DN), Leslie Dale
Minutes of Previous Meeting
These had been circulated and were taken as read.
Matters Arising
None
Treasurer’s Report
SH provided an update on finances with £1,590.75 in the current account. This included HAMSA funds, digital clock money and run the square funds. It was agreed that a separate account should be set-up for run the square money.
DB suggested more should be done to promote the digital clock. SH stated that he had three further bookings for it at £30 per hire.
Election of Officers
The following officers were elected for the coming year:
Chairman and Secretary – Peter Steward
Vice-Chairman – Peter Hoult
Treasurer – Shane Hull
Run the Square 2016
SH reported that the eighth run the square funrun will take place on July 16th and this date has been confirmed with the Highways Department. Temporary road closures will take place along the route from 10.45 to 11.45 a.m. The guest starter will be Principal of Hethersett Academy Gareth Stevens. This means that each of the four heads/principals have acted as honorary starters. SH is hoping for grants from Tescos and Persimmon Homes which will ensure that entry fees are kept to a low level and also guarantee the event for the next 10 years.
Norfolk Police will be helping to marshal the event and MD offered the services of Crusader’s Rugby Club. The race arch will carry the logo of the race sponsors, HAMSA, Run the Square and South Norfolk Council.
Memorial Pavilion
The situation regarding renovation and extension to the existing pavilion on Hethersett Memorial Playing Field will be fully discussed at a meeting on February 13th when interested parties will be invited along. A steering group will be put together to drive the matter forward and secure funding, stressing community involvement. WJ felt HAMSA will act as a good conduit and supporter for this steering group. There was a discussion regarding the trustees’ group with JS bemoaning the fact that too few people are volunteering to take on posts in the village in general. LD suggested it might be time for another societies’ day in the summer in order to “sell” the various groups to the public. PS said that PH had suggested some form of public event on the Memorial Park in the summer.
Applications for Grants
Applications for grants from HAMSA were received from two groups.
The first was from Hethersett Go Netters, an offshoot of Hethersett Junior Netball Club, asking for a grant to provide equipment to set up a group for five to eight year olds. They submitted an equipment list totalling £360.23. Members decided unanimously to support the group with a grant of at least £100. DB and LD also said money might be forthcoming from South Norfolk. The level of the HAMSA grant will be decided once the group begins to take off.
The second application was from the Respect Yourself charity for help with the printing costs of business cards and letterheads. After discussion, it was decided that this would not be an appropriate use of HAMSA funds.
Sport in Hethersett and the Meltons – A General Discussion
There was a lengthy discussion on the future of sport/leisure facilities in the area and the possibility of using some Section 106 money from new development. Hethersett Parish Council had asked HAMSA to consider a wish list of projects which could eventually be considered along with other proposals from other areas in the village. There was discussion on new sports pitches on the Hethersett North development and the possibility of a new community pavilion.
MP outlined the need for more football pitches with additional housing likely to bring a demand for at least four more teams
Some of the ideas put forward for further future discussion were:
Sports Clubs/Groups Updates and Coming Events
Hethersett Olympic Legacy Sports Complex (HOLSC)
Further to the above, SH has been in contact with Mark Heazle from South Norfolk Council which has received a grant from Sport England to create a sports complex at Hethersett Academy. The new sports facility can be isolated from the rest of the school and it is hoped to have it available from early March. The facility would be available for community groups weekdays from 5 p.m and weekends from 10 a.m. Booking would be via South Norfolk Council who would have a member of staff on site during community opening hours.
Hethersett Croquet Club
PH reported that preparations are going well for the new season which starts in April. The storage shed is virtually complete. New players are welcome.
Hethersett Netball Club
HL reported on two adult teams who are midway through their winter league seasons. Seventeen to 20 juniors are regularly turning up for training sessions
Hethersett Badminton Club
PH reported on the continued success of the club with 56 youngsters being trained by six regular coaches. The success of the club is down to the hard work of the coaches and the support of HAMSA. Coaching spaces are full and a waiting list for new students has had to be put into place. Clubmark accreditation is being renewed and the club remains the only Badminton England Premier Club within 25 miles. The club is concerned about imminent charges at Hethersett Academy with the hourly court fees likely to rise from £25 to £35 per hour.
Hethersett Running Group
PS is hoping to regenerate the group in the lead up to Run the Square in July and to this end will speak to Paul Evans of Active Norfolk. It is also hoped that Paul will lead the pre-funrun warm up at Hethersett Junior School.
Hethersett Hawks Cycle Speedway Club
MP reported on a successful 2016 season with a feel good factor at the club with everyone looking forward to the 2017 season which starts in April. The club has received a grant of £1,000 from Aviva and will be using this to buy new bikes and other equipment.
Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Trust
MP stated that the children’s play equipment has passed its ROSPA inspection. The toilets in the pavilion have been blocked again and are not fit for purpose.
There had been a few instances of vandalism with football goalposts pulled down and stanchions broken. The culprits had been identified and their parents have paid for the damage under the restorative justice strategy.
Active Norfolk
HL reported on a fairly quiet time from Active Norfolk with the village games no longer in existence. It is hoped the netball tournament will take place again in 2017 and there is also the possibility of a touch rugby competition.
Hethersett Dementia Group
DB stated that the group continues to grow and provide a valuable service. A special pre-Christmas carol singing event was held in December and the group’s annual meeting took place recently.
Hethersett Jubilee Youth Club
LD reported that the group is looking for a new youth leader. The annual dog show and fete will take place in June and the club is looking for somebody to open it.
Park Farm Fitness Express
DN once again offered space on the club’s noticeboard to promote sport and leisure clubs.
Hethersett Athletic Football Club
WJ stated that the club is in good shape with a vibrant youth section, although some of the adult teams have been struggling to field teams. A new under-6 group has been started and the under-8s have added a second team.
Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club
PS reported on preparations for the coming season with fixtures starting in April and the annual charity match in aid of the Wymondham based Star Throwers Charity being scheduled for April. The club’s first team would be making a concerted effort to gain promotion to Division One of the Norfolk Alliance. The club also has a vibrant youth set-up.
Great Melton Cricket Club
WJ reported on fundraising to improve the club’s nets facility. GM also has a vibrant youth set-up. Sadly the historic oak tree, which has been an integral part of the ground for many years, has been chopped down due to disease.
Crusaders Rugby Club
MD reported that the first team are currently third in their league, but the club has had problems fielding a second XV on occasions. Again the youth set-up continues to thrive. The club is looking to develop its facilities and is aware that its changing rooms and clubhouse are poor when compared to those envisaged by Norwich and Wymondham in the near future.
PS took up the theme coming from many of the reports – that of vibrant youth set-ups that don’t seem to carry on at adult level. There was a suggestion that children taking up sport at the age of five or six can become burnt out around the age of 14.
Hethersett Methodist Table Tennis Club
PH said the club has limited numbers but continues to exist but would welcome new members.
New Clubs
Nothing was forthcoming in the area of new clubs.
Proposed Fireworks Event
Crusaders will be holding another fireworks event in November 2017 and would be happy to work with any other sports club interested in holding stalls and/or helping to run an event. Any club interested in becoming involved should contact MD.
South Norfolk Council
DB referred to coming changes in the community action fund but he was hopeful that he and LD would still have £1,000 to give out to deserving groups.
Any Other Business
SH talked about branding the sports arch and a separate bank account for run the square (both matters covered earlier in these minutes)
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 24th April at 7.30 p.m at Park Farm Hotel (Ellingham Suite).
Apologies
Apologies were received from Patricia Mills (PM), Peter Hoult (PH) and Bobby Dowling (BD).
Round Table Introductions
There were 10 present - Peter Steward (PS), Shane Hull (SH), Helen Lawn (HL), Wayne Johnson (WJ), David Bills (DB), Mel Perkins, Jackie Sutton (JS), Maurice Durrant (MD), Darren Neal (DN), Leslie Dale
Minutes of Previous Meeting
These had been circulated and were taken as read.
Matters Arising
None
Treasurer’s Report
SH provided an update on finances with £1,590.75 in the current account. This included HAMSA funds, digital clock money and run the square funds. It was agreed that a separate account should be set-up for run the square money.
DB suggested more should be done to promote the digital clock. SH stated that he had three further bookings for it at £30 per hire.
Election of Officers
The following officers were elected for the coming year:
Chairman and Secretary – Peter Steward
Vice-Chairman – Peter Hoult
Treasurer – Shane Hull
Run the Square 2016
SH reported that the eighth run the square funrun will take place on July 16th and this date has been confirmed with the Highways Department. Temporary road closures will take place along the route from 10.45 to 11.45 a.m. The guest starter will be Principal of Hethersett Academy Gareth Stevens. This means that each of the four heads/principals have acted as honorary starters. SH is hoping for grants from Tescos and Persimmon Homes which will ensure that entry fees are kept to a low level and also guarantee the event for the next 10 years.
Norfolk Police will be helping to marshal the event and MD offered the services of Crusader’s Rugby Club. The race arch will carry the logo of the race sponsors, HAMSA, Run the Square and South Norfolk Council.
Memorial Pavilion
The situation regarding renovation and extension to the existing pavilion on Hethersett Memorial Playing Field will be fully discussed at a meeting on February 13th when interested parties will be invited along. A steering group will be put together to drive the matter forward and secure funding, stressing community involvement. WJ felt HAMSA will act as a good conduit and supporter for this steering group. There was a discussion regarding the trustees’ group with JS bemoaning the fact that too few people are volunteering to take on posts in the village in general. LD suggested it might be time for another societies’ day in the summer in order to “sell” the various groups to the public. PS said that PH had suggested some form of public event on the Memorial Park in the summer.
Applications for Grants
Applications for grants from HAMSA were received from two groups.
The first was from Hethersett Go Netters, an offshoot of Hethersett Junior Netball Club, asking for a grant to provide equipment to set up a group for five to eight year olds. They submitted an equipment list totalling £360.23. Members decided unanimously to support the group with a grant of at least £100. DB and LD also said money might be forthcoming from South Norfolk. The level of the HAMSA grant will be decided once the group begins to take off.
The second application was from the Respect Yourself charity for help with the printing costs of business cards and letterheads. After discussion, it was decided that this would not be an appropriate use of HAMSA funds.
Sport in Hethersett and the Meltons – A General Discussion
There was a lengthy discussion on the future of sport/leisure facilities in the area and the possibility of using some Section 106 money from new development. Hethersett Parish Council had asked HAMSA to consider a wish list of projects which could eventually be considered along with other proposals from other areas in the village. There was discussion on new sports pitches on the Hethersett North development and the possibility of a new community pavilion.
MP outlined the need for more football pitches with additional housing likely to bring a demand for at least four more teams
Some of the ideas put forward for further future discussion were:
- SH suggested money should be made available for an all weather sports facility on Hethersett Academy Land. This is something that has the support of the school’s principal and has worked in other towns/villages. It would also work hand in hand with the Hethersett Olympic Legacy Sports Complex (HOLSC) which is due to be open to the community from March. SH believes that Hethersett is the largest village in the UK without an all weather surface. Something he branded “a disgrace.”
- MD would like to see some of the money provided for Crusaders Rugby Club to expand with additional land and also improvements to its changing rooms and clubhouse. He felt the club is currently lagging well behind both Norwich and Wymondham rugby clubs who have plans for extensive pitches and facilities within a three mile radius of Hethersett/Little Melton.
- Money for the implementation of plans to re-build and renovate the pavilion on Hethersett Memorial Playing Field
- A community pavilion on land earmarked for sports pitches on the new North Hethersett development.
- Sporting facilities on land at Hethersett Village Hall.
Sports Clubs/Groups Updates and Coming Events
Hethersett Olympic Legacy Sports Complex (HOLSC)
Further to the above, SH has been in contact with Mark Heazle from South Norfolk Council which has received a grant from Sport England to create a sports complex at Hethersett Academy. The new sports facility can be isolated from the rest of the school and it is hoped to have it available from early March. The facility would be available for community groups weekdays from 5 p.m and weekends from 10 a.m. Booking would be via South Norfolk Council who would have a member of staff on site during community opening hours.
Hethersett Croquet Club
PH reported that preparations are going well for the new season which starts in April. The storage shed is virtually complete. New players are welcome.
Hethersett Netball Club
HL reported on two adult teams who are midway through their winter league seasons. Seventeen to 20 juniors are regularly turning up for training sessions
Hethersett Badminton Club
PH reported on the continued success of the club with 56 youngsters being trained by six regular coaches. The success of the club is down to the hard work of the coaches and the support of HAMSA. Coaching spaces are full and a waiting list for new students has had to be put into place. Clubmark accreditation is being renewed and the club remains the only Badminton England Premier Club within 25 miles. The club is concerned about imminent charges at Hethersett Academy with the hourly court fees likely to rise from £25 to £35 per hour.
Hethersett Running Group
PS is hoping to regenerate the group in the lead up to Run the Square in July and to this end will speak to Paul Evans of Active Norfolk. It is also hoped that Paul will lead the pre-funrun warm up at Hethersett Junior School.
Hethersett Hawks Cycle Speedway Club
MP reported on a successful 2016 season with a feel good factor at the club with everyone looking forward to the 2017 season which starts in April. The club has received a grant of £1,000 from Aviva and will be using this to buy new bikes and other equipment.
Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Trust
MP stated that the children’s play equipment has passed its ROSPA inspection. The toilets in the pavilion have been blocked again and are not fit for purpose.
There had been a few instances of vandalism with football goalposts pulled down and stanchions broken. The culprits had been identified and their parents have paid for the damage under the restorative justice strategy.
Active Norfolk
HL reported on a fairly quiet time from Active Norfolk with the village games no longer in existence. It is hoped the netball tournament will take place again in 2017 and there is also the possibility of a touch rugby competition.
Hethersett Dementia Group
DB stated that the group continues to grow and provide a valuable service. A special pre-Christmas carol singing event was held in December and the group’s annual meeting took place recently.
Hethersett Jubilee Youth Club
LD reported that the group is looking for a new youth leader. The annual dog show and fete will take place in June and the club is looking for somebody to open it.
Park Farm Fitness Express
DN once again offered space on the club’s noticeboard to promote sport and leisure clubs.
Hethersett Athletic Football Club
WJ stated that the club is in good shape with a vibrant youth section, although some of the adult teams have been struggling to field teams. A new under-6 group has been started and the under-8s have added a second team.
Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club
PS reported on preparations for the coming season with fixtures starting in April and the annual charity match in aid of the Wymondham based Star Throwers Charity being scheduled for April. The club’s first team would be making a concerted effort to gain promotion to Division One of the Norfolk Alliance. The club also has a vibrant youth set-up.
Great Melton Cricket Club
WJ reported on fundraising to improve the club’s nets facility. GM also has a vibrant youth set-up. Sadly the historic oak tree, which has been an integral part of the ground for many years, has been chopped down due to disease.
Crusaders Rugby Club
MD reported that the first team are currently third in their league, but the club has had problems fielding a second XV on occasions. Again the youth set-up continues to thrive. The club is looking to develop its facilities and is aware that its changing rooms and clubhouse are poor when compared to those envisaged by Norwich and Wymondham in the near future.
PS took up the theme coming from many of the reports – that of vibrant youth set-ups that don’t seem to carry on at adult level. There was a suggestion that children taking up sport at the age of five or six can become burnt out around the age of 14.
Hethersett Methodist Table Tennis Club
PH said the club has limited numbers but continues to exist but would welcome new members.
New Clubs
Nothing was forthcoming in the area of new clubs.
Proposed Fireworks Event
Crusaders will be holding another fireworks event in November 2017 and would be happy to work with any other sports club interested in holding stalls and/or helping to run an event. Any club interested in becoming involved should contact MD.
South Norfolk Council
DB referred to coming changes in the community action fund but he was hopeful that he and LD would still have £1,000 to give out to deserving groups.
Any Other Business
SH talked about branding the sports arch and a separate bank account for run the square (both matters covered earlier in these minutes)
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 24th April at 7.30 p.m at Park Farm Hotel (Ellingham Suite).