December Newsletter and EGM Minutes

Emailed by Sim on the 9th December. Apologies for the delay in posting on the blog.

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Hello all,

A brief update for you as we end an eventful 2011.

Ware Cup 5 mile XC - Saturday 10th December 2:30pm - Loughton

Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is the annual Ware Cup cross country race, held at Loughton.  The club are the current holders of the Ware Cup and with  strong turn out we have a genuine chance of retaining this silverware. Let's not let another club steal it from us! You don't need to register, it's free to run, but we depend on as many members running as possible to have a chance.

The club is pretty easy to get to by road with some parking on site and nearby roads or a walk from Loughton tube station (Central Line is in full operation).  Full details and directions will be posted on the club website noticeboard.

New Board and EGM

Following the EGM held on 1st December, the motion to reduce the board size was not passed.  The new committee members were voted in also.  For full details please see the minutes from the EGM.

Welcome to long time member Dave Robinson as the new club chairman.  Holly Gilbert is now Women's Road & XC Captain and Patricia (Pats) Carden is the club secretary.  Please join me in welcoming these new committee members. Our thanks go out to those members stepping down also for their input during their tenure.

End of year races

Metropolitan League XC Race 3 - Saturday 17th December - Ruislip

Third race of the series of the Metropolitan League.  A bit of a trek to Ruislip woods for this high standard XC race.  Full details can be found on the LCR Met League website. 

Pre-Christmas Handicap 2.9 mile - Thursday 22nd December - Any takers?

Finish the year in speed and style!  If there is enough interest in a pre-Christmas handicap (as last year) then we can hold a December handicap.  The usual set up will apply, meet at the club house at 7pm for a 7.20pm-ish start.  Post on the club noticeboard if you'd like a race - if we get more than 20, I'll make sure it happens - if you'd like to help out with timekeeping rather than run then that will definitely help.  Either way, there will be a session at the club that night and no doubt the bar will be open afterwards.

Annual Mob Match 2.9 miles - Tuesday January 3rd 2012 7:45pm start

Start the year in speed and style!  This race against local club and great rivals Eton Manor AC has been taking place for many many years and is always a great start to the new year, if occasionally a shock to the system so soon after Christmas.  Just like the monthly handicap it's three laps of Well Street Common, but run as an all-starter race rather than a handicap.  Come along in good time to register,

warm up and get to the start.  

That's it for now, until next year. Have a great Christmas and new year, come back fit and well in the new year, dear members.

Simeon

Men's Road & XC Captain

2012 Events Update

The SEAA Indoor Athletics Championships (closing date 3rd Jan/10th Jan 2012 depending on event), SEAA Southern XC Championships (closing date 16th Dec 2011) and ECCA National XC Championships (closing date 4th Jan 2012) have been added to the calendar.

Go to http://www.vphthac.org.uk/fixtures.html for more information.

Extraordinary General Meeting

Dear Members of VPH & TH AC,

 

Following the club's Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in October two votes were held on a proposed change to a rule regarding the structure of the club's board.  Both votes were hung at 19 for, 19 against.  As a result, and in order to resolve the matter, an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) was proposed along with some remote voting mechanisms to give more members the chance to vote or for those who had already expressed their preference at the AGM the chance to vote without attending the EGM.

 

A full EGM notice with details regarding the proposed change to the rule, agenda, details regarding the change to the board structure voting details and the voting form is available here.  The minutes from the AGM are available here. If you have trouble reading either document or would prefer a hard copy please contact me (write2sim@yahoo.com) and I will make arrangement for you.  Hard copies of the notice will be posted at Mile End track and at the club house.  Copies of the minutes will be made available at the club house.

 

Details:

The EGM will be held on Thursday 1st December, 2011, 8:45PM in the Club house, St Augustine's Hall, Cadogan Terrage, London E9.

 

About voting in the EGM:

• The vote will be held on the night of the EGM, alternatives to voting in person on the night are detailed below. 
• If you intend to send a representative to vote on your behalf (a proxy) at the EGM please make sure you comply with the requirements detailed on page one of the EGM notice attachment. 
• If you wish to email your vote, please send an email detailing your choice to the address created specifically for this purpose vphthac2011@gmail.com stating whether you are FOR or AGAINST the motion. Your vote will be treated in strict confidence. The deadline is Midnight, Tuesday 29th November.
• If you wish to post your vote please print and complete the voting form and send to the address detailed on the form.  The deadline for receipt is Tuesday 29th November.  Your vote will be treated in strict confidence.
• The usual voting rules apply, e.g. you must be a registed first claim or associate member, over 18 years of age. Your membership fees for the year must be paid (unless you have an exemption, such as a life member for example).  You can only vote once (if you vote by email or post you can not vote again on the night of the EGM or via a proxy)
• Please remember, even if you voted at the AGM on this matter you will need to vote once again using one of the above methods to ensure your voice is heard and your vote counts.

 

Remember, if you have concerns or questions you can contact me directly at write2sim@yahoo.com or contact the current board as a whole at vphthac-directors@googlegroups.com.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this message.  We look forward to your vote in deciding how the club is managed in the future.

 

Simeon (Men's Captain, Road & XC Running)

Victoria Park works update

The latest update on the refurbishment works in Victoria Park are here.

November Newsletter

Dear Members

Some update for November and into the new Olympic year...

Extraordinary General Meeting - Thursday 1st December, 8:45pm

A reminder that an EGM for a vote regarding how the club board is to be structured in the future will be held.  If you are unable to attend, you can send a proxy or vote by post or email.  Contact me for details if you did not receive the notice.   

Club Christmas Party - Saturday 3rd December: 7pm until late

If you go to one Christmas party this year, might as well do it in style and make it this one.  It is always good fun, sometimes a drink or two might be consumed to get in the Christmas spirit.  There will be music, dancing, good food and winter warmth on offer (if we get the gas fire fixed in time!).  Tickets are just £10, which includes your food and a glass of Wulled Mine.   As ever, it's volunteers who bring you these events, so Rob is looking for some contributors to help with the catering.  If anyone is willing to bring a dish of christmas delight then have a chat with him after at the club or email him robpitkethly@yahoo.co.uk.  The costs of ingredients will be reimbursed.

Middlesex Cross Country Race (Wormwood Scrubs park) - Saturday 7th January 2012

Juniors from 11am. Senior Women 8k 1pm, Senior Men 12k 1:45pm    I have received the entry forms for the above.  There are elgibility criteria for Middx races, based upon birth, residence or previous competition.  Most club members are eligible to enter but some who live outside the catchment may not be,  contact me if you are unsure.  If you would like to race in this county-standard race please let me know, preferably via email with your name, DOB and Address.  As usual, the club will pay your entry fees  (£3 per runner)

providing you turn up and your annual subscriptions are paid.     Deadline: 18th December.

National Cross Country Championships - Parliament Hill - Saturday 25th February 2012

Junior race from 11am (3k - 10k), Senior Women (8k) 2:20pm, Senior Men (12k) 3pm.  The 'big one' at Parliament Hll. It will be hilly, it will be muddy and there will be some great competition going on.  Entrants must be first claim members for the club if you wish to enter.  If you'd like to enter, contact me with your name and DOB.  As usual, the club will pay your entry fees (£6 per runner) providing you turn up and you are up to date with your annual subscriptions.  Deadline: 23rd December.

Subscriptions now due

The subscription year runs from November.  If you've not yet paid, please make arrangements to do so. The fees are unchanged yet again for the year 2011-12, full details are on the Join section of the club website.   You don't need to fill out a form if you are already a member.  Bank transfers are preferred - please put your name as a reference, otherwise please hand cheques or cash to me or any of the other directors / coaches at the club.  

Recent Road & XC Race Results:

October handicap results are on the website noticeboard and also available at this link:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AvGm4zsbSvuxcmR6ei1tYlIwVzcxWmRaRzh1eWdvSGc

North London XC Association - race results are available here:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=1xZiI7cOBNRRlhYTU9SXuir6gj6172g2TRbCRL6rTM2Srffn5H9Zd7PHq7wrY 

Chingford League

The results are collated and hosted by Bob Jousiffe from Orion Harriers who works very hard to get the results published in good time.  All the details are here: http://www.bob-orion.me.uk/4.html

Wrap up warm and enjoy those Autumn runs, folks.

Simeon

Men's Road & XC Running Captain

October Newsletter

Hello all, chilly October greetings as the nights draw in and the leaves fall, welcome to the latest newsletter

AGM - This Thursday 20th October, 8:30pm - Club House, Cadogan Terrace

We look forward to welcoming you all at the forthcoming AGM, this Thursday in the Clubhouse, startng at 8:30PM.  The agenda, minutes and accounts are available here and the Directors' annual report is available to read on line. Limited hard copies will be available on the night if need.  Please let me know in advance if you specifically want a hard copy or large print copy and I will make sure one is produced.

October 2.9 mile Monthly Handicap – Thursday October 27^th, 2011. 7pm

Next Thursday the monthly handicap will take place as usual.Previous results are available here.
 

Virgin London Marathon 2012 – Club Allocated Places – Ballot Thursday 27^th October 2011 8:45pm

Once again the club has been allocated 4 places at next year’s race.  The ballot for the places will be held in the club bar after the handicap on Thursday 27^th October (around 8:45pm).  Please let me or any of the other director’s know by Wednesday 26^th if you would like to be entered for the ballot.  Remember, you will need to be eligible for entry in to the ballot, check the eligibility criteria here and remember you will need your rejection letter as proof:http://www.vphthac.org.uk/marathon.html

North London Cross Country Associaton, Kingsbury, Saturday 29th October 2011 (2pm, 2:45pm)
The above XC race is taking place please let me kow ASAP if you would like me to enter you for this race.  Send me your name and DOB by email to vphthac-owner@googlegroups.com

Club House Autumn Working Party - Sunday 6th November

It's Autumn, the leaves are falling thick and fast so we are planning a leaf-based working party on the above date.  If you are part of the club and benefit from the use of the club house, the bar, the coaching sessions, the races etc. now is your chance to give a little bit back if you have yet to do so this year.  We may well stuck like a stuck record (remember those?) but the place really does rely on everyone doing a little bit.  If you've not got involved yet this year come along and do your bit, even for a few hours.

That's it for now.  Hope to see some of you at the AGM or the winter races.

Simeon

Men's Road & XC Captain

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Dear Members

This is to invite you all to the club AGM, which will be held immediately after the Thursday night training session on 20 October 8:30 pm in the main hall of the Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC Club House, St Augustine's Hall, Cadogan Terrace, London. E9

Please note only fully paid-up members are entitled to vote at the AGM.

Please find links to:

1.     A draft agenda for the AGM

2.     Minutes of last year’s AGM

3    Signed annual accounts for the financial year to April 2011

Nominations are invited for these vacant positions on the Board of Directors: 

1      Chair           

2      Director of Women’s Road and Cross Country     

3      Director of Men’s Track and Field     

4      Director of Facilities

5      Director of Coaching and Officials

If you would like to stand for elections to any of the vacant positions, or nominate someone, or wish to propose a motion at the AGM, please let  the Club Secretary, Brenda Puech, know as soon as possible on bpuech@hotmail.com. If you would like to know more about any of the vacant positions, please have a chat with any one of the existing Directors (who can be conducted at vphthac-directors@googlegroups.com).  All requests will be treated as confidential

The latest date for receipt of motions for the AGM is 14 October 2011

Nominations may also be submitted for the following:

President - This is a ceremonial figurehead position within the club. Peter McHugh was Club President during last year.

Life Member - Quoting our club rule:  "Life membership may be awarded to any member upon completion of 21 years continuous membership, or for outstanding service to the club. An eligible candidate must be recommended by the committee and be approved at an Annual General Meeting by a three-fourth's majority decision of all those present." Peter McHugh was the last elected Life Member..

Vice President - A ceremonial award for outstanding service to the club. Kelvin Richards was elected as Vice President last year.

Life Vice President - This is the highest honour that can be bestowed by any club across the country and is not to be taken lightly. In the 105-years of combined history of VPH and THAC, there have only been 14 Life Vice Presidents. The last member to be so honoured was Terry Adams in 2007.

We look forward to seeing you at the AGM.

Best wishes

Simeon

Men's Captain Road & XC Running