E News May 2011

26 May 2011

AGM 2011

We gathered at The Market Porter in Borough Market, a fine hostelry serving excellent ale for this year's AGM. Regrettably, last year's serving wenches were not on display. There's a lot going on at the club at present which I cover below. In many ways it's been a very successful year.

First here are a few personal thoughts after a year as your secretary. We have been one of the drivers of the development of university lacrosse. As a result of expansion in this area the lacrosse topography has been changed. A large new and expanding sector of the game has been placed between the junior game and the clubs. The Centurions have an important role to play in supporting this continued expansion of the game. However, we do need to look at how we can best do this.

We have rightly focussed on funding and supporting development opportunities but our resources are limited. It would be great to expand the membership, have a few new faces helping to run the club, build greater strength in the north, and to strengthen our finances. We might even increase our profile in the ladies and the mixed game!

Hopefully, the next year will see us able to achieve these targets.

SECRETARY'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR

Key features of the year.

  • World Series Lunch.
  • Over the season we have provided help with equipment to support new developments at the following clubs and schools:

    Bournemouth University LC
    Glasgow LC
    Hull LC Schools Programme
    Langley School, Norwich
    Norwich LC
    Plymouth LC Schools Programme
    Settlebeck School Sedburgh
    University of the West of England LC

  • We have also provided DVDs of the game, posters, and general advice to numerous university sides.
  • Andy Slaughter raised funds through sponsorship on The Great Yorkshire Run and leveraged the value of his efforts by channelling funds through SELET where they were enhanced by Gift Aid.
  • The SEMLA Six a Side tournament was again organised by The Centurions at Walcountian Blues ground. Purley won the Senior trophy, Portsmouth the Intermediate and Spencer the Minor. Thanks to those who helped on the day.
  • A new SEMLA County Tournament has been held at Reading's IBIS ground.
  • Tom Brunner received this year's Stan Smith Award for his work developing lacrosse in Plymouth.
  • A regular bi-monthly newsletter now goes to all members, where I have your e mail address.
  • The treasurer reported a deficit of £1,671.17 for the year and a current balance of £3,041.35, with a bill for the equipment for Norwich outstanding. Money well spent!

DEVELOPMENT

Colchester

We are still working to get the initiative involving three schools near Colchester playing our game. Given lacrosse is played at the local university and by the Colchester club this represents a great opportunity to build East Anglian lacrosse.

Chester and Derby Universities

Students at both Chester and Derby Universities are looking to get clubs off the ground next year. If it looks viable we'll provide some kit to get them going.

NORTHERN UNIVERSITIES SIDE

The Northern Universities side still is looking to spruce themselves with new kit. Centurion Peter Nadin has made good progress raising funds and thanks those of you who have made donations.

Peter still needs a little more so if you'd like to help let me know and I'll pass on your contact details.

COUNTY TOURNAMENT

Thanks go to Ray Nash for his work organising this revived tournament. London won the day. SEMLA is considering how best to build on this success build future tournaments into a build up to the British Nationals. Over to SEMLA………..

All the Best!!