We will be publishing resources and key information on the dedicated Return to Play page
AGM
It’s an important AGM this year as we say goodbye to Kevin Aitchison, our Chair of the last ten years, Vice Chair Mike Spence, Board members Simon Le Fevre and Andrew Flatt, all of whom have served a similar time, and to Suzy Christopher who has been with us since 2017. In their place we welcome Ed Warner as our new Chair and Sam Seddon, Chris Conway, Paula Dunn and Kate Clayton, and you will hear from them at the meeting. My previous notification of the AGM explained that this year because of COVID-19 restrictions the auditors were unable to start their work until recently, and so we will adjourn the meeting this week when we have finished all the items we can deal with, and then reconvene on 16 December by which time the report and financial information will be available. We have received no Member resolutions this year nor any AOB so the only resolution to be voted on is the Special Resolution relating to changes to the Board’s composition. I sent out a separate note which explains the rationale for that resolution and it is worth you reading this so that you are clear what such changes would mean – click here for the full set of AGM papers. I hope that many of you will be able to take part in the AGM this week as it will all be live online, and do make sure you register. If not then Full Members are invited to cast proxy votes, details of which Daniel has sent out.
Annual Awards
You will remember that we launched our Awards & Recognition system last year after a lot of work and consultation supported by Bob O’Shea, and as advised by many of those who have been part of wheelchair rugby in the country since its beginning. The principle of the system is simple, it is ‘to recognise, celebrate and record those who have made an exceptional, significant and long term contribution to the sport’ and there are three distinct categories: Honorary Life Member, Outstanding Service to Sport and the Hall of Fame. It is hoped that we will have the panel to select the first recipients of the awards in October but currently we have received no nominations. We all know that there are many people out there who it is worth us remembering and acknowledging. Anyone can submit a nomination and if you would like to do so the details can be found here.
Return to Play
It is a little ironic that as we just get things in place to RTP, the dreaded COVID-19 is on the rise again and we await further details of any additional measures, including further restrictions, that may be put in place in an attempt to manage the further spread of the virus. Congratulations to Bournemouth, Penrith Pumas and West Country Hawks who have all met all of the conditions to RTP. Special recognition goes to Hawks who also had to find a new venue due to the unavailability of their regular venue. It is important to stress that if a member resides in an area that is in a local lockdown they will not be permitted to travel and attend a training session in an area which is not in lockdown. So if you live in a lockdown area but your club is in an area without such a restriction you will not be able to travel to train with your club until your area is out of lockdown. If you have any questions about that then contact our COVID-19 Officer. We will all need to be alert to the changing situation which may even require us to suspend the current RTP plan.
David Pond, Chief Executive
