Minutes of meeting of Hethersett and Meltons Sports
Association at Park Farm Hotel, Hethersett, February 2nd, 2015
Apologies
Apologies were received from Anne Edwards, Maria Alborough, Colin McDermott, Claire Burke, Bobby Dowling, Steve Walker, Gary Wyatt, Jacqui Horsfield, Clare Lincoln, Leslie Dale, Frankie Rainer and Fiona Whiting
Round Table Introductions
There were 14 members present – David Bills (DB), Ron Butcher (RB), Toni Horsfield (TH), Helen Lawn (HL), Peter Steward (PS), Peter Hoult (PH), Patricia Mills (PM), Mel Perkins (MP), Shane Hull (SH), Wayne Johnson (WJ), Ruth Roberts (RR), Harold Kerslake (HK), Bart Anderton (BA) and Maurice Durrant (MD)
Minutes of Previous Meeting
These had been circulated and were taken as read.
Election of Officers
In line with the Association’s constitution, officers were elected at the first meeting of the year. PS asked for the appointment of a vice-chair following the amalgamation between the Sports Association and the former Hethersett Olympic Legacy Committee. He stressed that the Association remains independent and is not a sub committee of Hethersett Parish Council. The following officers were elected unanimously:
Chair – Peter Steward
Vice-Chair – Peter Hoult
Treasurer – Shane Hull
Secretary – Peter Steward
Treasurer’s Report
SH produced the latest accounts showing a surplus of £1,345.85. This includes the final instalment of £800 from South Norfolk Council. A number of membership fees were paid during the evening. PS asked clubs to bring any wish lists for funding to the next meeting, so that further funds can be distributed.
Hethersett Open Weekend 2015-02-03
SH stated that the two mile village fun run will take place on Sunday July 5th, starting at 11 a.m from the Junior School. An application for road closures has been lodged with the county council’s highways department and Norfolk Constabulary has been informed. Volunteers are needed to help with marshalling the event. There will once again be a nominal entry fee. PS will organise a come and try sports day on the Memorial Field on Saturday July 4th in conjunction with Active Norfolk. He will be seeking commitment from clubs at the next HaMSA meeting in May.
Sports Clubs/Groups Updates and Coming Events
Hethersett Olympic Legacy Sports Complex (HOLSC)
WJ and SH reported on the million pound plus scheme to provide a Multi Use Games Arena (MUGA), along with changing facilities and a new sports hall on Hethersett Academy ground. Strategy and implementation groups have been set-up for what is likely to be a three stage process with the MUGA being provided as the first stage. Norfolk County Council is supporting the idea and it is hoped to have the MUGA opened and available to both the school and community to co-incide with the opening ceremony of the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. There was a general discussion about which sports would use the facilities (either indoor or outdoor) and these included rugby, football, cricket, athletics, hockey, netball and possibly cycle speedway.
Hethersett Velo Club
BA stated that the club has 160 members including one youngster who comes from Cromer. The club has an ethos of providing cycling for all. The next Hethersett 30/60/90 will take place on Easter Sunday (April 5th) and over 600 entries are expected. Spaces are still available via the web site www.hethersett306090.co.uk.
Hethersett Croquet Club
PH reported that the club is taking a winter break but will start up again in April. It has two pitches on the Memorial Playing Field and new members will be welcome. The club meets on Wednesdays from 5 p.m and Saturdays from 2 p.m, weather permitting.
Hethersett Netball Club
TH reported that the adult team is purchasing new kit and the junior section is progressing well with 23 youngsters aged from nine to 16 taking part in the sport with a good representation from the 9-12 year old age group.The section is trying to set up friendly matches to give the youngsters a chance to sample competitive netball. The club has received good Media coverage following its grant from South Norfolk Council.
Skateboard Facilities
The facilities have currently been shut down due to safety concerns. Hethersett Parish Council asked the association to discuss the matter. It was felt that the cost of upgrading and replacing equipment was too prohibitive, bearing in mind the small number of youngsters using the facility. MP suggested that serious skateboarders could travel to Eaton Park in Norwich. PS and SH will report back to the parish council stating that on the grounds of cost and lack of demand, the park should be dismantled. SH felt one last attempt should be made via the village newsletter and local press to attract somebody to lead a possible project.This was agreed.
Hethersett Petanque Club
The petanque terrain is available for public use on the Memorial Field and the sports association will encourage people to use this facility. PS will speak to Richard Headicarr with a view to encouraging further use of the area.
Hethersett Queen’s Road Badminton Club
PH reported on the continued growth of the club which is working towards Premier Status. When this is fulfilled it will become the first badminton club in South Norfolk and only the fourth in the county to receive the award. Minimum age for membership is seven and the club has a number of qualified coaches.
Hethersett Running Group
This is currently on a winter break but PS is liaising with coach Paul Evans to start up a new group on Thursday evenings from April to September. Dates will be circulated when arranged.
Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Bowls Club
RB reported on improvements to the club’s facilities and the fact that clubs now want to take on Hethersett. The club is still short of members and is having a membership drive. It plays from April to September and will be holding an open Saturday on 18th April. RB can be contacted on 01603 813096.
Hethersett Hawks Cycle Speedway Club
MP reported that the new season starts on March 15th. The club has about 26 regular members with ages ranging from five to 63 and lots of interest from seven and eight year olds.The club’s best female rider has left after joining the RAF. The club will host two national events during the season – a British and Junior event for 7-17 year olds in July and a Women’s and Girls League event at the end of May. It is improving its links with Hethersett Academy and holding a number of open nights for groups such as the Hethersett Velo Club.
Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Trust
PH reported that there are still a couple of vacancies on the board of trustees for people interested in helping to run the Memorial Playing Field. MP gave an update on the pavilion improvement plans. The internal and external specifications are complete and the work is now going out to tender with MP meeting with builders in the future. Section 106 money is being used to provide a basketball hoop/kick wall facility. This is likely to cost approximately £7,500.
Junior Park Run
SH reported on the continued success of the Norwich Eaton Park run which is organised in conjunction with Active Norfolk. A junior park run is being organised for Norwich and if successful could be rolled out to other areas with Hethersett Academy one of the possibilities.
Norfolk Village Games 2015
PS reported on a change of set-up for the 2015 games with no area competitions but a county final which will probably take place in July at the UEA Sportspark. It is also possible that another event will be held in South Norfolk which has proved to be the most successful area in Norfolk for participation. PS will keep in touch with clubs and sports association members on this matter.
Hethersett Hall/Dementia Group
DB reported that a committee and officers have been elected with HK from the sports association as treasurer. The group will meet in the Hethersett Hub Café at Hethersett Hall once a month. The first meeting will be at the end of May.
Heart of Hethersett Bereavement Group
PS reported on plans to start a low key bereavement group in Hethersett. This would meet monthly at Woodcote Sheltered Housing Complex. He will circulate dates when the group is ready to start. There was a question as to how the previous two items fitted into a sports association but PS pointed out that the association has been set-up to include sport, fitness, health, well being and even the environment and so both fell within this remit.
HaMSA and Local Schools
With key people absent there was nothing to report.
Hethersett Jubilee Youth Club
WJ updated members on youth club activities and recommended a new web site at www.hjyc.org.uk.
Park Farm Fitness Express
There was nobody present to represent Fitness Express.
Mustard Television
WJ had nothing to add, but urged member clubs to use this facility to promote their work and to make membership appeals.
Quest Competition
PH reported on the success of the Quest competition which attracted 25 entries. He won’t be organising an event in 2015 but will be doing so in the future, but needs some help
Hethersett Athletic Football Club
WJ reported on a very healthy club with youth players now aged from under-6 to 15. Off the field, the club has organised a number of events. He appealed for qualified coaches to look after the lower age ranges. MP reported that Marlborough Old Boys would officially become part of the club from next season. Most of their players and the manager live in the village. This will give the club two adult Saturday sides.
Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club
PS reported on the renewal of the Clubmark status. The new season starts in April and he invited all association members to a charity match at Flordon on Sunday 12th April between Hethersett and a Norfolk Select XI. This will raise funds for the Wymondham based Starthrowers Charity. The club has received a large grant from South Norfolk Council and this will be featured on the day. The club now runs four youth teams and is looking for its adult sides to push up the leagues to join the elite of Norfolk cricket.
Great Melton Cricket Club
WJ reported on the continued development and success of the youth section and the amount of hard work put in by club volunteers. The club also has a very active web site. PH wondered whether either Great Melton or Hethersett Cricket Clubs would consider using Hethersett Memorial Playing Field for youth games. It was thought that this might be a possibility but at the moment is unlikely.
Crusaders Rugby Club
MD reported on £25,000 improvements to the clubhouse with renovations to the bar and kitchen. Lots of hard work has been put in and the club has received a grant from the Rugby Football Union. The bar will be open during the coming Rugby World Cup. The Tiny Triers club for 5-12 year olds is attracting up to 200 children on Sundays. The club has acquired a 15 seater minibus which will be available for hire to outside groups in the future. MD will keep members posted on this.
Hethersett Methodist Table Tennis Club
PH reported on slightly dwindling numbers for the Friday evening sessions. There will be an appeal for more members although numbers are limited by having a maximum of four tables in play.
Respect Yourself
Nobody was present from Respect Yourself.
Mindfulness Meditation
RR introduced herself and explained the aims of Mindfulness Meditation and her hopes of starting a group in Hethersett. This is based on Buddhist teachings and helps with stress reduction and general health. The association voiced its support for the idea and RR will keep members informed.
Possible New Clubs
PS is looking into organising another family rounders afternoon in the summer and is also talking to Hethersett Academy with a view to starting up a tennis group on their courts. PH has brought up the idea of walking football for older players. This has the support of Hethersett Athletic FC, but somebody would need to come forward to organise it.
Requests for Financial Support
PS urged clubs to bring ideas for funding to the next meeting. WJ inquired about funding for a new Footsal Group. He will include this in the May meeting wish list.
South Norfolk Council
DB outlined the latest position with regards to funding. More money will be forthcoming in the future. Parish and District elections will be taking place in May. DB underlined the fact that Hethersett has done very well from a funding point of view and the meeting expressed their appreciation of all his hard work on behalf of the village and his support for the ideals and ethos of the association.
Input from Active Norfolk
Nobody was present from Active Norfolk.
Marketing and Publicity
PS has two Association banners which are available to groups and clubs free of charge. The first states “Hethersett and the Meltons’ Sports Association” and the second “Supported by Hethersett and the Meltons’ Sports Association.” The association and its member clubs have been featured in the local Media over the past three months. Full minutes, agendas and news on the association is available at www.handmsa.weebly.com. The association also has its own Facebook page.
Any Other Business
TH stated that the Netball Club would once again be taking part in the tournament at Dereham in April organised by Active Norfolk.
MP will not be holding his corporate sporting challenge in 2015 but is still keen to go ahead with the project in the future.
The Association is hoping to wear the special shirts again in the Village Games and may need to purchase a few replacements.
DB mentioned that a Hethersett Golf Society has been set-up and is based at the Queen’s Head.
Date of Next Meeting
13th May, 2015, at 7.30 p.m at Park Farm Hotel (subject to confirmation).
Apologies
Apologies were received from Anne Edwards, Maria Alborough, Colin McDermott, Claire Burke, Bobby Dowling, Steve Walker, Gary Wyatt, Jacqui Horsfield, Clare Lincoln, Leslie Dale, Frankie Rainer and Fiona Whiting
Round Table Introductions
There were 14 members present – David Bills (DB), Ron Butcher (RB), Toni Horsfield (TH), Helen Lawn (HL), Peter Steward (PS), Peter Hoult (PH), Patricia Mills (PM), Mel Perkins (MP), Shane Hull (SH), Wayne Johnson (WJ), Ruth Roberts (RR), Harold Kerslake (HK), Bart Anderton (BA) and Maurice Durrant (MD)
Minutes of Previous Meeting
These had been circulated and were taken as read.
Election of Officers
In line with the Association’s constitution, officers were elected at the first meeting of the year. PS asked for the appointment of a vice-chair following the amalgamation between the Sports Association and the former Hethersett Olympic Legacy Committee. He stressed that the Association remains independent and is not a sub committee of Hethersett Parish Council. The following officers were elected unanimously:
Chair – Peter Steward
Vice-Chair – Peter Hoult
Treasurer – Shane Hull
Secretary – Peter Steward
Treasurer’s Report
SH produced the latest accounts showing a surplus of £1,345.85. This includes the final instalment of £800 from South Norfolk Council. A number of membership fees were paid during the evening. PS asked clubs to bring any wish lists for funding to the next meeting, so that further funds can be distributed.
Hethersett Open Weekend 2015-02-03
SH stated that the two mile village fun run will take place on Sunday July 5th, starting at 11 a.m from the Junior School. An application for road closures has been lodged with the county council’s highways department and Norfolk Constabulary has been informed. Volunteers are needed to help with marshalling the event. There will once again be a nominal entry fee. PS will organise a come and try sports day on the Memorial Field on Saturday July 4th in conjunction with Active Norfolk. He will be seeking commitment from clubs at the next HaMSA meeting in May.
Sports Clubs/Groups Updates and Coming Events
Hethersett Olympic Legacy Sports Complex (HOLSC)
WJ and SH reported on the million pound plus scheme to provide a Multi Use Games Arena (MUGA), along with changing facilities and a new sports hall on Hethersett Academy ground. Strategy and implementation groups have been set-up for what is likely to be a three stage process with the MUGA being provided as the first stage. Norfolk County Council is supporting the idea and it is hoped to have the MUGA opened and available to both the school and community to co-incide with the opening ceremony of the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. There was a general discussion about which sports would use the facilities (either indoor or outdoor) and these included rugby, football, cricket, athletics, hockey, netball and possibly cycle speedway.
Hethersett Velo Club
BA stated that the club has 160 members including one youngster who comes from Cromer. The club has an ethos of providing cycling for all. The next Hethersett 30/60/90 will take place on Easter Sunday (April 5th) and over 600 entries are expected. Spaces are still available via the web site www.hethersett306090.co.uk.
Hethersett Croquet Club
PH reported that the club is taking a winter break but will start up again in April. It has two pitches on the Memorial Playing Field and new members will be welcome. The club meets on Wednesdays from 5 p.m and Saturdays from 2 p.m, weather permitting.
Hethersett Netball Club
TH reported that the adult team is purchasing new kit and the junior section is progressing well with 23 youngsters aged from nine to 16 taking part in the sport with a good representation from the 9-12 year old age group.The section is trying to set up friendly matches to give the youngsters a chance to sample competitive netball. The club has received good Media coverage following its grant from South Norfolk Council.
Skateboard Facilities
The facilities have currently been shut down due to safety concerns. Hethersett Parish Council asked the association to discuss the matter. It was felt that the cost of upgrading and replacing equipment was too prohibitive, bearing in mind the small number of youngsters using the facility. MP suggested that serious skateboarders could travel to Eaton Park in Norwich. PS and SH will report back to the parish council stating that on the grounds of cost and lack of demand, the park should be dismantled. SH felt one last attempt should be made via the village newsletter and local press to attract somebody to lead a possible project.This was agreed.
Hethersett Petanque Club
The petanque terrain is available for public use on the Memorial Field and the sports association will encourage people to use this facility. PS will speak to Richard Headicarr with a view to encouraging further use of the area.
Hethersett Queen’s Road Badminton Club
PH reported on the continued growth of the club which is working towards Premier Status. When this is fulfilled it will become the first badminton club in South Norfolk and only the fourth in the county to receive the award. Minimum age for membership is seven and the club has a number of qualified coaches.
Hethersett Running Group
This is currently on a winter break but PS is liaising with coach Paul Evans to start up a new group on Thursday evenings from April to September. Dates will be circulated when arranged.
Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Bowls Club
RB reported on improvements to the club’s facilities and the fact that clubs now want to take on Hethersett. The club is still short of members and is having a membership drive. It plays from April to September and will be holding an open Saturday on 18th April. RB can be contacted on 01603 813096.
Hethersett Hawks Cycle Speedway Club
MP reported that the new season starts on March 15th. The club has about 26 regular members with ages ranging from five to 63 and lots of interest from seven and eight year olds.The club’s best female rider has left after joining the RAF. The club will host two national events during the season – a British and Junior event for 7-17 year olds in July and a Women’s and Girls League event at the end of May. It is improving its links with Hethersett Academy and holding a number of open nights for groups such as the Hethersett Velo Club.
Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Trust
PH reported that there are still a couple of vacancies on the board of trustees for people interested in helping to run the Memorial Playing Field. MP gave an update on the pavilion improvement plans. The internal and external specifications are complete and the work is now going out to tender with MP meeting with builders in the future. Section 106 money is being used to provide a basketball hoop/kick wall facility. This is likely to cost approximately £7,500.
Junior Park Run
SH reported on the continued success of the Norwich Eaton Park run which is organised in conjunction with Active Norfolk. A junior park run is being organised for Norwich and if successful could be rolled out to other areas with Hethersett Academy one of the possibilities.
Norfolk Village Games 2015
PS reported on a change of set-up for the 2015 games with no area competitions but a county final which will probably take place in July at the UEA Sportspark. It is also possible that another event will be held in South Norfolk which has proved to be the most successful area in Norfolk for participation. PS will keep in touch with clubs and sports association members on this matter.
Hethersett Hall/Dementia Group
DB reported that a committee and officers have been elected with HK from the sports association as treasurer. The group will meet in the Hethersett Hub Café at Hethersett Hall once a month. The first meeting will be at the end of May.
Heart of Hethersett Bereavement Group
PS reported on plans to start a low key bereavement group in Hethersett. This would meet monthly at Woodcote Sheltered Housing Complex. He will circulate dates when the group is ready to start. There was a question as to how the previous two items fitted into a sports association but PS pointed out that the association has been set-up to include sport, fitness, health, well being and even the environment and so both fell within this remit.
HaMSA and Local Schools
With key people absent there was nothing to report.
Hethersett Jubilee Youth Club
WJ updated members on youth club activities and recommended a new web site at www.hjyc.org.uk.
Park Farm Fitness Express
There was nobody present to represent Fitness Express.
Mustard Television
WJ had nothing to add, but urged member clubs to use this facility to promote their work and to make membership appeals.
Quest Competition
PH reported on the success of the Quest competition which attracted 25 entries. He won’t be organising an event in 2015 but will be doing so in the future, but needs some help
Hethersett Athletic Football Club
WJ reported on a very healthy club with youth players now aged from under-6 to 15. Off the field, the club has organised a number of events. He appealed for qualified coaches to look after the lower age ranges. MP reported that Marlborough Old Boys would officially become part of the club from next season. Most of their players and the manager live in the village. This will give the club two adult Saturday sides.
Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club
PS reported on the renewal of the Clubmark status. The new season starts in April and he invited all association members to a charity match at Flordon on Sunday 12th April between Hethersett and a Norfolk Select XI. This will raise funds for the Wymondham based Starthrowers Charity. The club has received a large grant from South Norfolk Council and this will be featured on the day. The club now runs four youth teams and is looking for its adult sides to push up the leagues to join the elite of Norfolk cricket.
Great Melton Cricket Club
WJ reported on the continued development and success of the youth section and the amount of hard work put in by club volunteers. The club also has a very active web site. PH wondered whether either Great Melton or Hethersett Cricket Clubs would consider using Hethersett Memorial Playing Field for youth games. It was thought that this might be a possibility but at the moment is unlikely.
Crusaders Rugby Club
MD reported on £25,000 improvements to the clubhouse with renovations to the bar and kitchen. Lots of hard work has been put in and the club has received a grant from the Rugby Football Union. The bar will be open during the coming Rugby World Cup. The Tiny Triers club for 5-12 year olds is attracting up to 200 children on Sundays. The club has acquired a 15 seater minibus which will be available for hire to outside groups in the future. MD will keep members posted on this.
Hethersett Methodist Table Tennis Club
PH reported on slightly dwindling numbers for the Friday evening sessions. There will be an appeal for more members although numbers are limited by having a maximum of four tables in play.
Respect Yourself
Nobody was present from Respect Yourself.
Mindfulness Meditation
RR introduced herself and explained the aims of Mindfulness Meditation and her hopes of starting a group in Hethersett. This is based on Buddhist teachings and helps with stress reduction and general health. The association voiced its support for the idea and RR will keep members informed.
Possible New Clubs
PS is looking into organising another family rounders afternoon in the summer and is also talking to Hethersett Academy with a view to starting up a tennis group on their courts. PH has brought up the idea of walking football for older players. This has the support of Hethersett Athletic FC, but somebody would need to come forward to organise it.
Requests for Financial Support
PS urged clubs to bring ideas for funding to the next meeting. WJ inquired about funding for a new Footsal Group. He will include this in the May meeting wish list.
South Norfolk Council
DB outlined the latest position with regards to funding. More money will be forthcoming in the future. Parish and District elections will be taking place in May. DB underlined the fact that Hethersett has done very well from a funding point of view and the meeting expressed their appreciation of all his hard work on behalf of the village and his support for the ideals and ethos of the association.
Input from Active Norfolk
Nobody was present from Active Norfolk.
Marketing and Publicity
PS has two Association banners which are available to groups and clubs free of charge. The first states “Hethersett and the Meltons’ Sports Association” and the second “Supported by Hethersett and the Meltons’ Sports Association.” The association and its member clubs have been featured in the local Media over the past three months. Full minutes, agendas and news on the association is available at www.handmsa.weebly.com. The association also has its own Facebook page.
Any Other Business
TH stated that the Netball Club would once again be taking part in the tournament at Dereham in April organised by Active Norfolk.
MP will not be holding his corporate sporting challenge in 2015 but is still keen to go ahead with the project in the future.
The Association is hoping to wear the special shirts again in the Village Games and may need to purchase a few replacements.
DB mentioned that a Hethersett Golf Society has been set-up and is based at the Queen’s Head.
Date of Next Meeting
13th May, 2015, at 7.30 p.m at Park Farm Hotel (subject to confirmation).