| Chairman's Corner (Sept 2009) |
Dear All,
Welcome to my first news letter for some time.
With the summer holidays over, swimmers back into training and already achieving our best result, in the Trade Paints Gala, for many years I thought it was time to update you on a number things happening in the club.
First of all I would like to congratulate all the swimmers for the fantastic result on Saturday. It is the first time that I can remember when Epsom has beaten Kingston Royals in a straight head to head gala. Considering Kingston are normally finalists in the National Swimming League (Speedo League) our victory was an outstanding achievement so early on in the season. I’m now looking forward to the start of this year’s National League which starts on Saturday 10th October so please ensure this date is kept free especially if you are likely to be selected.
As you know we are always trying to improve the quality of the services and facilities that we offer our swimmers and this year will be no different, in fact this year the committee has made a significant decision to improve the quality of our swimmers competitive experience by agreeing to invest in an electronic timing system. The new timing system will be installed in the Rainbow Centre, hopefully in time for our club championships. The system will be similar to the system on trial at the sprint championships with the exception of the display board, which will be a full colour display board capable of providing a full result service and displaying video images, just like at the Olympics!
With the new timing equipment we will be able to hold our own Open Meets and provide increased opportunities for our swimmers to achieve Regional and National qualifying times. Watch this space for the dates of our very first Epsom and District Open Meet!
Due to the significant investment being made by the club, which is in the region of £25,000 the committee has committed to raising the funds to cover the cost over the next 12 months from fundraising activities and applications for funding from local authorities and companies.
To kick of the fundraising I am delighted to tell you that we have already received a very kind offer of a very generous donation of £10,000 which will go a long way to helping us achieve our target. I would like to say a very BIG THANK YOU to the person concerned who has asked to remain anonymous. We will also be holding a Grand Christmas Draw and we will be hoping that all the swimmers and parents will support us by selling as many tickets as possible. If every swimmer sold only 2 books of 5 tickets (£10 worth) we will immediately raise £3,000. In the New Year we will be holding a sponsored swim on a Saturday night when the Rainbow Centre has kindly offered us the pool free of charge so this will be another opportunity to raise a substantial sum of money. Watch out for other fundraising events over the next year.
If any of you know somebody or work for a company who is able to help us please give me a call (01737 370513). We will also be looking for some substantial prizes for the Grand Draw so if you are able to help, again, please give me a call or speak to Wendy Griffiths who can usually be found selling the club kit.
That reminds me I would like to say a very special thank you to Adam’s wife, Elise, who spent many hours working on the new logo, which can now be found on the new kit. Wendy has also done a fantastic job over the summer working with the suppliers to come up with an excellent range of equipment. All details can be found on the web site at www.edsc.co.uk/_pages/propershopping.html
With the number of galas and Open Meets coming up it would be good to see all the swimmers and supports wearing the club kit or waving a club flag!
Some other important dates for your diary include:
The Quiz Night & AGM being held on Saturday 31st October at Banstead Community Hall. This was a very successful event last year so please come along with your friends and family and test your skills and knowledge while enjoying a drink and a slap up fish & chip supper. The event is free to attend but if you would like to order your fish & Chips for £5 please buy your meal tickets from Wendy or your Squad Manager. This event also includes a brief AGM (while you eat your fish & Chips) which will provide you with an opportunity to hear how the club has been getting on over the past 12 months and also an opportunity for you to ask the committee any questions you may have.
Nearer to Christmas we will be holding our 5th Annual Ball. This year with a slight difference as it will be held in the Chalk Lane Hotel, rather than the Queens Stand. This will be an outstanding evening of fun and entertainment as we have secured the services of a very popular local band, The Italian Trio, who will be supplying the music for the evening. We have managed to keep the ticket price down to £45, the same as the last 5 yrs! So put the 28th November date in your diary, put on your dancing shoes and have some fun! I would like to thank Sue Woodcock who has organised the Ball this year and her fellow Masters swimmers who have been supporting her.
National Swimming League dates this year will be 10th October, 14th November and the final will be on the 12th December. Please ensure you keep these dates free as the National Swimming League is our most important event of the year so we need our very best team available.
Lastly I would like to wish all the swimmers the very best for the coming year. We had some outstanding results last year and things are looking even better for this year. With the new timing system and some hard work I am sure we can exceed last year’s performances in the pool.
Don’t forget we are always in desperate need for help and assistance to run the club so if you would like to join our merry band of volunteers please do not hesitate to give me a call or speak to your squad manager of coach.
I look forward to seeing you all at the Quiz Night and AGM on the 31st October.
Leigh Atkinson
Chairman EDSC
