Chairman’s Report AGM  21/10/08

Welcome to everyone to the first AGM of Burnley Bobcats ADM.

It seems not that long ago that the late Alan Moorhouse was standing on poolside.

How circumstances quickly change & develop.

From the uncertain days following Alan’s death, I believe we, as a group of parents, have not only stabilized the Club, but have also established a strong & vibrant Competitive Swim Squad, that is developing in the right direction, even as I speak.

We currently have over 60 members, 50+ swimming & 11 non swimming, each playing a vital role within Bobcats.

There are three qualified coaches on poolside, who all give their valuable time on a voluntary basis. Without the coaches we would not exist.  A big thank you to them for all their efforts.

The co-operation between ourselves & the feeder clubs has developed to such an extent, that we regular introduce new swimmers to the squad, again vital for the continuity of the club.

Our pool time is constantly being assessed, to see if we can maximise sessions and look to add additional ones. For example Manchester Aquatics LC training is booked through to July 09 on a monthly basis; we are currently negotiating dates for the remainder of 2009.

This commitment shows that we have a strong foundation and that we are serious about what we want to achieve.

Two members of our committee sit on the Burnley Aquatic Development Forum, which meets monthly to discuss Aquatic issues within the borough. It is important that Bobcats has a voice in this arena, again we are proactive in many of the initiatives that result from the meetings. As well as forging relationships with other clubs, some feeder.

I can show lots of area’s where I believe we are building & developing a club to be proud of!

The notice board is always full, a website has just been launched, regular events/trips organised and everyone seems enthusiastic to succeed. These ingredients help bond a family environment that we try to promote & ultimately achieve.

I must mention the swimmers, as quoted earlier, we are growing in numbers on a monthly basis, with lots of enquiries to join, gala entries are up, most training sessions have become well attended & most importantly the swimmers are improving, putting the Bobcats name back on the rostrums.

These few facts all point to a club going in the right direction.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all committee members, coaches & parents who have supported me over the past year.

Taking a phrase from the new website

‘ Alan Moorhouse did the hard work, we just carried it on!’

I think he will be proud of our achievements.

Thank you.