There will be no club swimming on Tuesday 14th or Thursday 16th April. All other sessions are normal. Any spare easter eggs will be welcome . . . . .
Thanks to all those who took part in the sponsored swim in January and raised money for the club and Sudders charity. Please hand in any more to Yvonne as soon as possible – thanks again.
Subscriptions for the Year 2008-2009 are now due
These will be £25 for the whole year
Admittance charges of £1.60 per child and £2.00 per adult per visit remain.
For those children taking the Seal Series (old Personal Survival) please check your child’s certificates to see the last level they took.
It would help if you could bring this to Yvonne so that she could check that her records are accurate
We have PLACES at the CLUB for children who can swim above Pool Frog 3 level or have taken and passed Kirklees Grade 2.
Please pass the word to anyone who might be interested in joining the Club.
Dear MembersÂ
We have been advised by KAL that the swimming Pool in Holmfirth will re-open on Wednesday 26 March 2008.
This means that the Swimming Club will re-start on Thursday 27 March.Â
Please pass this message on to any other members you might meet on your travels.Â
We believe that the building work is almost complete. Â However early next week they start to refill the Pool and should there be any problems during
this time the Pool Re-opening will be affected – we will only find this out at the last minute.
Therefore please ensure that you check back here for an up-date on the opening (you can get an RSS feed at the bottom of the page).
At the present time the Club is feeling positive, we have 4 volunteer coaches who start training in May for their qualifications and we would like to wish them all success.
Due to the fact that we have to fund this additional training plus the cost of using KAL lifeguarding we have had to increase our annual subscriptions and admission prices slightly. If these increases still do not meet our financial needs in running the club they will be increased further in the future.
With immediate effect therefore :-
Subscription until September 2008 will be £15.00 per person, payable immediately.
Admittance charges will also increase to :-
£1.60 per child
£2.00 per adult
Badge Prices will also increase to £2.00 per badge and certificate.
(the reason for this increase is to cover the costs which ASA/STA charge us for badges and certificates)
In order to use our coaches more effectively we will also be adjusting swimming lesson times for certain groups as follows:
7.00-7.30 Pool Frog 1/2/3 and Challenge 1 and 2 Groups
7.30-8.00 ASA Grade 3, 4 and 5
8.00-8.30 ASA Grade 6 and above
8.30-9.00 Adult Swim
We hope that these adjustments do not cause too many problems. If your child does not attend at these times they will be repeating badge work they have already undertaken.
Yvonne Radcliffe
Provisionally scheduled for the end of March (Just before Easter). Confirmation to follow soon. All club members are welcome back.
Holme Valley Amateur Swimming Club
Annual General Meeting 2007
Monday 12 November 2007 at 8pm
Minutes of 2007 AGM were circulated. Brian McLean proposed that they were accepted as a true record of the meeting with the motion being seconded by Pat Jessop
Chairman’s Report : Alec Ward
Alec mentioned that an EGM had been called several weeks ago, which was well attended. The reason for this meeting was due to the fact that the current coaches could not see what the future of the Club was. The coaches were desperate for more involvement from parents plus they were getting continued aggravation from the Managers of Holmfirth Pool.
At the EGM three volunteers came forward who were willing to train as Swimming Coaches. We also had several volunteers who were willing to become committee members. In addition, Roger Greenwood had kindly volunteered to be the Liaison between the Coaches and KAL. This action took some pressure of the current coaches and committee. At this meeting it was decided that we would come to a decision reference the future of the Club at the AGM.
Alec reported that although we had volunteer coaches there was still quite a way to go as training was required.
This year we were to lose two long standing members of our Committee. Jane Cannon and Joan Clough had tendered their resignation. These two ladies had been involved with the Club for many years, starting when their children were members. They were always available to help and would be seen on the poolside during Galas and Distance Swims helping with the timing. The Ladies were thanked.
Regrettably one of our Coaches was also resigning at the AGM. Jean Greenwood who had been with the Club for many years would be leaving and she was thanked for her long and dedicated service. Jean would still be a member of the Committee.
Awards Gained 2006-2007
Pool Frog 1 10
Pool Frog 2 10
Pool Frog 3 20
Challenge 1 24
Challenge 2 23
Grade 3 16
Grade 4 14
Grade 5 15
Grade 6 4
Water Safety & Pool Rescue 1 16
Water Safety & Pool Rescue 2 14
Water Safety & Pool Rescue 3 11
Water Safety & Pool Rescue 4 3
Beaver 1 24
Beaver 2 17
Beaver 3 5
Beaver 4 18
Seal 1 27
Seal 2 13
Seal 3 7
Total Awards Gained 291
In concluding Alec thanked all the Coaches and helpers.
President Remarks
Brian thanked Alec for all the work he undertakes on behalf of the Club. He pointed out that 291 awards being gained was particularly good bearing in mind the pressure the coaches have been working under during the past year.
Treasurer Report: Yvonne Radcliffe
Copies of the Treasurer’s report had been circulated.
The accounts had been audited by Brian McLean. Yvonne stated that these figures were self explanatory and asked if there were any questions from the members.
Briefly revenue was struggling to keep up with costs. The introduction of 1.5-2 hours of lifeguarding fees each session had not been anticipated and resulted in less money being paid into the Bank.
In addition due, once again to KAL, we had had to organise the Distance Swim at very short notice and were unable to run this as a sponsored event due to the short timing. The revenue from the sponsored event was generally a welcome boost to funds.
Also the cost of ASA and STA certificates with the addition of these two organisations now charging postage meant that in some instances it was costing more to issue the certificate than was actually charged.
Brian McLean proposed that the Treasurer’s Accounts be accepted and Margaret Brook seconded this proposal.
Membership Secretary Report : Yvonne Radcliffe
Membership is still quite strong. As usual we have “lost†several members during the year for one reason or another. Unsure as to what the result on membership will be due to the 16-20 week pool closure.
We have several names of children waiting to join the club who have some form of swimming ability, but until they actually come along to the club to be assessed it is very difficult to ascertain whether they have correct strokes etc. It is hoped to invite these to join when the pool re-opens.
We also have a very long list of “improvers†which just seems to get longer. We can only offer 6 places each evening for Pool Frog 1 and Pool Frog 2. However we continue to “plod†through this.
Adult membership also quite steady. We do not have a waiting list for adults.
Election of Offices
The following were proposed and accepted
Office Officer Proposer Seconder
Chairman Alec Ward Y Radcliffe Margaret Brook
Vice chairman Brian McLean A Ward M Brook
Secretary Yvonne Radcliffe A Ward M Brook
Membership Sec. Yvonne Radcliffe A Ward M Brook
Treasurer Yvonne Radcliffe A Ward M Brook
Badge Secretary Yvonne Radcliffe A Ward M Brook
President Brian McLean Life Office
Election of Coaches
As discussed earlier we were to lose one of our coaches Mrs Jean Greenwood who would be greatly missed.
Alec Ward was re-nominated as Chief Coach, although he accepted this decision he stated that this would be his final year as Chief Coach and would be looking for someone to take over this role at the next AGM. He felt that he would still continue coaching but would be looking to reduce his commitment.
The following were elected as Coaches, Pat Jessop, Margaret Brook, Carol Lutz, Joanna Taylor, Adele Szoradi and Julia Stoddart.
In addition Lauren Armitage and Alyson Brook were elected as poolside helpers.
Alec reported that although we had Lauren and Steven Halstead, Hannah Greenwood and Robert Heywood as young helpers, we could not rely on their continued commitment due to their own educational/work commitments. However their assistance was much appreciated.
Election of Committee
Brian McLean, Alec Ward, Yvonne Radcliffe, Pat Jessop, Carol Lutz, Jean Greenwood, Margaret Brook, Roger Greenwood, Mary Greenwood. Adele Szoradi, Jane Morrow, Joanna Taylor, Vicky Hobson, Ann Tunnicliffe, John Broughton , Kathleen Ward
Report on KAL : Roger Greenwood
Roger explained that he had written to David Morby who was the Assistant Head of Leisure at Kirklees Council, concerning the problems we were experiencing with the Pool Management. He had passed the information to Mark Dunstan who is the KAL Area Manager and Alison Morris who is the new Pool Manager.
Roger had outlined the situation and invited them to attend this AGM. He has heard nothing and there was no KAL representation at the meeting.
Roger is hopeful to resolve the situation.
He reported that he had visited both Scissett and Colne Valley Swimming Clubs to see how they are run. Colne Valley are having similar problems to ourselves, yet also have a waiting list for membership. Scisset have places available, but do not even appear on the pool timetable!
It was felt that some of our problems were due to the fact that when we started the Club we were not in competition with the pool, the pool used to close at 7.00 and would open on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for the Club to be run. Now we are seen as competition.
Any Other Business
Alec reported that the future of the Club looked more positive with the additional coaches and parental help.
The meeting closed at 8.55 pm
For public comment, parents and members please see email details in previous post :-
HVASC Operating principles
Based at Holmfirth pool since 1975 when the pool was built, the club hires
 the pool Tuesday and Thursday between 7pm and 9pm.
In accordance with our constitution (“the promotion and instruction in the
arts of swimming”), HVASC intends to run it’s sessions on the following
lines, as it has successfully done for many years :-
7:00pm
Beginners in the shallow end, 1 or 2 classes, coaches permitting.
Improvers in the deep end.
7:30pm
Improvers using the whole pool. Number of classes will depend on the awards
being taught and availability of coaches.
8:00pm
Seniors and more experienced swimmers using the whole pool.
All the above sessions will be working towards various awards and
 certificates which are awarded as they are achieved.
8:30pm
Adults, either receiving instruction/assistance or doing length swims. This
session may require lane ropes.
The club works closely with pool staff and makes use of other available
poolside equipment for training purposes e.g. floats, mats, rescue dummies,
balls etc as required for the session.
During holiday periods, in order to maintain sufficient numbers to cover
costs, the club switches to “swimming for fun” sessions. These sessions are
still programmed i.e. not free-for-all as per normal pool fun swims, but
involve a greater element of fun e.g. woggle races etc.
N.B. Definition 3.16 from PAS65-2004 (Published by BSI) :-
“Programmed Swimming
Swimming sessions with a formal structure which are supervised or controlled
and continuously monitored from poolside.
NOTE Examples of programmed swimming include tuition, club training and lane
fitness swimming.”
Each year the club also hosts a gala for club members, and a distance swim
 for members to gain distance badges.
All club activities are intended to complement those also available in the
area including formal lessons, fun swims, public sessions, tigersharks,
length swims etc. but not compete directly – we offer something different with
a sense of belonging to a club and encouraging regular attendance.
Members are expected to attend regularly or release their membership to
someone else.
Existing coaches are all very experienced, and new coaches are expected to
have appropriate teaching/coaching certificates or be working towards one if
on poolside.
Lifeguards will be provided by the pool between 7pm and 8:30pm, i.e. while
children are in the pool, lifeguard for the adult sessions will be provided by
the club.
Coaches and assistants will have completed an ASA self declaration form until
a full CRB check can be done.
Comments invited,
Roger Greenwood
Please send email to admin A T hvasc.org.uk (not a mail link – replace all spaces etc with @ symbol please) or call in to the pool Tues/Thurs evenings and see us in person.
(Yvonne is away on hols so don’t expect a reply from her for a while).
Just to clarify, here is the page from their own website for those members who may be confused :-
ABOUT KIRKLEES ACTIVE LEISURE
Kirklees Active Leisure is the newly formed charitable trust responsible for the management, operation and development of 10 sports centres and swimming pools in Kirklees. The trust also manages the Stadium Health & Fitness Club and Spenborough Athletics Track.
What is the Aim of Kirklees Active Leisure?
Kirklees Active Leisure aims to: get “more people, more active, more often, in Kirklees.” and provide opportunities for affordable sport, leisure and recreational activities for local people.
When was it Formed?
The Trust gained Charitable Status on 21st March 2002, and formally came into being on 1st April 2002. Although a completely independent body making its own decisions at meetings of the Board of Trustees, the Council and the Trust are working together in partnership.
The Trust is responsible to an eight member board comprised of local people and chaired by David Heddon, former Regional Director of Sport England. The Trust and the Council have signed a Statement of Understanding which summarises mutual and common aims which are intended to improve the service and the facilities, whilst at the same time meet the needs and aspirations of the community of Kirklees as a whole. The agreement with the Trust ensures that charges to customers will be affordable.
Why Was it Formed?
Following a detailed review of the provision of sport and leisure facilities throughout the district, wide consultation with users and non users, and a Best Value Review, the Council determined to enter into a Trust arrangement for its Leisure Management Activity. The review identified the need to invest substantial amounts of capital funding to address the decline in the structural condition of the buildings.
This issue is not unique to Kirklees; it is a problem which is coming to the surface across the country. There is a high demand and usage of these facilities, particularly those providing for swimming and pay and play. The review also recognised that the community wanted facilities in good condition within reasonable distance of the population concentrations in Kirklees.
Kirklees Active Leisure Strategic Objectives
The Trust will focus on its activities on:
- providing the communities of Kirklees with access to affordable sport and leisure activities.
- ensuring that all residents have access to opportunities for leisure that will contribute to the health and well being of the community.
- achieving a community with a good environment and more sustainable way of life.
- providing opportunities for communities and individuals for skill development, educational attainment and qualifications, social development and confidence building.
- consultation, monitoring and review of improvements to services.
- raising profile and awareness of the Trust and its activities.
- sound commercial basis in which to operate.
What are the Benefits?
An independent survey established the need to spend around £20m over the next 25 years to repair and maintain the sports centres and swimming pools to meet customers expectations. As an independent charitable trust, Kirklees Active Leisure can benefit from rate relief and VAT concessions amounting to £500k per year. This, when added to the capital investment by the Council, should allow £6m over the next four or five years to address the repairs schedule and to maintain facilities in their restored condition for the foreseeable future.
The Trust arrangement will also allow for the independent body to access funds or partnership arrangements which may allow for other developments and improvements which would not be available to the Council.
Gala Heats
Saturday, October 18th, 2008Results for the heats are in the following formats :- pdf xls ods (odf)
Please note the dates for the finals as the previous post. Good luck to all those competing.
Posted in General Comments, Uncategorized | No Comments »