Minutes of meeting of Hethersett and Meltons Sports Association at Park Farm Hotel, Hethersett, October 6th, 2014 Apologies
Apologies
Apologies were received from Maria Alborough, Harold Kerslake, Colin McDermott, Maurice Durrant, Gary Wyatt, Fiona Whiting and Steve Walker.
Round Table Introductions
There were 16 members present – David Bills (DB), Leslie Dale (LD), Ron Butcher (RB), Toni Horsfield (TH), Jacqui Horsfield (JH), Helen Lawn (HL), Frankie Rainer (FR), Peter Steward (PS), Peter Hoult (PH), Patricia Mills (PM), Mel Perkins (MP), Shane Hull (SH), Anne Edwards (AE), Wayne Johnson (WJ), Bobby Dowling (BD) and Claire Burke (CB)
Minutes of Previous Meeting
These had been circulated and were taken as read.
Treasurer’s Report
SH produced the latest accounts showing a surplus of £512.35, taking into account two new membership fees paid on the evening. PS will chase up the £800 from South Norfolk council for publicity and marketing purposes. During the evening a cheque for £400 was issued to Hethersett Netball Club.
Amalgamation with Hethersett Olympic Legacy Committee
SH introduced this item suggesting an amalgamation between Hethersett and the Melton’s Sports Association and Hethersett Olympic Legacy Committee. There was a lengthy discussion on the benefits of such an amalgamation. SH felt that the Olympic Legacy Committee has run its course and would benefit from being incorporated into the sports association, which would take over the organising of the Hethersett Open Weekend which, in 2015, is likely to feature the sport in the park event and two mile fun run. The amalgamation will be discussed at the next meeting of Hethersett Parish Council as currently the Olympic Legacy Committee is a sub group of the council, whereas the sports association is an independent body. MP pointed out that the parish council provides financial back-up for Olympic Legacy events. DB said the Olympic Legacy Committee had “done a fine job” and he was sad to see it disappear.
There was some discussion on developing the come and try sports event into a village fete and it was agreed to make Open Weekend a major agenda item at the next sports association meeting. PH felt the day could be developed with the involvement of schools and youth groups.
MP proposed the amalgamation should go ahead. This was seconded by Anne Edwards and the vote was unanimous. It was agreed that in any publicity and on the web site the title should now be Hethersett and the Meltons’ Sports Association incorporating Hethersett Olympic Legacy Committee.
Sports Clubs/Groups Updates and Coming Events Hethersett
Velo Club
Bart Anderton was not present but it is thought that the Hethersett 30/60/90 will take place on Easter Sunday, 2015.
Hethersett Croquet Club
PH reported on the continued success of the club which runs from April to September on the Memorial Playing Field. The club has two sets of new equipment and a further set on long term loan. There are plans to feed and improve the playing lawn before the new season.
Hethersett Netball Club
A recent quiz proved highly successful and raised £860. This was split between the club and the charity for Stillbirths and Neo-Natal Deaths (SANDS). JH reported on the new junior section which has been launched and which trains on Thursdays and Sundays including sessions at Old Hall School. She thanked the sports association for its financial help.
Skateboard Facilities
The facilities have currently been shut down due to safety concerns. The general feeling was that to upgrade them would be too costly. This is a matter currently being discussed by Hethersett Parish Council
All Weather Facilities
WJ and SH reported on the progress of having an all weather sports facility in the grounds of Hethersett Academy. The Academy is keen to work with an organising (management) group to provide an Astro Turf style facility in the area close to the Jubilee Youth Club. SH said the surface would become a central facility for the use of the village, schools and sports clubs. LD explained some of the education grants that could be available to help finance the project.
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.
Hethersett Queen’s Road Badminton Club
PH reported on the continued growth of the club with over 30 youngsters now playing. This had provided two Norfolk Under-11 players and between 25 and 35 players are attending weekly sessions.
Hethersett Open Weekend
SH has provisionally booked July 5th for the funrun. There was discussion on the format of the event and some suggestion that it could become an accredited two mile race both for serious athletes and funrunners. The association is working with Paul Evans to look at the feasibility of this. Open weekend is also likely to feature a come and try sports event. PS to ascertain the level of support from Active Norfolk.
Hethersett Running Group
Another sports association/Active Norfolk success story with over 50 people taking part in Paul Evans’ weekly summer runs on the Memorial Field. These had now stopped for the winter but would re-commence in May.
Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Bowls Club
RB reported on improvements to the club’s facilities. He thanked the sports association for kick starting the improvements which had turned “a hut into a pavilion.” The club would love to attract some younger bowlers.
Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Trust
MP reported that a couple of trustees had resigned. PH has put in a considerable amount of work on sprucing up the field and grass cutting and fertilisation work by NORSE has left the field looking impressive. There has been a drop in anti-social behaviour. The bottle banks have been withdrawn and plans to take the other re-cycling banks away are advanced. This will help to tidy up the area around the car park. MP reported on plans to install a football kick wall and basketball facility, possibly with money from the parish council contributed by developers. There is also a possibility of extending the wildflower garden. DB said he thought the football pitches were in their best condition for a number of years. PH reported on requests for a BMX track somewhere in the village. Plans are still being discussed for an extension to the playing field pavilion.
Norfolk Village Games 2014
PS reported on Hethersett and the Meltons success in winning the county finals after finishing runners-up for three consecutive years. He is in discussion with Active Norfolk over the possibility of a 2015 event, although this could be down to the availability of funding. Active Norfolk will be running individual events such as the netball competition. PS will circulate relevant dates as soon as he has them.
Link with Hethersett Hall/Dementia Group
DB once again stated the possibility of an active link with Hethersett Hall. He reported on a recent play on the subject of dementia which had taken place in Hethersett Village Hall and been hugely thought provoking. Work is going ahead to set-up a dementia friends’ group in the village.
HaMSA and Local Schools
An e-mail from Fiona Whiting was read to the meeting. This covered a multi skills Olympic Legacy initiative for Year Five pupils, a cluster networking group for PE and Sport to share best practice and skills in the schools’ cluster. This would also include setting up young sports leaders. The cluster also remains very supportive of all the community work being undertaken and also supportive of the open weekend. PH suggested that a meeting should be arranged with the principal of Hethersett Academy to discuss all the exciting community things going on. This meeting to be attended by anyone from the sports association interested. PS will contact the Principal.
Hethersett Jubilee Youth Club
WJ updated members on youth club activities and recommended a new web site at www.hjyc.org.uk. Steve Walker is helping out at the club.
Park Farm Fitness Express
FR updated members on the latest staffing levels with two vacancies – both for qualified staff and apprentices The minimum age is 16. PS will circulate details of the positions. FR offered the club’s noticeboard for promotional material and prizes for raffles/fundraisers. The club is also offering 20% membership discount for HaMSA members and member clubs.
Mustard Television
PS and SH have appeared on Mustard TV to promote sport in the village. This had gone well and individual clubs were urged to contact Mustard if they have any newsworthy stories.
Quest Competition
PH reported on the Quest competition which featured a number of treasure hunt style walks throughout the summer. There had been 22 entries and the treasure prize had been found by a winner from Cringleford. The walks were devised by PH and Gary Wyatt. PH would like to repeat the competition in 2015 on a slightly simpler scale.
Hethersett Athletic Football Club
WJ has taken over as chair of the football club in the place of PS. He reported on a healthy position with regards to the youth section and the start-up of an Under-6 team. Members agreed to a grant of £100 for equipment etc for this team. The club is working with a qualified coach mentor.
Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club
PS reported that the club has had its national Clubmark status renewed for three years and has plans to push upwards from its current position in the Norfolk Alliance Division Two. A South Norfolk grant will allow it to buy new covers, back-up scoreboard, new nets for juniors and sight screens for the second pitch at its Flordon Headquarters.
Great Melton Cricket Club
WJ reported on the continued development and success of the youth section and the excellent publicity featuring the club in recent editions of the Wymondham Mercury newspaper. The club is 40 years old. A number of the youth players also play football for Hethersett Athletic.
Crusaders Rugby Club
Nobody was present from the club but its success has been featured in the local press.
Hethersett Methodist Table Tennis Club
PH reported on the continued popularity of Friday evening sessions with the club now making a small profit. He asked for a grant from HaMSA to meet the cost of some new bats. This has already been passed at a previous meeting.
Respect Yourself
BD and CB gave a comprehensive update with the group close to achieving charity status. HaMSA member clubs can promote themselves through the text messaging service which is aimed at helping young people to make the correct life decisions. Messages reach 25,000 young people everyday and the group now has a live chat on Twitter every Friday. Topics covered include autism, OCD, anxiety, ADHD, legal highs, dog owning, depression, suicidal thoughts and bullying. BD stated that becoming a charity would improve grant chances. She thanked HaMSA for its support. At the end of the meeting the group was presented with a cheque from South Norfolk Council by DB.
Hethersett Hawks Cycle Speedway
MP reported on a successful season that saw the club finish second in the South East League. It is now giving sport to all ages from four to 60 plus. Cycle speedway faces numerous challenges in the future with regards to re-structuring. A number of come and try nights had been arranged with Hawks playing host to Hethersett Velo Club and Norfolk Constabulary’s Peelers Velo Club.
Societies’ Day
MP reported on the success of this event with the sports association well represented along with Hethersett Netball Club and Hethersett Archives. A number of possible new members had been spoken to and have been added to our distribution list. One couple with a young child said they had come to live in Hethersett because of its reputation as a “doing village.”
Requests for Financial Support
It was agreed to give £100 to Hethersett Athletic Football Club for the start-up of an Under-6s group (proposed by PH, seconded by TH) and £50 plus to the table tennis club for new bats. This had been agreed at a previous meeting. PS pointed out that most of the grant money has been distributed. Once it comes to an end the association will have to consider its next move and using the various village awards to attract additional grants etc.
South Norfolk Council
DB outlined funding available. The Northern River Valleys Neighbourhood Board has been disbanded and it is now the Northern River Valleys Neighbourhood Area with our district councillors having £1,000 each to distribute. DB said there are a number of projects coming to fruition in Hethersett with funding for Hethersett Society amongst others.
Marketing and Publicity
PS will check on the £800 set aside for publicity purposes. He is in possession of two large banners which can be borrowed by individual clubs to use at events and to show that they support and are supported by Hethersett and the Meltons’ Sports Association. He will also continue to look at other marketing opportunities. WJ outlined an app on Twitter which would allow clubs to send out regular pre-set messages
Any Other Business
SH said that Hethersett has been shortlisted as a possible venue for a new junior parkrun. He is working with Paul Evans on this and will keep members updated.
The digital race clock has been hired out on a couple of occasions and Norfolk AAA will be promoting its use in coming publications/diaries.
PM asked about the possibility of starting a tennis club in the village. It was agreed that this should be put on the agenda of the next association meeting with the possibility of starting one next summer in conjunction with Hethersett Academy.
DB made a plea on behalf of a HaMSA member whose son needs to undertake community work as part of his Duke of Edinburgh scheme award. AE suggested he could join her coppicing group.
Date of Next Meeting
2nd February, 2015, at 7.30 p.m at Park Farm Hotel (subject to confirmation).
At the end of the meeting, photographs of cheque presentations involving Respect Yourself and Hethersett Netball Club.were taken for the local Media and association web site. Full minutes, agendas and news on the association is available at www.handmsa.weebly.com.
Apologies
Apologies were received from Maria Alborough, Harold Kerslake, Colin McDermott, Maurice Durrant, Gary Wyatt, Fiona Whiting and Steve Walker.
Round Table Introductions
There were 16 members present – David Bills (DB), Leslie Dale (LD), Ron Butcher (RB), Toni Horsfield (TH), Jacqui Horsfield (JH), Helen Lawn (HL), Frankie Rainer (FR), Peter Steward (PS), Peter Hoult (PH), Patricia Mills (PM), Mel Perkins (MP), Shane Hull (SH), Anne Edwards (AE), Wayne Johnson (WJ), Bobby Dowling (BD) and Claire Burke (CB)
Minutes of Previous Meeting
These had been circulated and were taken as read.
Treasurer’s Report
SH produced the latest accounts showing a surplus of £512.35, taking into account two new membership fees paid on the evening. PS will chase up the £800 from South Norfolk council for publicity and marketing purposes. During the evening a cheque for £400 was issued to Hethersett Netball Club.
Amalgamation with Hethersett Olympic Legacy Committee
SH introduced this item suggesting an amalgamation between Hethersett and the Melton’s Sports Association and Hethersett Olympic Legacy Committee. There was a lengthy discussion on the benefits of such an amalgamation. SH felt that the Olympic Legacy Committee has run its course and would benefit from being incorporated into the sports association, which would take over the organising of the Hethersett Open Weekend which, in 2015, is likely to feature the sport in the park event and two mile fun run. The amalgamation will be discussed at the next meeting of Hethersett Parish Council as currently the Olympic Legacy Committee is a sub group of the council, whereas the sports association is an independent body. MP pointed out that the parish council provides financial back-up for Olympic Legacy events. DB said the Olympic Legacy Committee had “done a fine job” and he was sad to see it disappear.
There was some discussion on developing the come and try sports event into a village fete and it was agreed to make Open Weekend a major agenda item at the next sports association meeting. PH felt the day could be developed with the involvement of schools and youth groups.
MP proposed the amalgamation should go ahead. This was seconded by Anne Edwards and the vote was unanimous. It was agreed that in any publicity and on the web site the title should now be Hethersett and the Meltons’ Sports Association incorporating Hethersett Olympic Legacy Committee.
Sports Clubs/Groups Updates and Coming Events Hethersett
Velo Club
Bart Anderton was not present but it is thought that the Hethersett 30/60/90 will take place on Easter Sunday, 2015.
Hethersett Croquet Club
PH reported on the continued success of the club which runs from April to September on the Memorial Playing Field. The club has two sets of new equipment and a further set on long term loan. There are plans to feed and improve the playing lawn before the new season.
Hethersett Netball Club
A recent quiz proved highly successful and raised £860. This was split between the club and the charity for Stillbirths and Neo-Natal Deaths (SANDS). JH reported on the new junior section which has been launched and which trains on Thursdays and Sundays including sessions at Old Hall School. She thanked the sports association for its financial help.
Skateboard Facilities
The facilities have currently been shut down due to safety concerns. The general feeling was that to upgrade them would be too costly. This is a matter currently being discussed by Hethersett Parish Council
All Weather Facilities
WJ and SH reported on the progress of having an all weather sports facility in the grounds of Hethersett Academy. The Academy is keen to work with an organising (management) group to provide an Astro Turf style facility in the area close to the Jubilee Youth Club. SH said the surface would become a central facility for the use of the village, schools and sports clubs. LD explained some of the education grants that could be available to help finance the project.
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.
Hethersett Queen’s Road Badminton Club
PH reported on the continued growth of the club with over 30 youngsters now playing. This had provided two Norfolk Under-11 players and between 25 and 35 players are attending weekly sessions.
Hethersett Open Weekend
SH has provisionally booked July 5th for the funrun. There was discussion on the format of the event and some suggestion that it could become an accredited two mile race both for serious athletes and funrunners. The association is working with Paul Evans to look at the feasibility of this. Open weekend is also likely to feature a come and try sports event. PS to ascertain the level of support from Active Norfolk.
Hethersett Running Group
Another sports association/Active Norfolk success story with over 50 people taking part in Paul Evans’ weekly summer runs on the Memorial Field. These had now stopped for the winter but would re-commence in May.
Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Bowls Club
RB reported on improvements to the club’s facilities. He thanked the sports association for kick starting the improvements which had turned “a hut into a pavilion.” The club would love to attract some younger bowlers.
Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Trust
MP reported that a couple of trustees had resigned. PH has put in a considerable amount of work on sprucing up the field and grass cutting and fertilisation work by NORSE has left the field looking impressive. There has been a drop in anti-social behaviour. The bottle banks have been withdrawn and plans to take the other re-cycling banks away are advanced. This will help to tidy up the area around the car park. MP reported on plans to install a football kick wall and basketball facility, possibly with money from the parish council contributed by developers. There is also a possibility of extending the wildflower garden. DB said he thought the football pitches were in their best condition for a number of years. PH reported on requests for a BMX track somewhere in the village. Plans are still being discussed for an extension to the playing field pavilion.
Norfolk Village Games 2014
PS reported on Hethersett and the Meltons success in winning the county finals after finishing runners-up for three consecutive years. He is in discussion with Active Norfolk over the possibility of a 2015 event, although this could be down to the availability of funding. Active Norfolk will be running individual events such as the netball competition. PS will circulate relevant dates as soon as he has them.
Link with Hethersett Hall/Dementia Group
DB once again stated the possibility of an active link with Hethersett Hall. He reported on a recent play on the subject of dementia which had taken place in Hethersett Village Hall and been hugely thought provoking. Work is going ahead to set-up a dementia friends’ group in the village.
HaMSA and Local Schools
An e-mail from Fiona Whiting was read to the meeting. This covered a multi skills Olympic Legacy initiative for Year Five pupils, a cluster networking group for PE and Sport to share best practice and skills in the schools’ cluster. This would also include setting up young sports leaders. The cluster also remains very supportive of all the community work being undertaken and also supportive of the open weekend. PH suggested that a meeting should be arranged with the principal of Hethersett Academy to discuss all the exciting community things going on. This meeting to be attended by anyone from the sports association interested. PS will contact the Principal.
Hethersett Jubilee Youth Club
WJ updated members on youth club activities and recommended a new web site at www.hjyc.org.uk. Steve Walker is helping out at the club.
Park Farm Fitness Express
FR updated members on the latest staffing levels with two vacancies – both for qualified staff and apprentices The minimum age is 16. PS will circulate details of the positions. FR offered the club’s noticeboard for promotional material and prizes for raffles/fundraisers. The club is also offering 20% membership discount for HaMSA members and member clubs.
Mustard Television
PS and SH have appeared on Mustard TV to promote sport in the village. This had gone well and individual clubs were urged to contact Mustard if they have any newsworthy stories.
Quest Competition
PH reported on the Quest competition which featured a number of treasure hunt style walks throughout the summer. There had been 22 entries and the treasure prize had been found by a winner from Cringleford. The walks were devised by PH and Gary Wyatt. PH would like to repeat the competition in 2015 on a slightly simpler scale.
Hethersett Athletic Football Club
WJ has taken over as chair of the football club in the place of PS. He reported on a healthy position with regards to the youth section and the start-up of an Under-6 team. Members agreed to a grant of £100 for equipment etc for this team. The club is working with a qualified coach mentor.
Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club
PS reported that the club has had its national Clubmark status renewed for three years and has plans to push upwards from its current position in the Norfolk Alliance Division Two. A South Norfolk grant will allow it to buy new covers, back-up scoreboard, new nets for juniors and sight screens for the second pitch at its Flordon Headquarters.
Great Melton Cricket Club
WJ reported on the continued development and success of the youth section and the excellent publicity featuring the club in recent editions of the Wymondham Mercury newspaper. The club is 40 years old. A number of the youth players also play football for Hethersett Athletic.
Crusaders Rugby Club
Nobody was present from the club but its success has been featured in the local press.
Hethersett Methodist Table Tennis Club
PH reported on the continued popularity of Friday evening sessions with the club now making a small profit. He asked for a grant from HaMSA to meet the cost of some new bats. This has already been passed at a previous meeting.
Respect Yourself
BD and CB gave a comprehensive update with the group close to achieving charity status. HaMSA member clubs can promote themselves through the text messaging service which is aimed at helping young people to make the correct life decisions. Messages reach 25,000 young people everyday and the group now has a live chat on Twitter every Friday. Topics covered include autism, OCD, anxiety, ADHD, legal highs, dog owning, depression, suicidal thoughts and bullying. BD stated that becoming a charity would improve grant chances. She thanked HaMSA for its support. At the end of the meeting the group was presented with a cheque from South Norfolk Council by DB.
Hethersett Hawks Cycle Speedway
MP reported on a successful season that saw the club finish second in the South East League. It is now giving sport to all ages from four to 60 plus. Cycle speedway faces numerous challenges in the future with regards to re-structuring. A number of come and try nights had been arranged with Hawks playing host to Hethersett Velo Club and Norfolk Constabulary’s Peelers Velo Club.
Societies’ Day
MP reported on the success of this event with the sports association well represented along with Hethersett Netball Club and Hethersett Archives. A number of possible new members had been spoken to and have been added to our distribution list. One couple with a young child said they had come to live in Hethersett because of its reputation as a “doing village.”
Requests for Financial Support
It was agreed to give £100 to Hethersett Athletic Football Club for the start-up of an Under-6s group (proposed by PH, seconded by TH) and £50 plus to the table tennis club for new bats. This had been agreed at a previous meeting. PS pointed out that most of the grant money has been distributed. Once it comes to an end the association will have to consider its next move and using the various village awards to attract additional grants etc.
South Norfolk Council
DB outlined funding available. The Northern River Valleys Neighbourhood Board has been disbanded and it is now the Northern River Valleys Neighbourhood Area with our district councillors having £1,000 each to distribute. DB said there are a number of projects coming to fruition in Hethersett with funding for Hethersett Society amongst others.
Marketing and Publicity
PS will check on the £800 set aside for publicity purposes. He is in possession of two large banners which can be borrowed by individual clubs to use at events and to show that they support and are supported by Hethersett and the Meltons’ Sports Association. He will also continue to look at other marketing opportunities. WJ outlined an app on Twitter which would allow clubs to send out regular pre-set messages
Any Other Business
SH said that Hethersett has been shortlisted as a possible venue for a new junior parkrun. He is working with Paul Evans on this and will keep members updated.
The digital race clock has been hired out on a couple of occasions and Norfolk AAA will be promoting its use in coming publications/diaries.
PM asked about the possibility of starting a tennis club in the village. It was agreed that this should be put on the agenda of the next association meeting with the possibility of starting one next summer in conjunction with Hethersett Academy.
DB made a plea on behalf of a HaMSA member whose son needs to undertake community work as part of his Duke of Edinburgh scheme award. AE suggested he could join her coppicing group.
Date of Next Meeting
2nd February, 2015, at 7.30 p.m at Park Farm Hotel (subject to confirmation).
At the end of the meeting, photographs of cheque presentations involving Respect Yourself and Hethersett Netball Club.were taken for the local Media and association web site. Full minutes, agendas and news on the association is available at www.handmsa.weebly.com.