Club Committee

2002 - 2003 Manifestos

Andrew Fisher - Overall Club Captain

The job of the Overall Captain of "First and Third" is distinct from the job of either the men's or the women's captains. The three main tasks of the Overall Captain are:

1. To see to the overall morale of the Club
2. To liaise with:
   1. The First and Third Association & Black Prince Boat Club
   2. Trinity College
   3. CUCBC
   4. ARA
3. To ensure that the Club has sufficient equipment that members may train and compete successfully, and make whatever purchases are deemed necessary by the Committee.

I have been very involved with rowing for five years, as both a cox, and an ARA-qualified coach. I was in charge of all internal competitions and training at my school Boat Club. For a year, I was in charge of the recruitment, and coaching of all novice oarsmen (approximately 150 people). I have experience of improving both the image of a Boat Club, to encourage new recruits, and also of maintaining and improving morale within a Boat Club. The fact that I have only been involved with "First and Third" for a year, means I am perhaps more open to change, and am very willing to consider ways of improvement, even if they differ from established practice. I bring with me knowledge of how other boat clubs work and can use that experience to motivate and encourage members of the Boat Club. I would also like to praise the work done by Dan Walker as kit and social secretary, in fostering the community nature of the club, and to express my hope and belief that this will continue.

As a member of the strategic planning committee of my school Boat Club, I was in regular contact with the Boat Club of past members. The skills and information I acquired will, I think, enable me to continue the very profitable relationship we have with the First and Third Association and Black Prince Boat Club. As organiser of all internal rowing at school, I often needed to negotiate with the school authorities, both on administrative matters and financial ones. I believe I have the skills necessary to maintain a healthy working relationship with the College. My experience of rowing within Trinity is limited, however I believe I have enough experience of the "First and Third" to represent it well to CUCBC. I know the regional coaching and development officer from the ARA, and I think I would be able to liaise with them, where necessary, and to keep in touch with relevant developments within the sport as a whole.

I would encourage members of the boat club to make their views known to members of the committee, so that the committee can purchase the equipment most needed by the club. The Boat Club did not spend all of its budget this year, and so I would very much like members of the Boat Club to let the committee know where they think this money can be spent most effectively.

Most importantly, I think I have the time and the inclination to do the job properly. I will not be sitting finals next year, and so will not have the pressure of 3rd year exams in the summer. I have no other substantial commitments, and so will be able to devote my energies to the running of the Club. I have the relevant experience and enthusiasm, and I would very much like the opportunity to build on the successes of the past and to improve the Boat Club for the future.

Proposed: Will Thorne
Seconded: Catherine Aiken