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NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2006 - from the Chairman
Welcome to
the new season 2006
1. Opening
day, Saturday 1st April.
Every effort will be made to have eight courts available for play on
Saturday, including 10 and 11. No formal competitions will be organised.
Many of you will be aware that the month of February was the coldest on
record for some years and that until this last week, March has been little
better.
The lawn preparation is therefore well behind schedule as a result. Work such
as scarifying, fertilising, top dressing and re-seeding will continue through
the first few weeks of April. Members are asked to be sympathetic to the
contractor who has had such a frustrating time, while this work is completed.
2.
Membership
Jill Austin and Lilian Clay have produced the
latest membership list, which is now available with telephone numbers for
members. Brian Kitching has also up-dated the
e-mail lists and our web-site. The overall membership is somewhat lower than
recent years for a variety of reasons which your Committee is addressing. The
fact remains that we need to rectify this situation- which in the end is up
to all individual members, since personal recommendation is the method by
which we recruit like minded and compatible people. An important date for
your diaries is the weekend of 6th& 7th May, designated Open Weekend
This is the time to invite those friends, neighbours and relatives to come
along and try the game as well as to help with leaflets, notices and other
publicity material. Brian Kitching will be leading
our efforts.
3. Club
Competitions.
Peter Pullin has set a deadline of April 7th for
entries to be made for Association events. This is earlier than usual but so
is the start of the season. Please be sure to get your applications to him by
then, since once the draws have been made, no further people can be added.
Please watch the notice boards for Golf Croquet competitions or ask Diana,
Jill or Jim.
4. Catering
and Bar
A chart is on the kitchen notice board listing all the tournaments that need
to be covered this season for morning coffee, lunches and teas.
Please add you name on any occasion that you can lend a hand.
There are still some tournaments that require someone to organise the lunches
which is the major job, the first being the Spring Bank Holiday, over 3
separate days. Gents as well as ladies, one day will do.
If you can help at anytime behind the bar please see Gerald Gooders. Dont wait for him to have to contact you!
5. Watering
of Lawns
The automatic watering system has been re-commissioned by Top Turf after
being drained for the winter and is now operational. There have been
mutterings from Southern Water about seeking a ban on the watering of sports
surfaces in the current shortage situation. If this is granted we will have
to resume hand watering if that is allowed. The application of wetting agent
by the present contractor will help somewhat in making best use of what
little natural water there is.
6. Coaching
This will follow the same pattern as in the last few years with Wednesday
afternoon coaching available from several coaches in attendance. Golf Croquet
can be accommodated too, as well as possibly Tuesday afternoons. A formal one
day course will be offered for each of Silver, Bronze and Improver grades.
Golf Croquet players will also be able to learn the rudiments of the
Association game.
7. The
Committee-
-met this Thursday and reviewed the Bye Laws and agreed a range of
responsibilities (see the notice Board) With the impending resignation of the
Secretary and myself at the end of this season it is time for all of you to
consider possible replacements. Should anyone have serious thoughts of taking
over, then the Committee would be glad to have someone sitting in on meetings
to understudy the roles. Co-option could be a possibility. Please let us know
ASAP.
Have an
enjoyable season, Bryan , 29th March
SUSSEX COUNTY CROQUET CLUB -
SUBSCRIPTIONS 2006
The
Membership Subscription for 2006 is due on the 1st January 2006 and is:
Full
membership £165
Country (21-40 miles) £115
Over 40 miles £ 60
Student (over 16 years) £ 45
Student (under 16 " ) £20
Social £35 (includes 6 sessions of play)
Temporary £15 (not exceeding one month)
A discount
of £5.00, across all categories, will be given to subscriptions paid by 31stJanuary
2006.
£6.35 of
each membership fee is paid to the Croquet Association for all playing
members for whom Sussex County Croquet club is their main club.
As you will see there is a slight increase over 2005 - when no increases were
made - owing to inflationary rises in general headings such as water,
electricity, gas, postage and Adur District Council
withdrawing their discretionary subsidy on the Council Tax Rates.
You will also have noticed that the lawns have been greatly improved and this
work will continue but the new Grounds Maintenance Contract is more
expensive.
However, I
am sure you will agree that the subscription, which covers the twelve months
from January to December, is excellent value and, compared with other sports,
Croquet is still relatively cheap.
With great
sorrow you will know of the recent death of our Membership Secretary Sylvia Antunovich, but I am pleased to say that Jill Austin,
assisted by Lilian Clay, has stepped in to the
temporary role to collect the subscriptions and compile the club membership
register.
Will you
please complete the attached form and return it with the appropriate
subscription (cheques made payable to Sussex County Croquet Club) to: Miss
Jill Austin, 26 Windlesham
Road, Shoreham, BN43 4AE
With best
wishes for an enjoyable and successful season. Pamela Mason Hon. Secretary
MEMBERSHIP FORM 2006 Name:
Address Post Code:
Tel.No: Home Work
Email address:
Association handicap Golf croquet handicap
Is S.C.C.C. your main club? Yes/No - if not which club is?
Are you a member of the Croquet Association? Yes/ No
Subscription enclosed Yes/No Amount If you are paying in two instalments, two
cheques must be sent with the second cheque post dated to 1st June 2006.
Some members may prefer to pay by monthly Standing Order, payable in the
first week of each month Please contact Patrick Alden, Treasurer for a form.
NOTE:[ A Downloadable, printable, version of this form is
available if you click here ]
SUSSEX COUNTY CROQUET CLUB
NOTICE is
hereby given of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING to be held on
Saturday, 25th February 2006 at 2.30 pm
AGENDA
1.
Apologies
2. Minutes of the A. G.M held on 26th
February 2005
3. Matters arising
4. Chairman's Report
5. Secretary's Report
6. Presentation of Annual Accounts
7. Appointment of Auditor
8. Reports by Club Officers
9. Election of Committee (details attached - see below at*)
10. Items raised by Members, previously submitted
11. Any other business
Pamela
Mason Hon. Secretary
N.B.
Minutes oftheAGM held on 26th February 2005 will be displayed
on the notice board in order that they may be read before the Meeting.
A copy of the Club Rules is also on display
Tea and Biscuits will be served after the meeting.
December
2005
*SUSSEX COUNTY CROQUET CLUB
ANNUAL
GENERAL MEETING - 25 FEBRUARY 2006
At the
Annual General Meeting on 25th February 2006, the Management Committee,
including the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary will come up for election.
Under the Rules of the Club there are in addition six Committee members.
The
Committee elected at the 2005 AGM was:
Chairman - Bryan Teague
Treasurer - Patrick Alden
Secretary - Pamela Mason
Chris Constable,Daphne Gaitley,
Gerald Gooders, Ken Mason, Peter Pullin, Pauline Softley.
All are willing to be re-elected, except Patrick Alden
Other
nominations are invited, which must reach the Secretary by 11th February 2006. Each nomination
must have a proposer and a seconder
and be accompanied by confirmation that the nominee is willing to stand.
The
Committee has overall responsibility for the management of the Club
including:
Membership
& Subscriptions
Care of buildings
Management of lawns
Competitions & Tournaments
Coaching
Catering
Publicity & Marketing
If more
than the required number of nominations is received by the 11th February 2006, elections at the
A.G.M will be by secret ballot.
Members are
invited to submit items for the Agenda to the Secretary by 11th February 2006.
December
2005
SUSSEX COUNTY CROQUET CLUB
CHILD
PROTECTION
Code of
Practice and Procedure
The 1989
Childrens Act defines children as persons of less than 18 years of age.
Vulnerable Adults are defined as persons aged 18 or over who:
a) are in need of assistance by reasons of mental, physical or learning
disability, age or illness, and who
b) are unable to take care of themselves or to protect themselves against
significant harm or serious exploitation which may be occasioned by the acts
or omissions of other people.
References to Children in this document should be taken to include vulnerable
adults.
1. Policy
Statement
The childs welfare is paramount and the club is committed to provide a safe
place for them.
The Club member with responsibility for Child protection is Pamela Mason.
2. Recognising
Abuse
Child abuse is a term used to describe ways in which children are harmed,
usually by adults.
a) Physical abuse
- where children are hurt or injured.
- given substances such as alcohol or drugs
b) Sexual abuse
- inappropriate touching
- taking pornographic photographs
- unlawful intercourse
c) Mental cruelty
- subjected to undue criticism
- put under unreasonable pressure to perform
- taunted or unnecessarily shouted at
d) Bullying
- deliberately hurtful behaviour usually repeated over a period of time
- usually victims are shy, sensitive, anxious and insecure.
e) Neglect
- leaving children unsupervised
- failing to ensure they are safe or exposing them to unnecessary risk or
injury
3. Scrutiny of Members
All members who have or are likely to have significant contact with under 18s
will be subject to scrutiny and must provide to the Club Child Protection
co-ordinator:
a) a statement indicating whether of not they have any conviction for
criminal offences against children
b) their consent to checks being made with the police and social services.
4. Prevention of Abuse - Good Practice Guide
The club will point out to parents (carers) of under 18s who take part in
club activities that the club will take every possible care of the children
but they cannot be deemed to be in loco parentis in
respect of children using club facilities.
i) Club members do not
- take children alone in their car
- take children to their own homes
- spend time alone with children except for essential training
- purposes or in exceptional cases to treat or prevent an injury.
ii) Club members should never
- allow children to use inappropriate language
- make suggestive comments to a child
- do things of a personal nature for children
- engage in physical or sexually provocative games
- engage in inappropriate touching
All allegations made by a child must be acted on.
5. What to do if there are allegations of abuse
- there may be three types of investigations:
i) A criminal investigation (police)
ii) A child protection investigation (social services)
iii) A disciplinary or misconduct investigation (club/CA)
If a child complains she/he is being abused
- ensure the child is safe and feels secure
- tell the child you are taking the complaint seriously
- document what the child has said as soon as possible but do not start an
investigation
- tell the child you will have to tell somebody else on a need to know basis
but emphasise confidentiality
- do not take sole responsibility or ask inappropriate questions, try to
ensure another adult is present.
- avoid touching the child
6. Good Practice for clubs
Plan the clubs programme to minimise the situation where abuse can occur.
Publicise guidelines on how to deal with abuse.
Members who have concerns should tell the clubs Child Protection co-ordinator
immediately.
Disciplinary procedures will be established through a sub-committee of the
Chairman or Vice Chairman and two other members, with the Child Protection
co-ordinator in attendance.
Ensure childrens complaints are listened to.
7. Web site
The club will not include details of names, addresses, e-mails or telephone
numbers of any child on the web site or in printed publications.
8. Parental Consent form:
A consent form must be completed by a parent or carer for any child attending
an individual session or course of lessons if the child is left on their own
at the club.
P. Mason July 2005
Adopted by the Committee :
SUSSEX COUNTY CROQUET CLUB
Victoria Road
Southwick
BN42 4DJ
Tel: 01273 591874
PARENTAL
CONSENT FORM
Croquet is an everyday fun activity and the Sussex County Croquet Club aims
to make it safe and enjoyable for all participants. The club has a policy on
prevention of Child Abuse, a copy of which is available on the notice board,
from a club coach or club official.
Participant details
Name
Age
..
Disability Yes No
If yes, what is the nature of the participants disability
..
Please provide medical information relating to any medication or allergies
that your child may have and we need to be aware of:
Parent or Carer details
Address
Post Code
Contact Tel:
.Mobile
I understand that while every precaution will be taken to ensure that
accidents do not happen, the croquet coaches cannot necessarily be held
responsible for any loss, damage or injury suffered by my child.
Signature
..
Your name in block capitals
Date
A REMINDER re GOLF CROQUET AFTERNOONS Between 1.30 - 4.00 pm on TUESDAY and THURSDAY afternoons, Golf
Croquet is allocated 6 lawns. Matches can be played on the remaining lawns or
after Tea, but Association players should remember that lawn treatment is
sometimes taking place or lawns are being rested.
No inter-club matches can be arranged at these times.
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