Viceroys Triathlon Club AGM 2025
Date & Time: 2025-03-06 19:08:31
Location: The Anglers
Welcome and Introduction
- The meeting commenced with a welcome to attendees, highlighting the excitement of the AGM 2025.
- The old committee is running the session, with the new committee to be announced at the end to maintain engagement.
Agenda Overview
- The agenda includes key member updates, activities, kit and merchandise discussions, and the announcement of the new committee.
- Voting for the new committee members has been introduced this year, replacing the previous method of raising hands.
Chair’s update
- The club experienced significant changes with new committee members, chairman, and coach.
- The committee’s efforts have been commendable, leading to increased membership and engagement.
- The chair expressed gratitude for the hard work of the committee, which made their role easier.
- The introduction of voting was well-received and considered more effective than the previous method.
Secretary’s update
- Club insurance covers only club-organized activities and members are encouraged to obtain British Triathlon membership for individual coverage, starting at £33.
- A governance paper has been developed to clarify roles within the club, though it is not yet finalized.
- The new committee is expected to advance this document.
Treasurer’s update
- The club’s income from subscriptions was £13.7k, with expenditures at £12k, resulting in a surplus.
- The surplus will be allocated to additional coaching and sessions.
- Major expenses include coaching (£4.8k) and lake swims (£4k).
- Other expenses cover memberships to British Triathlon and British Cycling, swim caps, membership cards, and yearly end of season party catering expenses.
- Part of the budget will cover year-round track activities, with potential leftover funds used for club kits and shared costs for events.
- The club is in a strong financial position, with income covering year-round track use. Maintaining a financial buffer is essential for unforeseen expenses.
Membership Update
- Membership currently stands at 130, which is an increase from the previous year despite some attrition.
- The club currently has 26% female members, a slight decrease from 28% last year.
- There is a higher percentage of full members compared to cycling-only members.
- Different membership categories include full members, lifetime members, overseas members, and students, with varying fees.
- The club aims to reach a financial breakeven point, which has increased from 10K to 12.5K.
Club events update
- Last year the magic number for participants taking part in club organised events was 20 and this year we would like to see more people join in and take part in club activities.
- Winter Challenge and Halloween cycle were popular and well-attended, with participants enjoying themed activities.
- A new proposal for bi-monthly social evenings to foster community outside of athletic activities.
- Lake swims aim to start in May, pending confirmation from the lake.
- All 2025 events are in the events calendar on the app.
- Important to schedule key events like relays and club championships early to allow members to secure entry tickets.
- All events are listed in the calendar. Suggestions and feedback, especially regarding the Winter Challenge, are encouraged.
- Acknowledgment of the hard work by the Winter Challenge organizers, which was well-received and motivated participation during the winter months.
Marketing update
- Participants are encouraged to tag Viceroy’s in social media posts to facilitate sharing and increase engagement.
- Race reports, even short ones, are popular and receive significant engagement. Members are encouraged to contribute without needing reminders.
- Social media activities have led to increased interest and membership inquiries.
- Discount codes and race invitations are shared via the app, contributing to membership growth.
- A team of three will manage marketing and social activities moving forward.
Club organised activities
Club-organized activities are paid coaching activities and one weekend lake free swim:
- Monday Evening Swim Training: Starts in May, pending confirmation from Emma and the crew.
- Friday Track Sessions: Now held year-round at 6 PM, despite some scheduling conflicts.
- Weekend Free Swim: Available once per weekend, resuming with Monday sessions.
Member organised activities
Member-organized activities rely on volunteers. Emphasis on the importance of member participation and if you think you might be able to join, sign up and others will join.
- Tuesday Evening Rides: Restarting in April.
- Wednesday Evening Trail Runs: Flexible start times and locations.
- Social Runs (cat and mouse): Resuming in April, based from the Walton Bridge.
- Zwift Evening Rides: Regular sessions on Wednesdays and a new Thursday session starting March 13th.
- Monthly Cycle Loop Training: Monthly sessions starting May 4th, exploring quiet public roads.
- Hillingham Race Circuit: Potential closed-road circuit for training, pending cost evaluation.
- UK-Based Triathlon Training Camp: Under investigation for future implementation, aiming for inclusivity.
Club Merchandise and Kit
- Introduction of a new supplier, BornBound, for club kits, chosen for their offerings in the triathlon arena.
- Assurance of consistent kit design with no plans for frequent changes, aiming for repeatability in sizing and availability.
- The first order window for the new kit will open on the 13th of March, with a lead time of approximately 10-12 weeks.
- Emphasis on the challenge of sizing due to Italian manufacturing, with plans to provide stock for swaps and for the new members.
- Explanation of pricing differences between male and female jerseys, based on factory quotes without rounding up. Transition to an online store for kit purchases, with payments handled directly by the supplier, removing the club from financial transactions.
- Hoodies will arrive next week (wc 10th of March) and technical t-shirts will arrive at the end of March. Get your orders in by emailing viceroytriathlonclub@hotmail.com, limited number of sizes in the first patch.
Committee Updates
- A formal vote was conducted for the first time to elect committee members.
- The committee met 8-9 times over the past year, primarily communicating via WhatsApp.
- Members are encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions through the club’s email account.
- New committee:
- Club Chairman – Carl Britton
- Vice Chairman – Nick Christian
- Club Secretary – Iain Gill
- Membership Secretary – Carl Britton
- Treasurer – Sylwia Milkowska
- Events – Marit Sõrmus / Gary Parker-Ticehurst
- Socials – Lucy Hoseason / Sam Holloway / Clint Parker-Ticehurst
Additional Committee member for 2025
- Carla Gilbey will join the committee as a Kitt Officer. New role for this year and will be pending a vote next year.
AOB
Senior London Triathlon League
- Last year the club shifted from the South East to the London region, improving accessibility to races.
- Participation is either individual or as a team
- Participation in the London League requires completing at least 3 events organised in the race series
- More information will be added to the club app, if interested in taking part, let members know on the app.
BTF Club Relays 20/07/2025 Bedford
- Teams can be formed with three members of mixed sexes, with flexibility in team composition.
- Scheduled for July 20th in Bedford, featuring a team of four in a super sprint format.
- Members interested in participating are encouraged to express their interest on the club app so others will know and a team can be set up.
Other topics:
Suggestions for club events include renting a velodrome for indoor track activities.
Acknowledgments
- Appreciation was expressed for the outgoing committee’s efforts and the new members’ enthusiasm to drive the club forward.
Unfortunately, Ralph was not able to join but shared his observations after a year of being the Head Coach at Viceroys.
My observations from my first year of coaching Viceroys:
Hopefully everyone enjoys the sessions and feels that they are inclusive to all, whatever your level.
I genuinely have seen many that are attending the sessions improve technique, strength and speed throughout the year, so well done to all those that attended the sessions.
There has been a strong turnout most weeks at the swim sessions in the summer months at the lake, the track and the S&C / track run sessions throughout the winter. This has been a new element for the club training through the winter, which I think will reap dividends, especially for those that have attended. I hope everyone has appreciated this new session throughout the winter. Several sessions having over 20 members attending.
I would like to see more club members attend the sessions. It helps build camaraderie, develops a strong club identity (even more than it is already), creates a buzz and gets you to meet more of your club mates.
Coming to the club sessions also helps me identify any issues that you may have with technique, injuries or training questions, so if you are looking to improve then this is the best way to achieve that.
As a high-performance coach, I periodise the training sessions so that you are doing the right sessions for the time of year to build you towards peaking for the summer months when most races take place. Obviously, if your race falls outside of the summer months, I can help you tweak the club sessions to fit in with what you are aiming for. I have helped over 30 individuals get from beginner level to represent GB for their age groups and helped 4 individuals get to Kona, win world or European championships, so I can help everyone from beginners to high performers.
I have really enjoyed coaching Viceroys this year and love the buzz of the club. I’ve enjoyed meeting a large proportion of the club, but I would like to help more of you!
Ralph
