Chairman's Report

I would first like to welcome everyone to this year’s AGM and awards evening. This is the one date in the calendar when we come together as a club to recognize the hard work, achievement and development of our swimmers during 2006. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge and thank those parents and helpers who have been actively involved in the running of the club.

So what of the past 12 months: All our teams maintained their status in their respective leagues, which was very pleasing to see, we were able to field for the first time 2 teams in the Herts Major League along with a team in the Chiltern league. We also competed in the Herts Peanut league aimed at the under 13yr swimmer. The benefit of this has been huge; it has allowed us to give more gala swimming to more of the children, allowing children who would not normally swim in a gala to experience the competitive and social side of being part of a mixed team. It has allowed the team managers to take a broader view of swimmers that are up and coming. For the first time I believe we have had over 100 swimmers represent the club.

Our internal club competitions were very well attended this year, again I believe we broke a club record for the number of swimmers entering the 3 championships. It was also nice to see that across all ages no one individual dominated his or her age group. We had a number of club records broken this year, which shows that the overall standard of the swimming is improving. The 200m, 1500m and speed trials were all well attended, with some magnificent swims.

A small team of swimmers attended this year BagCat competition, held annually this event is the county trials held over 4 weekends. The individuals who took part performed magnificently, with overall placing in the county ranging from 8^th  to 18^th.

On the badges side, we have had a number of swimmers taking a variety of swimming badges, this has as always been well attended and is a part of the club that allows swimmers of all ages and abilities to achieve and receive recognition of their aptitude in swimming.

On poolside you will have seen some changes to swimming times, we have introduced a number of changes to the swimming program, all aimed at making the most use of our pool time. We continue to have a healthy team of coaches and teachers on poolside and we have supported those who wish to further their teaching certification with a number of teachers taking the level 2 coaching course.

Membership has remained steady over the past 12 mths; we are nearly at capacity with a long waiting list.

As we enter 2007, we have a number of parents, helpers who will be stepping down, I would like to make a special thank you to the following: Dave and Caroline Evans who have together been involved with the club for the past 18years, Louise Henson, who has continued as Club secretary and Caroline Clifford who has run the kit club for the past 3 years. The club owes you a big thank you for your contributions over the years. While we acknowledge those stepping down, it would be remiss of me not to also recognise the work of all the people helping in the club, Richard Henson for taking on the role of poolside manager, Baz Long/Phil Holpin/Adrian Edwards for running the gala teams and for organising galas throughout the year, Jane and Howard Evans for the Badges and club champs, Janet and John Woods for membership and bringing to the club their passion to drag us into the 21st century with database and reports, Paul Scott as deputy chair , Kevin Binns for the maintenance of our web site, Marilyn and Kim Waddup -finance, Gillian Wertheim- 100 club, and of course, all the swimming teachers, you know who you are.

I am also happy to report that we have a number of new committee members who have come on board; with their enthusiasm and motivation BASC will continue to be in safe hands.

2006 was my last year as chairman; I will hand over the reigns to Paul Scott who will present tonight the future plans for the club.

Gary

Chairman