Hi Everyone
Happy Friday once again!
Just a few admin announcements this week pending the Govt decision on Monday about the next steps for relaxing lockdown restrictions.
Firstly due to very low numbers we are stopping HIITS sessions now until the autumn, but we will look to put back in some strength and conditioning which is more conducive to do at home in warm weather. We are also short of a coach for Monday spin and since folk seem to be going out more in the evenings for their bike sessions we’re dropping that for the time being. Club rides have been a bit hit or miss and so depending on what is announced next week we might also make some changes there – watch this space.
Secondly, NHS Charity bingo players, please complete your cards by Monday and then the panel of expert independent judges will award prizes based on what you’ve managed to complete.
Third, thanks so much for all of the bluebell pictures posted up on the Club Facebook page, some really lovely entries and extra special kudos for Club kit, cute pets and exotic locations (ie outside of Oxfordshire and as far away as Dorset and the Lake District!). Your prizes are tequila shots with the Chair (other drinks possible of course), which might have to wait a while to collect on, but will be paid out in full eventually.
Fourth, we have discussed as a Committee an in person event to celebrate freedom from lockdown restrictions, and are planning on holding that within the next two months. However obviously we can’t firm that up quite yet but rest assured the more social animals amongst us are raring to see fellow Club members for a proper catch up over a drink or three.
Fifth, as an update on the Club finances you may recall that due to being unable to hold many training sessions last year we did accumulate a significant surplus. One of the objectives I have is to ensure that we are not in the same position this year; we want to spend all of the membership money on you the members and make the proposition and value for money a strong and compelling one, and to generally promote triathlon and multisport for all of our communities. We reviewed where we are at financially as we approach the mid year at our June committee meeting last Monday. The good news is that with a smaller membership and holding more activities and with slightly higher costs and with more pool sessions to come we think that we will more or less break even for the year. But with the Club’s strong financial position even if we make a modest loss given all of the difficulties and uncertainties we’ve had to deal with then that is ok and we have enough of a financial cushion to absorb that. I’ll update again as we come up to the third quarter of the year and hopefully there will be more certainty for us to plan against. Rest assured that we fully intend to carry on booking training sessions, and investing in safety and coaching training for the rest of the year.
I am very mindful that as lockdown is beginning slowly to revert to life as usual that it’s been very hard for us all to stay in touch and to understand what Club members want and value most from the Club. To that end I am planning a survey of members to get that input. It will be short and simple to complete. Even if your position is that everything is fine then please do let us know that because that in itself is a very useful data point. If there are any particular issues or questions you think I should be asking then drop me a note in the next few days.
The forecast for the weekend is looking amazing, so make sure you all stay hydrated and remember your suncream. There are still some slots for open water swimming tomorrow morning and with the water now well into the 20s it’s time to consider skins swimming without a wetsuit!
Finally, welcome to our new and rejoining members this week!
Any questions, as ever just ping me.
Happy training and racing!
Nick Wenban-Smith – chair@oxfordtri.co.uk
Training Calendar
See the official calendar for full info and sign up links. Sign up and familiarisation with Covid guidance is now compulsory for all sessions please.
Saturday 12 June: Open Water Swimming @ Dorchester Sailing Club 07:45
Sunday 13 June: Sunday Club Ride 09:00
Tuesday 15 June: Yoga for Triathletes 18:30
Wednesday 16 June: Radley Swim 19:30
Thursday 17 June: Track 19:00
Friday 18 June: Turbo from home 18:45
Friday 18 June: Kidlington 19:00
Saturday 19 June: Open Water Swim @ Dorchester Lake 07:45