Note: Some formating may be poor due do file transfer to this website.
Annual General Meeting Minutes
Thursday 15 October 2026 at The Ship, Redbridge
Mike Wiseman welcomed all to the meeting.
Present:
Committee members: Mike Wiseman, Sue Wiseman, Mo Latham, Bill Latham, Maria
James, Jim Gray, John Denham, Andy Withers, Andrew Bryant, Jack Bryant, Trevor Gatrell,
Tim Churchill, Shane Babey, Steve Cronin, Tony Knott.
Club members: Lloyd James, Bob Cross, Steve Martin, Leon Baude, John Baude, Leonie
Hawat, Michael Hawat, Steve Barnes, Tom Martin
Apologies.
Sally Garland – With offer of future admin support and become a COC
Paul Garland – With offer to become a COC
Ian Bird - With offers of Coaching and Back Marking.
Matthew and Chrissy Rowden - COC Confirmation
Steve Greenen – Email message received confirming COC and other Support.
Dave Penfold – Resignation
Gareth Plews – Resignation
Chairman’s Report for 2026 and Vision for 2027
We have a large agenda, some agenda items are “Quick Hits,” others will need a little
discussion.
The objective of this AGM is to map the Club’s journey for not only the next 12 Months but for
the foreseeable future.
The minutes from tonight will give all Club members an understanding of what we all do and
who does what.
Waltham Chase Club Overview
2026 was another good year for the Club. Waltham Chase is a club focused on the average
rider. We may never be recognised as an Expert Rider or National Club, but we know our
“customers” and will continue to look after them.
In 2026 we have organised 29 Trials, including two Centre Championship Rounds and a
Sammy Miller Classic Championship Trial.
Possibly too many Trials some say, but as long as we have the land and COC’s available there is no problem in running them with Sport80 admin. We currently have five live events online which would be a challenge without the online system.
There are currently four Sport80 admins available to manage events.
For 2027 we have provisionally planned:
• 20 Trials, with capacity for a number of Practice Days.
• An Awards Presentation
• Two Camping Weekends
• In Club and Alisia Robinson Coaching.
At the 2025 AGM we discussed the need for additional COC’s to run events.
We succeeded and now have additional COC’s on board running events, with more
Joining us in 2027.
We will plan our 2027 events in principle at this AGM and finalise the details at an upcoming
COC meeting, as we did for this 2026.
The Vision for 2027
For next year, the objective is to look at “everything else” that makes the Club work. To make
sure, that when I do move on the Club continues to operate seamlessly.
There are a number of proposals to discuss and more may be suggested tonight regarding the
future running of the Club.
This is not a quick hit to be finalised tonight, but to be developed over the coming months to
make sure we get it right.
One issue to discuss is that our meetings have become too big and as a result expensive to
hold.
However this is our club's culture and makes Waltham Chase a successful Club, but we do
need to review how we operate.
The committee is appreciated for all they do and should be suitably rewarded.
Members of the current Committee have suggested the team is currently too large, with
up to 20 attending some meetings. This shows what a strongly committed group we are, but it
can be difficult to make decisions with such a large group and we can easily become distracted
from the task in hand.
The first proposal is to revert to a core committee of no more than10 members, made up of the
club's officers and officials, possibly meeting every six weeks.
The Committee could have smaller sub groups looking after specific projects such as Awards,
Camping and Land etc, but this is not essential if the business can be addressed at Committee Meetings.
In addition, the proposal is to have Forum Meetings every 3 months (Including the AGM)
where all current Committee members would attend along with any invited guests.
The Forums would be similar to the Committee Meetings currently held, but less formal than a
policy-making “Committee Meeting” and possibly containing a social element.
The “Forums” would also include any volunteers joining us at the AGM
We do have a collective vast wealth of knowledge and experience which needs to be
maximised.
I am not giving up just yet and will carry on doing much of what I currently do, however, by this
time next year I would like to have the peace of mind to know that all current activity can be
carried out by the wider team.
You will see on the agenda that we have created a new position of Vice Chair. This is someone
to move the Club forward into the future.
Thank you for your continued support. I am looking forward to another year with Waltham
Chase.
Club Membership as 30th September
300 Paid Members
262 Adults, 35 Youth & 3 Social Members
Charity Donations 2026 (1st Oct to 30th Sept)
ACU Ben Fund £1400.00
Prostate Cancer UK £710.00
Muscular Dystrophy £300.00
Parkinsons UK £100.00
Alan Sansom (Brain Tumour) £100.00
Total donations made £2610.00
We will not run the Prostate Cancer Charity event in 2027. The provisional thoughts are to use
the date for the St Paul Trophy – The ACU Ben Fund Charity. (Action – Confirmed)
Accounts 2026 - Key Finance Numbers
Event Income £42,909.09
Membership Income £3,774.88
Total Income £46,683.97
Key Expenditure
Permits & Insurance £14,154.70
Observers/Officials £6,795.50
Land £6,710.00
Charity Donations £2,610.00
Awards Presentation £2,585.00
Total Expenditure £46,105.03
Operational Variance £578.94
TSB Bank Account
1st October 2025 £5417.46
30th September 2026 £7623.35
This is the snapshot of the TSB account as at the 30th September.
A proposal has been made for a second signatory to be added to the account in 2027.
Note: Action completed at AGM. Shane Babey proposed and seconded.
Waltham Chase MCC is a not for profit Club but needs to protect its funds for any future
uncertainties. However, the Club is currently financially secure.
Youth Ambassador
Youth Representatives report:
Leon was thanked for acting as our youth representative. Leon read his report to the
committee.
See below:
Firstly, I would like to thank you for allowing me to represent the youth element of the club. It
has been a great honour and I have made a positive contribution. I have spoken to as many youth riders and parents as possible. In general, everyone seems
happy with the way the Club and trials are run.
No venue stands out as a particular favourite (although I like Limekiln Lane)
There is a bit of disappointment that the Youth only trial was cancelled due to low numbers.
I was asked about a youth only training/fun type trial day where a newer rider is paired with a
more experienced rider and they ride together as a team. Possibly a fun way to bring on the
younger riders and to form new friendships.(Note: Proposal seconded and will be actioned in
2027)
Everyone is happy with the route marking. Some trials are easy and some are harder, although
not all agree on what ‘s hard and what’s easy!
There was a random request for no football!
I am going to hand over to dad who will read an email received from Martin and Billy Guildford
with a few shared thoughts.
I am happy to hand over to Michael Hawat and wish him every success.
The Youth Ambassador Role is to:
• Represent Waltham Chase MCC as the Youth Ambassador.
• Communicate information to the Youth Members of the Club.
• Gather feedback from Youth Members and feedback to the Committee.
• Work with the Social Committee on Youth activities.
Youth Ambassadors are “in post for a period of 12 months” and are invited to assist with the
selection of the next Youth Ambassador.
Youth Ambassadors are presented with an award in recognition of the service they have
provided.
Club Affiliation
Waltham Chase will continue to be affiliated to the ACU
Retiring Officers and Club Officials
• Chair/Club Secretary: Mike Wiseman
• Treasurer: Mike Wiseman
• Awards: Mo Latham, Sue Wiseman
• Minutes Secretary: Mo Latham
• Membership Secretary:(Now Sport80 Function)
• Social Activities: Maria James, Sally Garland
• Safeguarding & Child Protection: Tim Churchill. All COC’s.
• First Aid Lead: Tim Churchill
• Environmental Officer: Gary Plews and Trevor Gatrell
• Youth Representative: Leon Baude
• Facebook Admin: Mo Latham, Andy Withers
• Club Coach: Ian Bird
• Clerks Of Course: Steve Greenen, Jim Gray, Andrew Bryant, Jack Bryant, Ian Bird,
Matthew Rowden, Shane Babey, Dave Penfold, Tim Churchill, George Hawat, Steve
Cronin, Mike Wiseman.
• Scrutineers: George Hawat, Bruce Watts, Zane Mumford, Steve Greenen.
• PR and Photography: Andy Withers
• Sign On: Sue Wiseman, Mo Latham, Maria James, Steve Greenen, Shane Babey.
• Results: Mike Wiseman, Steve Greenen, Sally Garland
• First Aiders: Ian Bird, Andrew Bryant, Paul Garland, Jack Bryant, Martin Penfold, John
Baude, Trevor Gatrell, Malcolm Mullender, Maria James
• Committee (If not listed above): Tony Knott, Bill Latham, John Denham
• ACU Board Representatives: Shane Babey, Ian Ballard, Mike Wiseman, Steve
Greenen.
• Back Markers: Ian Bird, Trevor Gatrell
Election of Officers and Officials for 2027
The Team for 2027 are:
• Chair: Mike Wiseman
• Vice Chair: Shane Babey
• Club Secretaries: Including: Minutes Secretary, General Secretaries, Events Secretary
(SOM), Sport 80 Secretary: Mike, Mo, Shane, Maria
• Treasurers: Mike and Shane
• Awards Coordinator: Mike, Sue, Mo, Bill, George
• Safeguarding, Child Protection & First Aid Lead: Tim
• Environmental Officers: Trevor and Andrew Bryant
• Youth Representative: Michael Hawat
• ACU Board Representatives: Mike, Shane, Steve, Andy Withers
• Social Media: Mo and Andy
• Webmaster: Mike and Mo
• COC Lead: Steve Greenen
• Grey Team Lead - John Denham
• Club Coach: Ian and Steve Cronin
• Centre Steward: Steve Greenen
Leoine Hawat offered to join the Signing on Team
Tony Knott resigned from the Committee.
Jim Gray resigned from the position of COC
Clerks of Course for 2027:
Steve Greenen, Andrew Bryant, Jack Bryant, Ian Bird,
Matthew Rowden, Jamie Rowden, Shane Babey, Tim Churchill, George Hawat, Steve
Cronin, Mike Wiseman
Membership fees, Event entry fees, and Observers Remuneration for 2027
All fees will remain the current rate, with no increases considered necessary.
Club Membership
Adults £15.00
Youth £5.00
Social £5.00
Event Entry Fees
Club Championship and Summer Series Trials
Adults £20.00
Youth £15.00
OTC and Championship Trials
Adults £25.00
Youth £15.00
Practice Days
Adults £15.00
Youth members No Charge
Non-Members £10.00
Observers and Officials Expense Payments
Club Trials £20.00
OTC Trials £20.00 Plus a lunch allowances
Event Entry
Entries will be taken via Sport80
Facilities are available to accept manual entries prior to the start.
Details will be included in the Supplementary regulations for the event.
Late Entry Fees
Late entry fees may be applied at some events to encourage riders to enter in earlier to enable
all admin to be carried out earlier.
Events to be held in 2027
• Club Championship (Eight Rounds)
• Summer Series (Six Rounds) Including a “Sidecar” class
• Centre Championship Rounds.(The Geoff Chandler and The George Greenland)
• Centre Classic (The Keith Marshall)
• Other Open (John Wright, Alan Sansom, Dick Hoyles, The Jack White, The Francis
Family Trial. To be confirmed at the upcoming COC Meeting.)
A proposal was made to combine some named Trials with Club Championship Rounds.
• November Charity Trial – The St Paul Trophy (ACU Ben Fund Trial)
• Practice Days/Evenings TBC
• Camping : (Two weekends confirmed for 2027)
•Sidecar Activity – (To be included in the 2027 Summer Series. John Denham to
champion this new venture)
Two Day Classic Trial - It was agreed to review the proposed Two-day Classic Trial for 2028.
This is due to date and venue availability.
2027 Provisional Dates Calendar
The provisional calendar was circulated and discussed. This will be published after the COC’s
have met and confirmed all 2027 events, dates and venues.
Event “Rules” for 2027
As 2026: All trials “Stop Allowed” except the Keith Marshall “Non-Stop”.
Score Recording
We will continue to use Waterproof Score Sheets rather than punch cards.
These work well in all weather conditions.
Venues – Available for 2027
• Hut Hill
• Oakridge Copse
• Cadnam
• Limekiln Lane
• Manor Farm
• Bunny Lane
We also have an option to use Steep Marsh and are exploring a potential venue in Bishops
Waltham.
Land Assets Sub Committee
(Maria, Mike, Mo, Shane & Tim)
Tim Churchill updated the meeting on the group's activity and plans.
The continuing success of the club is based on a number of important factors, one of which is
access to suitable land
The Committee has a responsibility to periodically review land assets (access to land, not
owned assets), so that we are prepared, and fit for the future. The Land Assets subgroup is
undertaking the following work:
• A 'stock take' of where the club are today with current land assets
• Review the risks and constraints of current land assets
• Review the clubs current and future land asset requirements
• Consider future land asset options
• Develop a contingency plan that is ready, if Hut Hill or other land is lost
Action: The Sub-group will report back to the Committee with its findings, a contingency plan
and any recommendations.
New Venues
The Club are continually seeking new venues and have at least one location under review. Any
further offers of suitable land are appreciated.
Hut Hill Fencing and Tree Management
The Hut Hill project has been delayed as a result of the prolonged period of dry weather. (The
ground is too hard)
Action: John and Shane will confirm a new date.
Rider Classifications for 2027
Confirmation of Waltham Chase 2027 classifications.
All Open to Centre Trials and Club Championship Trials
Expert – (A Route)
Clubman Expert - (50/50 B & A Routes)
Past Master – (B Route - Rider over 50)
Clubman – (B Route – Under50)
Sportsman – (50/50 C & B routes)
Veteran - Over 50 (C Route)
Novice - Under 50 (C Route)
Beginner Plus (Name TBC) – (50/50 D & C routes)
Pre-67 (C Route)
50/50 Routes
Pre-67 (D Route)
Twin Shock (C Route)
Twin Shock (D Route)
Adult Beginner D
Youth Expert (A)
Youth Intermediate (B)
Youth Novice (C)
Youth Beginner (D)
Youth Rookie (E)
It was agreed to introduce 50/50 routes for all trials except The Summer Series in 2027.
The Summer Series will be marked out sympathetically to enable riders to ride “up a class”.
50/50 success be reviewed at the 2027 AGM
The 50/50 Classifications have no age criteria.
It was proposed that there will be four or five 50/50 sections and ideally alternated around the
course.
Rider Numbers
We will continue to use “retained numbers” but riders should display a number that is clearly
legible and printed on white card.
New number cards are available if riders need a replacement.
Event Equipment - Storage and Maintenance and Next Event Routine
The COC team will organise the storage and transporting of equipment for each trial and will
pass from the current clerk to the next. This will include flags, route markers, signage, ladies
loo and tent, defibrillator and first aid kit.
As COC it will be a responsibility to ensure all relevant equipment is passed on.
COC’s do not necessarily do all, they should delegate tasks if necessary.
Action: The clerks of course will meet to discuss this further on 26 November.
Observers
We have a number of ideas on how to recruit, train and retain our observers. It is a regular
problem for all clubs and all clubs approach this differently. We believe that with a membership
of over 300 we can rely on you all to help out with observing from time to time, either by
bringing an observer, or observing yourself at an event you wouldn’t normally ride in.
Observers are a crucial element to a trial; without them trials do not happen. In every section,
the competitor is scored by an observer (Hence the sport's name) who counts how many times
the competitor touches the ground with the foot (or any other part of the body). It isn’t Mark
Yourself but Observed Trials so any sections not covered by an observer will be closed, but we
know you don’t want that so we ask you to help where you can.
One event per year per rider or family member is all we ask.
Full training can be given, and you never know by observing others you may learn something
too!
Correspondence received on the subject from Nick Eades was shared with the meeting.
Number of Sections
• Club Trials will be 4 laps of 10 sections
• Centre Championships will be 3 laps with a minimum of 12 sections
First Aid Cover and First Aid Training
There is one space available on the next ACU funded first aid training day on 12th
December.
Please contact Mike if you would like to attend.
Clerk of Course Regional Trials Seminar
The next COC seminar will be on 5th December in Otterbourne
We welcome offers from riders to become additional COC’s.
If you would like to learn more or attend, please email Mike
Club Coach & Coaching Activity
We hope to have an additional coach to help Ian at more practice and training days. More
details will be confirmed when finalised.
Club Website
Mo has offered to help with the management of the club website.
Training will be given.
Action: Mike to organise training session
Youth Members - Back & Knee Protectors
These will be mandatory from 2027. The ACU will be confirming the specification by way of a
TSR at the end of October. The club will send information to all parents.
Action: Mike to include information in an upcoming newsletter when available.
(Grandparents Christmas present?)
Facebook & Social Media
Facebook Update
We have 163 Facebook members which is approximately 50% of our
membership. There was a 6% increase this month. Two parents of riders have emailed
requesting access.
Action: Mo to add further events to Facebook Page
WhatsApp Group
This has been set up for COC’s to contact committee members to ease laying out planning
Communication.
2027 Awards Presentation (Saturday 27th February 2027)
• Awards purchase – Trophyman confirmed as the supplier
• Awards Presenter – Ideas for a presenter would be welcomed
• Presentation Format - The plans for this are in hand.
Further Events for 2027
It was proposed that the new Forum format could include a more social element, skittles, quiz,
etc. More info to follow. If you would like any social activities please speak to any committee
member at a trial.
Alicia Robinson Coaching
A date will be arranged for 2027. Please advise if you would like to be added to the list. (adult
and Youth)
Catering at 2027 Trials
Debs has given notice that she and Andy will no longer be attending events from the end of
2026.
We will look at alternative options but if anyone fancies a new business venture Debs is selling
her van. The vehicle has been MOT tested this week and Debs would provide training.
All Trials Clubs in the Centre have been contacted to see if there is an opportunity to have a
dedicated “Clubs Caterer.”
Contact Mike or Deb’s direct if you are interested
Club Merchandise
We will create an advertising flyer for club merchandise to promote to Members.
Note: A range of pre-owned Trials and Club Clothing will be available at the upcoming Charity
Trial.
Document Retention
Clerk of Courses will be responsible for individual event paperwork. Retention and disposal will be discussed at the upcoming clerks meeting on 26 Novembe
Club PR and Event Photography
Thanks were given to Andy for his continued attendance at events.
The photos and event reports are great.
Action: Andy to confirm which events he can cover for 2027
Load Lugger
The Load Lugger is required at Trials during the winter months (October to February)
John Denham checks and services the lugger when required. A roof leak has been fixed
Thanks to John for transporting the Lugger.
Club Meetings Schedule
• Date of COC meeting - Thursday 26 November
• Group/Forum meeting date TBC
• Meeting Venues – TBC - MW is looking for an alternative venue. The Ship has a new
owner, and we are currently uncertain of their future offering.
Meeting Funding
To be agreed at the next Committee Meeting when a venue is identified. It was recorded that
attendees give up their time to attend and that it is reasonable for the Club to provide
refreshments at meetings.
AOB and “Postal” correspondence.
TRIAL ZONE: The Club have received an email from John Coombes at Trial Zone, based on
the IOW, offering to bring a number of EBikes across to an appropriate venue for some taster
sessions for interested parents and children in 2027.
Action: Mike to liaise with John Coombes to confirm and organise with COC’s and
landowners.
Charity Trial Support
Mo has offered to sign on.
Bill and Jan Offered to observe.
If available to observe please contact Steve or Maria.
Date for the 2027 AGM
Proposed date 14th October 2027 (Venue TBC)
The meeting closed at 22.20
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