ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION
CHAIRMANS ANNUAL REPORT – May 2023
I`m pleased to report another upbeat and positive season with our branch maintaining a good level of branch membership. However, we were a bit down on this year`s numbers with us having 36 members compared with 42 members last year.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been around the 20 plus mark with a good varied programme each month. Our guest speakers of Kirsty Dowle, Nick Dunn, Phil Knight, and Lee Venamore have all been professional, entertaining and informative, together with our own member of Ben Marshall who also provided a 1st class presentation.
Before I move onto some of the good news within the branch, I must pay tribute following the sad passing away of one of our Vice Presidents, Barry Leaning who passed away in November 2022. Barry gave such loyal and dedicated service to referees in supporting and appointing referees to the Ashford Sunday league for an amazing 34 years. His service to our branch as our Social secretary in raising funds through our raffles and annual referees dinners each year was quite outstanding. In addition, the passing away of Ted Revell in August 2022 was a massive loss to local football having given such outstanding service to both the Sunday league and the running of Ashford Dynamo over a period of 50 year’s loyal service.
On a more positive note, the branch has again had another very good season in terms of referee promotions and referees appointed to County Cup Finals.
Congratulations go to the following 7 referees who were awarded County Cup finals:-
Mike Donnelly, Nick Bone, Mark Roberts, Reece Cahalane, Ross Cooper, Damion Truelove & Joshua Cloake.
In addition, several of our members have been promoted this year through the different levels from 7 to 6, 6 to 5, & 5 & 4 and congratulations go to the following referees: -
Promotions level 7/6 – Joshua Cloak & Reece Cahalane
Promotions level 6/5 – Ross Cooper & Reece Cahalane (With Reece managing to achieve a double jump in 1 season from level 7 to 5).
Promotions level 5/4 – Nick Bone and Luke Morley (Both achieved their promotions midway through the season and are now operating as Assistant Referees on the Isthmian league and also Refereeing on the SCEFL)
Both the local Ashford Saturday, Sunday and Youth leagues have all managed to organise all of their local cup finals this year and this has resulted in many of our members being appointed to a cup final either as a referee, referee assistant or 4th official.
I`m also pleased to report that this year the winners of our 3 referee awards for 2022-23 season will now be announced and presented at our AGM.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking our committee and all of our members who have continued supporting us over the past 12 months. In addition, I hope that you will all remain loyal members of our branch during the forthcoming 2023-24 season.
CHAIRMANS ANNUAL REPORT – May 2023
I`m pleased to report another upbeat and positive season with our branch maintaining a good level of branch membership. However, we were a bit down on this year`s numbers with us having 36 members compared with 42 members last year.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been around the 20 plus mark with a good varied programme each month. Our guest speakers of Kirsty Dowle, Nick Dunn, Phil Knight, and Lee Venamore have all been professional, entertaining and informative, together with our own member of Ben Marshall who also provided a 1st class presentation.
Before I move onto some of the good news within the branch, I must pay tribute following the sad passing away of one of our Vice Presidents, Barry Leaning who passed away in November 2022. Barry gave such loyal and dedicated service to referees in supporting and appointing referees to the Ashford Sunday league for an amazing 34 years. His service to our branch as our Social secretary in raising funds through our raffles and annual referees dinners each year was quite outstanding. In addition, the passing away of Ted Revell in August 2022 was a massive loss to local football having given such outstanding service to both the Sunday league and the running of Ashford Dynamo over a period of 50 year’s loyal service.
On a more positive note, the branch has again had another very good season in terms of referee promotions and referees appointed to County Cup Finals.
Congratulations go to the following 7 referees who were awarded County Cup finals:-
Mike Donnelly, Nick Bone, Mark Roberts, Reece Cahalane, Ross Cooper, Damion Truelove & Joshua Cloake.
In addition, several of our members have been promoted this year through the different levels from 7 to 6, 6 to 5, & 5 & 4 and congratulations go to the following referees: -
Promotions level 7/6 – Joshua Cloak & Reece Cahalane
Promotions level 6/5 – Ross Cooper & Reece Cahalane (With Reece managing to achieve a double jump in 1 season from level 7 to 5).
Promotions level 5/4 – Nick Bone and Luke Morley (Both achieved their promotions midway through the season and are now operating as Assistant Referees on the Isthmian league and also Refereeing on the SCEFL)
Both the local Ashford Saturday, Sunday and Youth leagues have all managed to organise all of their local cup finals this year and this has resulted in many of our members being appointed to a cup final either as a referee, referee assistant or 4th official.
I`m also pleased to report that this year the winners of our 3 referee awards for 2022-23 season will now be announced and presented at our AGM.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking our committee and all of our members who have continued supporting us over the past 12 months. In addition, I hope that you will all remain loyal members of our branch during the forthcoming 2023-24 season.
ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION
CHAIRMANS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE December 2022
With our Referees Branch not having a December meeting I thought it would be a good idea to communicate out a Christmas message (via our Web site) to all of our members and their families, to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year.
Christmas is a wonderful time for fun, enjoyment and Christmas festivities plus the opportunity for families and friends to get together. However, it is also a time for reflection as we look back with some sadness having lost our Branch Social Secretary Barry Leaning last month. Barry was a member of our branch for some 40 plus years and it was very pleasing that so many of our members were able to be present to say goodbye and show our respects and thanks to him for his outstanding service to the footballing world.
On a more very positive note, I am pleased to report that our own referees branch continues to remain sound in strength and support this year. We have been fortunate from September through to November in being able to meet up once again for our branch meetings at Sandyacres and also providing some good footballing topics. In addition, it has also given us the opportunity for fellow referees to meet up socially once again, and this has also raised the bar even higher with some of the camaraderie we enjoy within the branch.
What a good idea it was for us not having a December meeting as it might have been a difficult decision to make with us in competition with the World Cup matches every day!!!. It`s also pleasing that some of the matches have created some discussion on some of the decisions over handball and when the whole of the ball is out of play!!! What would we do without VAR !!!
Can I conclude by wishing you and your families a safe and healthy Christmas and very best wishes to you all for 2023.
Very Best Regards
Geoff
CHAIRMANS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE December 2022
With our Referees Branch not having a December meeting I thought it would be a good idea to communicate out a Christmas message (via our Web site) to all of our members and their families, to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year.
Christmas is a wonderful time for fun, enjoyment and Christmas festivities plus the opportunity for families and friends to get together. However, it is also a time for reflection as we look back with some sadness having lost our Branch Social Secretary Barry Leaning last month. Barry was a member of our branch for some 40 plus years and it was very pleasing that so many of our members were able to be present to say goodbye and show our respects and thanks to him for his outstanding service to the footballing world.
On a more very positive note, I am pleased to report that our own referees branch continues to remain sound in strength and support this year. We have been fortunate from September through to November in being able to meet up once again for our branch meetings at Sandyacres and also providing some good footballing topics. In addition, it has also given us the opportunity for fellow referees to meet up socially once again, and this has also raised the bar even higher with some of the camaraderie we enjoy within the branch.
What a good idea it was for us not having a December meeting as it might have been a difficult decision to make with us in competition with the World Cup matches every day!!!. It`s also pleasing that some of the matches have created some discussion on some of the decisions over handball and when the whole of the ball is out of play!!! What would we do without VAR !!!
Can I conclude by wishing you and your families a safe and healthy Christmas and very best wishes to you all for 2023.
Very Best Regards
Geoff
ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION
CHAIRMANS ANNUAL REPORT - May 2022
My Branch report this year has seen us get back to some refereeing normality, with us having been completely overshadowed by the Coronavirus health pandemic over the past 2 years.
In addition, it has also been good in getting back to holding face to face meetings at Sandyacres once again so getting us back to interacting with other referee colleagues.
I end my 13th year of office as Chairman in reporting another upbeat and positive season with our branch maintaining a good level of branch membership which pleasingly matches last year`s total of 42 members.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been around the 20 plus mark with a good varied programme each month. Our guest speakers of Phil Knight, Steve Bennett, Martin Yerby and Jeff Davis have all been professional, entertaining and informative, together with our own members of Ben Marshall and Mike Donnelly who also provided 1st class presentations.
Again, the success of this year`s general running of the branch would not have been possible without the back bone of our sound committee who have ensured the branch continues to function effectively. Next year will see us get back to holding some quarterly committee meetings and also looking to address some forward planning issues and some reshaping of our branch.
Before I move onto some of the good news within the branch, I must pay tribute to a few of our referees this year who have had injuries, accidents and operations this year. It`s good that we now have the following referees now back refereeing again :- Ben Conlon, Barrie Wright, George Head & Andy Worthington.
Our branch last year was faced with the shocked passing away of one of our Vice Presidents, Ashley Batt who passed away in August 2021. Ashley was a true gentleman who gave such a lot to football over many years. Then in September we had the sudden and tragic passing away of the Ashford Sunday league Chairman and Treasurer Alan Speakman. Alan was always very supportive of our referee`s branch and in addition always keen in maintaining a good working relationship between the branch and the Sunday league.
On a more positive and upbeat note, the branch has again had another very good season in terms of referee promotions and referees appointed to County Cup Finals.
Congratulations go to the following 9 referees who were awarded County Cup finals :-
Ben Marshall, Luke Morley, David Lindsey, Mark Roberts, Darren Whipps, Jamie Turner, Andy Worthington, Nick Bone & Keith Crisp.
In addition, we continue to achieve referees being promoted this year from level 7 to 6 to 5 & 4 and congratulations go to the following referees:-
Promotions level 7/6 – (All approved by the Kent FA) --- Luke Morley & Ross Cooper
Promotions level 6/5 – (All ---- “ ---- ) Nick Bone, Josh Williams and Luke Morley
Promotions level 5/4 - (The following referees have been nominated by the Kent FA however, are now awaiting approval / authorisation by the FA) --- Ben Marshall, Jamie Turner & Josh Williams.
Unfortunately, some of our colleagues through injury and not enough observations have not been successful this year with their promotions, however I`m sure another year of them gaining more refereeing experience, this will then put them in good stead for the 2022/23 season in looking to achieve their goal.
Both the local Ashford Saturday, Sunday and Youth leagues have all managed to organise all of their local cup finals this year and this has resulted in many of our members being appointed to a cup final either as a referee or assistant or 4th official.
I`m also pleased to report that this year the winners of our referee awards for 2021-22 season will now be announced and presented at the AGM rather than what had to happen in the past 2 years with the awards having to be delivered to them.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your continued support over the past 12 months and I hope that you will all remain loyal members of our branch during the forthcoming 2022-23 season. This is vital in us being able to keep moving forward, together with some fresh ideas and an injection of some positive constructive ways to help us manage our meetings next season.
Very Best Regards
Geoff
CHAIRMANS ANNUAL REPORT - May 2022
My Branch report this year has seen us get back to some refereeing normality, with us having been completely overshadowed by the Coronavirus health pandemic over the past 2 years.
In addition, it has also been good in getting back to holding face to face meetings at Sandyacres once again so getting us back to interacting with other referee colleagues.
I end my 13th year of office as Chairman in reporting another upbeat and positive season with our branch maintaining a good level of branch membership which pleasingly matches last year`s total of 42 members.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been around the 20 plus mark with a good varied programme each month. Our guest speakers of Phil Knight, Steve Bennett, Martin Yerby and Jeff Davis have all been professional, entertaining and informative, together with our own members of Ben Marshall and Mike Donnelly who also provided 1st class presentations.
Again, the success of this year`s general running of the branch would not have been possible without the back bone of our sound committee who have ensured the branch continues to function effectively. Next year will see us get back to holding some quarterly committee meetings and also looking to address some forward planning issues and some reshaping of our branch.
Before I move onto some of the good news within the branch, I must pay tribute to a few of our referees this year who have had injuries, accidents and operations this year. It`s good that we now have the following referees now back refereeing again :- Ben Conlon, Barrie Wright, George Head & Andy Worthington.
Our branch last year was faced with the shocked passing away of one of our Vice Presidents, Ashley Batt who passed away in August 2021. Ashley was a true gentleman who gave such a lot to football over many years. Then in September we had the sudden and tragic passing away of the Ashford Sunday league Chairman and Treasurer Alan Speakman. Alan was always very supportive of our referee`s branch and in addition always keen in maintaining a good working relationship between the branch and the Sunday league.
On a more positive and upbeat note, the branch has again had another very good season in terms of referee promotions and referees appointed to County Cup Finals.
Congratulations go to the following 9 referees who were awarded County Cup finals :-
Ben Marshall, Luke Morley, David Lindsey, Mark Roberts, Darren Whipps, Jamie Turner, Andy Worthington, Nick Bone & Keith Crisp.
In addition, we continue to achieve referees being promoted this year from level 7 to 6 to 5 & 4 and congratulations go to the following referees:-
Promotions level 7/6 – (All approved by the Kent FA) --- Luke Morley & Ross Cooper
Promotions level 6/5 – (All ---- “ ---- ) Nick Bone, Josh Williams and Luke Morley
Promotions level 5/4 - (The following referees have been nominated by the Kent FA however, are now awaiting approval / authorisation by the FA) --- Ben Marshall, Jamie Turner & Josh Williams.
Unfortunately, some of our colleagues through injury and not enough observations have not been successful this year with their promotions, however I`m sure another year of them gaining more refereeing experience, this will then put them in good stead for the 2022/23 season in looking to achieve their goal.
Both the local Ashford Saturday, Sunday and Youth leagues have all managed to organise all of their local cup finals this year and this has resulted in many of our members being appointed to a cup final either as a referee or assistant or 4th official.
I`m also pleased to report that this year the winners of our referee awards for 2021-22 season will now be announced and presented at the AGM rather than what had to happen in the past 2 years with the awards having to be delivered to them.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your continued support over the past 12 months and I hope that you will all remain loyal members of our branch during the forthcoming 2022-23 season. This is vital in us being able to keep moving forward, together with some fresh ideas and an injection of some positive constructive ways to help us manage our meetings next season.
Very Best Regards
Geoff
ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION
CHAIRMANS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE December 2021
What a strange and difficult year 2021 has been especially when you think back to last Christmas when we were in total lockdown with families not able to meet up due to Covid19. Fortunately, things are looking much brighter this Christmas and with most people now having had 3 jabs, families will at least be able to meet up this year to celebrate.
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year for fun, enjoyment and Xmas festivities plus the opportunity for families and friends to get together. It is also a good time for all of us as referees to have a couple of weeks off from local footballing duties to recharge our batteries in readiness for the New Year.
We as a referee branch have been fortunate from September through to November in being able to meet up once again for our branch meetings at Sandyacres. This has also given us the opportunity for fellow referees to meet up socially once again, instead of being at home. In addition, we have also been fortunate in having some very good 1st class guest speakers and this has also helped to lift some of the gloom. It has also raised the bar even higher with some of the camaraderie we enjoy in the branch in getting us back to some sort of normality with our lives once again.
As we soon move into 2022, (despite some concerns regarding the new omicron strain of the covid virus), can I conclude by wishing you and your families a safe and healthy Christmas and very best wishes for 2022.
Very Best Regards
Geoff
CHAIRMANS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE December 2021
What a strange and difficult year 2021 has been especially when you think back to last Christmas when we were in total lockdown with families not able to meet up due to Covid19. Fortunately, things are looking much brighter this Christmas and with most people now having had 3 jabs, families will at least be able to meet up this year to celebrate.
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year for fun, enjoyment and Xmas festivities plus the opportunity for families and friends to get together. It is also a good time for all of us as referees to have a couple of weeks off from local footballing duties to recharge our batteries in readiness for the New Year.
We as a referee branch have been fortunate from September through to November in being able to meet up once again for our branch meetings at Sandyacres. This has also given us the opportunity for fellow referees to meet up socially once again, instead of being at home. In addition, we have also been fortunate in having some very good 1st class guest speakers and this has also helped to lift some of the gloom. It has also raised the bar even higher with some of the camaraderie we enjoy in the branch in getting us back to some sort of normality with our lives once again.
As we soon move into 2022, (despite some concerns regarding the new omicron strain of the covid virus), can I conclude by wishing you and your families a safe and healthy Christmas and very best wishes for 2022.
Very Best Regards
Geoff
ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION
CHAIRMANS ANNUAL REPORT - May 2021
My Branch report this year has again been completely overshadowed by the Worldwide Coronavirus health pandemic which entered a 2nd wave in March 2020 and continued through until the end of March 2021. Consequently, we have only been able to manage 2 months of football in September and October and have just managed to get football going again in April and May 2021. As a result of this all of our branch meetings over the past 10 months from our AGM in September have been via a Zoom computer link. This has not been ideal with some members not being able to access the computer link however it has meant that other members have benefitted in being able to tune in via their computer / phone from the comfort of their arm chair at home.
Despite a tricky and difficult year, I end my 12th year of office as Chairman in reporting an upbeat and positive season with our branch maintaining a good level of branch membership which pleasingly matches exactly last year`s total of 41 members.
Attendances via Zoom at our Monday night branch meetings has been around the 25 mark with a good varied programme each month. However, it has been more challenging in terms of the guest speakers who have had to produce slides and video clips for the members to view. Consequently, our guest speakers which also included some of the younger members of our branch, were brilliant with their presentations being 1st class and very professional.
Although we have not any Committee meetings this year due to the COVID restrictions, our Web site has been an important aspect of our branch in terms of communication and the organisation of our monthly computer Zoom meetings. Our web master (Rick Howlett) has done another fantastic job in updating our website and communicating information out to our members and the footballing world on a regular basis while we have been in lockdown.
Unfortunately, with the football season and some of the senior leagues being terminated and becoming Null and void in April, this has meant that some of our promotion candidates who were going 5 to 4 have had their promotions put on ice for this season. This has therefore affected the following members from our branch: - Bart Chmielecki, Morgan Davis, George Head, Neil Holmes, Ben Marshall, & Jamie Turner. However, we wish them well as they continue back on their promotion goal in the 2021/22 season.
We were however fortunate that our 7/6 & 6/5 were able to continue in refereeing grass root local football and it is hoped that come the end of June, that the following members will be successful with their promotions: - Level 7/6 --- Luke Morley, Nick Bone and Josh Williams (with Josh on a Double jump 7 to 5 with the 7/6 part completed in Dec 2020)
Level 6/5 ---- Mark Roberts & Josh Williams (with Josh looking to complete the 2nd part of double jumps from 7 to 5.
Level 6/4 --- Bart Chmielecki has also been looking achieve a 6/4 double jump and at the end of Dec 2020 achieved part one in getting his 6/5 promotion. However, with senior football being brought to a close Bart`s 5/4 goal for promotion was brought to an end and will now have to be started up again in the 2021/22 season.
Both the local Ashford Saturday, Sunday and Youth league have managed to organise local cup finals throughout this month (May) which is a fantastic achievement. As a result of this many of our members will soon be advised that they have been appointed to a cup final either as a referees or assistant.
For the 2nd year running the winners of our referee awards for 2020-21 season cannot now be presented, however the winners will be announced at the AGM and the awards delivered to them.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support over the past 12 months and I hope that you will all remain loyal members of our branch during the 2021-22 season. Hopefully next season will be a much better year with no future lockdowns which will then allow us to have a complete year of uninterrupted football.
Best Regards
Geoff.
2021 Award winners
Ted Hall Memorial Shield
Awarded to the top Level 7 referee in the Ashford Branch with the highest average mark in both the Ashford Saturday and Sunday Football Leagues
Winner Josh Williams
John Fenning Cup
Awarded to the Branch member as top Promotion Candidate of the year
Winner Mark Roberts.
Bill Manklow Award
Based on refereeing service to football, refereeing performance and support and contribution to the Branch
Winner Bart Chmielecki .
CHAIRMANS ANNUAL REPORT - May 2021
My Branch report this year has again been completely overshadowed by the Worldwide Coronavirus health pandemic which entered a 2nd wave in March 2020 and continued through until the end of March 2021. Consequently, we have only been able to manage 2 months of football in September and October and have just managed to get football going again in April and May 2021. As a result of this all of our branch meetings over the past 10 months from our AGM in September have been via a Zoom computer link. This has not been ideal with some members not being able to access the computer link however it has meant that other members have benefitted in being able to tune in via their computer / phone from the comfort of their arm chair at home.
Despite a tricky and difficult year, I end my 12th year of office as Chairman in reporting an upbeat and positive season with our branch maintaining a good level of branch membership which pleasingly matches exactly last year`s total of 41 members.
Attendances via Zoom at our Monday night branch meetings has been around the 25 mark with a good varied programme each month. However, it has been more challenging in terms of the guest speakers who have had to produce slides and video clips for the members to view. Consequently, our guest speakers which also included some of the younger members of our branch, were brilliant with their presentations being 1st class and very professional.
Although we have not any Committee meetings this year due to the COVID restrictions, our Web site has been an important aspect of our branch in terms of communication and the organisation of our monthly computer Zoom meetings. Our web master (Rick Howlett) has done another fantastic job in updating our website and communicating information out to our members and the footballing world on a regular basis while we have been in lockdown.
Unfortunately, with the football season and some of the senior leagues being terminated and becoming Null and void in April, this has meant that some of our promotion candidates who were going 5 to 4 have had their promotions put on ice for this season. This has therefore affected the following members from our branch: - Bart Chmielecki, Morgan Davis, George Head, Neil Holmes, Ben Marshall, & Jamie Turner. However, we wish them well as they continue back on their promotion goal in the 2021/22 season.
We were however fortunate that our 7/6 & 6/5 were able to continue in refereeing grass root local football and it is hoped that come the end of June, that the following members will be successful with their promotions: - Level 7/6 --- Luke Morley, Nick Bone and Josh Williams (with Josh on a Double jump 7 to 5 with the 7/6 part completed in Dec 2020)
Level 6/5 ---- Mark Roberts & Josh Williams (with Josh looking to complete the 2nd part of double jumps from 7 to 5.
Level 6/4 --- Bart Chmielecki has also been looking achieve a 6/4 double jump and at the end of Dec 2020 achieved part one in getting his 6/5 promotion. However, with senior football being brought to a close Bart`s 5/4 goal for promotion was brought to an end and will now have to be started up again in the 2021/22 season.
Both the local Ashford Saturday, Sunday and Youth league have managed to organise local cup finals throughout this month (May) which is a fantastic achievement. As a result of this many of our members will soon be advised that they have been appointed to a cup final either as a referees or assistant.
For the 2nd year running the winners of our referee awards for 2020-21 season cannot now be presented, however the winners will be announced at the AGM and the awards delivered to them.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support over the past 12 months and I hope that you will all remain loyal members of our branch during the 2021-22 season. Hopefully next season will be a much better year with no future lockdowns which will then allow us to have a complete year of uninterrupted football.
Best Regards
Geoff.
2021 Award winners
Ted Hall Memorial Shield
Awarded to the top Level 7 referee in the Ashford Branch with the highest average mark in both the Ashford Saturday and Sunday Football Leagues
Winner Josh Williams
John Fenning Cup
Awarded to the Branch member as top Promotion Candidate of the year
Winner Mark Roberts.
Bill Manklow Award
Based on refereeing service to football, refereeing performance and support and contribution to the Branch
Winner Bart Chmielecki .
CHAIRMAN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE DECEMBER 2020
My Christmas message comes to you this month as we continue to battle against the 2nd wave of COVID-19 virus which has compounded the situation this year in making it a strange and extremely difficult year for everyone.
This has unfortunately forced us throughout the majority of 2020 to suspend most of our monthly Branch meetings at Sandyacres which has in turn had a big impact in preventing the opportunity for fellow referees to meet up socially.
However, we have been positive and proactive in adapting to the change by holding our meetings via Zoom computer links to everyone. My thanks therefore go to our committee and members who have adapted to this new technology so allowing us to hold our meetings in the comfort of our homes. This has helped to maintain the important social aspects of communication with other fellow referee colleagues.
Our referee branch camaraderie remains high in helping other referee colleagues come through what has been a difficult year for everyone. The encouraging news now is the roll out of a vaccine in 2021 which now gives us hope that, come the spring, we might well get back to some sort of normality with football once again.
Can I conclude by wishing you and your families a safe and healthy Christmas and very best wishes for 2021.
Very Best Regards
Geoff.
My Christmas message comes to you this month as we continue to battle against the 2nd wave of COVID-19 virus which has compounded the situation this year in making it a strange and extremely difficult year for everyone.
This has unfortunately forced us throughout the majority of 2020 to suspend most of our monthly Branch meetings at Sandyacres which has in turn had a big impact in preventing the opportunity for fellow referees to meet up socially.
However, we have been positive and proactive in adapting to the change by holding our meetings via Zoom computer links to everyone. My thanks therefore go to our committee and members who have adapted to this new technology so allowing us to hold our meetings in the comfort of our homes. This has helped to maintain the important social aspects of communication with other fellow referee colleagues.
Our referee branch camaraderie remains high in helping other referee colleagues come through what has been a difficult year for everyone. The encouraging news now is the roll out of a vaccine in 2021 which now gives us hope that, come the spring, we might well get back to some sort of normality with football once again.
Can I conclude by wishing you and your families a safe and healthy Christmas and very best wishes for 2021.
Very Best Regards
Geoff.
ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION
CHAIRMANS ANNUAL REPORT - September 2020
My report this year regarding our referee branch has been completely overshadowed by the Worldwide Coronavirus health pandemic which came into effect on 20th March. Consequently, everything had to be closed down and all football and our branch meetings for April and May`s AGM were naturally postponed. We can only hope that grass root football will be able to start again later in the year and it will then only be when many additional health and playing conditions can be met so that we avoid a 2nd outbreak of the deadly virus.
As I end my 11th year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another fairly good season with us maintaining a good level of branch membership with a total of 41 members this year.
Although a few of our referees have had injuries and operations we have been fortunate in maintaining virtually 100% coverage on both the Saturday and Sunday Ashford leagues this season. In addition, it has been good in seeing some of our 16 and 17-year-old referees moving across from refereeing youth football together with some new adult referees also moving directly into both of our Saturday and Sunday Men's leagues.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been around the 20 mark with a good varied programme each month, however it has been another challenging year in terms of finding new material and top-quality guest speakers to attend our meetings.
Again, the success of this year`s general running of the branch would not have been possible without the back bone of our hard-working committee who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch again during the past 12 months. I don`t propose to mention and thank each one of them individually but collectively would like to thank them all for their continued hard work over the past 12 months.
Communication and our Website is an important aspect of our branch with our web master (Rick Howlett) doing a fantastic job in updating it and communicating information out to our members and the footballing world on a regular basis. This in turn helps to give the branch a much higher profile.
Before I move onto some of the good news within the branch sadly, I must pay a tribute to our President (John Fenning) who recently passed away on the 1st June 2020. John became Chairman of our branch in 1970 through to 1975 and then became our President in 1970 remaining in that position for the last 50 years until now.
John was also Chairman and President of the Kent Referees Association for many years and became a Life member of the RA following 50 years’ service. John`s service to our branch will not be forgotten as we continue to present “The John Fenning Cup” each year at our AGM to the top promotion referee of the branch each year.
This year has also been a very tough time for Barry Leaning who is our social secretary, with Barry very sadly losing his wife in January and then in June losing his twin brother Bob who was involved in both leagues for many years as registration secretary.
We have also had a few of our referees this year who have had several weeks off from refereeing due to injuries, accidents and operations this year. On behalf of the branch I would like to pass on our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the following referees who are now back to making full recoveries: -
Gary Bourne, Barrie Wright, Keith Wynter and finally Louis Brooks. We hope that following their operations they will all be back with us, refereeing again later this season.
The branch has again had another very good season in terms of referee promotions and awards: -
Congratulations go to the following referees who were successful with their promotions who were: -
level 7 to 6 --- Mark Roberts & Bart Chmielecki.
Level 6 to 5 --- Morgan Davis, George Head, & Neil Holmes, with Ben Marshall & Jamie Turner both completing double jumps of 7 to 5.
We also had candidates who were awarded Kent FA County Cup Final appointments but sadly the majority of these cup finals were cancelled. The lockdown also resulted in all of our 12 various local Saturday and Sunday league and charity finals all having to be cancelled.
Although some of the restrictions have now been relaxed with the Coronavirus it is good news that grass root football is now starting up again in September. It`s been a long layoff of no football and we hope it doesn`t have to great an impact on players, referees and clubs participating in our 2020/21 season.
Having put back our AGM from August are now facing another setback with COVID 19 cases on the rise so no meetings of more than 6 people permitted from Mon 14th Sept. Consequently, we have now decided that our AGM will now go ahead on Mon 21st September and it will be via a computer “Zoom” link to all members.
This will mean that the winners of our referee awards for 2019-20 season cannot now be presented however the winners will be notified and the awards delivered to them.
Sadly, the Tom Wells Cup award which has been in existence for many years has now reached it`s end of life span and this is also combined with the fact that the cup is deteriorating badly and now in a very sorry state of repair. The committee have therefore made the decision that the award will now cease, however ideas will be looked at to try and keep the name of Tom Wells still associated with the branch.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support s over the past 12 months and I hope that you will all remain loyal members of our branch during the 2020-21 season. It`s going to be a tricky year as we continue to cope with the COVID 19 virus so communication will be a vital aspect of keeping everyone in touch with other refereeing colleagues via our meetings / monthly newsletters.
Very Best Regards,
Geoff
CHAIRMANS ANNUAL REPORT - September 2020
My report this year regarding our referee branch has been completely overshadowed by the Worldwide Coronavirus health pandemic which came into effect on 20th March. Consequently, everything had to be closed down and all football and our branch meetings for April and May`s AGM were naturally postponed. We can only hope that grass root football will be able to start again later in the year and it will then only be when many additional health and playing conditions can be met so that we avoid a 2nd outbreak of the deadly virus.
As I end my 11th year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another fairly good season with us maintaining a good level of branch membership with a total of 41 members this year.
Although a few of our referees have had injuries and operations we have been fortunate in maintaining virtually 100% coverage on both the Saturday and Sunday Ashford leagues this season. In addition, it has been good in seeing some of our 16 and 17-year-old referees moving across from refereeing youth football together with some new adult referees also moving directly into both of our Saturday and Sunday Men's leagues.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been around the 20 mark with a good varied programme each month, however it has been another challenging year in terms of finding new material and top-quality guest speakers to attend our meetings.
Again, the success of this year`s general running of the branch would not have been possible without the back bone of our hard-working committee who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch again during the past 12 months. I don`t propose to mention and thank each one of them individually but collectively would like to thank them all for their continued hard work over the past 12 months.
Communication and our Website is an important aspect of our branch with our web master (Rick Howlett) doing a fantastic job in updating it and communicating information out to our members and the footballing world on a regular basis. This in turn helps to give the branch a much higher profile.
Before I move onto some of the good news within the branch sadly, I must pay a tribute to our President (John Fenning) who recently passed away on the 1st June 2020. John became Chairman of our branch in 1970 through to 1975 and then became our President in 1970 remaining in that position for the last 50 years until now.
John was also Chairman and President of the Kent Referees Association for many years and became a Life member of the RA following 50 years’ service. John`s service to our branch will not be forgotten as we continue to present “The John Fenning Cup” each year at our AGM to the top promotion referee of the branch each year.
This year has also been a very tough time for Barry Leaning who is our social secretary, with Barry very sadly losing his wife in January and then in June losing his twin brother Bob who was involved in both leagues for many years as registration secretary.
We have also had a few of our referees this year who have had several weeks off from refereeing due to injuries, accidents and operations this year. On behalf of the branch I would like to pass on our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the following referees who are now back to making full recoveries: -
Gary Bourne, Barrie Wright, Keith Wynter and finally Louis Brooks. We hope that following their operations they will all be back with us, refereeing again later this season.
The branch has again had another very good season in terms of referee promotions and awards: -
Congratulations go to the following referees who were successful with their promotions who were: -
level 7 to 6 --- Mark Roberts & Bart Chmielecki.
Level 6 to 5 --- Morgan Davis, George Head, & Neil Holmes, with Ben Marshall & Jamie Turner both completing double jumps of 7 to 5.
We also had candidates who were awarded Kent FA County Cup Final appointments but sadly the majority of these cup finals were cancelled. The lockdown also resulted in all of our 12 various local Saturday and Sunday league and charity finals all having to be cancelled.
Although some of the restrictions have now been relaxed with the Coronavirus it is good news that grass root football is now starting up again in September. It`s been a long layoff of no football and we hope it doesn`t have to great an impact on players, referees and clubs participating in our 2020/21 season.
Having put back our AGM from August are now facing another setback with COVID 19 cases on the rise so no meetings of more than 6 people permitted from Mon 14th Sept. Consequently, we have now decided that our AGM will now go ahead on Mon 21st September and it will be via a computer “Zoom” link to all members.
This will mean that the winners of our referee awards for 2019-20 season cannot now be presented however the winners will be notified and the awards delivered to them.
Sadly, the Tom Wells Cup award which has been in existence for many years has now reached it`s end of life span and this is also combined with the fact that the cup is deteriorating badly and now in a very sorry state of repair. The committee have therefore made the decision that the award will now cease, however ideas will be looked at to try and keep the name of Tom Wells still associated with the branch.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support s over the past 12 months and I hope that you will all remain loyal members of our branch during the 2020-21 season. It`s going to be a tricky year as we continue to cope with the COVID 19 virus so communication will be a vital aspect of keeping everyone in touch with other refereeing colleagues via our meetings / monthly newsletters.
Very Best Regards,
Geoff
AGM Key notes and award winners 2020
Ben Marshall elected as the league reps for both leagues.
Mark Roberts and Barrie Wright become new members of the branch committee .
George Head becomes the elected new under 21 rep for the branch.
Winners of the 3 Annual referee awards were :-
Ted Hall Memorial Shield (awarded to the top Level 7 referee in the Ashford Branch with the highest average mark in both the Ashford Saturday and Sunday Football Leagues),
Awarded to: Mark Roberts.
John Fenning Cup (awarded to the Branch member as top Promotion Candidate of the year),
Awarded to: Jamie Turner.
Bill Manklow Award (based on refereeing service to football, refereeing performance and support and contribution to the Branch)
Awarded to: Ben Marshall
Ben Marshall elected as the league reps for both leagues.
Mark Roberts and Barrie Wright become new members of the branch committee .
George Head becomes the elected new under 21 rep for the branch.
Winners of the 3 Annual referee awards were :-
Ted Hall Memorial Shield (awarded to the top Level 7 referee in the Ashford Branch with the highest average mark in both the Ashford Saturday and Sunday Football Leagues),
Awarded to: Mark Roberts.
John Fenning Cup (awarded to the Branch member as top Promotion Candidate of the year),
Awarded to: Jamie Turner.
Bill Manklow Award (based on refereeing service to football, refereeing performance and support and contribution to the Branch)
Awarded to: Ben Marshall
CHAIRMAN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
DECEMBER 2019
My Christmas message comes to you this month via our excellent branch website, to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year.
I`m sure you are all aware that we don`t have a December meeting, as it is such a busy month with people getting organised and ready for Christmas. It is also a wonderful time of the year and lovely opportunity for families and friends to get together. In addition, it is also a good time for all of us as referees to have a couple of weeks off from local footballing duties and to recharge our batteries in readiness for the New Year.
Our referee branch continues to remain actively strong with our committee working very effectively to provide excellent guest speakers at our monthly meetings each month.Our branch membership also continues to remain strong in numbers with our branch being the 2nd highest in membership numbers in the County.
Our referee branch camaraderie at present is also at an all-time high in helping other referee colleagues, so one of our goals for 2020, is to encourage all active referees officiating in the local leagues, to become members of our branch.
Can I conclude by wishing you and your families a very Happy Christmas and very best wishes for 2020.
Very Best Regards
Geoff
DECEMBER 2019
My Christmas message comes to you this month via our excellent branch website, to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year.
I`m sure you are all aware that we don`t have a December meeting, as it is such a busy month with people getting organised and ready for Christmas. It is also a wonderful time of the year and lovely opportunity for families and friends to get together. In addition, it is also a good time for all of us as referees to have a couple of weeks off from local footballing duties and to recharge our batteries in readiness for the New Year.
Our referee branch continues to remain actively strong with our committee working very effectively to provide excellent guest speakers at our monthly meetings each month.Our branch membership also continues to remain strong in numbers with our branch being the 2nd highest in membership numbers in the County.
Our referee branch camaraderie at present is also at an all-time high in helping other referee colleagues, so one of our goals for 2020, is to encourage all active referees officiating in the local leagues, to become members of our branch.
Can I conclude by wishing you and your families a very Happy Christmas and very best wishes for 2020.
Very Best Regards
Geoff
KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
CHAIRMANS REPORT MAY 2019
As I end my 10th year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another fairly good season with us maintaining a good level of branch membership with a total of 44 members this year.
We were also very fortunate following the demise of the Folkestone Sunday league and their associated Referees branch to see some of their members move across to us. The increase of these referees joining us this has also benefited both the Saturday and Sunday Ashford leagues this season hence both leagues have achieved 100% referee coverage this season.
In addition, we have also maintained a stronger link to the Ashford Youth league so providing the opportunity for new referees to be appointed to games. In addition, it has been good in seeing some of our 16-year-old referees moving across from refereeing youth football into both of our Saturday and Sunday Men's leagues.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been around the 20 mark with a good varied programme each month, however, it has been another challenging year in finding new material and guest speakers to visit our meetings.
Again, the success of this year`s general running of the branch would not have been possible without our hard-working committee who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch again during the past 12 months. I don`t propose to mention and thank each one of them individually but collectively would like to thank them all for their continued hard work over the past 12 months.
During the past year we have managed to recruit some new and enthusiastic younger members joining our committee with Ashley Bowles and Ben Marshall helping to lower the average age of committee members and also coming up with some fresh and enthusiastic ideas for our meetings.
Our Branch Website continues to be first class with Rick Howlett doing a fantastic job in updating it and communicating information out to our members and the footballing world on a regular basis. The number of viewings to our website continues growing and this has given the branch a much higher profile.
Our Branch President (John Fenning) continues to support the branch and is also a regular attendee at branch meetings. Last year he kindly donated a new Cup for the branch which was The John Fenning Cup for the Branch Top Promotion Candidate of the year. John was unfortunately away on holiday last year however will be present this year to present the Cup to this year`s winner.
Before I move onto some of the good news within the branch sadly, I must pay a tribute to one of our Senior referees Gordon (Korky) Kirton who has just recently passed away. Back in the 1970`s he was a very active member of our branch officiating in the Ashford Saturday and Sunday leagues. Korky`s contribution to football in Charing over many years was outstanding and when he retired, he then managed to encourage one of his sons (Gary Kirton) to also take up the whistle and become a referee.
We have also had a very bad year in terms of several of our referees having several weeks off from refereeing due to injuries, accidents and operations this year. On behalf of the branch I would like to pass on our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the following referees who are road to making a recovery: -
Darren Whipps, Gary Bourne, Barrie Wright, Dave Olsen, Andy Parker, Joanne Fox and finally Louis Brooks. We hope that following their operations they will all be back with us, refereeing again next season.
A special get-well message goes out from us all to 16-year-old Louis who is in hospital in Germany at present receiving special Cancer treatment. He will be coming back home next month to then have ongoing treatment and an operation in London.
The branch has again had another very good season in terms of promotions and awards: -
Congratulations go to Ashley Bowles, George Head, Morgan Davis, and Louis Brooks in being successful with their level 7/6 promotions and Bo Wang who after continued hard work and dedication finally being successful with his promotion to level 4. We also had candidates who were awarded Kent FA County Cup Final appointments so congratulations go to Ben Marshall & Pawel Prokopowicz. Finally, congratulations go to those referees who were chosen and officiated in the local Ashford Saturday and Sunday Leagues Cup finals, as well as the Weald of Kent and Ashford Charity Trophy finals.
Our branch continues to run very successfully at present despite the continued decline that surrounds us in 11 v 11 adult football with referees retiring and leagues and clubs folding. In Ashford however we have managed during this last season to recruit referees and branch members from the Folkestone branch with members Ralph Bradshaw Glen Richards &Matt Beadle plus referees Joanne Fox, Graham Elliott, Jonathan Reene, Dave Shrewsbury, Andy Parker and Steve Joyce joining our leagues. In addition, new referees Jamie Turner, Humphrey O`Conner, Robert De Keyzer and Mark Roberts also joining our referee ranks and it is pleasing to report that they have all settled in well.
On the promotion front for the 2019/20 season we also have 7 of our Ashford referees up for promotion: -
Going 7/6 are – Bartosz Chmiclecki, & Ross Cooper, ---Going 7/5 is – Ben Marshall
Going 6/5 are - Neil Holmes, Morgan Davis, George Head, & Gary Journet.
We wish them well in looking to achieve their goal.
Despite all the encouraging news within our branch we need to be mindful that in the next couple of years we will be faced with some of our committee members looking to retire. It is therefore vital we continue moving forward positively in the next 12 months. So, issues that need addressing are: -
1. Getting some of our newer members more involved in the branch which is vital for our continued existence and success.
2. Finally to continue to ensure that our meetings are beneficial and worthwhile with a good variety of guest speakers so that members get information, enjoyment and benefit from the meetings. So, if you are interested in becoming more involved in the branch please let me know.!
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support s over the past 12 months plus the continued good camaraderie we enjoy within the branch.
CHAIRMANS REPORT MAY 2019
As I end my 10th year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another fairly good season with us maintaining a good level of branch membership with a total of 44 members this year.
We were also very fortunate following the demise of the Folkestone Sunday league and their associated Referees branch to see some of their members move across to us. The increase of these referees joining us this has also benefited both the Saturday and Sunday Ashford leagues this season hence both leagues have achieved 100% referee coverage this season.
In addition, we have also maintained a stronger link to the Ashford Youth league so providing the opportunity for new referees to be appointed to games. In addition, it has been good in seeing some of our 16-year-old referees moving across from refereeing youth football into both of our Saturday and Sunday Men's leagues.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been around the 20 mark with a good varied programme each month, however, it has been another challenging year in finding new material and guest speakers to visit our meetings.
Again, the success of this year`s general running of the branch would not have been possible without our hard-working committee who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch again during the past 12 months. I don`t propose to mention and thank each one of them individually but collectively would like to thank them all for their continued hard work over the past 12 months.
During the past year we have managed to recruit some new and enthusiastic younger members joining our committee with Ashley Bowles and Ben Marshall helping to lower the average age of committee members and also coming up with some fresh and enthusiastic ideas for our meetings.
Our Branch Website continues to be first class with Rick Howlett doing a fantastic job in updating it and communicating information out to our members and the footballing world on a regular basis. The number of viewings to our website continues growing and this has given the branch a much higher profile.
Our Branch President (John Fenning) continues to support the branch and is also a regular attendee at branch meetings. Last year he kindly donated a new Cup for the branch which was The John Fenning Cup for the Branch Top Promotion Candidate of the year. John was unfortunately away on holiday last year however will be present this year to present the Cup to this year`s winner.
Before I move onto some of the good news within the branch sadly, I must pay a tribute to one of our Senior referees Gordon (Korky) Kirton who has just recently passed away. Back in the 1970`s he was a very active member of our branch officiating in the Ashford Saturday and Sunday leagues. Korky`s contribution to football in Charing over many years was outstanding and when he retired, he then managed to encourage one of his sons (Gary Kirton) to also take up the whistle and become a referee.
We have also had a very bad year in terms of several of our referees having several weeks off from refereeing due to injuries, accidents and operations this year. On behalf of the branch I would like to pass on our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the following referees who are road to making a recovery: -
Darren Whipps, Gary Bourne, Barrie Wright, Dave Olsen, Andy Parker, Joanne Fox and finally Louis Brooks. We hope that following their operations they will all be back with us, refereeing again next season.
A special get-well message goes out from us all to 16-year-old Louis who is in hospital in Germany at present receiving special Cancer treatment. He will be coming back home next month to then have ongoing treatment and an operation in London.
The branch has again had another very good season in terms of promotions and awards: -
Congratulations go to Ashley Bowles, George Head, Morgan Davis, and Louis Brooks in being successful with their level 7/6 promotions and Bo Wang who after continued hard work and dedication finally being successful with his promotion to level 4. We also had candidates who were awarded Kent FA County Cup Final appointments so congratulations go to Ben Marshall & Pawel Prokopowicz. Finally, congratulations go to those referees who were chosen and officiated in the local Ashford Saturday and Sunday Leagues Cup finals, as well as the Weald of Kent and Ashford Charity Trophy finals.
Our branch continues to run very successfully at present despite the continued decline that surrounds us in 11 v 11 adult football with referees retiring and leagues and clubs folding. In Ashford however we have managed during this last season to recruit referees and branch members from the Folkestone branch with members Ralph Bradshaw Glen Richards &Matt Beadle plus referees Joanne Fox, Graham Elliott, Jonathan Reene, Dave Shrewsbury, Andy Parker and Steve Joyce joining our leagues. In addition, new referees Jamie Turner, Humphrey O`Conner, Robert De Keyzer and Mark Roberts also joining our referee ranks and it is pleasing to report that they have all settled in well.
On the promotion front for the 2019/20 season we also have 7 of our Ashford referees up for promotion: -
Going 7/6 are – Bartosz Chmiclecki, & Ross Cooper, ---Going 7/5 is – Ben Marshall
Going 6/5 are - Neil Holmes, Morgan Davis, George Head, & Gary Journet.
We wish them well in looking to achieve their goal.
Despite all the encouraging news within our branch we need to be mindful that in the next couple of years we will be faced with some of our committee members looking to retire. It is therefore vital we continue moving forward positively in the next 12 months. So, issues that need addressing are: -
1. Getting some of our newer members more involved in the branch which is vital for our continued existence and success.
2. Finally to continue to ensure that our meetings are beneficial and worthwhile with a good variety of guest speakers so that members get information, enjoyment and benefit from the meetings. So, if you are interested in becoming more involved in the branch please let me know.!
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support s over the past 12 months plus the continued good camaraderie we enjoy within the branch.
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FORM OUR CHAIRMAN
As we don`t have a December branch meeting my Xmas message to all of our members and their families, comes to you via our excellent branch website, to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year.
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year for fun, enjoyment and Xmas festivities plus the opportunity for families and friends to get together. It is also a good time for all of us as referees to have a couple of weeks off from local footballing duties to recharge our batteries in readiness for the New Year.
I`m also pleased to report that during the last 6 months our own referees branch has continued to grow in strength and support. This was because in September of this year we were fortunate in having referees from the Folkestone area join our branch following the demise of the Folkestone and Hythe league in July.
Consequently, with our Committee providing some good guest speakers at our monthly meetings during 2018 our referee branch camaraderie is at present at an all-time high.
In concluding can I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and very best wishes for 2019.
Very Best Regards
Geoff.
As we don`t have a December branch meeting my Xmas message to all of our members and their families, comes to you via our excellent branch website, to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year.
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year for fun, enjoyment and Xmas festivities plus the opportunity for families and friends to get together. It is also a good time for all of us as referees to have a couple of weeks off from local footballing duties to recharge our batteries in readiness for the New Year.
I`m also pleased to report that during the last 6 months our own referees branch has continued to grow in strength and support. This was because in September of this year we were fortunate in having referees from the Folkestone area join our branch following the demise of the Folkestone and Hythe league in July.
Consequently, with our Committee providing some good guest speakers at our monthly meetings during 2018 our referee branch camaraderie is at present at an all-time high.
In concluding can I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and very best wishes for 2019.
Very Best Regards
Geoff.
KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
CHAIRMANS REPORT MAY 2018
As I end another year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another fairly good season with us maintaining our level of branch membership having a total of 43 members this year compared with 47 last year. However sadly around us many of the other local branches have seen a decline in members and in some cases the closure of their local branch.
Our branch membership still remain strong both in terms of members but also in terms of active referees to serve the local Saturday and Sunday leagues as well the two Charity Cup competitions. In addition we also need to maintain our strong link to the Ashford Youth league so that we continue in getting games for many of our new referees.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been round the 15 to 20 mark with a good varied programme each month however it is becoming increasingly more difficult in finding new material and guest speakers to visit our meetings.
Again the success of this year`s general running of the branch would not have been possible without our hard working committee who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch again during the past 12 months. I don`t propose to mention and thank each one of them individually but collectively would like to thank them all for their continued hard work over the past 12 months. During the past year we have been at full strength with our committee with Ashley Bowles being a new enthusiastic addition to our committee. However Richard Wincott due to family and his new work commitments has been unable to attend committee or branch meetings and has also recently stood down from being the Ashford Youth league referee appointment officer and Chairman. Richard has been a key person in looking after our new young referees when they start so very sad that we have lost him. Consequently I would like put on record our thanks to him for his good work in the organisation and support he has provided to of many new referees.
Our Branch Website continues to be first class with Rick Howlett doing a fantastic job in updating it and communicating information out to our members and the footballing world on a regular basis. The number of viewings to our website continues growing and this has given the branch a much higher profile.
Our Branch President (John Fenning ) continues to support the branch and is also a regular attendee at branch meetings. This year he has kindly donated a new Cup for the branch which is The John Fenning Cup for the Branch Top Promotion Candidate of the year. Thank you John for this nice gesture which is appreciated by the branch.
Before I move onto some of the good news within the branch sadly I must pay a tribute to one of our Vice presidents Geoff Wickens who recently passed away. Geoff made an outstanding contribution to football over a 60 year period in running Egerton FC as well as being secretary of the Ashford Saturday league and Ashford Charity Trophy and also Div3 secretary at the KCFA. A true gentleman who gave so much to help clubs obtain grants to improve their football facilities.
The branch has again had another very good season in terms of promotions and awards:-
Congratulations go to Ian Dunning , Neil Holmes and Christie Teehan in being successful with their level 7/6 promotions and Mike Donnelly in his promotion to level 6/5. We also had candidates who were awarded Kent FA County Cup Final appointments so congratulations go to Bo Wang, Neil Holmes, Ashley Bowles & George Head. Finally congratulations go to those referees who were chosen and officiated in the local Ashford Saturday and Sunday Leagues Cup finals, as well as the Weald of Kent and Ashford Charity Trophy finals.
Our branch continues to run very successfully at present despite some the doom and gloom that surrounds us with referees retiring and leagues and clubs folding. The latest being the Maidstone Saturday football league. In Ashford we have managed however during this last season to recruit 2 more new referees into adult football with Christie Teehan and Ben Marshall joining our referee ranks and both have settled in well. In addition in September George Heads, Louis Brooks, Joseph Cox and Morgan Davis will also be joining our men`s leagues.
On the promotion front for the 2018/19 season we also have 8 of our Ashford referees up for promotion:-
Going 7/6 are – Ashley Bowles, Dave Ambrose, George Head, Louis Brooks, Joseph Cox, and Morgan Davis.
Going 6/5 is Neil Holmes is going 5 /4 is Bo Wang. We wish them well in looking to achieve their goal.
Despite all the encouraging news within our branch we need to be mindful that in the next couple of years we will be faced with some of our committee members looking to retire. It is therefore vital we continue moving forward positively in the next 12 months. So issues that need addressing are:-
1. Getting some of our newer members involved in the branch which is vital for our continued existence and success.
2. Finally to continue to ensure that our meetings are beneficial and worthwhile with a good variety of guest speakers so that members get information, enjoyment and benefit from the meetings.
So if you are interested in becoming more involved in the branch please let me know.!!
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support and attendance at our meetings over the past 12 months plus the continued good camaraderie we enjoy within the branch.
G. STANBOROUGH
CHAIRMAN, KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
CHAIRMANS REPORT MAY 2018
As I end another year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another fairly good season with us maintaining our level of branch membership having a total of 43 members this year compared with 47 last year. However sadly around us many of the other local branches have seen a decline in members and in some cases the closure of their local branch.
Our branch membership still remain strong both in terms of members but also in terms of active referees to serve the local Saturday and Sunday leagues as well the two Charity Cup competitions. In addition we also need to maintain our strong link to the Ashford Youth league so that we continue in getting games for many of our new referees.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been round the 15 to 20 mark with a good varied programme each month however it is becoming increasingly more difficult in finding new material and guest speakers to visit our meetings.
Again the success of this year`s general running of the branch would not have been possible without our hard working committee who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch again during the past 12 months. I don`t propose to mention and thank each one of them individually but collectively would like to thank them all for their continued hard work over the past 12 months. During the past year we have been at full strength with our committee with Ashley Bowles being a new enthusiastic addition to our committee. However Richard Wincott due to family and his new work commitments has been unable to attend committee or branch meetings and has also recently stood down from being the Ashford Youth league referee appointment officer and Chairman. Richard has been a key person in looking after our new young referees when they start so very sad that we have lost him. Consequently I would like put on record our thanks to him for his good work in the organisation and support he has provided to of many new referees.
Our Branch Website continues to be first class with Rick Howlett doing a fantastic job in updating it and communicating information out to our members and the footballing world on a regular basis. The number of viewings to our website continues growing and this has given the branch a much higher profile.
Our Branch President (John Fenning ) continues to support the branch and is also a regular attendee at branch meetings. This year he has kindly donated a new Cup for the branch which is The John Fenning Cup for the Branch Top Promotion Candidate of the year. Thank you John for this nice gesture which is appreciated by the branch.
Before I move onto some of the good news within the branch sadly I must pay a tribute to one of our Vice presidents Geoff Wickens who recently passed away. Geoff made an outstanding contribution to football over a 60 year period in running Egerton FC as well as being secretary of the Ashford Saturday league and Ashford Charity Trophy and also Div3 secretary at the KCFA. A true gentleman who gave so much to help clubs obtain grants to improve their football facilities.
The branch has again had another very good season in terms of promotions and awards:-
Congratulations go to Ian Dunning , Neil Holmes and Christie Teehan in being successful with their level 7/6 promotions and Mike Donnelly in his promotion to level 6/5. We also had candidates who were awarded Kent FA County Cup Final appointments so congratulations go to Bo Wang, Neil Holmes, Ashley Bowles & George Head. Finally congratulations go to those referees who were chosen and officiated in the local Ashford Saturday and Sunday Leagues Cup finals, as well as the Weald of Kent and Ashford Charity Trophy finals.
Our branch continues to run very successfully at present despite some the doom and gloom that surrounds us with referees retiring and leagues and clubs folding. The latest being the Maidstone Saturday football league. In Ashford we have managed however during this last season to recruit 2 more new referees into adult football with Christie Teehan and Ben Marshall joining our referee ranks and both have settled in well. In addition in September George Heads, Louis Brooks, Joseph Cox and Morgan Davis will also be joining our men`s leagues.
On the promotion front for the 2018/19 season we also have 8 of our Ashford referees up for promotion:-
Going 7/6 are – Ashley Bowles, Dave Ambrose, George Head, Louis Brooks, Joseph Cox, and Morgan Davis.
Going 6/5 is Neil Holmes is going 5 /4 is Bo Wang. We wish them well in looking to achieve their goal.
Despite all the encouraging news within our branch we need to be mindful that in the next couple of years we will be faced with some of our committee members looking to retire. It is therefore vital we continue moving forward positively in the next 12 months. So issues that need addressing are:-
1. Getting some of our newer members involved in the branch which is vital for our continued existence and success.
2. Finally to continue to ensure that our meetings are beneficial and worthwhile with a good variety of guest speakers so that members get information, enjoyment and benefit from the meetings.
So if you are interested in becoming more involved in the branch please let me know.!!
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support and attendance at our meetings over the past 12 months plus the continued good camaraderie we enjoy within the branch.
G. STANBOROUGH
CHAIRMAN, KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
CHAIRMAN’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2017
With our Referees Branch not having a December meeting I thought it would be a good idea to communicate out a Christmas message (via our Web site) to all of our members and their families, to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year.
Christmas is a wonderful time for fun, enjoyment and Christmas festivities plus the opportunity for families and friends to get together. However, it is also a time for reflection and sometimes some sadness and this week has been an example of that with us having lost 2 people in the footballing world. Referee Mick McCoy Age 55 from Herne Bay and Phil Castle Age 80 who was associated with Bethersden FC and Ashford Town FC both passing away.
In addition, also the disappointing news that the Canterbury Referees Branch has just folded due to lack of membership support.
However, on a more very positive note and some happier News I pleased to report that our own referees branch continues to grow in strength and support this year. Our strong supportive committee have provided some good guest speakers at our monthly meetings during 2017 and the branch camaraderie is at an all-time high.
Congratulations are extended to Ashley Bowles and his family with Ashley recently becoming a Dad and with it the joy of a few disturbed nights!
On the 6/5 and 7/6 promotion front branch members Mike Donnelly, Ian Dunning, Neil Holmes and Christie Teehan are all making good progress in looking to achieve their goal for promotion at the end of February 2018 and we wish them well.
Finally, can I conclude with wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and leave you with a Christmas Parrot story below !!!
Very Best Wishes
Geoff
December 2017
With our Referees Branch not having a December meeting I thought it would be a good idea to communicate out a Christmas message (via our Web site) to all of our members and their families, to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year.
Christmas is a wonderful time for fun, enjoyment and Christmas festivities plus the opportunity for families and friends to get together. However, it is also a time for reflection and sometimes some sadness and this week has been an example of that with us having lost 2 people in the footballing world. Referee Mick McCoy Age 55 from Herne Bay and Phil Castle Age 80 who was associated with Bethersden FC and Ashford Town FC both passing away.
In addition, also the disappointing news that the Canterbury Referees Branch has just folded due to lack of membership support.
However, on a more very positive note and some happier News I pleased to report that our own referees branch continues to grow in strength and support this year. Our strong supportive committee have provided some good guest speakers at our monthly meetings during 2017 and the branch camaraderie is at an all-time high.
Congratulations are extended to Ashley Bowles and his family with Ashley recently becoming a Dad and with it the joy of a few disturbed nights!
On the 6/5 and 7/6 promotion front branch members Mike Donnelly, Ian Dunning, Neil Holmes and Christie Teehan are all making good progress in looking to achieve their goal for promotion at the end of February 2018 and we wish them well.
Finally, can I conclude with wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and leave you with a Christmas Parrot story below !!!
Very Best Wishes
Geoff
December 2017
KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
CHAIRMANS REPORT MAY 2017
As I end another year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another fairly good season with us maintaining our level of branch membership having a total of 47 members this year compared with 44 last year. However, sadly many other local branches have seen a decline in members and in some cases the closure of their local branch. In addition, last September we experienced the closing and demise of the Kent Referees Association which was an organisation that had been in existence for some 80 plus years and sat as a County organisation body above all the local 16 branches around the County.
With the funds held by the Kent Referees association being then distributed out to all of the local branches based on the number of members, we as a branch then made use of our contribution of £371 by reducing the branch membership fee by £6 for this current year and also provided members joining our branch a free copy of the new laws of the game book which had been completely rewritten. Consequently, our members this year have had a good year in terms of the benefits of being a member of our branch. Our membership has remained stable and strong with our numbers up to 47 this year. With us now standing on our own as a referee branch in terms of referee strength, interest, enthusiasm and support and with 11 v 11 men’s football teams continuing to decline it`s important we continue in maintaining a good relationship with the local Saturday and Sunday leagues as well the two Charity Cup competitions. We also now have a stronger link now with the Ashford Youth league with Richard Wincott being our representative in allocating and in getting games for many of our new referees.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been round the 15 to 20 mark with a good varied programme of guest speakers each month and we must also thank Annmarie and Rachel who have looked after us so well at Sandyacres over the past 12months.
Again, the success of this year`s general running of the branch would not have been possible without our hard-working committee who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch members again during the past 12 months. Bo Wang has completed his second year of office as our branch secretary and continues in the role with enthusiasm and commitment. Unfortunately, our Assistant Secretary Dave McAnally was taken into hospital for a triple heart bypass earlier in the year however I`m pleased to say that Dave has made and is still making a strong sound recovery. Well Done!!! However, his role of taking the minutes at both branch meetings and committee meetings very effectively left us with a problem however Dave Winder has kindly helped in covering this role temporarily so thank you Dave for helping out.
My thanks also go to our treasurer Roger Corkhill for all of his hard work again in managing all of our branch membership and overall finance for the last 12 months. In addition, his good work throughout the year in being our Ashford & District Saturday league Rep and for running a Personal Disciplinary Hearing session at one of our branch meeting which was very useful and informative.
Our Vice Chairman Ian Milbery for his sound support to me personally in standing in as Chairman for some of our branch meetings and running the business aspects of our meetings and to Barry Leaning who continues as our Social secretary by kindly running our monthly raffle at all of our meetings. Both of these two gentlemen were our main fund raisers of the branch in the running our branch annual dinner cabarets for some 25 years. Consequently, it was a bit strange last November with no social evening however it`s important we move on with the changing world of social events.
The Mentoring of some of our new referees this year has changed slightly but run very smoothly with Richard Wincott now taking over and working hard again to ensure all of the new referees complete their mentored games. Both Vince Bottacchi and Richard Wincott have played their roles well in completing another successful season as the Sunday league rep and Ashford Youth league rep, again both doing a very good job.
Our Branch Website continues to be first class with Rick Howlett doing a fantastic job in updating it and communicating information out to our members on a regular basis. The number of viewings to our website continues growing and this has given the branch a much higher profile.
Don Amos was our KRA branch rep now for many years and in November 2015 completed 50 years’ service to refereeing and the branch. However, with the KRA having been dissolved at the AGM back in May 2016 Don kindly agreed to move over from being our KRA rep to become a committee member. Again, he has been a loyal committee/ branch meetings helper and supporter at meetings so Thank you Don for your continued support.
I must also mention the other committee members Barry Sheather and Dave Winder for their sound support this year. However sadly during the year we lost two of our other committee members with Ivor Groves and Simon Jackson both standing down as committee members due to work retirement and retirement from football. Finally, to thank our 2 auditors Dave Winder and John Fenning for all their good work in checking our accounts which continue to be in very good order.
One person in our branch I have failed to mention in my report so far is our Branch President, John Fenning, who continues to support the branch and attend branch meetings as well as continuing to fight and be very determined in tackling some of his ongoing health issues.
The branch has again had another very good season in terms of promotions and awards:-
Congratulations go to Callum Wright and Richard Wincott in being successful with their level 6/5 promotions and to Andy Worthington on being awarded a KCFA County Cup Final appointment. In addition, congratulations to those referees who were chosen and officiated in the local Ashford Saturday and Sunday Leagues Cup finals, as well as the Weald of Kent and Ashford Charity Trophy finals.
Our branch continues to run very successfully at present however with other branches around us (Thanet, Tonbridge and Dartford being dissolved this year) the future is not looking so bright overall in Kent. However, a sign and reflection of the changes that are going on in football and referee branches. Despite the doom and gloom around us in Ashford we have managed to recruit 4 new referees into adult football with Barrie Wright, Ian Dunning, Ashley Bowles and Dave Ambrose joining our referee ranks in men’s football. In addition, we also have 4 of our Ashford referees up for promotion from 7/6 - Ian Dunning, Christie Teehan, Neil Holmes and Ross Bampton and we wish them well. In addition, Bo Wang is having another attempt for promotion from 5 / 4 and we wish him well in looking to achieve his goal.
Despite all the encouraging news within our branch we need to be mindful that in the next couple of years we will be faced with some of our committee members looking to retire. It is therefore vital we continue moving forward positively in the next 12 months. So, issues that need to be addressing are:-
1. Getting some of our newer members involved in the branch which is vital for our continued existence and success.
2. Finally to continue to ensure that our meetings are beneficial and worthwhile with a good variety of guest speakers so that members get information, enjoyment and benefit from the meetings.
So, if you are interested in becoming more involved in the branch please let me know.!!
As Chairman, I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support and attendance at our meetings and the continued good camaraderie we enjoy within the branch.
G. STANBOROUGH
CHAIRMAN, KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
CHAIRMANS REPORT MAY 2017
As I end another year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another fairly good season with us maintaining our level of branch membership having a total of 47 members this year compared with 44 last year. However, sadly many other local branches have seen a decline in members and in some cases the closure of their local branch. In addition, last September we experienced the closing and demise of the Kent Referees Association which was an organisation that had been in existence for some 80 plus years and sat as a County organisation body above all the local 16 branches around the County.
With the funds held by the Kent Referees association being then distributed out to all of the local branches based on the number of members, we as a branch then made use of our contribution of £371 by reducing the branch membership fee by £6 for this current year and also provided members joining our branch a free copy of the new laws of the game book which had been completely rewritten. Consequently, our members this year have had a good year in terms of the benefits of being a member of our branch. Our membership has remained stable and strong with our numbers up to 47 this year. With us now standing on our own as a referee branch in terms of referee strength, interest, enthusiasm and support and with 11 v 11 men’s football teams continuing to decline it`s important we continue in maintaining a good relationship with the local Saturday and Sunday leagues as well the two Charity Cup competitions. We also now have a stronger link now with the Ashford Youth league with Richard Wincott being our representative in allocating and in getting games for many of our new referees.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been round the 15 to 20 mark with a good varied programme of guest speakers each month and we must also thank Annmarie and Rachel who have looked after us so well at Sandyacres over the past 12months.
Again, the success of this year`s general running of the branch would not have been possible without our hard-working committee who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch members again during the past 12 months. Bo Wang has completed his second year of office as our branch secretary and continues in the role with enthusiasm and commitment. Unfortunately, our Assistant Secretary Dave McAnally was taken into hospital for a triple heart bypass earlier in the year however I`m pleased to say that Dave has made and is still making a strong sound recovery. Well Done!!! However, his role of taking the minutes at both branch meetings and committee meetings very effectively left us with a problem however Dave Winder has kindly helped in covering this role temporarily so thank you Dave for helping out.
My thanks also go to our treasurer Roger Corkhill for all of his hard work again in managing all of our branch membership and overall finance for the last 12 months. In addition, his good work throughout the year in being our Ashford & District Saturday league Rep and for running a Personal Disciplinary Hearing session at one of our branch meeting which was very useful and informative.
Our Vice Chairman Ian Milbery for his sound support to me personally in standing in as Chairman for some of our branch meetings and running the business aspects of our meetings and to Barry Leaning who continues as our Social secretary by kindly running our monthly raffle at all of our meetings. Both of these two gentlemen were our main fund raisers of the branch in the running our branch annual dinner cabarets for some 25 years. Consequently, it was a bit strange last November with no social evening however it`s important we move on with the changing world of social events.
The Mentoring of some of our new referees this year has changed slightly but run very smoothly with Richard Wincott now taking over and working hard again to ensure all of the new referees complete their mentored games. Both Vince Bottacchi and Richard Wincott have played their roles well in completing another successful season as the Sunday league rep and Ashford Youth league rep, again both doing a very good job.
Our Branch Website continues to be first class with Rick Howlett doing a fantastic job in updating it and communicating information out to our members on a regular basis. The number of viewings to our website continues growing and this has given the branch a much higher profile.
Don Amos was our KRA branch rep now for many years and in November 2015 completed 50 years’ service to refereeing and the branch. However, with the KRA having been dissolved at the AGM back in May 2016 Don kindly agreed to move over from being our KRA rep to become a committee member. Again, he has been a loyal committee/ branch meetings helper and supporter at meetings so Thank you Don for your continued support.
I must also mention the other committee members Barry Sheather and Dave Winder for their sound support this year. However sadly during the year we lost two of our other committee members with Ivor Groves and Simon Jackson both standing down as committee members due to work retirement and retirement from football. Finally, to thank our 2 auditors Dave Winder and John Fenning for all their good work in checking our accounts which continue to be in very good order.
One person in our branch I have failed to mention in my report so far is our Branch President, John Fenning, who continues to support the branch and attend branch meetings as well as continuing to fight and be very determined in tackling some of his ongoing health issues.
The branch has again had another very good season in terms of promotions and awards:-
Congratulations go to Callum Wright and Richard Wincott in being successful with their level 6/5 promotions and to Andy Worthington on being awarded a KCFA County Cup Final appointment. In addition, congratulations to those referees who were chosen and officiated in the local Ashford Saturday and Sunday Leagues Cup finals, as well as the Weald of Kent and Ashford Charity Trophy finals.
Our branch continues to run very successfully at present however with other branches around us (Thanet, Tonbridge and Dartford being dissolved this year) the future is not looking so bright overall in Kent. However, a sign and reflection of the changes that are going on in football and referee branches. Despite the doom and gloom around us in Ashford we have managed to recruit 4 new referees into adult football with Barrie Wright, Ian Dunning, Ashley Bowles and Dave Ambrose joining our referee ranks in men’s football. In addition, we also have 4 of our Ashford referees up for promotion from 7/6 - Ian Dunning, Christie Teehan, Neil Holmes and Ross Bampton and we wish them well. In addition, Bo Wang is having another attempt for promotion from 5 / 4 and we wish him well in looking to achieve his goal.
Despite all the encouraging news within our branch we need to be mindful that in the next couple of years we will be faced with some of our committee members looking to retire. It is therefore vital we continue moving forward positively in the next 12 months. So, issues that need to be addressing are:-
1. Getting some of our newer members involved in the branch which is vital for our continued existence and success.
2. Finally to continue to ensure that our meetings are beneficial and worthwhile with a good variety of guest speakers so that members get information, enjoyment and benefit from the meetings.
So, if you are interested in becoming more involved in the branch please let me know.!!
As Chairman, I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support and attendance at our meetings and the continued good camaraderie we enjoy within the branch.
G. STANBOROUGH
CHAIRMAN, KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
CHAIRMANS REPORT MAY 2016
As I end my seventh year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another fairly good season overall despite suffering another drop in membership with us having a total of 44 members this year compared with 50 last year. However we continue in maintaining a good relationship with the local Saturday and Sunday leagues as well the two Charity Cup competitions. We also now have a stronger link now with the Ashford Youth league with Richard Wincott being our representative in allocating and in getting games for many of our new referees.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been round the 15 to 20 mark with a good varied programme of guest speakers each month and we must also thank Annmarie and Sue Warren who have looked after us so well at Sandyacres over the past 12months.
Again the success of this year`s general running of the branch would not have been possible without our hard working committee who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch members again during the past 12 months.
This last year Bo Wang has been our new branch secretary and he has taken on the role with enthusiasm and commitment in learning the ropes. He has been very well supported by Assistant Secretary Dave McAnally in his role of taking the minutes at both branch meetings and committee meetings very effectively.
My thanks also go to our treasurer Roger Corkhill for all of his hard work again in managing all of our branch membership and overall finance for the last 12 months. In addition his good work throughout the year in being our Ashford & District Saturday league Rep and also for running the Penalty shoot out at our branch football match evening.
Our Vice Chairman Ian Milbery and Social Secretary Barry Leaning for their sound support to me personally as Chairman and also for their hard work in again making sure our final annual dinner dance was again a great success both financially and also in terms of social enjoyment. Both of them have been running our branch annual dinner cabarets for some 25 years now so it was brilliant that as it was to be their last one that they organised that the event was very success and a brilliant evening. Thank you Ian and Barry for all of your good work which has been much appreciated.
The Mentoring of some of our new referees this year has again run very smoothly with Vince Bottacchi and Richard Wincott working hard again to ensure most of the new referees complete their 6 games and module 5 to move on and cease being a level 9 trainee referees. Both Vince and Richard have played their roles well in completing another successful season as the Sunday league rep and Ashford Youth league rep, again doing a very good job.
Our Branch Website continues to be first class with Rick Howlett doing a fantastic job in updating it and communicating information out to our members on a regular basis. This has given the branch a much higher profile. Rick also did an excellent job in providing and running the 60s/ 70s disco music for our final branch dinner in November. Again thank you Rick for all your good work for the branch which is appreciated.
Don Amos has been our KRA branch rep now for many years and in November completed 50 years service to refereeing and the branch. This is a fantastic achievement and it was quite fitting for him to be presented with his 50 years loyal membership award from the Referees Association at our last branch dinner back in November. Don never misses a KRA meeting and continues to operate as an experienced member in relaying information back to the branch from the meetings. However with the KRA being dissolved at the AGM in May Don is prepared move over from being our KRA rep to become a committee member. Thank you Don for your continued support.
I must also mention the other committee members Barry Sheather, Dave Winder, Ivor Groves and Simon Jackson for their support at committee meetings so as you can see our committee is now very strong and very effective. Finally to thank our 2 auditors Dave Winder and John Fenning for all their good work in checking our accounts which continue to be in very good order.
One person in our branch I have failed to mention in my report so far is our Branch President who over the past 12 months has continued to recover from some ill health. However knowing John (Fenning) as we do as a very determined and positive person he continues to very make good progress. He is on holiday at present and sends his best wishes to the members of the branch for next season.
The branch has again had another very good season in terms of promotions and awards:-
Congratulations go to Ollie Butcher on his promotion to level 3 onto the Ryman Contrib League as a referee for season 2016/17 which is a magnificent achievement and brilliant news. Congratulations also go to Dave Olsen in achieving his level 6/5 referee promotion and also to Callum Wright, Callum Drysdale and Richard Wincott in being successful with their level 7/6 promotions.
Congratulations also go to a grand total of 7 Ashford members who all were awarded KCFA County Cup Final appointment so congratulations to Ollie Butcher, Callum Wright, Dave Olsen, Richard Wincott, Keith Wynter, Callum Drysdale, and Adam Aylward. In addition congratulations to those referees who were chosen and officiated in the local Ashford Saturday and Sunday Leagues Cup finals, as well as the Weald of Kent and Ashford Charity Trophy finals.
Our branch continues to run very successfully at present however with the KRA being dissolved after many many years of existence is a sad situation, but a sign and reflection of the changes that are going on in football and referee branches. Consequently the next 12 months will be more challenging year for our own branch, and with some of our committee members looking to retire in 2017, it is therefore vital we move forward positively in the next 12 months. Therefore issues that need to be addressed are:-
1. Getting some of our newer members involved in the branch which is vital for our continued existence and success.
2. Finally to continue to ensure that our meetings are beneficial and worthwhile with a good variety of guest speakers so that members get information, enjoyment and benefit from the meetings.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support and attendance at our meetings and the good camaraderie we enjoy within the branch.
G. STANBOROUGH
CHAIRMAN, KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
CHAIRMANS REPORT MAY 2016
As I end my seventh year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another fairly good season overall despite suffering another drop in membership with us having a total of 44 members this year compared with 50 last year. However we continue in maintaining a good relationship with the local Saturday and Sunday leagues as well the two Charity Cup competitions. We also now have a stronger link now with the Ashford Youth league with Richard Wincott being our representative in allocating and in getting games for many of our new referees.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been round the 15 to 20 mark with a good varied programme of guest speakers each month and we must also thank Annmarie and Sue Warren who have looked after us so well at Sandyacres over the past 12months.
Again the success of this year`s general running of the branch would not have been possible without our hard working committee who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch members again during the past 12 months.
This last year Bo Wang has been our new branch secretary and he has taken on the role with enthusiasm and commitment in learning the ropes. He has been very well supported by Assistant Secretary Dave McAnally in his role of taking the minutes at both branch meetings and committee meetings very effectively.
My thanks also go to our treasurer Roger Corkhill for all of his hard work again in managing all of our branch membership and overall finance for the last 12 months. In addition his good work throughout the year in being our Ashford & District Saturday league Rep and also for running the Penalty shoot out at our branch football match evening.
Our Vice Chairman Ian Milbery and Social Secretary Barry Leaning for their sound support to me personally as Chairman and also for their hard work in again making sure our final annual dinner dance was again a great success both financially and also in terms of social enjoyment. Both of them have been running our branch annual dinner cabarets for some 25 years now so it was brilliant that as it was to be their last one that they organised that the event was very success and a brilliant evening. Thank you Ian and Barry for all of your good work which has been much appreciated.
The Mentoring of some of our new referees this year has again run very smoothly with Vince Bottacchi and Richard Wincott working hard again to ensure most of the new referees complete their 6 games and module 5 to move on and cease being a level 9 trainee referees. Both Vince and Richard have played their roles well in completing another successful season as the Sunday league rep and Ashford Youth league rep, again doing a very good job.
Our Branch Website continues to be first class with Rick Howlett doing a fantastic job in updating it and communicating information out to our members on a regular basis. This has given the branch a much higher profile. Rick also did an excellent job in providing and running the 60s/ 70s disco music for our final branch dinner in November. Again thank you Rick for all your good work for the branch which is appreciated.
Don Amos has been our KRA branch rep now for many years and in November completed 50 years service to refereeing and the branch. This is a fantastic achievement and it was quite fitting for him to be presented with his 50 years loyal membership award from the Referees Association at our last branch dinner back in November. Don never misses a KRA meeting and continues to operate as an experienced member in relaying information back to the branch from the meetings. However with the KRA being dissolved at the AGM in May Don is prepared move over from being our KRA rep to become a committee member. Thank you Don for your continued support.
I must also mention the other committee members Barry Sheather, Dave Winder, Ivor Groves and Simon Jackson for their support at committee meetings so as you can see our committee is now very strong and very effective. Finally to thank our 2 auditors Dave Winder and John Fenning for all their good work in checking our accounts which continue to be in very good order.
One person in our branch I have failed to mention in my report so far is our Branch President who over the past 12 months has continued to recover from some ill health. However knowing John (Fenning) as we do as a very determined and positive person he continues to very make good progress. He is on holiday at present and sends his best wishes to the members of the branch for next season.
The branch has again had another very good season in terms of promotions and awards:-
Congratulations go to Ollie Butcher on his promotion to level 3 onto the Ryman Contrib League as a referee for season 2016/17 which is a magnificent achievement and brilliant news. Congratulations also go to Dave Olsen in achieving his level 6/5 referee promotion and also to Callum Wright, Callum Drysdale and Richard Wincott in being successful with their level 7/6 promotions.
Congratulations also go to a grand total of 7 Ashford members who all were awarded KCFA County Cup Final appointment so congratulations to Ollie Butcher, Callum Wright, Dave Olsen, Richard Wincott, Keith Wynter, Callum Drysdale, and Adam Aylward. In addition congratulations to those referees who were chosen and officiated in the local Ashford Saturday and Sunday Leagues Cup finals, as well as the Weald of Kent and Ashford Charity Trophy finals.
Our branch continues to run very successfully at present however with the KRA being dissolved after many many years of existence is a sad situation, but a sign and reflection of the changes that are going on in football and referee branches. Consequently the next 12 months will be more challenging year for our own branch, and with some of our committee members looking to retire in 2017, it is therefore vital we move forward positively in the next 12 months. Therefore issues that need to be addressed are:-
1. Getting some of our newer members involved in the branch which is vital for our continued existence and success.
2. Finally to continue to ensure that our meetings are beneficial and worthwhile with a good variety of guest speakers so that members get information, enjoyment and benefit from the meetings.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support and attendance at our meetings and the good camaraderie we enjoy within the branch.
G. STANBOROUGH
CHAIRMAN, KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
CHAIRMAN, KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
CHAIRMANS REPORT MAY 2015
As I end my seventh year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another very good season overall despite suffering another drop in membership with us having a total of 50 members this year compared with 64 last year. However we continue in maintaining a good relationship with the local Saturday and Sunday leagues as well the two Charity Cup competitions. We also now have a stronger link now with the Ashford Youth league with Richard Wincott doing a great job this last season in allocating and in getting games for many of our new referees as well as getting them mentored.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been round the 20 to 25 mark with a good varied programme of guest speakers each month and we must also thank Ernie Sue and Ann Marie who have looked after us so well at Sandyacres at our monthly meetings in terms of the excellent hospitality and buffet.
Again the success of this year`s branch meetings ,and the general running of the branch would not have been possible without our hard working committee who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch members again during the past 12 months.
Barry Sheather and his wife Betty have now completed three years in the position of secretary and have ensured that all the communication and correspondence has been dealt with efficiently, as well as arranging a good variety of guest speakers. This has been much appreciated by the members however he is now unfortunately standing down from the position of secretary and therefore I would like to personally thank both Barry and Betty for all their good work over the past 3 years.
They have again been well supported by Assistant Secretary Dave McAnally in his role of taking the minutes at both branch meetings and committee meetings as well as also managing the production of our minutes very effectively for another season.
My thanks also go to our treasurer Roger Corkhill for all of his hard work again in managing all of our branch membership and overall finance for the last 12 months as well as his additional good work throughout the year in also covering the Ashford & District Saturday league Rep role so effectively.
Our Vice Chairman Ian Milbery and Social Secretary Barry Leaning for their sound support to me personally as Chairman and also for their hard work in again making sure our annual dinner dance was again a great success both financially and also in terms of social enjoyment.
The Mentoring of some of our new referees this year has again been very challenging with Vince Bottacchi working hard again to ensure most of the new referees complete their 6 games and module 5 to move on and cease being a level 9 trainee referees. Vince has also played his part well in completing another successful season as the Sunday league rep and has again done a very good job.
Our Branch Website continues to be first class with Rick Howlett doing a fantastic job in updating it and communicating information out to our members on a regular basis. This has given the branch a much higher profile Thank you Rick for all you have done in now moving us as a branch into the 21st century !!
Finally I must mention Don Amos who has been our KRA branch rep now for many years and this year completes 50 years service to refereeing and the branch. This is a fantastic achievement and service. Don never misses a KRA meeting and continues to operate as an experienced member in relaying information back to the branch from the meetings. Thank you Don for your continued support.
I must also mention the other committee members Dave Winder, Ivor Groves and Simon Jackson for their support at committee meetings so as you can see our committee is now very strong and very effective. Finally to thank our 2 auditors Dave Winder and John Fenning for all their good work in checking our accounts which continue to be in very good order.
One person in our branch I have failed to mention in my report so far is our Branch President who over the past 12 months has suffered some ill health resulting in some spells in hospital after having suffered a minor stroke. However knowing John as we do as a very determined and positive person he continues to very make good progress on the road towards a full recovery and it`s good to see him back attending branch meetings again.
The branch has again had another very good season in terms of promotions and awards:-
Congratulations go to Glen Childs on his promotion to level 4 onto the SCEFL as a referee for the season 2015/16 which is a magnificent achievement and brilliant news for Ashford. Hopefully Glen will also be working on the Ryman league as an Assistant for next season as well. Congratulations also go to Vince Bottacchi who was also successful in achieving his level 6/5 referee promotion this year.
Congratulations also go to a grand total of 6 Ashford members who all were awarded KCFA County Cup Final appointment so congratulations to Callum Wright, Joe Monkhouse, Dave Olsen, Glen Childs, Vince Bottacchi, and Simon Jackson.. In addition congratulations to those referees who were chosen and officiated in the local Ashford Saturday and Sunday Leagues Cup finals, as well as the Weald of Kent and Ashford Charity Trophy finals.
We also had further good news for the branch back in September 2014 with 11 of our members namely Don Amos, Ian Barker, Stuart Clay, Barry Leaning, Ian Milbery, John Roffey, Ian Sands, Barry Sheather, Geoff Stanborough, Dave Winder and Martin Yerby all presented with 25 year membership awards.
Also another 9 of our members namely Vince Barnes, Mark Cole, Roger Corkhill, Ivor Groves Simon Jackson, Peter Millen, Dave Olsen, Chris Wood and Keith Wynter were all presented with 10 year membership awards. Finally Ian Gosling who received a 15year membership award.
Although it’s good to see that the branch continues to run very successfully at present it is very important to consider how we continue moving forward positively in the next 12 months. Issues that need to be addressed are:-
1. Having a committee succession plan so that some of our existing branch members look to become part of our committee so that when some of our senior members retire we have new faces to fill the slots.
2. In addition getting some of our newer members involved in the branch is vital for our continued existence and success.
3. Finally continue to ensure that our meetings are beneficial and worthwhile with a good variety of guest speakers so that members get enjoyment and continue to increase their refereeing knowledge.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support and attendance at our meetings and the good camaraderie we enjoy within the branch.
G. STANBOROUGH
CHAIRMAN, KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
CHAIRMANS REPORT MAY 2015
As I end my seventh year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another very good season overall despite suffering another drop in membership with us having a total of 50 members this year compared with 64 last year. However we continue in maintaining a good relationship with the local Saturday and Sunday leagues as well the two Charity Cup competitions. We also now have a stronger link now with the Ashford Youth league with Richard Wincott doing a great job this last season in allocating and in getting games for many of our new referees as well as getting them mentored.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been round the 20 to 25 mark with a good varied programme of guest speakers each month and we must also thank Ernie Sue and Ann Marie who have looked after us so well at Sandyacres at our monthly meetings in terms of the excellent hospitality and buffet.
Again the success of this year`s branch meetings ,and the general running of the branch would not have been possible without our hard working committee who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch members again during the past 12 months.
Barry Sheather and his wife Betty have now completed three years in the position of secretary and have ensured that all the communication and correspondence has been dealt with efficiently, as well as arranging a good variety of guest speakers. This has been much appreciated by the members however he is now unfortunately standing down from the position of secretary and therefore I would like to personally thank both Barry and Betty for all their good work over the past 3 years.
They have again been well supported by Assistant Secretary Dave McAnally in his role of taking the minutes at both branch meetings and committee meetings as well as also managing the production of our minutes very effectively for another season.
My thanks also go to our treasurer Roger Corkhill for all of his hard work again in managing all of our branch membership and overall finance for the last 12 months as well as his additional good work throughout the year in also covering the Ashford & District Saturday league Rep role so effectively.
Our Vice Chairman Ian Milbery and Social Secretary Barry Leaning for their sound support to me personally as Chairman and also for their hard work in again making sure our annual dinner dance was again a great success both financially and also in terms of social enjoyment.
The Mentoring of some of our new referees this year has again been very challenging with Vince Bottacchi working hard again to ensure most of the new referees complete their 6 games and module 5 to move on and cease being a level 9 trainee referees. Vince has also played his part well in completing another successful season as the Sunday league rep and has again done a very good job.
Our Branch Website continues to be first class with Rick Howlett doing a fantastic job in updating it and communicating information out to our members on a regular basis. This has given the branch a much higher profile Thank you Rick for all you have done in now moving us as a branch into the 21st century !!
Finally I must mention Don Amos who has been our KRA branch rep now for many years and this year completes 50 years service to refereeing and the branch. This is a fantastic achievement and service. Don never misses a KRA meeting and continues to operate as an experienced member in relaying information back to the branch from the meetings. Thank you Don for your continued support.
I must also mention the other committee members Dave Winder, Ivor Groves and Simon Jackson for their support at committee meetings so as you can see our committee is now very strong and very effective. Finally to thank our 2 auditors Dave Winder and John Fenning for all their good work in checking our accounts which continue to be in very good order.
One person in our branch I have failed to mention in my report so far is our Branch President who over the past 12 months has suffered some ill health resulting in some spells in hospital after having suffered a minor stroke. However knowing John as we do as a very determined and positive person he continues to very make good progress on the road towards a full recovery and it`s good to see him back attending branch meetings again.
The branch has again had another very good season in terms of promotions and awards:-
Congratulations go to Glen Childs on his promotion to level 4 onto the SCEFL as a referee for the season 2015/16 which is a magnificent achievement and brilliant news for Ashford. Hopefully Glen will also be working on the Ryman league as an Assistant for next season as well. Congratulations also go to Vince Bottacchi who was also successful in achieving his level 6/5 referee promotion this year.
Congratulations also go to a grand total of 6 Ashford members who all were awarded KCFA County Cup Final appointment so congratulations to Callum Wright, Joe Monkhouse, Dave Olsen, Glen Childs, Vince Bottacchi, and Simon Jackson.. In addition congratulations to those referees who were chosen and officiated in the local Ashford Saturday and Sunday Leagues Cup finals, as well as the Weald of Kent and Ashford Charity Trophy finals.
We also had further good news for the branch back in September 2014 with 11 of our members namely Don Amos, Ian Barker, Stuart Clay, Barry Leaning, Ian Milbery, John Roffey, Ian Sands, Barry Sheather, Geoff Stanborough, Dave Winder and Martin Yerby all presented with 25 year membership awards.
Also another 9 of our members namely Vince Barnes, Mark Cole, Roger Corkhill, Ivor Groves Simon Jackson, Peter Millen, Dave Olsen, Chris Wood and Keith Wynter were all presented with 10 year membership awards. Finally Ian Gosling who received a 15year membership award.
Although it’s good to see that the branch continues to run very successfully at present it is very important to consider how we continue moving forward positively in the next 12 months. Issues that need to be addressed are:-
1. Having a committee succession plan so that some of our existing branch members look to become part of our committee so that when some of our senior members retire we have new faces to fill the slots.
2. In addition getting some of our newer members involved in the branch is vital for our continued existence and success.
3. Finally continue to ensure that our meetings are beneficial and worthwhile with a good variety of guest speakers so that members get enjoyment and continue to increase their refereeing knowledge.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support and attendance at our meetings and the good camaraderie we enjoy within the branch.
G. STANBOROUGH
CHAIRMAN, KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
G. STANBOROUGH, CHAIRMANS REPORT. MAY 2014
As I end my sixth year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another very good season overall despite suffering a slight drop in membership with us having a total of 64 members this year compared with 77 last year. We also continue in maintaining a good relationship with the local Saturday and Sunday leagues as well as building a much stronger link with the Ashford Youth league this season consequently this has helped us in getting games for many of our new referees as well as getting them mentored. This has also been helped with new referee Richard Wincott taking on the role of referee appointment officer for the youth league during the past few months. Well done Richard and keep up the good work!
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been round the 20 to 25 mark which is a little bit down on the previous year`s attendances and a concern especially when we have had some excellent guest speakers travelling some distance to be with us. However on a positive note the guest speakers have been excellent each month and we must also thank Ernie, Sue and Ann Marie who have looked after us so well at Sandyacres at our monthly meetings in terms of the excellent hospitality and buffet.
The success of this year`s branch meetings and the general running of the branch would not have been possible without our hard working committee who as a team have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch members during the past 12 months.
Barry Sheather and his wife Betty now in their 2nd year as secretary have quickly settled into their new role very well and have ensured that all the communication and correspondence has been dealt with efficiently as well as arranging some good variety of guest speakers. They have been well supported by Assistant Secretary Dave McAnally in his role of taking the minutes at both branch meetings and committee meetings and managed the production of our minutes very effectively for another season.
My thanks also go to our treasurer Roger Corkhill for all of his hard work again in managing all of our branch membership and overall finance for the last 12 months as well as helping me personally with some of other branch tasks that have cropped up during the year. Also for his good work throughout the year in also covering the Ashford & District Saturday league Rep role as well.
Our Vice Chairman Ian Milbery and Social Secretary Barry Leaning for their sound support to me personally as Chairman and also for their hard work in again making sure our annual dinner dance was again a great success both financially and also in terms of social enjoyment. .
The Mentoring of some of our new referees this year has again been a challenge with Vince Bottacchi working hard again to ensure most of the new referees complete their 6 games and module 5 to cease being a level 9 trainee referee. Vince has also played his part well in completing another successful season as the Sunday league rep and has again done a very good job.
However one area where we were lacking in terms of communication and IT was with our Branch Website and this has taken off this year with Rick Howlett doing a fantastic job in re launching our Website so that it is now a brilliant site visited by many people. This has given the branch a much higher profile with our website being up near the top and on par with the Sunday league and Bromley Green websites. Thank you Rick for all you have done in now moving us as a branch into the 21st century !!
Finally I must mention Don Amos who has been our KRA branch rep now for many years and next year he completes 50 years service to refereeing and the branch. Don never misses a KRA meeting and continues to operate as an experienced member in relaying information back to the branch from the meetings. Thank you Don for your continued support
I must also mention the other committee members Dave Winder, Ivor Groves and Simon Jackson for their support at committee meetings so as you can see our committee is now very strong and very effective. Finally to thank our 2 auditors Dave Winder and Branch President John Fenning for all their good work.
The branch has again had another very good season in terms of promotions and awards:-
Congratulations go to Steve Brown on his promotion to level 3 on the Ryman league as a referee which is a magnificent achievement and brilliant news for Ashford that we now have a level 3 on the Ryman league again for season 2014/15 season. Congratulations also go to Glen Childs and Bo Wang on their promotions to level 5. Both are looking to try and go for their level 4 next season so we wish them well which is a tougher goal to achieve.
Congratulations also go to a grand total of 7 Ashford members who all were awarded KCFA County Cup Final appointment so congratulations to Steve Brown, Gary Bourne, Ian Barker, Darren Cooper, Glen Childs, Bo Wang, and Simon Jackson.. In addition congratulations to those referees who were chosen and officiated in the local Ashford Saturday and Sunday Leagues Cup finals, as well as the Weald of Kent and Ashford Charity Trophy finals.
As well as all the happy situations we have experienced there has also been some sad and difficult times this year with the passing away of Kevin Knight and John Newell who were both sound and strong referees as well as active members of the branch. In addition we had the shock of Vince Barnes who suffered a minor heart attack while refereeing. Pleasingly Vince has made a good recovery and has been back operating as an assistant referee and hopes to be back fully again next season.
On a much happier note I`m pleased to report further branch successes back in September 2013 when 5 of our senior members, Don Amos, Ian Milbery, Barry Leaning, Dave Winder and Geoff Stanborough were all presented with Long and meritorious awards from the RA for their outstanding services to refereeing which totals some 186 years service.!!!
In addition 3 of our members (at the end of 2013) Colin Southern, Dale Mackett and Ian Gosling all received 15year membership awards from the KRA.
We have further good news for the branch later in 2014 with 11 of our members namely Don Amos, Ian Barker, Stuart Clay, Barry Leaning, Ian Milbery, John Roffey, Ian Sands, Barry Sheather, Geoff Stanborough, Dave Winder and Martin Yerby all due to be presented with 25 year membership awards.
Also another 9 of our members namely Vince Barnes , Mark Cole, Roger Corkhill, Ivor Groves Simon Jackson , Peter Millen , Dave Olsen, Chris Wood and Keith Wynter all due to be presented with 10 year membership awards, with all of the awards to be authorised at the KRA AGM on Wed 28th May 2014.
Although it’s good to see that the branch is running very successfully at present it is very important we continue to look and aim to move forward positively in the next 12 months. Therefore getting some of our newer members involved in the branch is vital for our continued existence and success. Although one or two of our new Referees have occasionally attended our meetings we still need more to attend.
I`m therefore hopeful that if we can get a Referee representative from our branch on the Ashford Youth league next season in the hope that this might help raising the communication link between the branch and Youth league and new referees.
I`m also pleased to advise you that there are some 17 new referees all enrolled on the next new referees course at Ashford United on the 20th July 2014 and I`m hopeful that several of the applicants will be local Ashford referees who we can then hopefully guide, help and move them onto the Ashford leagues.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support and attendance at our meetings and the good camaraderie we enjoy within the branch.
I hope you enjoy the World Cup and short summer break before coming back refreshed and fit for another enjoyable season in 2014/15.
G. STANBOROUGH
CHAIRMAN, KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
As I end my sixth year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another very good season overall despite suffering a slight drop in membership with us having a total of 64 members this year compared with 77 last year. We also continue in maintaining a good relationship with the local Saturday and Sunday leagues as well as building a much stronger link with the Ashford Youth league this season consequently this has helped us in getting games for many of our new referees as well as getting them mentored. This has also been helped with new referee Richard Wincott taking on the role of referee appointment officer for the youth league during the past few months. Well done Richard and keep up the good work!
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings has been round the 20 to 25 mark which is a little bit down on the previous year`s attendances and a concern especially when we have had some excellent guest speakers travelling some distance to be with us. However on a positive note the guest speakers have been excellent each month and we must also thank Ernie, Sue and Ann Marie who have looked after us so well at Sandyacres at our monthly meetings in terms of the excellent hospitality and buffet.
The success of this year`s branch meetings and the general running of the branch would not have been possible without our hard working committee who as a team have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch members during the past 12 months.
Barry Sheather and his wife Betty now in their 2nd year as secretary have quickly settled into their new role very well and have ensured that all the communication and correspondence has been dealt with efficiently as well as arranging some good variety of guest speakers. They have been well supported by Assistant Secretary Dave McAnally in his role of taking the minutes at both branch meetings and committee meetings and managed the production of our minutes very effectively for another season.
My thanks also go to our treasurer Roger Corkhill for all of his hard work again in managing all of our branch membership and overall finance for the last 12 months as well as helping me personally with some of other branch tasks that have cropped up during the year. Also for his good work throughout the year in also covering the Ashford & District Saturday league Rep role as well.
Our Vice Chairman Ian Milbery and Social Secretary Barry Leaning for their sound support to me personally as Chairman and also for their hard work in again making sure our annual dinner dance was again a great success both financially and also in terms of social enjoyment. .
The Mentoring of some of our new referees this year has again been a challenge with Vince Bottacchi working hard again to ensure most of the new referees complete their 6 games and module 5 to cease being a level 9 trainee referee. Vince has also played his part well in completing another successful season as the Sunday league rep and has again done a very good job.
However one area where we were lacking in terms of communication and IT was with our Branch Website and this has taken off this year with Rick Howlett doing a fantastic job in re launching our Website so that it is now a brilliant site visited by many people. This has given the branch a much higher profile with our website being up near the top and on par with the Sunday league and Bromley Green websites. Thank you Rick for all you have done in now moving us as a branch into the 21st century !!
Finally I must mention Don Amos who has been our KRA branch rep now for many years and next year he completes 50 years service to refereeing and the branch. Don never misses a KRA meeting and continues to operate as an experienced member in relaying information back to the branch from the meetings. Thank you Don for your continued support
I must also mention the other committee members Dave Winder, Ivor Groves and Simon Jackson for their support at committee meetings so as you can see our committee is now very strong and very effective. Finally to thank our 2 auditors Dave Winder and Branch President John Fenning for all their good work.
The branch has again had another very good season in terms of promotions and awards:-
Congratulations go to Steve Brown on his promotion to level 3 on the Ryman league as a referee which is a magnificent achievement and brilliant news for Ashford that we now have a level 3 on the Ryman league again for season 2014/15 season. Congratulations also go to Glen Childs and Bo Wang on their promotions to level 5. Both are looking to try and go for their level 4 next season so we wish them well which is a tougher goal to achieve.
Congratulations also go to a grand total of 7 Ashford members who all were awarded KCFA County Cup Final appointment so congratulations to Steve Brown, Gary Bourne, Ian Barker, Darren Cooper, Glen Childs, Bo Wang, and Simon Jackson.. In addition congratulations to those referees who were chosen and officiated in the local Ashford Saturday and Sunday Leagues Cup finals, as well as the Weald of Kent and Ashford Charity Trophy finals.
As well as all the happy situations we have experienced there has also been some sad and difficult times this year with the passing away of Kevin Knight and John Newell who were both sound and strong referees as well as active members of the branch. In addition we had the shock of Vince Barnes who suffered a minor heart attack while refereeing. Pleasingly Vince has made a good recovery and has been back operating as an assistant referee and hopes to be back fully again next season.
On a much happier note I`m pleased to report further branch successes back in September 2013 when 5 of our senior members, Don Amos, Ian Milbery, Barry Leaning, Dave Winder and Geoff Stanborough were all presented with Long and meritorious awards from the RA for their outstanding services to refereeing which totals some 186 years service.!!!
In addition 3 of our members (at the end of 2013) Colin Southern, Dale Mackett and Ian Gosling all received 15year membership awards from the KRA.
We have further good news for the branch later in 2014 with 11 of our members namely Don Amos, Ian Barker, Stuart Clay, Barry Leaning, Ian Milbery, John Roffey, Ian Sands, Barry Sheather, Geoff Stanborough, Dave Winder and Martin Yerby all due to be presented with 25 year membership awards.
Also another 9 of our members namely Vince Barnes , Mark Cole, Roger Corkhill, Ivor Groves Simon Jackson , Peter Millen , Dave Olsen, Chris Wood and Keith Wynter all due to be presented with 10 year membership awards, with all of the awards to be authorised at the KRA AGM on Wed 28th May 2014.
Although it’s good to see that the branch is running very successfully at present it is very important we continue to look and aim to move forward positively in the next 12 months. Therefore getting some of our newer members involved in the branch is vital for our continued existence and success. Although one or two of our new Referees have occasionally attended our meetings we still need more to attend.
I`m therefore hopeful that if we can get a Referee representative from our branch on the Ashford Youth league next season in the hope that this might help raising the communication link between the branch and Youth league and new referees.
I`m also pleased to advise you that there are some 17 new referees all enrolled on the next new referees course at Ashford United on the 20th July 2014 and I`m hopeful that several of the applicants will be local Ashford referees who we can then hopefully guide, help and move them onto the Ashford leagues.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking you all for your support and attendance at our meetings and the good camaraderie we enjoy within the branch.
I hope you enjoy the World Cup and short summer break before coming back refreshed and fit for another enjoyable season in 2014/15.
G. STANBOROUGH
CHAIRMAN, KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
G. STANBOROUGH, CHAIRMANS REPORT. MAY 2013
As I end my fifth year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another very good season in terms of branch members with us having a total of 77 members compared with 79 last year. We also continue to have a good relationship with the local Saturday and Sunday leagues as well as building a much stronger link with the Ashford Youth league this season consequently this has helped us in getting games for many of our new referees as well as getting them mentored.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings have still been very good again and we have again been very well looked after in terms of hospitality at Sandyacres with Ernie and Sue Warren always making us very welcome.
The quality and variety of our guest speakers at our meetings has again been excellent with our new secretary Barry Sheather working hard to ensure we had a guest speaker every month. Some of the meetings that stand out as being exceptional were when we had Nigel Llong the Cricket Umpire in Oct, RDO`s Nick Dunn and Tim Lawrence in Nov and Jan covering match control and discipline. They were followed by Phil Knight in Feb who showed us some video clips as well as involving everyone in some discussion on judging challenges and it was great to see Paul Kelly who started as an apprentice in Ashford returning back to be our main speaker in April.
The success of this year`s branch meetings ,and the general running of the branch would not have been possible without our hard working committee who as a team have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch members during the past 12 months.
While I cannot give a special mention to everyone on the committee I would like to make a special mention to both Colin Southern and Vince Bottacchi for helping me in the running of our new referee training course last September. Unfortunately we as a branch will not be managing any more of the new courses as future courses will be run in 2013/14 by the KCFA and not the KRA with level 1 tutors running and managing all new courses. However all the mentoring this year as well as helping many of our members through their initial 6 games has been superbly managed by our Co-ordinator Vince Bottacchi. He has done a sterling job with many of our new referees completing their module 5 to become level 7 or 8 referees. Well done Vince all your hard work has been appreciated.
Barry Sheather and his wife Betty in their first year as secretary have quickly settled into their new role very well and have ensured that all the communication and correspondence has been dealt with efficiently. They have been well supported by Assistant Secretary Dave McAnally in his role of taking the minutes at both branch meetings and committee meetings and managed the production of our minutes very effectively for another season.
My thanks also go to our treasurer Roger Corkhill for all of his hard work again in managing all of our branch membership and overall finance for the last 12 months as well as helping me personally with some of other branch tasks that have cropped up during the year and especially for standing in as Chairman for our April meeting.
Finally to our Vice Chairman Ian Milbery and Social Secretary Barry Leaning for their hard work in again making sure our annual dinner dance was again a great success both financially and also in terms of social enjoyment.
The Mentoring some of our 1st year referees has changed this year with the KCFA setting up initially 2 dedicated Mentor Co-Ords to manage new 1st year referees across the County for those who wish to join the scheme. However our local Ashford team of Dave Winder John Fenning and Alan Austen will continue to help manage and mentor those members who just want to receive local refereeing mentoring help.
We also entered the KRA County Quiz again this year with a very young new referee team and although we didn`t win the competition we received a lot of praise on how well our young team performed. My thanks are extended to John Fenning and Stuart Clay who helped and provided support to our members in the team.
The branch has again had another good season in terms of promotions and awards:- Congratulations go to Darren Whipps on his promotion to level 5 and to Glen Childs and Bo Wang on their promotions to level 6.
Congratulations also go to Steve Brown, Vince Bottacchi, Chris Wood, Darren Whipps, Glen Childs, Ben Conlon, Andy Worthington, Vince Barnes and Ollie Butcher which was a record number of Ashford referees being awarded KCFA County Cup Final appointments. In addition congratulations to those referees who were chosen and officiated in the local Ashford Saturday and Sunday Leagues Cup finals, as well as the Weald of Kent and Ashford Charity Trophy finals.
As well as all the happy situations we have experienced there has also been some sad times with ex premier league referee Peter Songhurst recently passing away age 96. In addition some of our other members John Newell, Derek Flint, and Gary Kirton have had to retire from Refereeing as well as Keith Wynter and Ivor Groves who have poor health / long injuries and we wish them a speedy recovery.
On a much happier note I`m pleased to report that next season will be another special year for the branch with 5 of our senior members, Don Amos, Ian Milbery, Barry Leaning, Dave Winder and Geoff Stanborough all due to receive Long and meritorious awards from the RA for their outstanding services to refereeing which totals some 186 years service.!!! A special evening has been arranged for Monday 9th September and it is hoped many members of the branch will support and attend this special evening.
In addition 3 of our members Colin Southern, Dale Mackett and Ian Gosling will also be receiving 15 year membership awards from the KRA later in the year following approval of their awards the KRA AGM last week.
Although it’s good to see that the branch is running very successfully at present it is very important we continue to look and move forward. Therefore getting some of our newer members involved in the branch is vital for our continued existence and success. Consequently it has been very encouraging this year in seeing some of our newer and younger referees attending our meetings. We therefore need to continue helping and looking after them so we don`t lose them and I hope this encouraging trend of them attending our meetings continues.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking all of our members for your support and attendance at our meetings and the good camaraderie we enjoy within the branch. I hope you enjoy the summer break and come back refreshed and fit for another enjoyable season in 2013/14.
G. STANBOROUGH
CHAIRMAN, KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
As I end my fifth year of office as Chairman I`m pleased to report that we as a branch have had another very good season in terms of branch members with us having a total of 77 members compared with 79 last year. We also continue to have a good relationship with the local Saturday and Sunday leagues as well as building a much stronger link with the Ashford Youth league this season consequently this has helped us in getting games for many of our new referees as well as getting them mentored.
Attendances at our Monday night branch meetings have still been very good again and we have again been very well looked after in terms of hospitality at Sandyacres with Ernie and Sue Warren always making us very welcome.
The quality and variety of our guest speakers at our meetings has again been excellent with our new secretary Barry Sheather working hard to ensure we had a guest speaker every month. Some of the meetings that stand out as being exceptional were when we had Nigel Llong the Cricket Umpire in Oct, RDO`s Nick Dunn and Tim Lawrence in Nov and Jan covering match control and discipline. They were followed by Phil Knight in Feb who showed us some video clips as well as involving everyone in some discussion on judging challenges and it was great to see Paul Kelly who started as an apprentice in Ashford returning back to be our main speaker in April.
The success of this year`s branch meetings ,and the general running of the branch would not have been possible without our hard working committee who as a team have worked tirelessly on behalf of the branch members during the past 12 months.
While I cannot give a special mention to everyone on the committee I would like to make a special mention to both Colin Southern and Vince Bottacchi for helping me in the running of our new referee training course last September. Unfortunately we as a branch will not be managing any more of the new courses as future courses will be run in 2013/14 by the KCFA and not the KRA with level 1 tutors running and managing all new courses. However all the mentoring this year as well as helping many of our members through their initial 6 games has been superbly managed by our Co-ordinator Vince Bottacchi. He has done a sterling job with many of our new referees completing their module 5 to become level 7 or 8 referees. Well done Vince all your hard work has been appreciated.
Barry Sheather and his wife Betty in their first year as secretary have quickly settled into their new role very well and have ensured that all the communication and correspondence has been dealt with efficiently. They have been well supported by Assistant Secretary Dave McAnally in his role of taking the minutes at both branch meetings and committee meetings and managed the production of our minutes very effectively for another season.
My thanks also go to our treasurer Roger Corkhill for all of his hard work again in managing all of our branch membership and overall finance for the last 12 months as well as helping me personally with some of other branch tasks that have cropped up during the year and especially for standing in as Chairman for our April meeting.
Finally to our Vice Chairman Ian Milbery and Social Secretary Barry Leaning for their hard work in again making sure our annual dinner dance was again a great success both financially and also in terms of social enjoyment.
The Mentoring some of our 1st year referees has changed this year with the KCFA setting up initially 2 dedicated Mentor Co-Ords to manage new 1st year referees across the County for those who wish to join the scheme. However our local Ashford team of Dave Winder John Fenning and Alan Austen will continue to help manage and mentor those members who just want to receive local refereeing mentoring help.
We also entered the KRA County Quiz again this year with a very young new referee team and although we didn`t win the competition we received a lot of praise on how well our young team performed. My thanks are extended to John Fenning and Stuart Clay who helped and provided support to our members in the team.
The branch has again had another good season in terms of promotions and awards:- Congratulations go to Darren Whipps on his promotion to level 5 and to Glen Childs and Bo Wang on their promotions to level 6.
Congratulations also go to Steve Brown, Vince Bottacchi, Chris Wood, Darren Whipps, Glen Childs, Ben Conlon, Andy Worthington, Vince Barnes and Ollie Butcher which was a record number of Ashford referees being awarded KCFA County Cup Final appointments. In addition congratulations to those referees who were chosen and officiated in the local Ashford Saturday and Sunday Leagues Cup finals, as well as the Weald of Kent and Ashford Charity Trophy finals.
As well as all the happy situations we have experienced there has also been some sad times with ex premier league referee Peter Songhurst recently passing away age 96. In addition some of our other members John Newell, Derek Flint, and Gary Kirton have had to retire from Refereeing as well as Keith Wynter and Ivor Groves who have poor health / long injuries and we wish them a speedy recovery.
On a much happier note I`m pleased to report that next season will be another special year for the branch with 5 of our senior members, Don Amos, Ian Milbery, Barry Leaning, Dave Winder and Geoff Stanborough all due to receive Long and meritorious awards from the RA for their outstanding services to refereeing which totals some 186 years service.!!! A special evening has been arranged for Monday 9th September and it is hoped many members of the branch will support and attend this special evening.
In addition 3 of our members Colin Southern, Dale Mackett and Ian Gosling will also be receiving 15 year membership awards from the KRA later in the year following approval of their awards the KRA AGM last week.
Although it’s good to see that the branch is running very successfully at present it is very important we continue to look and move forward. Therefore getting some of our newer members involved in the branch is vital for our continued existence and success. Consequently it has been very encouraging this year in seeing some of our newer and younger referees attending our meetings. We therefore need to continue helping and looking after them so we don`t lose them and I hope this encouraging trend of them attending our meetings continues.
As Chairman I conclude my report by thanking all of our members for your support and attendance at our meetings and the good camaraderie we enjoy within the branch. I hope you enjoy the summer break and come back refreshed and fit for another enjoyable season in 2013/14.
G. STANBOROUGH
CHAIRMAN, KENT REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION – ASHFORD & WEALD BRANCH
AGM, MAY 2013
Presentations: Tom Wells Award (awarded to the Branch member who has contributed the most amount of work and effort to the branch during the past 12 months) - Awarded to Vince Bottacchi who has carried out a fantastic job this year as the mentor Co-ordinator in managing and coping with all the branch new members as well as organizing all the mentors to their games. Ted Hall Memorial Shield (Awarded to the Top Level 7 referee in the Ashford Branch with the highest average mark in the local leagues ) - Awarded to Colin Price.
Other AGM News
5 of our members ( Ian Milbery, Barry Leaning, Don Amos , Dave Winder, and Geoff Stanborough ) are all to receive long and Meritorious awards from the Referees Association at the RA Conference on Fri 5th July and they will be presented with their wards at a special Branch Social evening on Monday 9th September at Sandyacres
Changes to the Referee Branch AGM for season 2013/14
Additional Life Vice Presidents -- Dave Winder and Barry Leaning were elected and added to the existing list of Life Vice Presidents
Saturday League Delegate -- Glen Childs had to stand down as the league rep due to evening working commitments. Roger Corkhill was elected as the Saturday league Rep.
Committee members -- John Newell had to stand down as a committee member due to his recent health problems and the following members were elected on to the committee Ivor Groves , Rick Howlett, Simon Jackson and Colin Southern who was also Co opted on as well, as the position of Branch Coach now no longer exists with this role now being carried out by the Kent FA.
Web Master -- This role was being covered by Chris Robins who due to work and family commitments had to stand down and this position was filled by new Referee Rick Howlett who will ensure our website is streamlined and regularly updated.
Other AGM News
5 of our members ( Ian Milbery, Barry Leaning, Don Amos , Dave Winder, and Geoff Stanborough ) are all to receive long and Meritorious awards from the Referees Association at the RA Conference on Fri 5th July and they will be presented with their wards at a special Branch Social evening on Monday 9th September at Sandyacres
Changes to the Referee Branch AGM for season 2013/14
Additional Life Vice Presidents -- Dave Winder and Barry Leaning were elected and added to the existing list of Life Vice Presidents
Saturday League Delegate -- Glen Childs had to stand down as the league rep due to evening working commitments. Roger Corkhill was elected as the Saturday league Rep.
Committee members -- John Newell had to stand down as a committee member due to his recent health problems and the following members were elected on to the committee Ivor Groves , Rick Howlett, Simon Jackson and Colin Southern who was also Co opted on as well, as the position of Branch Coach now no longer exists with this role now being carried out by the Kent FA.
Web Master -- This role was being covered by Chris Robins who due to work and family commitments had to stand down and this position was filled by new Referee Rick Howlett who will ensure our website is streamlined and regularly updated.
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racism and discrimination does not maintain a place in our starting 11.
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