AGM and Prize Presentation - Great Evening

Report by Gavin Smith

Photographs to follow shortly.....

Around 150 riders, supporters, parents and officials packed the church hall opposite Preston Park track for the annual Sussex League AGM and prize presentation.

Chairman Rob Fuller gave a brief welcome and thanked several league stalwarts for their hard work this season, and this was followed by the AGM. In the absence of promoter Vern McClelland, his upbeat report was read out. “I think I can safely say that 2008 was the best season for me at the track since I have been promoting at Preston Park, with each week of racing very well attended”, he stated. McClelland outlined the success of the pre-season Try the Track evenings and the fact that U16s and U14s were on fixed-wheel for the first time – a development which received great praise all-round. McClelland went on to highlight the achievements of Felix English who once again dominated the Senior “A” league. “Felix moves into the junior ranks next year, so perhaps we’ll see another youth taking over, or will Felix get his hat-trick?” McClelland went on to thank all the volunteers for their help throughout the season.

Treasurer Dave Gerrey gave a very detailed annual report aided by a Powerpoint demonstration. A proposal that U12 riders will ride fixed-wheel next season was unanimously carried after discussion. There was great news that Preston Park regular Pete Mitchell has been offered a place on the British Cycling Olympic Academy Programme, so he has achieved his major target for the season. Anthony Rogers was pleased to announce that the local Preston Park Youth CC had won the Brighton & Hove City “Club of the Year” trophy.

After the commendably short AGM, gifts were presented to league helpers, then it was time for a brief break for refreshments, with cakes supplied by the Queen of Baking herself, Andrea McClelland.

Amply refreshed, it was down to the main business of the evening, the distribution of awards to the riders. Prizes were presented by Preston Park phenomenon and European Masters Sprint Champion Lee Povey, photos were taken by talented young photographer Daniel Dunbar and VC Jubilee supremo Sally Page, while Dave Gerrey’s Powerpoint display showed the names of riders as they came up to collect their awards.

Before announcing the prize-winners, Preston Park commentator Gavin Smith thanked various people for their help during the season, notably AD Cycles of Horsham for generously providing gift vouchers to youths at all league meetings. Virtually all the youth prize-winners were present with their proud parents, and all award recipients were warmly applauded for their successes.

The senior leagues were won by Felix English (A) and Charlie Heffernan (B). The Roy Humphrey trophy for the most meritorious youth went to Sara Gent and the cup for the most combative rider was won by Tim Hill. Adam Gent bagged the Junior trophy and Christian Yates was awarded the Veterans’ trophy. The Back-to-front trophy for the most successful U16 rider in handicap races went to Tom Goldsmith.

The other principal prize-winners were:
Senior A league: 1st Felix English, 2nd Adam Gent, 3rd Mark Burgess, 4th Christian Yates, 5th Lee Povey, 6th Charlie Sayer.
Senior B league: 1st Charlie Heffernan, 2nd Oliver Pepper, 3rd Philip Smith, 4th Paul Gosling, 5th Andy Parle, 6th Rupert Rivett.
U16: 1st Nick Smith, 2nd Tom Goldsmith, 3rd Tom Jamieson, 4th Sam Cheesman, 5th James McCarron, 6th Matthew Wise.
U14: 1st Ashley Dennis, 2nd Milo Burdeau, 3rd Kim English, 4th Sara Gent, 5th Amy Jacobs, 6th Jack Oliver-Blaney.
U12: 1st Gabriel Parle, 2nd Jake Marley, 3rd Amy Barnes, 4th Jack Barnett, 5th Harris Redgrove, 6th Megan Lewis.
U10: 1st Ted O’Brien, 2nd Douglas McCauley, 3rd Ben O’Brien, 4th Joe Hill, 5th Rosie Marley, 6th Sam Barnes.
U8: 1st Bethany Lewis, 2nd Cory Anderson, 3rd Harry Stacey, 4th Sian Carr, 5th Charlie Brooker, 6th Tom Martin.
Sprint champions: Seniors: Lee Povey. U16/U14 James McCarron. U12 Gabriel Parle. U10 Douglas McCauley. U8: Harry Stacey.
Points champions: Seniors: Felix English. U16 Nick Smith. U14 Milo Burdeau. U12 Gabriel Parle. U10 Luke Stacey. U8: Harry Stacey.
Scratch champions: Seniors: Felix English. U16 Nick Smith. U14 Sara Gent. U12 Gabriel Parle. U10 Douglas McCauley. U8: Cory Anderson.

Thoughts now turn to the 2009 season, which promises to be even better than 2008 – if that is possible. The first of three Try the Track sessions will be on Wednesday 1 April, then league meetings will begin on 22 April and will continue until 12 August. Look out for a review of the 2008 season soon, and 2009 season previews in the New Year.

Links (these links are to PDF files - you will need adobe reader to access them)

Read the 2007 AGM minutes as approved at this AGM

Read Vern McClelland's Promoters Report

Read Dave Gerrey's Treasurer's Report