A new era has been breached with my election as the first male Chairman of the club. After 11 years of been ably run by the "fairer" sex it will be an uphill battle to keep up the high standards. Having chaired the race committee since its first year I am well aware of just how capable our ladies are and although I am chairing the club it will still be ably run mainly by the ladies. It will be the ladies (and Brad) doing all the work.

I welcome Brad Ellis, Sheila Coleman and Matlida Levin onto the committee and I am looking forward to all the input we can expect from them. I also thank Silvia, Lynn, Postnet Annie and Game Annie for agreeing to remain on the committee. A special thanks to Postnet Annie for agreeing to take on the Treasury position as well as kit and license. It makes sense as she is centrally
located and much of the "cash" work involves these two items.

Brad has taken on the Vice Chairman's job and will keep a special eye on all our runners and will ensure we communicate better with our male members. He will also pay attention to trying to get more club interaction after races with a "cool box" being taken to selected races. Sheila and Matilda will work together on the Ladies Time Trials, where we are steadily being caught on the walking front, as well as developing more social events such as club fun days, away weekends for races such as Two Oceans, Volksrust etc.

I would like to thank Helen, Pauline and Gaynor for all the years of service they have given to the club. I trust they will enjoy the break although Helen will continue to serve us in her capacity as a member of the Road Commission.

As I said at the AGM the Club is not the committee - it is you the members and I would encourage feedback and suggestions about what you feel the committee can do to ensure the club meets (and exceeds) the needs of the members.

Our Awards evening is a special event on the Highway Calendar where we reward our athletes and I appeal to you all to come along and support them and have a great time. If you haven't sent in your quarterly results sheets, please do so asap. We can't award certificates or incentives unless you tell us what you have achieved.

Subs are due and licences have to be bought so please contact Ann Mellor to renew your membership.

We are in the process of setting up a new website as the Old Mutual closed down the worldofendurance site. Will send you the link once it has been established.

Wishing you all a very happy festive season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Dave