ARENA LEAGUE
Another satisfactory result in Round 2, fifth of seven again. A full team for the third round should see us safely in Division 2 for next year. Whilst not being spectacular, our position is satisfactory with so many of the team being in the bottom half of their age group. However, with twenty one teams in the division this year instead of eighteen, I am not sure what will happen next year concerning relegations. Will it be three or will it be six to return to the correct number? If it is six we could get caught out again.
BEACON PROGRAMME
Wheels turn very slowly on this project. With the proposal to have only one club in Bristol having been rejected, this project can only be funded by making a levy on the existing clubs. The first figures produced indicated a demand of about £5 per month per swimmer. It is unlikely that this would have been acceptable to us and it was made clear that Bristol North would not subsidise synchro and water polo but would be prepared to support the costs of competitive swimming. The latest figures show a reduced demand of £3 per month per swimmer. The committee may deem this to be acceptable, especially if some adjustment is made to our membership categories. If we agree to go ahead with this, it may mean digging into our reserves and we will reserve the option of pulling out if the project is not successful or becomes too costly. My feeling is that we can afford to try it out and those pushing this project have a couple of years to prove that it remains viable in the long term. We shall see!
THE FUTURE
We have had a volunteer for some of the jobs we are trying to spread around to relieve the load on just a few families. The two most urgent jobs left are for a Lifeguard Co-ordinator and a Gala Officials Organiser. If we are flooded out with volunteers, there are other jobs that are, perhaps, less vital and are not well done at the moment. Jobs like Team Managers, Volunteer Co-ordinator, Workforce Co-ordinator, Travel Organiser, Schools Liaison Officer, representative on various bodies etc.
Added to these jobs, there is always a need for more qualified lifeguards, gala officials and teachers/coaches. It is becoming more common for event organisers to demand that clubs entering swimmers also provide official(s). It would also be beneficial to the swimmers if we could have a teacher/coach on each lane instead of one coach having to take several lanes.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
Don’t forget the Club Championships on the 19th and 26th November at Horfield with warm-up at 5pm. Any offers of help on the day will be appreciated. As usual, medals will be presented at the end of the swimming and certificates will be presented at the disco. Would those who hold trophies from last year please return them (clean and engraved) as soon as possible so that they can be checked over before being presented at the disco.
PRESENTATION DISCO
The presentation disco will be held at the Stapleton & Begbrook Community Association on Friday, 16th December. The disco is booked for 7pm and the presentations usually start at about 8pm. Arrangements will be as usual with an American Supper. A sheet will be on the Notice Board for you to indicate your attendance and any offers of food. This disco is, of course, open to all members not just those who took part in the Club Championships.
CLUB MEAL
It is proposed to arrange the Club meal for Friday, 2 December at 8pm at the Chinese Restaurant at Hambrook. Sorry it is short notice but if you would like to come, please add your name to the list on the notice board so that we can reserve enough tables. This function is for adults only so I hope you can arrange a babysitter.
SWIM SHOP
The shop is now operating again. Caroline will be available on Sunday, 20th November for, probably, last orders for delivery before Christmas although stock catalogue items seem to be delivered within a couple of days. After that, Caroline will be available on the first Sunday in the month at the Dolphin Pool and the following day at The Ridings. She is then aiming to place orders once a month following these days. She will keep a small stock of routine items like hats, goggles, drinks bottles and kick boards. Simon and Gerald have a copy of the catalogue that you can consult at any other time.
HATS
It would improve the image of the Club if all swimmers at galas who wear a hat would wear a Club hat. Many swimmers wear a hat to control their hair so why not use a Club hat? They are not very expensive even if you have your name on it. Now that the shop is up and running again, unnamed hats will be kept in stock although, due to minimum order requirements, there may be a wait for a named hat. It is also hoped that there will be hats available to borrow at galas for those without one. However, please don’t use that as an excuse not to buy one.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
19 Nov – Club Champs
26 Nov – Bath training
26 Nov – Club Champs
2 Dec – Club meal
10 Dec – Arena League
11 Dec – Glos Blocks 800 F/S
16 Dec – Presentation Disco
18 Dec – Glos Blocks 1500m F/S
22 Dec – Last training session
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Club Information 
