DEAR MEMBERS, AND PARENTS OF JUNIOR MEMBERS

The Directors and Member’s Committee would like, on an ongoing basis, to keep everyone associated with the club, as informed as possible, of the various activities that may have recently taken place, or may be due to take place, that relate to club matters. We currently try to do this by means of announcements, posters, the Club Newsletter, and by postings on the club website. To further increase this distribution of information, we would like to create a database of member’s email addresses, which would be used for circulating this information, messages from Team Managers, or for occasionally contacting specific individuals. This facility would also help to reduce the amount of time, and money spent in printing off newsletters, and handouts that, quite often, end up in the bottom of a kit bag, and never re-surface until it is too late.

We are therefore requesting our members, who have access to email, to send an email to:-

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , confirming that they are happy for their email address to be added to our database. The provision of contact telephone numbers would also be useful for Team Managers, but is entirely optional.

Many thanks, in anticipation of your co-operation, and assistance in this matter.

Yours Sincerely

Dave Lilley

Chairman,

Doncaster Athletic Club (and proud of it!!!!)

Dear Member / Parent of Junior Member,

• Are you genuinely interested in maximising yours, or your child’s athletic potential?
• Do you want this club to be able to provide the levels of coaching, and facilities that will enable you, or your child, to achieve these goals?

If you have answered “YES” to the above, it is within your power to help in making this happen. The club is currently run by 6 Directors, and an elected Members Committee. However, there are a number of positions on the Members Committee that were not filled at our AGM, or have, since, fallen vacant. As the club grows, and it aspires to move forward, the workload increases proportionately. The few people who currently shoulder this workload are all volunteers, and cannot hope to sustain this level of commitment long-term, so we cannot hope to take the club forward to where we all wish it to go.

We need “YOU” to get involved in the future development of this club. The more people that participate, the greater the level of knowledge, and expertise, that is at the club’s disposal, so the more that can be achieved. We are not looking for wholesale commitment, but maybe just a few hours of involvement each month, that could, say, enable us to submit a funding application, hold a social, or fundraising event, or to move equipment around when we host athletic meetings. It all adds up, and helps us to carry out functions more efficiently, and professionally.

If “YOU” want to help make a difference, then please attend our next MEMBERS MEETING, which is on Wednesday, 30^th June, at 7pm, in the Keepmoat Stadium, Lower Press Room. In addition to, hopefully, making our Member’s Committee much stronger, the key items for discussion on the agenda will be:-

1. Club Relaunch
2. Junior Captains & Junior Section
3. Clubmark re-accreditation
4. Annual Open Meeting (30^th August 2010)

I look forward to seeing you there.

Regards

DAVE LILLEY

CHAIRMAN

This year with your help i'd like to raise money for Cancer Research.  Since Mandy was diagnosed with Cancer 3 years ago she has undergone lots of treatment and although she is well on the road to recovery our world is still dominated by the illness.  We have come to understand how much the health care sector relies on cancer charities, for money, resources and technology.  Cancer Research is hugely important to everyone who finds themselves, like Mandy either fighting cancer or recovering from it.

If we can raise £2000 this time around, Mandy and I would have exceeded £10,000 raised in the past 3 years.  It's a big effort so the challenge needs to be big too.  The Nokio Coast to Coast is a big race, competed by 499 elite athletes and me, over 2 days in September, from the East Coast of Scotland (Nairn) to the West Coast (near Oban).  It covers 175km over rugged terrain and has to be traversed on bike, foot and kayak.  It includes a marathon and over 100km by mountain bike including the cycle trails around the foothills of Ben Nevis.

Click here to make a donation

An Evening With

BRIAN SCOBIE

Wednesday 9^th June @ 7.00pm  Club 39, Waterdale

UKA Senior Endurance Coach

This free event will allow you the opportunity to meet one of the leading endurance coaches in the country and explore with him the secret to success.

Brian, the coach to leading marathon runners Angie Payne, Peter Whitehead, Veronique Marot and others will share his plans and experiences, as well as offer advice on how you can develop your athletic ability.

Open to all members, please contact Mark Hudson to confirm attendance as places are limited. (07966 886280)

Bar Open throughout the evening

Dear Members,

Although our Membership Year runs January to December, our rules currently allow members to refrain from renewing their membership until June, before they would also have to pay the additional joining fee. This, combined with the economic climate, has led to a larger than normal proportion of memberships not yet being renewed. However, as a self-funding organisation, the club is reliant upon membership fees as one of its key sources of income, in order to operate. Whilst this is not causing us any financial difficulties, it limits our ability to take the club forward, and we would ask those members who have not yet paid their membership to do so as soon as possible.

It should be emphasised that, as in previous years, members, who have not paid this year's fees, are ineligible for selection to represent the club, in any team competition. We do not want to exclude anyone from competing on these grounds, so, if this applies to you, we would ask you to rectify the situation immediately.

Going forward, the Directors are looking at changing these rules, in order to ensure that all memberships are paid more promptly. However, if anyone feels that their circumstances warrant special consideration (eg, hardship), they can state their case in writing to the Directors, for them to consider.

We believe that our membership fees are very reasonable, and offer excellent value for money. As such, we trust that those members who intend renewing, but have not yet done so, will rectify this in the very near future.


The Directors
DONCASTER A.C.

There is an EGM at the police Club on 5th May at 7.30 to discuss (a) membership fees for volunteers and (b) how to revitalise members meetings, as well as usual club business. The EGM will be preceded with a meeting at 6.30 to discuss road running issues.

DONCASTER SPORTS AWARDS 2010

Doncaster Free Press, together with the Keepmoat Stadium are hosting the Doncaster Sports Awards, with a gala awards night being held at the Stadium on 21^st May. The categories for nominations to be made are:-

Sports Personality of the Year
An individual whose sporting achievements have made Doncaster proud. This person will have made a real difference to the town thanks to their dedication to and achievements in their chosen sport.

* Junior Sports Personality of the Year (from any sports pro or amateur aged under 21)From any sport, a young achiever whose sporting achievements in the last 12 months have highlighted their individual sporting talent.

* Sports Business of the Year
A business whose contribution to improve and promote the sporting life of the borough has encouraged people to participate in sport.

* Unsung Hero
An unpaid individual that has worked tirelessly to make an outstanding contribution to the sports community. Any age/gender. Can include schools/teacher.

* Lifetime Achievement Award
To recognise an individual who has achieved in sport at regional, national or international level over a sustained period. The individual can be a current or past sportsman, sportswoman, administrator or coach who as a result has enhanced the sporting profile to the region. Any age or gender.

* Coach/Manager of the Year (pro or amateur)
A Doncaster based individual that has significantly contributed to the performance, progress or the impact made by an individual(s) or a team at a regional, national or international level. Any age or gender.

* Disabled Sports Personality
Showing outstanding achievement, commitment and dedication in their field.

* Outstanding Individual Sporting Moment
A person/team that in the last 12 months has produced a significant sporting performance at local, national or international level. This could range from setting a new record to winning a significant tournament. Any age or gender.

* Amateur Sports Club of the Year
From any sport, organisations that have promoted participation in sport for the benefit of all. Any age or gender.

* Professional Club of the Year
From any sport, a professional club that have lead by example and encouraged and promoted sport in their chosen field.

* Hope for the future award
An individual under the age of 18 who has shown true potential in any given sporting area. This individual may not have won accolades for their dedication but must be able to demonstrate a passion for their chosen sport that could lead them to bigger and better things in the future "one to watch".

* Team of the Year (amateur)
An amateur club that has performed beyond expectations and in doing so has demonstrated the true spirit of sport.

All nominations must be received by 16^th April by using the online link at:-

www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/free-press-news/Keepmoat-and-Free-Press-Sports.6055457.jp

There have been some tremendous team, and individual performances by DAC athletes in the last year. Get nominating your DAC star(s), or club now!!!

Added 3 new links to the links page which can be found under the information menu.

• AAA Standards
• Youth Athletics in the UK

Please let me know if you find a relevant site that we could include on our links page.

(Thanks to Les Grant for these)

• runbritain.com

Martin

Just a polite reminder that next Wednesday evening (10th February), at 7pm, in the Lower Press Room, it is our Monthly Members Meeting. I know not all of you are elected officials of the club, but it is a meeting that is open to all DAC members (or parents of junior members) to attend, and to give constructive input that may help to take the club forward.

We are a successful club, with an ever-increasing membership, and aspirations to continue with both the success and development for our athletes. All of this can only be achieved by taking on greater commitments, by becoming more professional, and by raising more money to invest in whatever way is necessary to benefit our fine crop of athletes. As the saying goes, "Many hands make light work" so we are always looking for more people to help share the load, and to bring their knowledge and expertise to the table. If you are free to come along, please come down and see if you can help us make what is a very good club, a GREAT club!! Please also encourage others, who I do not have email addresses for, to come along.

Dave Lilley

Annual Xmas Walk 2009

Sunday Dec. 27^th

This years annual walk will take us around the picturesque Barrow Hill Woods Nr. Everton. We will be leaving Everton at 10.00am (prompt) walking through the village and up to the woods via a path which takes us over fields which look out over the Idle Valley. Barrow Hill is a refuge for wildlife, birds abound and it is not uncommon to see deer grazing in nearby fields. We will make our way though the woods coming out at Harwell and then take a path which takes us over to Mattersey. Here we will re-enter woodland before arriving back at our starting point. The route is approx. 5.5 miles long, but for those who prefer a shorter route a detour cutting off approx. 1.25 miles can be made at Harwell.

The meeting point is the layby  to the right hand side of the main road just as you leave Everton. The location is easy to find, just take the A638 to Bawtry and turn left on to the A631 at the traffic lights just past the Market Square and head towards Gainsbrough . Everton is about 3miles from Bawtry.

If the weather has been wet there is the possibility that some of the tracks could be muddy so it is advisable to wear some stout shoes, and don’t forget a weatherproof coat.

For those who wish to participate, we will, on our return, be adjourning to the White Swan, commonly known as the Mucky Duck ! For lunch and some liquid refreshment. The landlord has assured us of a warm welcome and a variety of food including carvery will be available.

Hope to see you there.

Chris Firth

CROSS COUNTRY AND CLUB TRACK AND FIELD 2009

AWARDS NIGHT

FRIDAY 19^TH FEBRUARY 2010 AT THE CORONATION CLUB, TRANMOOR LANE, ARMTHORPE 6PM TO 11.30PM.

Featuring:

• 6pm award presentation by surprise guest
• 8pm buffet
• 9pm family magic show
• 10pm disco
• Raffle

A great opportunity to celebrate our Club achievements but in particular the outstanding results of our athletes, plus the new addition of a magic show for all the family.

Tickets available from Kev Lincoln, £4 for adults and £2 for juniors

NOW ON SALE-LIMITED NUMBERS

TO ALL PARENTS & ATHLETES

NOTICE RE PROPOSED MOTIONS

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

7pm on 2^nd DECEMBER 2009

@ THE POLICE CLUB (CLUB 39), WATERDALE, DONCASTER

We wish to keep the meeting as organised, and as brief as we possibly can. To assist this process, if any member (or parent of a Junior Member) is wishing to put forward a motion, relating to a change in the Club Constitution, for consideration at this AGM, can they please submit their proposal in writing (to be handed in at the Club Reception desk), or by emailing myself, by the 14^th November 2009. All such proposals will be added to the Agenda and posted on the club website prior to the AGM, so that they can be considered by the membership before attending the meeting, where the proposals will be discussed and voted on.

Unless there are exceptional circumstances, we do not intend accepting further proposals at the meeting, although amendments to submitted proposals will be considered.

The current Club Constitution, including the amendments (*) passed at the EGM on 14/10/09, can be found on the Club website, under “Information – About Us”. Please quote the reference of any section that you are proposing to be amended.

Many thanks

Dave Lilley

Club Chairman

(Email address:- This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

(*) – these EGM constitutional amendments are passed, subject to ratification at the AGM.

NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS, OR PARENTS OF MEMBERS:-

Dear All

I posted an article on the club website on 6th October, under the heading "YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT THE CLUB'S FUTURE". In it, I asked for as many people as possible to send me details of what they felt were the short, medium and long term priorities that we needed to look at, in order to compile a new Club Development Plan that we could use to take YOUR club forward. I asked for responses to be sent to me within 2 weeks, i.e. by 20th October. To date I have received 2 responses, which, out of a membership of 600, can hardly be analysed as a representative cross-section of opinion. It suggests that either our members do not look at the club website, or they are not interested in the future development of the club. Website hit-rate statistics infer that it is not the former, and can, therefore, only conclude that nobody else wishes to use this opportunity to influence the club's future development.

The Directors need to compile the Club Development Plan, before the AGM, which is on 2nd of December, and must therefore start to do this very shortly. As such we are extending the deadline until next Friday (30th October) giving everyone a last chance to submit their suggestions. At that point, the Directors will use the consensus of opinions / ideas submitted, together with their knowledge of operations, to put together the revised Plan. We want our members to take an active role in driving the club forward, rather than just sitting back and leaving others to make all the decisions. Please do not waste this last chance to influence how the club develops.

Kind Regards
Dave Lilley
Chairman
Doncaster Athletic Club (and proud of it!!!).
Tel: 07917833860
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

NOMINATIONS

FOR

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARDS

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, 02/12/09

@ 7pm

POLICE CLUB, WATERDALE.

NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS

NOMINATIONS ARE INVITED FROM MEMBERS FOR THOSE THAT YOU CONSIDER WORTHY OF RECEIVING “HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP” OF DONCASTER ATHLETIC CLUB.

SUCH AWARDS ARE NOT GIVEN OUT LIGHTLY, AND ARE USUALLY PRESENTED IN RECOGNITION OF EXTRA-ORDINARY SERVICE TO THE CLUB OR TO ATHLETICS OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS, ALTHOUGH THIS NEED NOT ALWAYS BE THE CASE. NOMINATIONS NEED NOT NECESSARILY BE FOR SOMEONE WHO IS CURRENTLY, OR HAS EVER BEEN, A MEMBER OF DAC.

TO NOMINATE SOMEONE PLEASE COMPLETE A NOMINATION FORM IN FULL AND RETURN TO OUR RECEPTION DESK BY 3rd NOVEMBER 2009.

(FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM OUR RECEPTION OR BY DOWNLOADING THEM).