The meeting was chaired by Nick Swainston and the following key issues were discussed:
- Proposals for running the annual Boxing Day runners v riders event. Colchester Harriers have asked if the Rovers are prepared to take this event on in 2019. There was an agreement that if an organiser could be found the Committee would support the 2019 event based on 50 % being funded by the athletics club and 50% supported by the Rovers. It was noted that the main costs included public liability insurance and first aid cover at an estimated total cost of £1000.
- Maggie Hargreaves presented the Treasurer’s report. This included details of the purchase of Club branded water bottles for sale to members. Maggie gave an update on the progress in setting up the Youth Committee bank account.
- Membership. Colin White reminded all that Club Membership renewals are due as from the AGM (scheduled for 6 December 2019). Anyone renewing their membership now or joining would be able to join for 2020 and receive the period to 31 December 2019 free. The Committee was delighted to approve an application to join the Rovers from Ellie may Pledger. Ellie May had been very competitive in the youth ranks and a regular rider in the Eastern Cyclo-Cross League as well as National Grass Track meetings.
- Time trials. Following recommendations from Nick Swainston and John Loxley, the Committee supported an application for a new 10mile time trial course being established around Tendering, Beaumont & Stones Green.
- 2020 Events: the following was noted:
- Jock Wadley RR – 8 March
- Club 50 mile TT – 16 August
- Club 47 mile TT – 28 June
- Club Grass Track – 21 June (including national grass track events)
- Malcolm Hargreaves informed the Committee that the Club Road Race was likely to be held on 12 or 26 July 2020 on the Abberton Circuit. The Wadley Road Race was likely to be held on 8 March 2020. It was noted that a proposal had been made to establish a British Cycling Eastern Region League. It was unclear if this would replace the current Road Race League. This would be decided at the ERRL Annual Meeting for the Eastern Region later in November.
- Hill Climb. Following the cancellation of the event in October Nick Swainston had applied for the event to be held at the same venue – Burnt Dick Hill on 24 November 2019.
- Cycle Cross. Peter Hall updated the Committee on the Club cycle cross event recently held at Mistley. It had been a very successful event. Peter updated members on some of the issues that had arisen during the day including an accident which required an ambulance being called – the lady was discharged later that evening with no broken bones and a complaint from a footpath user. The Parish Council/ Rugby Club was keen to continue links with the Club. Per thanked everyone for their support.
- Youth – coaching. Tom Starmer updated the meeting on the continued success of the winter coaching events. It was noted that six new coaches were in the process of receiving training.
- Club Dinner. Maggie Hargreaves updated the committee on planning for the Dinner scheduled for 1 February 2020. It was agreed to support a proposal for a live acoustic band with advertising to commence as soon as possible.
- Club Rides. Sandra and Paul put forward their plans to encourage other ride leaders to come forward to lead rides in 2020. They would discuss their proposals ahead of the AGM in December.
- The Chair suggested that an additional meeting be held in November/ December to replace the meeting on 6 December 2020 which is being used for the AGM.