Chairmans Report 2005-2006
This season has been
one where the club has consolidated on its great strength; of being a
club that is always open and welcoming to new members and relishes the
opportunity to develop the individual and team skills of all its
members.
It is because of this
that we continue to attract players to the club and this season, thanks
to the efforts of Richard (club secretary), the web site, and the Yahoo
groups club email has been a means where the club has been able to
advertise its presence to the World.
This medium has
attracted new players who have been able to discover the club when they
are working in or around Swindon and come along and join in even for a
short period of time. (Ian, Richard, Aurilee, Gabbi, Carlotta, Magda,
Mia ----------to name a few!)
I think we have been
very lucky again this season to have our court graced by a strong and
varied group of Internationals who carry on a tradition at Bassett that
dates back many years.
The club is enhanced by
having such an International feel and I hope that we can continue to do
'our bit' for International relations!
That's not to say that we should ignore and forget our home-grown talent who are at the hub of the club!
As a result the club is
in the fortunate position at the end of this season that the membership
has improved from the beginning of the year. Even with the loss of
players as they move on we can look forward with some confidence to
player numbers at the start of next season, and perhaps may even be able
to field a ladies team.
Every club is dependant
on the participation and involvement of all its members, whether you
put the net up or down, help run a line, referee, score, or turn up to
support your team at a match, and I think the members in general have
been very forthcoming to assist in many aspects of running the club.
I would like to thank
everyone for their contribution this year and in particular the efforts
of the committee, coach and assistants for their involvement and time,
and to those whom have made themselves available to represent the club
at WVA meetings.
At the end of this season we can pause to reflect on our achievements:
'A' Team :- Premier
Division Winners ; Dave Kinder Cup Winners ; 6th position @ the SW
Volleyball Championships (Held in Plymouth this year and placing the
team 1 place higher than at last years' tournament)
'B' Team :- Although
the team did not win a match this season ,the team operated without the
need for borrowed 'A' Team players. It has rebuilt itself into a unit
again after loosing players at the end of last season and has recently
turned in some very credible performances. The team will drop down to
Division 2 next season and should be in a good position to take that 1st
win and build from there.
Socially the club have
had several events this year that have been well attended. The
Christmas meal @ the Rendezvous Chinese Restaurant. The afternoon of
Bowling and Pizza afterwards. And last Saturday the club BBQ was well
attended, on a hot summers day as England beat Paraguay in their opening
match of the 2006 World Cup.
-Thanks to Janusz and Irena again for their hospitality!
I'll close with the
final thought that the club is in good health, but we should think about
how we can continue to develop and improve the club over the coming
seasons.
Irwin Aiken Chairman (2005/2006)