Tuesday 13 March 2012

March Newsletter

Hello folks

Lots to update you on this month, lots to keep you busy and involved in your club.  Firstly, this coming Thursday a chance to hear about the proposed clubhouse improvements and have your say, too:

Thursday 15th March - 8:45-10:00 PM - Clubhouse Improvements Open Night
There will be an open evening  for all members to review the plans for the clubhouse improvement works and discuss them with the refurbishment committee.  This will be an informal drop in session where you can bring up a drink from the bar and look through the drawings, discuss, and make comments etc.  Members are encouraged to attend but if you are unable to make the open evening and would like to comment, you can review the documents at the links below and email the board at vphthac-directors@googlegroups.com
 
The previous and current boards have been seeking grant funding to improve the facilities and accessibility of the clubhouse. Sufficient funding is now in place to undertake phase 1 and 2 of the improvement works.  Below is a brief summary of funding and proposed improvements.
 
Grants
Secured Funds:
London Marathon Trust -  £50k
VPHTHAC club funds    -  £20k to £30k
 
We expected a further £50k to be approved by City Bridge Trust on 15 March. Further funding is being sought.         
 
Improvements
Phase 1 & 2 – stage removed from hall; gym relocation to space occupied by female changing rooms; new female changing and shower area above Men’s changing on first floor; unisex disabled changing with WC and shower; external works to improve disability/wheelchair access to the hall; central heating in changing areas, bar and committee room. Please click the links below for: 

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Saturday 17th March 2012 - Chingford League Relays - Highams Park
The last cross country of the season, and a real bit of fun this one. Whilst the individual races are over there are still team prizes to be decided so, once again, I encourage as many members as possible to come and run.  It's in the lovely and easy-to-get-to Highams Park. Given the terrain and dry weather of late you may not even need spikes.  There will be two races: 12.30pm u13 boys +girls  (one lap park), 1.00pm all other categories, (one lap park, one lap lake) 
Full details will be posted on the club noticeboard.

Thursday 29th  March 2012, 7pm - Monthly 2.9 mile Handicap - Well St Common
The last 'short' handicap of this season will take place as usual at the end of the Month before we move on to the summer 5 mile course in the park for 5 months.  As ever, previous results [typed up by me :-) ] are all available here:

Thursday April 12th, 7:15pm start - Assembly League Race #1 - Beckenham
April = Summer = Assembly League = Yay!   For the six summer months, the Assembly League runs on Thursday evenings early in the month.  This is a great little series, a chance to get a fast, flat road race around 3-4 miles on a school night, usually followed by some essential re-hydration. As ever, the first race is in Beckenham.  PLEASE START PLANNING NOW to attend this one. Yes, it's a bit of a sacrifice and a bit further to travel than usual but it is worthwhile.  We have won this league in Mens and Womens teams in previous years (medals available to view upon request).  Look out for the Assembly League website going live soon as well.

General News:  Club Expenses Policy 
The board recently adopted an expenses policy to cover the sort of costs the are incurred attending events.  Please read carefully if it is relevant or of interest to you and feel free to address any questions to the board at the email address above or come and have a chat in person. The policy will be added to the website, along with claims forms for you to download and complete in order to make your claim.

Too much to fit in this month so look out for another update soon. In the meanwhile, check out the club website, with a wonderful picture of the club's own World Championship Gold Medal Winning Perry Shakes-Drayton.  Check out the club Facebook page, expertly tended to by Stanley, follow us on Twitter , expertly tweeted by Joe Feltham. Or come and drink in our bar on a Thursday night. Or, simply feel proud of being part this great club.

Simeon 
Road and XC Captain