AGM 2006	Added 21 March 2006

Chairman's notes:

The AGM of the Association was held on the 17th March at Park House Leatherhead. As the elected chairman, Michael Firth, was away in Melbourne supporting our Surrey and other British athletes it was my honour, and pleasure, to once again take the chair.

The meeting followed its now familiar three-part format of presentations of the Annual Awards, a social break for refreshments and then the formal AGM.

We were able to welcome special guests. Tony Randall (with Mrs. Randall) the immediate Past President of Middlesex County Association and Peter Masters the interim chair of the new South East Region of England Athletics. Both the guests spoke briefly at the end of the social period. Tony concluded by wishing Surrey well for the coming season of competition but that nevertheless he hoped that Middlesex would do better. Peter gave a brief resume of his ambitions for athletics under the new regional structure and saying that he saw the continuing role of the County Associations as a most important part of the move forward (Notes & Progress Report).

There were about 60 people present for the awards and the social break. Most of the recipients of the awards were present - the main absentees being on duty in Melbourne. The plaques will be passed on to them at an early opportunity. An extra presentation, by Elspeth Turner of England Athletics, was of a certificate to Guildford and Godalming AC on achieving ‘Clubmark’.

The principal activities of the AGM itself are to report on the past year including finance. To say thanks to the retiring President Rachel Disley, who said that she had very much enjoyed her year. She attended most of the functions and representative meetings of the County. Then the new President for 2006/7, David Barrington of Kingston AC & Polytechnic Harriers, was duly elected. We wish him well for the forthcoming year.

Then there was the election of the officers, sub committee secretaries and team managers. Happily many of the posts are filled by volunteers, but there still some vacancies (see Contacts for list of officers and vacancies). If these posts are not filled then it is likely that teams will not be selected to represent Surrey in inter County competitions. Would anyone like to take on one of these jobs? It is a very worthwhile activity.

The Constitution of the Association allows for 20 members to be elected from the clubs. Those elected work with the Past Presidents, Life vice Presidents and Vice Presidents to make sure the County committee stays in touch with what the clubs needs and to bring new ideas forward for the benefit of Surrey Athletics. Sadly, this year the number of nominations was the smallest it has ever been. There were only 6. The club representatives are key to the wellbeing of the Association and its activities. Why not make sure your club is represented. Better still why not volunteer yourself? The committee meets in Leatherhead only 6 times a year. You would be most welcome.

Michael Cowlard
(Past President & Past Chairman).