Northern Rowing Council AGM November 7th 2006-10-30
Report of the Divisional Representative
I took up the post of Divisional Representative in January 2006
Regional Items
Club Affiliations
This year has seen the de-affiliation of the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle and Durham High School
Applications for new clubs include Yarm School Former Pupils and QEHS former pupils and Hild Bede Alumni (approval pending at November Council).
Regional Plan
The region continues to move forward on implementing the Forward Plan with the introduction of World Class Start across the Region with WCS athletes now based at Tees, Durham and Tyne. The region welcomed Nathan Edwards as successor to Andy Bird at the WCS Coach at Easter 2006. Nathan is feeling his way as to how best to proceed with the expansion of the programme in the region. Other participating clubs include Sunderland and Chester-le-Street.
Legacy Bid for London 2012
In January 2006 the region were requested by Peter Warburton in his capacity as Board Member at Sport England to prepare a bid totalling in the order of £500,000 to boost coaching in the region to assist in increasing participation and developing potential medallists for 2012. It was urgent in January 2006, but as tends to be the way of these major National initiatives things have not moved as swiftly as originally anticipated. It is understood progress will be made early in 2007. The proposal is lodged on the Northern Rowing News web site along with the Regional Forward Plan
ARA Council Business
I have attended two out of a possible three Council Meetings with the next one scheduled for November 25th 2006. I am primarily in listening mode at present and will highlight key issues as they arise through the Northern Rowing Council and the NE News Site. However, I am presently involved in taking forward the views of Durham and Newcastle University Boat Clubs in relation to key changes made to the Performance Strategy document for selection of GB athletes. I am liaising with other Div reps from Cambridge, Oxford and London. The key area of concern relates to an amendment to the original published strategy that now requires all funded senior athletes to be based full-time at Caversham, regardless of where the athletes are in relation to their education. Failure to comply will result in withdrawal of funding. The Div Reps brought this issue to the attention of Council at its meeting in September.It transpired this amendment had not been brought to the attention of the National Executive when they discussed and approved the document in the summer. AS a consequence Council resolved that further discussions should take place between the International Manager, the ARA Chair, the Div Reps and relevant coaches. These discussions are presently taking place and I will keep the region advised through my updates.
Barbara Millns, November 1st 2006