Oxford University Lifesaving Club

Oxford University Lifesaving Club: AGM

Date: Thursday 1st March 2007 (7th wk HT)

Location: Alex Liu’s flat: Oxpens Road

Current Committee

President: Richard Earnshaw

Captain: Rachel Rowland

Secretary: Emily Allsop

Treasurer: Sophie Abington

Kit officer: David Pallot

IT officer: Chris Bull

Social Secretaries: Katie Eyre and James Collins

Agenda:

1. Apologies

2. Matters arising from previous year’s minutes

3. President’s report

4. Captain’s report

5. Treasurer’s report

6. Issues arising from present year

7. Women’s half blue criteria

8. Cuppers

9. Competitions

10. AOB

11. Presentation of certificates

12. Voting of the new committee

1. Apologies:

Were received by Simon Sellars (coach).

2. Matters arising from previous year’s minutes

Sophie pointed out that in the previous year £250 was put aside to spend on fins, but that this money was never spent.

3. President’s report- Richard Earnshaw

Richard pointed out that he would like his speech to be kept brief and that it would be similar to previous reports. He gave thanks to everybody for their help, especially Rachel and Verdeep (Verdeep for being so kind as to drive the club to Cambridge for the Varsity competition). Richard stated that varsity was tremendous fun and that everyone enjoyed it. He suggested that the club do more competitions next year. He thanked Rachel, who sent in information to the ‘Oxford Student’ newspaper about the carbon monoxide incident in the varsity competition. He restated his thanks and commented that the term had been difficult, not as regards training itself, but where attendance was concerned. He stated that the committee must ensure that as many people take part in lifesaving as possible. He wished the forthcoming committee good luck for next year. Richard stated that Wednesday morning training sessions should be attended as much as possible. Finally, he made reference to a remark made by a friend who had asked: “What kind of a sport is lifesaving?” Richard had replied: “At least it doesn’t get called off when it rains” (alluding to rowing). He concluded by wishing the committee (once more) good luck for the next term.

4. Captain’s report- Rachel Rowland

Rachel seconded the comments made by Richard

5. Treasurer’s report:

Sophie stated that the current balance of the club was £818.12 and indicated that everything was looking good.

Following on from this, a discussion was launched regarding the club’s expenditure. The following points were made:

-Katie suggested that money be spent on fins.

-Attendants postulated as to what size fins to order.

-Suggestion was made that 2 pairs should be purchased: one in the average boys’ size and other in the average girls’ size.

-All were in favour of this proposal (except for Thomasz Kludka, who abstained to vote)

-Verdeep agreed to buy fins and it was suggested that he consult ‘unilifesaving.org.uk/rules’, as this website contains information regarding widths of fins allowed in competitions.

Sophie then stated that she still required subs from 8 members.

It was agreed by all that subs for next year be kept at £10.

6. Issues arising from present year

Session times were changed this year so that the Thursday training session would begin at 8pm rather than 7:30 pm. It was agreed that this time remain the same for the future term i.e meeting at 7:45 pm at the reception of the university sports centre (so as to facilitate a prompt 8 pm start in the bungalow of the centre) in order to perform dry-side activities from 8-9 pm and then pool training from 9-10 pm. The Wednesday morning session would be kept at 7:30-8:30 am.

It was pointed out that lack of attendance this year had been especially problematic. The suggestion was made that everything possible be done in order to ensure that that awareness of the lifesaving club be raised amongst forthcoming freshers. Sophie pointed out that the committee needed to get in touch with them promptly, unlike this year. Rachel pointed out that the web-page is a useful reference point for freshers and that it should be updated. Nick Birch offered to teach a volunteer how to deal with the web-page.

7. Women’s half blue criteria

All agreed that the criteria for the women’s half blue should remain unchanged.

8. Cuppers

Saturday of 3rd week of Trinity term (2007) was proposed as a date for the cuppers competition. Richard stated that he would book the pool for the competition.

9. Competitions

Rachel pointed out that the Loughborough competition would be held on the 5th of May and enquired as to how many people would be interested in participating. She suggested the possibility of having a joint Oxford-Cambridge team enter. Nick pointed out that the club might like to take part in beach lifesaving competitions.

10. Awards

Sophie pointed out that she would like to do the ‘Bronze Medallion’ award, while Katie would like to do ‘Life Suport 3’. Richard stated that the club should aim to do exams/ awards in either 6th or 7th week of Trinity term.

11. AOB

No further kit was requested.

Concerns over the possibility of a lack of coach for the coming year were raised. The current coach (Simon Sellars) was reported to be possibly leaving Oxford. Nick suggested that the previous secretary (Gillian Hamnett) might be available to coach. Katie pointed out that coaches do not necessarily have to be qualified and proposed Nathan Saunders (university sports centre worker) as a possible choice. Richard affirmed that both Nathan and Gillian should be contacted. Nick pointed out that Keith Cottell was a local lifesaver who might not be averse to helping out.

Overall, members agreed that only one coach was required and that his/her main purpose would be to train the club in the run-up to competitions.

It was requested that Emily Allsop forward her pictures from the varsity competition on to Jenny Foreman.

12. Presentation of certificates.

The following awards were given out:

Wednesday morning swim trophy: Rachel Rowland

Most improved lifesaver: Thomasz Kludka

James Rollinson thespian award: Katie Eyre

The extreme muppetry award: Emily Allsop

13. Voting of the new committee

The new committee was elected as follows:

President: Rachel Rowland

Captain/ IT Manager: Jenny Foreman

Secretary: James Collins

Treasurer: Richard Earnshaw

Kit officer/ Social Secretary: Ellie Buchdahl

As regards the elections, it was pointed out that criteria for positions on the lifesaving committee provided only guidelines, that the president was free to delegate as much as he/she felt necessary and that the club were free to organise and assign duties according to what they deemed appropriate.