Minutes of meeting of Hethersett and Meltons’ Sports Association at Park Farm Hotel, Hethersett, September 7th, 2015
Apologies
Apologies were received from Wayne Johnson, Leslie Dale, Rachel Pailes and Toni Horsfield.
Round Table Introductions
There were 14 present and the meeting started with round the table introductions.
Minutes of Previous Meeting
These had been circulated and were taken as read.
Matters Arising
None
Treasurer’s Report
Shane Hull (SH) produced the latest accounts showing a balance of £1,732.65 which included £504.80 ring fenced for Run the Square and £60 ringfenced from hiring fees for future maintenance costs of the digital race clock. This left a total of £1,167.85 in the general fund, available for grants and distribution. A grant of £250 has been received from Active Norfolk to meet costs of the Come and Try Sports Day and this year’s entry into the Norfolk Village Games.
Hethersett Open Weekend 2015
SH and Peter Steward (PS) gave a report on the 2015 Open Weekend in July which this year featured three events – an inter-denominational church service in Hethersett Social Club, the annual two mile village funrun and a come and try sports event on the Memorial Playing Field.
The come and try event had proved disappointing on a very hot day with far fewer people attending than in the past. Thirteen sports had been on offer – all free of charge. It was felt that the event has perhaps run its course and become “slightly tired.” In contrast the two mile funrun again proved popular with over 200 runners/walkers taking part. SH expressed his intention to organise the event again in 2016.
Peter Hoult (PH) expressed a hope that the weekend wouldn’t clash with the Lord Mayor’s annual celebrations in Norwich in 2016. He is also looking into the possibility of organising a fete style event to incorporate sport and games on the Memorial Field. A plea should go out for people to help organise such an event.
The funrun had met with a couple of problems from ignorant motorists complaining about roads being closed and not being aware of the event. PH suggested consideration should be given to holding the event on the Memorial Field but it was unanimously agreed that the attraction of the event is being able to run along village roads.
SH said that he was open to suggestions for other events to include in the open weekend.
Applications for Grants
There were no new applications for grants, although PH spoke about a wish by two local youngsters to start a basketball club which may or may not need some funding in the future. This will be added to the agenda for the next meeting.
Sports Clubs/Groups Updates and Coming Events
Hethersett Olympic Legacy Sports Complex (HOLSC)
SH updated the meeting on the proposed Multi Use Games Arena on land at Hethersett Academy. An incorporated company is being set-up, ahead of grants being applied for.
Hethersett Velo Club
There were no representatives from the club present. Disappointment was expressed that the Velo Club would be supporting the coming Tour of Britain race in Wymondham rather than in Hethersett.
Hethersett Croquet Club
This is progressing well and meets on Wednesday and Saturdays on the Memorial Playing Field. The club recently played at Eaton Park and the Norwich-based club will be paying a reciprocal visit to Hethersett in the near future. The club is looking to have a shelter built.
Hethersett Netball Club
Helen Lawn (HL) reported that the club is currently on a summer break before the start of the indoor winter league. New players always welcome. Jacqui Horsfield (JH) reported on the continued success of the junior club. The club is also looking to buy new kit and hoodies. There was a general discussion about boys taking part in what has always been viewed as a girls’ sport.
PH said it would be good to find a local supplier of sports kit to service all clubs in the sports association. To this end Paul Suggitt of Dynamic will be invited to the next sports association meeting to give a presentation.
Skateboard Facilities
There was nobody present from the skateboard group and no further contact had been received from them. Matter to be left on the agenda.
Hethersett Queen’s Road Badminton Club
PH reported on the continued growth and success of the club which now has a significant number of young players. The club has been advertising in local schools and three junior players have qualified to play for Norfolk.
Hethersett Running Group
Paul Evans once again held an eight week course leading up to the run the square event. It is hoped Paul will coach a similar course in 2016 and PS will contact him.
Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Bowls Club
Nobody was present from the bowls club.
Hethersett Hawks Cycle Speedway Club
Mel Perkins (MP) reported on another successful season with Hawks currently top of the South-East League. About 12 riders were attending club nights. The club had hosted a national British junior event despite 23 hours of non stop rain. This involved 143 races over a 10 hour period. October will see the club host the East Anglian Championships.
Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Trust
PH and MP reported on the Memorial Playing Field, including improvements to the football pitches. The far pitch has been changed from a youth to adult pitch with five adult teams now sharing the two pitches. A chain has been installed to keep vehicles off the car park at night. A grant application for improvements to the pavilion is being put together.
Junior Park Run
Nothing new to report
Norfolk Village Games 2015
PS reported on a disappointing Norfolk Village Games for the villages – finishing outside the top two for the first time. He had been let down by people pulling out and was overall disappointed with the response. He has now relinquished his position as village sports co-ordinator for Active Norfolk – a position now taken up by Helen Lawn. It was hoped to regenerate enthusiasm to do better in the 2016 games.
Hethersett Hall/Dementia Group
David Bills (DB) and Harold Kerslake (HK) reported on the Dementia Friendly Group and the Hethersett Hub Dementia café which meets on the third Tuesday of the month. DB is working with a specialist in the field of exercise for dementia sufferers. JH suggested contacting schools to see if they had pupils willing to help with the group as part of their community involvement.
Heart of Hethersett Bereavement Group
This is still in the pipeline.
HAMSA and Local Schools
A number of members have been contacted by Alan Semmit from the PE department at Hethersett Academy. The academy now has a community noticeboard which can be used to publicise local sports clubs/groups. Any club interested should contact Alan at the Academy.
Hethersett Jubilee Youth Club
Leslie Dale was not present and so there were no updates.
Park Farm Fitness Express
Darren from Fitness Express updated members on increased membership. Membership is £54 for full time and £34.25 for part time although a corporate membership for the sports association could be a possibility. The club also has a community noticeboard which can be used to promote member clubs.
Hethersett Athletic Football Club
MP reported that the club’s new season has started with the youth section kicking off in a couple of weeks. The club is running four adult teams for the first time and also youth teams from Under-8s up to Under-16s. The club has over 300 members.
MP felt it would be a good exercise to ask clubs affiliated to Hethersett and the Meltons Sports Association to state how many members (adult/junior) they have with a view to working out how many people in the three villages are actively taking part in organised sport. PS will send round an e-mail requesting this information. Wayne Johnson sent in a written report appealing for new volunteers and those willing to get involved with club teams, in particular a coach for the Under-6s.
Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club
PS reported on another successful season with the club’s first team narrowly missing out on promotion but the seconds finishing runners-up in their division of the Norfolk Alliance. The club had won the Norfolk Association of Cricket Officials Shield and reached the final of the Bernard Matthews 20-20 tournament (to be played on September 14th).
Great Melton Cricket Club
Wayne Johnson sent in a written report referring to a tough season for the adult section. The youth section continues to thrive. New volunteers and adult players needed.
Crusaders Rugby Club
The new season hasn’t started but the club has played a couple of friendlies. Last season Crusaders finished fourth in Eastern Counties League One. The youth set-up is thriving with over 150 youngsters aged from five to 12.
The club has a 15 seater minibus which is available for use by any Crusaders Club member (the club can be joined for £15 a year). Groups can borrow the minibus for the cost of the diesel and a £50 donation.
The Crusaders clubhouse will be open for every England game in the coming rugby world cup and also the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. The bar is open to non members. The club is looking to upgrade its facilities in the future and there is also the possibility of starting a walking rugby section for veterans.
Hethersett Methodist Table Tennis Club
This meets at Hethersett Methodist Church on Friday evenings from 7 until 9 p.m and is looking for new members and will be doing publicity/marketing in the near future.
Respect Yourself
No members of the charity were present.
Hethersett Environmental Action Team
Anne Edwards (AE) reported on HEAT’s campaign to prevent dogs fouling footpaths and other areas in the village, including sports pitches. Heat will be supporting the coming Tour of Britain cycle race with a number of bike related structures.
Possible New Clubs
Tennis is still a possibility for next summer. PS has spoken to both Hethersett Old Hall School and Hethersett Academy re use of their courts.
Tour of Britain Cycle Race
The village will be supporting the cycle race on September 12th with bunting, banners and displays. A number of businesses are involved. Queen’s Head will be selling refreshments, as will the Methodist Church. The Junior School will have an art installation on its field, Rowan House will have some form of support, Hethersett Library will be making flags from 10 a.m and Hodge Podge will have games and other things in Oak Square. Hethersett Hawks Cycle Speedway Club will have a gazebo somewhere along the route and the Sports Association banners will be fixed to the Methodist Church and Anne Edwards’ fence in Queen’s Road.
Hethersett will feature in the penultimate stage of the race and riders will include household names such as Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish. The lead car is expected in the village at 11.20 a.m with the race going through at approximately 11.30 a.m. Riders will turn out of Colney Lane, along the B1172 before turning into the village and riding the length of Queen’s Road and Great Melton Road before going along the back roads to Wymondham.
South Norfolk Council
David Bills reported that the Northern Rivers Valley has £30,000 to distribute for community projects. In addition Leslie Dale and himself both have £1,000 to distribute in awards from £50 upwards.
Marketing and Promotion of the Association
There are plans for a series of self financing publications with a sporting theme to be written/published in 2016. Shane Hull is working on a publication on the Olympic Legacy, Mel Perkins is preparing a publication to mark the 50th anniversary of Hethersett Hawks Cycle Speedway, Peter Steward is writing a history of Hethersett Athletic Football Club to mark its 25th anniversary. There are also plans to write an updated history of Hethersett Cricket Club (now Hethersett and Tas Valley). Much of the work for the cricket book is already in existence having been written by Peter Harris and Harold Kerslake.
Any Other Business
PS stated that a new fitness and alternative medicine hub is being launched in October in Rowan House in Queen’s Road. The business manager Rachel Pailes is keen to become part of the association set-up and will give a presentation at the next meeting.
A Healthy Hethersett morning is being organised for Hethersett Library on September 26th. A number of clubs are already being represented but PS will attend to speak to people about the sports association. He will also distribute any information from member clubs sent to him.
PH brought up the possibility of organising a fireworks event in 2017. Maurice Durrant (MD) said that Crusaders Rugby Club may be a possible venue and he will run the idea past the club’s committee. This matter will be put on the agenda for the next meeting.
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 11th January, 2016, at 7.30 p.m at Park Farm Hotel (subject to confirmation).
Apologies
Apologies were received from Wayne Johnson, Leslie Dale, Rachel Pailes and Toni Horsfield.
Round Table Introductions
There were 14 present and the meeting started with round the table introductions.
Minutes of Previous Meeting
These had been circulated and were taken as read.
Matters Arising
None
Treasurer’s Report
Shane Hull (SH) produced the latest accounts showing a balance of £1,732.65 which included £504.80 ring fenced for Run the Square and £60 ringfenced from hiring fees for future maintenance costs of the digital race clock. This left a total of £1,167.85 in the general fund, available for grants and distribution. A grant of £250 has been received from Active Norfolk to meet costs of the Come and Try Sports Day and this year’s entry into the Norfolk Village Games.
Hethersett Open Weekend 2015
SH and Peter Steward (PS) gave a report on the 2015 Open Weekend in July which this year featured three events – an inter-denominational church service in Hethersett Social Club, the annual two mile village funrun and a come and try sports event on the Memorial Playing Field.
The come and try event had proved disappointing on a very hot day with far fewer people attending than in the past. Thirteen sports had been on offer – all free of charge. It was felt that the event has perhaps run its course and become “slightly tired.” In contrast the two mile funrun again proved popular with over 200 runners/walkers taking part. SH expressed his intention to organise the event again in 2016.
Peter Hoult (PH) expressed a hope that the weekend wouldn’t clash with the Lord Mayor’s annual celebrations in Norwich in 2016. He is also looking into the possibility of organising a fete style event to incorporate sport and games on the Memorial Field. A plea should go out for people to help organise such an event.
The funrun had met with a couple of problems from ignorant motorists complaining about roads being closed and not being aware of the event. PH suggested consideration should be given to holding the event on the Memorial Field but it was unanimously agreed that the attraction of the event is being able to run along village roads.
SH said that he was open to suggestions for other events to include in the open weekend.
Applications for Grants
There were no new applications for grants, although PH spoke about a wish by two local youngsters to start a basketball club which may or may not need some funding in the future. This will be added to the agenda for the next meeting.
Sports Clubs/Groups Updates and Coming Events
Hethersett Olympic Legacy Sports Complex (HOLSC)
SH updated the meeting on the proposed Multi Use Games Arena on land at Hethersett Academy. An incorporated company is being set-up, ahead of grants being applied for.
Hethersett Velo Club
There were no representatives from the club present. Disappointment was expressed that the Velo Club would be supporting the coming Tour of Britain race in Wymondham rather than in Hethersett.
Hethersett Croquet Club
This is progressing well and meets on Wednesday and Saturdays on the Memorial Playing Field. The club recently played at Eaton Park and the Norwich-based club will be paying a reciprocal visit to Hethersett in the near future. The club is looking to have a shelter built.
Hethersett Netball Club
Helen Lawn (HL) reported that the club is currently on a summer break before the start of the indoor winter league. New players always welcome. Jacqui Horsfield (JH) reported on the continued success of the junior club. The club is also looking to buy new kit and hoodies. There was a general discussion about boys taking part in what has always been viewed as a girls’ sport.
PH said it would be good to find a local supplier of sports kit to service all clubs in the sports association. To this end Paul Suggitt of Dynamic will be invited to the next sports association meeting to give a presentation.
Skateboard Facilities
There was nobody present from the skateboard group and no further contact had been received from them. Matter to be left on the agenda.
Hethersett Queen’s Road Badminton Club
PH reported on the continued growth and success of the club which now has a significant number of young players. The club has been advertising in local schools and three junior players have qualified to play for Norfolk.
Hethersett Running Group
Paul Evans once again held an eight week course leading up to the run the square event. It is hoped Paul will coach a similar course in 2016 and PS will contact him.
Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Bowls Club
Nobody was present from the bowls club.
Hethersett Hawks Cycle Speedway Club
Mel Perkins (MP) reported on another successful season with Hawks currently top of the South-East League. About 12 riders were attending club nights. The club had hosted a national British junior event despite 23 hours of non stop rain. This involved 143 races over a 10 hour period. October will see the club host the East Anglian Championships.
Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Trust
PH and MP reported on the Memorial Playing Field, including improvements to the football pitches. The far pitch has been changed from a youth to adult pitch with five adult teams now sharing the two pitches. A chain has been installed to keep vehicles off the car park at night. A grant application for improvements to the pavilion is being put together.
Junior Park Run
Nothing new to report
Norfolk Village Games 2015
PS reported on a disappointing Norfolk Village Games for the villages – finishing outside the top two for the first time. He had been let down by people pulling out and was overall disappointed with the response. He has now relinquished his position as village sports co-ordinator for Active Norfolk – a position now taken up by Helen Lawn. It was hoped to regenerate enthusiasm to do better in the 2016 games.
Hethersett Hall/Dementia Group
David Bills (DB) and Harold Kerslake (HK) reported on the Dementia Friendly Group and the Hethersett Hub Dementia café which meets on the third Tuesday of the month. DB is working with a specialist in the field of exercise for dementia sufferers. JH suggested contacting schools to see if they had pupils willing to help with the group as part of their community involvement.
Heart of Hethersett Bereavement Group
This is still in the pipeline.
HAMSA and Local Schools
A number of members have been contacted by Alan Semmit from the PE department at Hethersett Academy. The academy now has a community noticeboard which can be used to publicise local sports clubs/groups. Any club interested should contact Alan at the Academy.
Hethersett Jubilee Youth Club
Leslie Dale was not present and so there were no updates.
Park Farm Fitness Express
Darren from Fitness Express updated members on increased membership. Membership is £54 for full time and £34.25 for part time although a corporate membership for the sports association could be a possibility. The club also has a community noticeboard which can be used to promote member clubs.
Hethersett Athletic Football Club
MP reported that the club’s new season has started with the youth section kicking off in a couple of weeks. The club is running four adult teams for the first time and also youth teams from Under-8s up to Under-16s. The club has over 300 members.
MP felt it would be a good exercise to ask clubs affiliated to Hethersett and the Meltons Sports Association to state how many members (adult/junior) they have with a view to working out how many people in the three villages are actively taking part in organised sport. PS will send round an e-mail requesting this information. Wayne Johnson sent in a written report appealing for new volunteers and those willing to get involved with club teams, in particular a coach for the Under-6s.
Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club
PS reported on another successful season with the club’s first team narrowly missing out on promotion but the seconds finishing runners-up in their division of the Norfolk Alliance. The club had won the Norfolk Association of Cricket Officials Shield and reached the final of the Bernard Matthews 20-20 tournament (to be played on September 14th).
Great Melton Cricket Club
Wayne Johnson sent in a written report referring to a tough season for the adult section. The youth section continues to thrive. New volunteers and adult players needed.
Crusaders Rugby Club
The new season hasn’t started but the club has played a couple of friendlies. Last season Crusaders finished fourth in Eastern Counties League One. The youth set-up is thriving with over 150 youngsters aged from five to 12.
The club has a 15 seater minibus which is available for use by any Crusaders Club member (the club can be joined for £15 a year). Groups can borrow the minibus for the cost of the diesel and a £50 donation.
The Crusaders clubhouse will be open for every England game in the coming rugby world cup and also the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. The bar is open to non members. The club is looking to upgrade its facilities in the future and there is also the possibility of starting a walking rugby section for veterans.
Hethersett Methodist Table Tennis Club
This meets at Hethersett Methodist Church on Friday evenings from 7 until 9 p.m and is looking for new members and will be doing publicity/marketing in the near future.
Respect Yourself
No members of the charity were present.
Hethersett Environmental Action Team
Anne Edwards (AE) reported on HEAT’s campaign to prevent dogs fouling footpaths and other areas in the village, including sports pitches. Heat will be supporting the coming Tour of Britain cycle race with a number of bike related structures.
Possible New Clubs
Tennis is still a possibility for next summer. PS has spoken to both Hethersett Old Hall School and Hethersett Academy re use of their courts.
Tour of Britain Cycle Race
The village will be supporting the cycle race on September 12th with bunting, banners and displays. A number of businesses are involved. Queen’s Head will be selling refreshments, as will the Methodist Church. The Junior School will have an art installation on its field, Rowan House will have some form of support, Hethersett Library will be making flags from 10 a.m and Hodge Podge will have games and other things in Oak Square. Hethersett Hawks Cycle Speedway Club will have a gazebo somewhere along the route and the Sports Association banners will be fixed to the Methodist Church and Anne Edwards’ fence in Queen’s Road.
Hethersett will feature in the penultimate stage of the race and riders will include household names such as Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish. The lead car is expected in the village at 11.20 a.m with the race going through at approximately 11.30 a.m. Riders will turn out of Colney Lane, along the B1172 before turning into the village and riding the length of Queen’s Road and Great Melton Road before going along the back roads to Wymondham.
South Norfolk Council
David Bills reported that the Northern Rivers Valley has £30,000 to distribute for community projects. In addition Leslie Dale and himself both have £1,000 to distribute in awards from £50 upwards.
Marketing and Promotion of the Association
There are plans for a series of self financing publications with a sporting theme to be written/published in 2016. Shane Hull is working on a publication on the Olympic Legacy, Mel Perkins is preparing a publication to mark the 50th anniversary of Hethersett Hawks Cycle Speedway, Peter Steward is writing a history of Hethersett Athletic Football Club to mark its 25th anniversary. There are also plans to write an updated history of Hethersett Cricket Club (now Hethersett and Tas Valley). Much of the work for the cricket book is already in existence having been written by Peter Harris and Harold Kerslake.
Any Other Business
PS stated that a new fitness and alternative medicine hub is being launched in October in Rowan House in Queen’s Road. The business manager Rachel Pailes is keen to become part of the association set-up and will give a presentation at the next meeting.
A Healthy Hethersett morning is being organised for Hethersett Library on September 26th. A number of clubs are already being represented but PS will attend to speak to people about the sports association. He will also distribute any information from member clubs sent to him.
PH brought up the possibility of organising a fireworks event in 2017. Maurice Durrant (MD) said that Crusaders Rugby Club may be a possible venue and he will run the idea past the club’s committee. This matter will be put on the agenda for the next meeting.
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 11th January, 2016, at 7.30 p.m at Park Farm Hotel (subject to confirmation).