Saffron Walden Hockey Club News Articles

AGM Wednesday 13th July

Martyn Webb — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 20:37:28 +0100

AGM Agenda 2022

Minutes from 2021 AGM

Chairmans Report Season 2022

SWHC Balance Sheet

SWHC P&L sheet

August Hockey Camp 2022 - 4-5 August 2022

Martyn Webb — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 08:25:07 +0100

Working with GWSport, the club will be running a two day August camp for 8-18 year olds on 4-5 August 2022.

The camp has been designed to develop the skills of our younger players including goalkeepers.

The cost of the camp is £40 per person per day and runs between 10am-2.00pm each day.

This is one of two Hockey Camps for young players taking place in August, our second August camp will take place on 25-26 August 2022.

August Hockey Camp 2022 - 25-26 August 2022

Martyn Webb — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 08:08:21 +0100

Working with GWSport, the club will be running a two day August camp for 8-18 year olds on 25-26 August 2022.

The camp has been designed to develop the skills of our younger players including goalkeepers.

The cost of the camp is £40 per person per day and runs between 10am-2.00pm each day.

AGM 13th July 2022

Martyn Webb — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 11:53:03 +0100

Further details will follow in due course.
However, we wanted to give you a chance to step forward and volunteer to help the club. Without volunteers the club will not continue to run efficiently and many of the current committee have been in position for several years.
Some members of the committee are willing to stand again for the coming season but we are always looking for new volunteers.
If anyone would like to stand for election as one of the officers, please let Martyn or me know. (Details below).
The officers of the club who form the management committee are as follows:
Chairperson
Vice Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Welfare Officer
Ladies' Club Captain
Men's Club Captain
Social Secretary
Junior coordinator
Membership Secretary
There are also roles in the club which are not officially part of the management committee, but the work carried out by these people is vital to ensure the smooth running of the club. These include the Umpire Liaison Officer and the Fundraising Coordinator.
During the coming season we will be raising funds to refurbish the clubhouse to make it fit for purpose now we have the use of 2 pitches at JFAN. If anyone is willing to be part of a Fundraising Committee or help in some way with the fundraising, please let Martyn or me know.
If you are interested or wish to find out anything further regarding the roles, please contact either:
Martyn: martyn.webb10@btinternet.com or
Vanessa: vanessa@hillyates.co.uk

Hope to see you at the AGM!

Back to Hockey June 2022

Martyn Webb — Sat, 21 May 2022 14:36:05 +0100

We are 9 sessions running from Sun 5th Jun 9:00 to 10:30 am and finishing 31st July. Sessions are free for members of the club but £25.00 to newcomers

for detials pleasse email chairman@saffronwaldenhockey.co.uk

Cheffins announced as new men's first team kit sponsor

Martyn Webb — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 11:50:21 +0000

Saffron Walden Hockey Club is proud to announce that Cheffins, estate agents and auctioneers, will be sponsoring the men's first team kit for the next three seasons.

The new kit is currently in production and we will be arranging a photoshoot with the team before they start playing again in September. Cheffins’ kit sponsorship will sit alongside a separate arrangement with the firm to sponsor pitch-side banners for three years.

The SWHC committee would like extend a very warm welcome to Cheffins and thank them for their support.

About Cheffins

Cheffins operates from six offices across East Anglia including our local branch in Hill Street, Saffron Walden.

Established in 1825, the company offers a full range of property services including sales, auctions, lettings and management of residential and commercial properties. Cheffins also enjoys a worldwide reputation for their specialist auctions and has experts in property, land, fine wines, fine art, tractors and vintage steam engines.

SWHC awarded ClubMark Accreditation

Martyn Webb — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 12:48:52 +0000

Saffron Walden Hockey Club is proud to announce that the club is one of a select number of hockey clubs across England to achieve England Hockey ClubMark accreditation.

The award recognises that the club holds to a set of core criteria and has good practices in place to ensure that quality hockey is played in a sustainable and vibrant club environment.

England Hockey is committed to making England a “Nation where hockey matters” and the ClubMark accreditation is an important part of that process.

A big thank you to all of our members for making our club the club it is, and a quick invitation, for those interested in playing hockey, to join us as we continue to develop the club, its facilities and our shared love of the game.

Full text of letter from Nick Pink, Chief Executive, English Hockey, below:

Congratulations Saffron Walden HC on achieving England Hockey ClubMark accreditation.

It is my great pleasure to inform you that you are one of a select number of hockey clubs across England to achieve England Hockey ClubMark accreditation.

Please find attached your certificate of achievement. Achieving England Hockey ClubMark is an important step in ensuring your club operates to a set of core criteria and has good practices in place to ensure that you can deliver quality hockey in a sustainable and vibrant club environment.

As we stride towards a ‘Nation where Hockey Matters’ we wanted to acknowledge and thank you for your commitment and dedication to creating more, better and happier hockey players.

Congratulations once again on achieving England Hockey ClubMark, and best of luck to all your club members for the future.

Yours Sincerely,

Nick Pink
Chief Executive

SWHC AGM minutes 14th July 2021

Martyn Webb — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 17:07:43 +0100

Annual General Meeting Of Saffron Walden Hockey Club

8pm Wednesday 14th July, outside SWHC clubhouse

1.Present

Martyn Webb, Vanessa Hill, Dominic Bushnell, David Reynolds, Ellen Bushnell, Matthew Patmore, Mark Taylor, Anthony Colclough, Duncan Campbell, Tom Dibling, Sophie Dibling, Eve Turnbull, Anne Williams, Jackie Webb, Vicky Crowden, Karina Bailey-Watson, Pete Wells, Jenni Goddard, Julia Magness, Kirsty Davies.

Apologies

Russell Way, Roger Cameron, Rob Hancox, Sue Bird, Christine Price, Gordon Scott, John Gouldstone, Jo Borgeson.

3.Minutes of the previous AGM

The minutes of the previous AGM we briefly reviewed and accepted as a true and accurate record of the meeting (Proposer, Pete Wells; Seconded by Duncan Campbell)

4.Matter Arising

None.

5.Chairman’s Report

The Chairman’s report was circulated via email prior to the meeting. There were no comments or questions on the report.

6.Treasurer’s Report

Vanessa Hill provided a verbal report to the AGM to complement the annual accounts that were circulated via email prior to the meeting. The key points included the following points:

Income was significantly down for the year because of the impact of covid. Virtually no match fees were collected because everyone had to drive themselves to matches. Additionally, the club did not charge for summer hockey this season as part of making up for cancelled league matches.
Pitch hire costs were reduced by 25% by SwanAstro because of reduced usage. Various other costs were also significantly reduced (e.g. no teas all season).
At year end there was a surplus of approximately £10,000, which compares to a typical annual surplus of £5-6K.
The current balance of the club account stands at approximately £62k. All of this surplus and more will be required for club refurbishment when the second pitch is installed (see below).

7.Amendment to the constitution

SWHC has applied to England Hockey for Club Mark accreditation to provide greater resilience for club processes in case of any sudden changes in club management. Additionally, it is a necessary step in the club becoming a Talent Academy which will improve the club overall and increase the opportunity to raise money through hosting various events. As part of the updating in club processes an amendment is necessary to the constitution to allow for external auditing if required. The proposed amendment reads:

10.0 Finances

10.2 The Financial Procedures (as reviewed regularly and updated where necessary) shall apply to all activities of the Club.

The amendment to the constitution was unanimously accepted (Proposer, Vicky Crowden; Seconded by Sophie Dibling). See Appendix 1

8.President’s Report

Martyn Webb gave John Gouldstone’s apologies for not being able to give his report personally, but he was self-isolating because of the risk of covid exposure. Martyn Webb read out John’s report (Appendix 2).

9.Match Fees and Subscriptions

The committee proposed no changes to either match fees or annual subscriptions, except that the discount for a 3rd sibling be abolished for simplicity of management. There were no comments on the proposal.

10.Election of Officers

Amanda Lindsell stepped down as club secretary after several years of holding the post. Martyn Webb thanked her for her long term hard work and dedication in the post.

Ellen Bushnell was the only candidate to stand for the post. An additional committee post of Safety Officer was created to help Russell Way with the management safety matters within the club. Roger Cameron Stood for the post. All other committee members confirmed they wished to stand again for the post.

All posts were voted on and all nominees elected (Proposer, Eve Turnbull; Seconded by Duncan Campbell).

The committee consists of:

Chairman: Martyn Webb

Vice-Chairman: Dominic Bushnell

Secretary: Ellen Bushnell

Treasurer: Vanessa Hill

Men’s Captain: Ant Colclough

Women’s Captain: Vanessa Hill

Welfare Officer: Russell Way

Safety Officer: Roger Cameron

Junior Coordinator: Vicky Crowden

Fixtures Secretary: Matt Patmore

Fundraising Secretary: David Reynolds

11.SwanCat

Martyn Webb provided an overview of the changes in the management of main pitch and the second pitch when built later in the year. The roles of SwanCat, JFAN and Anglian Learning were explained along with likely changes in the foreseeable future. SWHC is currently in negotiation over the cost of pitch hire, permanent access to the external changing rooms associated with the sports hall and refurbishment of the cricket pavilion to provide a second pair of changing rooms. Progress was being made on all fronts, but it was taking time as many of the individuals involved had changed.

12.Any Other Business

Several questions were raised about the club:

The second pitch is due for completion by mid-November
SwanCat will install new floodlights for the pitch, most likely LED lights that have a longer functional life and are more energy efficient.
New dugouts will be purchased with money already put aside within the accounts.
An intra-club event will be held in September before the start of the new season.
Karina Bailey-Watson thanked Ant Colclough and all those involved in the organisation of the Bailey cup day which was enjoyed by all those attending.

The meeting closed at 8.40pm.

Chairmans report 2021

Martyn Webb — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 15:57:50 +0100

Chairman’s Report 2020-2021

The past 12 -18 months without doubt have been the most challenging that the Hockey Club has had to face since its inception in 1954. It has also been very taxing for the majority of our members in one way or another.

Somehow, as a Club we have managed to pull through and provide some kind of hockey for everyone, whether it has been under restricted conditions or within the everchanging different phases of COVID-19. As importantly I believe we have also provided moral support for our members when they have needed it through these difficult times.

The fact that we have managed through such trying times is down I believe to our great community spirit and the hard work and dedication of our Committee members, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that all the COVID-19 risk assessments, the hands, space, face protocols are complied with. That the signage, hand gel and track & trace processes have all been put in place. None have worked more tirelessly than Russ Way our COVID-19 and Child Support Officer ensuring that everyone registers and that we are up to date with the latest protocols. Without the dedication of the few I can assure you there would have been absolutely no hockey over the past 18 months.

As the league season was curtailed early for all there is nothing to report as there has been no relegation or promotion. The new proposed league structure from England Hockey should be sorted for the start of next season, and I assume any changes to our team’s geography will be manageable.

As most of you are probably aware we have extended training for both the Juniors and the seniors and arranged additional matches and provided Summer Hockey to help with the lack of matches through the season.

I would like to thank all our volunteers who make running the Club possible you can never underestimate all the hard work they all do.

I would also like to thank all the Captains / Coaches and Managers for their help and support last season and a thank you for those willing to continue next season.

What does the future hold?

The New pitch is due to be started at the end of July and should be finished by early November providing there are no hiccups. The existing pitch is also getting new floodlights at some time in October.

What does this mean?

Providing negotiations continue with Joyce Frankland continue to run smoothly we will be able to play all our home games at Newport rather than travelling to SWCHS.
Junior Training can be condensed to Sunday’s rather than spread throughout the week.
We can have additional slots on the main pitch if required

The privilege of playing all our home matches at JFAN creates a minor problem with the Clubhouse in that we will probably have to accommodate 4 teams at the same time - approximately 60 people

I am hoping in the near future that we can refurbish the Clubhouse - remove the changing rooms, put in new bar, kitchen new doors and windows to provide a larger community space.

If we can raise enough funds we are looking to next summer to start this project.

We are currently talking to JFAN about using the Cricket Pavilion for changing rooms so if there are any builders/ painters/ plumbers who are willing to provide help and support please let me know.

While I am on the subject as always the Club runs on volunteers, and we are always grateful to people who step up and help we currently have several vacancies open that need filling. We also need sponsorship to help provide equipment and kit for our teams and with the refurbishment of the Clubhouse so if you know anyone……….. come and talk to me.

Hopefully the various media outlets we use are keeping everyone up to date

The Website, TEAMO, The Newsletter, Instagram and Twitter. We also have our own YouTube Channel where you can see the latest training videos courtesy of Spencer Hill and Grant Ward.

The Club has taken the decision to apply for Club Mark which is England Hockey’s accreditation system partly to provide infrastructure to all our processes so that we can ensure any change in management can continue without any major issues

The Club Mark will also let the Club apply to become a Talent Academy which I believe will help secure the future of the Club.

We are also revamping the Junior structure to align with the Academy format so there is a seamless transition from our Juniors into the Academy.

What are my expectations for next season?

My biggest concern following COVID-19 is that we are in danger of losing the social aspect of hockey, people may have got used to turning up changed ready for the game and leave straight afterwards.

It is I believe the responsibility of each team to ensure that we entertain the opposition and that all the team members stay and socialise after the game even the younger members.

I would also like members of the first and second teams to help with Junior Coaching on a Sunday mornings to. Provide role models and mentors to our juniors.

AGM 2020 Minutes

Martyn Webb — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:14:56 +0100

1. Present:

Martyn Webb, Vanessa Hill, James Gordon, Grant Ward, John Gouldstone, Eve Turnbull, Christine Price, Karina Bailey-Watson, Nigel Watson, Dom Bushnell, Ellen Bushnell, Andy Mackintosh, Vicky Crowther, Alex Flynn, David Reynolds, Jackie Webb. Russell Way, Matt Patmore, Anthony Colclough, Nicky Colclough.

2. Apologies:

Roger Cameron, Julia Magness, Gordon Scott, Amanda Lindsell, Sophie Dibbling, David Reynolds,

3. Minutes of the previous AGM

Circulated before the meeting agreed and proposed and seconded.

4. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising

5. Chairman’s Report

Chairman’s Report circulated before the meeting

6. Treasurer’s Report

Circulated before the meeting – Key points: Total income £66k. We made a surplus of around £6k and donated £30k to SWANCAT / SWANASTRO to enable us to have the new pitch re-laid with proper Hockey astro turf. Refunds for the Dinner and Dance have been issued to those who want it, the rest has been held and will either be off set against subs or used to buy tickets for the next D&D. We currently have £55k in reserve. There were no other matters arising.

7. Match fees and Subscriptions: -

It was agreed that match fees and subscriptions would remain the same with no increase

It was agreed that if COVID-19 has any further detrimental effect on playing the committee would revaluate at Christmas and at the end of the season and if necessary will reimburse a percentage of Subscriptions.

Questions were asked about match fees as teas would not be available for the foreseeable future

It was decided that due to the current Government guidelines with travelling that match fees would be collected for both home and away matches as there would be more cars required to travel away than normal and home match fees would help subsidise this.

8. Election of Officers

As there were no new volunteers stepping forward -The current committee members were all re-elected on mass for a further year. With Vicky Crowden replacing Andy Mackintosh as Junior co-ordinator on the committee Martyn Webb thanked them all for their hard work and input for last season especially with the stringent regulations required by the Pandemic. He also minuted and thanked Christine Price for all her work as President and as well in the other capacities she had held over the past years. John Gouldstone was elected as the New Club President. He also thanked Andy Mackintosh for his hard work over the years with the juniors, and Loise Barker for her work in producing and sending out the Newsletter every week. Andy Oakes has agreed to take over and I look forward to seeing a new style!

9. SWANCAT

The Chairman reiterated the make-up of SWANCAT/SWANASTRO and the purpose behind them.

Current Members include Amanda Wenham, Martyn Webb, James Gordon, Tony Cropper + 5 members from Joyce Franklin Academy. MW raised concerns regarding hiring of the 2nd pitch when operational as it appears that it would be more efficient for one entity to run both pitches and in reality this will probably be Anglian Learning rather than SWANCAT.

10. AOB

It was requested we reiterate to Neil Liversage at the next East Meeting the difficulty we will have travelling to away matches with the large number of Juniors that make up the lower teams and due to the current legislation request that they be more tolerant if we are unable to fulfil any away matches.
Action from Dom to ensure the new goals are fully operational
AC asked about the money put aside for the dug outs MW said the plan is to wait until the new pitch is laid.
The new car park is being built so we will have to park in the 6th Form Car park until further notice.
Match fees will be collected via TEAMO in future as it takes away the burden of collecting money from the Captains and puts the onus on the player and this can be checked by the Administrators and those behind with payments can be penalised. Petrol money will be provided to each captain as a float which can be used to pay expenses.

There being no further business the AGM finished at 9:10pm