Welcome and Opening Remarks

The meeting opened with a warm welcome from the Chair, Mark Watts, who thanked everyone for attending and for their continued support throughout another successful year for Great Western Runners.

Charity Update – ADMF

The first speaker of the evening was Mike, representing the club’s long-standing charity, ADMF (Arthur Dagger Memorial Fund).
Mike reflected on another positive year for the charity, highlighting how it has continued to donate to and support young athletes. Since its inception, ADMF has raised over £25,000, which has gone directly into helping promising local talent.

However, Mike also shared the news that the future of ADMF is drawing to a close, as the fund has now largely fulfilled its original purpose and is no longer reaching the athletes it was designed to help. The club expressed its heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in ADMF over the years — for their passion, hard work, and the real difference they have made to young runners. An official statement will be released when the fund is formally wound down in the early part of next year.

Chairperson’s Report – Mark

“Here we go! The awkward second album,” began Mark, as he opened his second annual report as Chair. With two years now completed, he noted that perhaps this marks “half-time” in his tenure.

Mark reflected on the three key personal goals he set at the start of his chairmanship:

• Steady membership levels
• Balance the club’s finances
• Overcome personal anxieties (notably around regular public speaking!)

While membership numbers have continued to fall slightly, Wednesday night sessions have remained consistently well attended. Mark praised the strong atmosphere at training nights, remarking that it’s always encouraging to see new and returning faces.

Financially, the club remains in good health — roughly breaking even over the year and maintaining a solid reserve fund.

On a personal note, Mark said he has continued to enjoy standing on the chair each Wednesday at 7:02pm (not 7:00pm, “because the panic of late arrivals keeps things entertaining!”). Despite the occasional heckle, he sees it as an opportunity for growth and connection with members.

Mark extended heartfelt thanks to all committee members, noting near-perfect attendance at meetings and a strong, balanced approach to decision-making. Everyone has played an active part in guiding the club this year.

Year in Review (2024–2025)

Mark presented a month-by-month summary of club highlights and achievements:

• October: Good Morning, Rosie and Rich Barnett stepped down from the committee to travel, replaced by John, Vic, and James. Gary Hunt made his newsletter debut with Trail Corner before swapping mud for nappies as a new dad.
• November: GWR had nine runners at the Gwent League XC, and the inaugural ADMF Bingo Night raised £405.
• December: The Brailsford Lights run, Christmas quiz and raffle once again proved a highlight. Lucy Ellis won the club London Marathon ballot, and the 40th Anniversary T-shirts finally arrived!
• February: The club supported the Three Brooks parkrun takeover and hosted the ever-popular Bristol Lights Run.
• March: GWR represented at the Bristol Running Show, growing awareness of the club and the event.
• April: The new digital display board went live, replacing the old cabinet. Membership renewals ran smoothly — thanks to Martin for his efficiency.
• May: The Club Championship launched at the Sri Chinmoy 2-miler. The Towpath Series opened with a bumper turnout and excellent conditions.
• June: Back-to-back Club Championship races at the Blaise Blazer and Beer & Banger, with strong GWR performances throughout.
• July: Two mixed teams represented GWR at the Cotswold Way Relay. Thanks to Ian for organising, and congrats to Fi for completing all 10 legs!
• August: The Summer BBQ went ahead despite weather worries, proving another success. The Towpath Series concluded smoothly, and new kit-handling arrangements were made for John and Kelly.
• September: Members attended an Injury Prevention Talk by Adam from Fit Forming Physio, promoting safer, smarter training.
• October: The inaugural Club Championship wrapped up — congratulations to Will and Katy, the first-ever champions. Mark also praised members for handling recent on-run medical situations with care and compassion, reflecting the club’s values.

Looking Ahead – 2025/26

Mark summarised the key successes of the past year:

• The club balanced its finances
• Another excellent Towpath Series
• A successful launch of the Club Championship
• Continued support of young athletes through ADMF

For 2025/26, Mark noted it was historic that all 10 committee members re-stood and were re-elected, a first in his time as Chair. He praised this as a sign of stability and commitment within the leadership team.

Looking ahead, key aims include:

• Recruiting more Run Leaders
• Hosting more guest speakers and workshops
• Reversing the membership decline through stronger local outreach and social media
• Refining the Club Championship format
• Reducing surplus GWR kit stock (especially men’s XS and L sizes — please buy some!)

Mark also confirmed that England Athletics affiliation fees will rise from £20 to £23 in 2026. The club will not raise its membership fee this year but anticipates an increase next year to remain sustainable.

With ADMF winding up, the committee plans to adopt a new annual charity model to continue GWR’s community support through raffles and social events — details to follow.

Finally, Mark reminded members:

“This is a club, and we run as one. No run is more important than anyone else’s, and no one should be left at the back alone. Chat, encourage, and look after each other — that’s what makes GWR special.”

He closed by thanking all members for their contribution to another great year and looked forward to an even better 2026.

Membership Report – Martin

Martin reported that membership has fallen by around 10% per year for the last three years. While numbers remain healthy, it’s an ongoing challenge.
England Athletics registration has increased from £20 to £23, but GWR membership fees will remain unchanged this year. A review will take place before the next renewal cycle.

Finance Report – Janine

Janine reported that the club made a small profit this year, maintaining strong financial stability.
The Towpath Series again provided excellent revenue and exposure for the club.
The club currently holds a large surplus of kit, and members are encouraged to purchase vests and T-shirts to help clear existing stock.

Welfare and Safety Discussion

Karen and Dave led a valuable session on running safety and welfare. Members discussed best practices for group running, particularly ensuring that no runner is left behind.
All members are encouraged to email the Welfare Team welfare@greatwesternrunners.org.uk with ideas, experiences, or suggestions for improving safety and inclusivity on club runs.

Committee Elections

All 10 existing committee members were re-elected unanimously — the first time in recent club history that the entire committee has returned intact.
This continuity was welcomed as a sign of strong teamwork and shared commitment to the club’s future.

Closing Remarks

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with thanks extended to everyone for attending and contributing throughout the year.

Mark summed up the evening:

“It’s the people that make the club the success it is. Keep doing what you’re doing, and we’ll have another great year in 2026.”

A great evening — and a promising year ahead for Great Western Runners!