NORTHBROOK ATHLETIC CLUB COMMITTEE MEETINGS
held by video conference on 7 July
Present:
R. Richardson (President and Coaching Co-Ordinator)
R. Adams (Chairman)
M. Baker (Club Secretary)
A. Mackness (Treasurer)
T. Hughes (Membership Secretary)
S. Davies (Men’s Captain)
D. Campbell (Welfare Officer)
In attendance:
S. Eason (guest)
Apologies – J. Evans (Women’s Captain), D Robbins (Social Secretary), C. O’Keefe (Welfare Officer)
Treasurer’s Report – Tony Mackness circulated a report and discussed details of the accounts.
Social Events – Daisy Robbins sent a voice note message to the committee, to say that the recent breakfast trail run from Jaguar was a success, and other social runs could be arranged in future.
Membership – We have 281 paid up members so far.
Health & Safety/Welfare – There were no incidents in June. Debbie Campbell has completed her safeguarding training (not coaching). Debbie will speak to Collette O’Keefe about any other health and safety topics.
Training – Training nights have been affected by hot weather. Most noticeably regarding postponement of the GBU event. There have been requests from members to update training sessions on the club website. There will be communication to members before any September safety runs commence. There was a discussion regarding informal and formal arrangements for members with families and children attending social runs – insurance and safeguarding were mentioned and need to be considered with any formal arrangements.
Events – There have been many great performances recently including in the Warks Road Race League, the Sphinx mile relays and the Summer Handicap. Race the Train is on Wednesday 15th July. The GBU is being rearranged to start at 6.30pm on Wednesday 12th August.
10K Race – Entries are likely to sell out on the day of the race, if not earlier. Everyone’s help is needed on the day. Thanks to the 10km committee for all their planning and organisation throughout the year. Advice will be sent out to all entrants about taking care when running in warm or hot weather.
Ochy – Sally Eason sent out information to the committee before the meeting which described Ochy, an AI app which can help to analyse a runner’s biomechanics. When reviewed with a club coach, the runner can get advice on how to improve their running technique. Ochy is partnered with England Athletics at the moment. Northbrook have had a short one week trial. The committee agreed to Sally’s proposal to purchase an Ochy subscription, although some concerns were also raised. Club coaches do not have to use or promote Ochy if they do not wish to so. Also, Ochy should be made available to new and existing members who want to use it.
Cross-Country – Northbrook and Sphinx will co-host the final fixture of the mens Birmingham League division 3 at Coombe Abbey (morning) on 13th February 2027. We are awaiting details of the Midland Womens League events.
Runners of the Month – The winners are Carly Wood (100km ultra run) and Matt Hathrell (Two Castles 1okm, and Sphinx mile relays winning 2 awards).
AOB
- Gazebo – speak to Spencer Davies if the club gazebo is required for events.
- New Members – a reminder that the committee can review membership applications before accepting members.
Next Meeting – Scheduled for Tuesday 4 August 2026, online.