The Annual General Meeting of the Claregalway Leisure Centre was held on 3rd March in the Centre. The number of people who turned up was extremely disappointing—there were eight people in attendance, including the Top Table. This was in spite of the fact that a major effort was made by existing members to encourage more people to come along and show their support for their own Local Centre. There is currently huge demand on the centre for bookings by outside groups during the peak hours. This income is of great importance to the Centre. However, the Committee is anxious to retain as much local usage of the facilities as possible. Therefore, input by locals at meetings is vital, in order to keep the Centre for the Community—by the Community.
A full review of the year was made and then election of officers for the forthcoming year took place. The existing Treasurer, Hubert Newell expressed his intention to step down, and his post was taken over by Mary Reidy (Secretary), who is now rather reluctantly embarking on her third year in office. With Mary’s remarkable work as Secretary over the last two years, we are in no doubt that she will bring the same dedication to her new position. Hubert Newell was thanked for the high level of commitement and expertise which he displayed during his term of office. Tony Clarke has agreed to remain as Chairman, so the Centre and Community are to benefit from yet another year of trojan work from Tony. We are, therefore now without a secretary, so this situation needs to be urgently addressed.
Plans for the forthcoming year were outlined briefly. The Summer Camp, such a success over the last years, will be undertaken once more. The week set aside is Monday 12th July. Further information regarding same will be circulated through the schools, in the near future.
Following the very successful Golf AM/AM, organised by the Leisure Centre in 1998, it has been decided to proceed with plans for another such event.
The Venue is Tuam Golf Club and the date for your Diary is Saturday 17th April. This is a very important fundraiser for the Leisure Centre, to ensure that finances are available for the ongoing essential maintenance of the Centre, and hopefully for some further, very necessary improvements e.g. Car Park, Changing Rooms and Shower Facilities. If last year’s competition is anything to go on, this is sure to be an event not to be missed. For further details, contact Tony Clarke at 798942. Your support is earnestly requested.
Kevin Duffy came along to the Meeting on behalf of the Scouting Groups who have the use of a meeting room in the Centre, and this is their base. He thanked the Committee sincerely for this room which is Home for the Cubs, Scouts and Venture Scouts and emphasised that the Scout Movement is willing to do all it can to help the Centre in any way possible.
Concern was expressed in relation to the number of children running around unsupervised during the afternoon indoor soccer sessions. These children are all from Claregalway NS It was decided that it will probably be necessary to organise supervision by the parents involved. This is totally for the safety of the children and we are confident of the parents’ support.
Please note that there is a very comfortable meeting room available in the Centre. This is used by many groups, e.g. Agricultural Show committee, Drama Festival committee, History Group etc. However, if there are any groups out there who wish to avail of this facility, please do not hesitate to telephone 798371 and make a booking.
Mary Casserly P.R.O.
