Our first ever annual general meeting was held in 2016. We now hold our AGM in the last week of January/first week of February every year.

Our latest general meeting took place online, on Thursday 26th February 2026.

Attendees:
Tony Robson, Chris Hewitson, Kirsty Robson, Sue Urwin, Vicky Parker, Andrew Walton, Steven Wade & numerous club members.

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2026 Minutes

Tony welcomed us all to the annual general meeting.

Sadly, Tony also told us, that he is stepping down from the chairperson’s role. He will be greatly missed, having led, inspired and motivated us in the best possible gentle way since the beginning of the club. He assured us that he will still be present in the club, coaching some sessions.

Tony has accepted the title of Honorary Life President, which he is so deserving of.

Review of the Year

A review of the year was given by Chris. 

Our club continues to grow, and goes from strength to strength. We have been running so many different distances, from 5Ks to ultras, and indeed in many far flung countries.

Many of our new members have joined us through word of mouth. Our reputation is growing and many have been recommended to join us by other club members, and runners who know of our club. Many of the participants of the ‘Couch to 5K’, have joined our club, and continue to enjoy running.

Membership

Kirsty presented the membership update.

We welcomed 28 new members in the year. We now have 156 members, made up of full members second claim members and social members.

As most other things, fees from England Athletics are increasing from April 2026.

Club and member affiliation fees and athlete registration fees, are both increasing.

As a consequence of this, the committee proposed an increase in annual membership fees, this was agreed.

For existing members annual membership will now be £40, and juniors £30, (an increase of £5), 2^nd claim remains £15. 

For new members annual membership will now be £45, juniors £35, second claim £25.

Members were asked to pay promptly to enable payment to EA to be on time.

Members were reminded to keep their details up to date on the My Athletics Portal.

Club Roles

With the loss of 3 valued and appreciated committee members, Tony stepping down as Chair, Andrew as treasurer and Mel as communications officer, candidates for these newly vacant posts were asked for.

Chris Hewitson stepped up for the chairperson’s post.

Vicky Parker came forward to take Chris’s vice chairperson’s post.

Chris Morris offered to take the treasurer post.

These were duly voted on and unanimously accepted. 

We are asking for candidates who would like to take on the role of communication officer.

We thank Tony, Andrew and Mel for their dedication and passion in their roles.

Finance

Andrew presented the treasurers report.

The cash balance for the club is now £872, down from £1267.

Increases and decreases in expenditure were explained, and the accounts for year ended 31^st December were presented.

Grand Prix and XC

The GP has had a slow start due to the weather affecting chosen races.

However, a mix of races have been included. These should be on the whole affordable, support local clubs and also includes XC and parkruns.

Age categories have been included this year.

With the XC races being linked to the GP, it’s hoped that there will be an increase in members turning up and enjoying XC, so we can field teams at the events.

Club Race

Memorial Relay Races were discussed by Steven

11 clubs have been invited to participate. 

Roles for marshalling etc will be arranged closer to date, (July 16^th).

Welfare

We have Lindsey Dover and Steven Wade in welfare officer posts.

Events this year have been ‘run talks’, and a well attended ‘history run’, which members would like repeated.

T-shirts to easily identify run leaders are soon to be revealed!

It has been identified we still need more run leaders, so anyone interested is asked to speak to a run leader or committee member.

Social Media and Comms

Our social media presence continues to grow.

Our WhatsApp channels having been added to, and found to be a great success.

Our newsletter updates members on what is going on, and write ups from races we have taken part in.

It has been identified our website needs updating, and a possible QR code for links to our resources could be possible.

Kit

Vests have been sourced from a new supplier, and are now available from Vicky. Any vests which are no longer suitable can be given to Vicky for recycling.

Other new kit is available from Salto.

AOB

After the request for any other business, the AGM was closed by Chris.