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Message from the Chairman – Summer 2016

Message from the Chairman – Summer 2016

Stuart Emms27 Jul 2016 - 07:03
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Round up of a busy Summer and a look ahead to 2016/17

Dear Members,

It’s been a few months now since the curtain came down on another successful season; which was rightly celebrated at a series of end of year events for both seniors and juniors. Again, I’d like to thank all who contributed, in so many ways, on and off the pitch. I’m proud to lead a club with such passionate membership and supporters who are prepared to give up their time and put something back in.

The days of a close season where the club shuts down until September are seemingly long gone! It’s been a busy few months both behind the scenes and on the pitch with Summer League (men and ladies), Back to Hockey etc.

I’d like to thank those members and parents who came to the AGM a month or so ago. It was heartening to new faces step up and take on roles within the club. There are still some roles to fill; most notably Men’s 3s captain. If you’d like more detail on any of these roles then please contact Myra (Secretary), Stu Jones (Treasurer) or myself.

1. EGM and the rise in fees
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As those of you who attended the AGM will be aware, immediately prior to that meeting WCSF put forward a proposal for increases to the pitch hire costs for next season. As a result the committee did not want to set fees for 2016/17 until we had explored this further. WCSF had discovered that although covering costs over the last 2/3 years, they were not putting enough money aside for the future replacement of the astro and 3G surfaces (8-10 year life cycle).

Their proposed increases were significant, therefore we put forward a counter proposal based upon the fees of other local astro pitches plus a small premium for supporting our own community facility which placed their charges mid-point in comparison.

We are pleased to say that they have agreed to our proposal, however, as a consequence there will unfortunately have to be increases to our own membership costs which we have tried to keep to a minimum and this has been made slightly easier with the addition of 2 teams for the 2016/17 season.`

I would like to add our research indicates that, even with the proposed rises, the club will still be one of the cheaper clubs around. The committee continues to support inclusivity in sport, so any genuine cases of financial hardship can be put to a member of the committee in confidence.

With all this in mind the committee proposed the following fee structure for 2016/17 which was agreed at an EGM at Wotton Sports Centre on 21 July

  • Senior membership: Annual Sub £110, Match fees £7
  • Student/Unwaged/U18 playing senior hockey: Annual Sub £85, Match fees £5
  • Vixens and Badgers: Annual Sub £85, Match fees £4
  • Juniors (U8/10/12): Annual Sub £80, Match fees £3
  • Discounts for family annual memberships are as follows:
  • 3 x juniors/students £225
  • 1 adult & 2 children £245
  • 2 adults & 2 children £340

*** Further emails on how to sign up as a member (and pay your fees!) will be sent in August ***

2. Training 2016/17

SENIOR PRE-SEASON (AUGUST)

  • Men: Weds nights 1930-2030, August 10th onwards
  • Ladies: Thurs nights 1930-2030, August 11th onwards

WINTER TRAINING (SEPT 2016-MARCH 2017)

Tuesdays:

  • Vixens (Girls U16S) 1900-2000
  • Mens 3s, 4s & 5s 2000-2130

Wednesdays:
  • GK Training 1900-2000
  • Badgers (Boys U16S) 1900-2000 ++
  • Mens 1s & 2s 2000-2130

Thursdays:

  • U8 Mixed, U10 Boys & Girls 1800-1900
  • U12 Boys & Girls 1900-2000
  • Ladies 1s, 2s & 3s 2000-2130

++ - This is on half a pitch and we have booked the other half pitch for alternating between GK training and specialist set piece training (details TBC)

I will send a more targeted email to senior members re: selection in due course but given the increase in men’s XIs , and as discussed at AGM, we will be continuing the role of ‘Club Captain’ for both mens and ladies this year. Part of that remit will be to manage the selection process and the split training to ensure that there is appropriate movement between XIs

3. September and Beyond
The eagle eyed among you will have noted that the senior league fixtures for 2016/17 have been released, as well as the Badgers circle. We are still awaiting confirmation of vixens fixtures.
We have booked the vast majority of pitch slots with WCSF/Sport Wotton so all being well members will notice little difference to how Saturdays shape up at the pitch; but we will full publish details of fixtures and times as soon as these are nailed down. In the meantime, you can view the League Programme here:
http://www.wswhl.co.uk/public/fixturesmenu.php
http://www.wcwhl.co.uk/public/fixturesmenu.php

Our fixture secretaries have already begun getting friendly games for the coming season. More on this to follow; with a full programme of junior tournaments, both at Sport Wotton and in Cheltenham to be confirmed too.

I know there is a lot to take in here, but felt that a detailed update on the position of the club and our immediate plans was long overdue.
As ever, the club really appreciates the continued support we get from members and their families. Any further queries on any of this information, don’t hesitate to ask a committee member but for now enjoy the rest of your Summer…

Stuart Emms, Chairman

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