August 2008

22 people attended Kemnay & District Swimming Pool Association's open meeting on 21st August 2008. Simon Copping welcomed everyone and thanked them for turning out in such wet weather.

Formal business began with approval of the minutes of the preceding Annual General Meeting, held on 10th May 2007. Simon then presented his Chairman's report. He reminded everyone that Scotland will have the 2014 Commonwealth games and that Alex Salmond has expressed his support for improved leisure facilities throughout the country in preparation for the games. This is much needed, because the Press & Journal reported in November that 2500 children were awaiting places for swimming lessons, and with the closure of the Bon-Accord Baths and the Aberdeen Ice Rink this year, the chances of a pool for Kemnay might seem to be at an all time low.

In some ways, Simon continued, the Association had been treading water for last year and attendance at meetings had been poor - averaging 4-7 people each meeting. Also the treasurer resigned - something that the Association needs to urgently resolve. There had been little financial activity this year and the current balance was £3600. It is worth noting that this is a fighting fund, rather than an account aimed at covering the building costs of a new pool (which would cost in the region of 2 million pounds).

The most exciting news this year has been David Fyffe's plans for a leisure facility at Fetternear as part of his plans to restore the Bishop's Palace. This is perhaps the most realistic opportunity for Kemnay to achieve a pool and the Association offers its full support to David and his plans.

After his report, Simon called for nominations for the executive committee for the coming year. The following members were duly proposed: Simon Copping, Jim Piggins, Dorothy Stalker, Chris Hunneyball, Mavis Wainman, David Fyffe, Karen Jones, Dawn McLean, Robin Deacon, Sandy Stewart, Mavis Milne and Louise Thorburn. This is a larger number than for some years and is encouraging for the future.

After the formal AGM business, David Fyffe presented a preliminary analysis of returns from the questionnaire that he recently circulated through Garioch schools. 800 had been returned, representing about 13% of forms issued, and the indicative number of swims per week would certainly make a pool viable.

A few questions from the floor ended the meeting. The new Executive then fixed its first meeting for 7:30 on Thursday 11 September in the Village Hall. Executive meetings are open to the public.

The Kemnay & District Swimming Pool Association is a registered Scottish charity, No: SC018395.