SEPTEMBER 2005

Welcome to the start of a new season at Ski-Allenheads. Let’s hope it’s as good as last year - and arrives earlier. We are enthusiastic to carry on for another year and have new volunteers to help run the tows. All we need is for you to rejoin, and tell your friends about us too.

You may be wondering (but I hope you’re not) whether it’s worth rejoining. Let me give you five good reasons.

1. Automatic free entry in a prize draw if you rejoin by 31st October. More on this below. The prizes have been kindly donated by the Ski and Outdoor Sports Warehouse as follows:

First Prize a Head Ladies’ or Gent’s ski jacket

Second Prize a wheeled luggage bag

Third Prize a pair of sports sunglasses with interchangeable lenses

2. Also from the Ski and Outdoor Warehouse 10% discount on their already discounted prices. This applies to servicing skis also (waxing, sharpening etc.) Contact them on 0191 286 8914.

3. LD Mountain Centre: 10% discounts to members -20% off on 5/6 November. Ring 0191 232 3561.

4. Nevis Sports discounts: 10% discounts to members - 20% off between 19 and 27 November. Ring 0191 232 4941.

5. Allenheads Inn is offering members a 20% discount on bed and breakfast from November to February. Ring 01434 685200

How else could you get these benefits? All this and snow skiing/boarding too.

Subscriptions

At the AGM however it was decided that subscriptions had to rise, for the first time since 1996. These are our only real source of income. Our basic running costs are well over £1000 a year, of which a large part is insurance. We should benefit from a rate reduction due to our new Community Amateur Sports Club status (CASC) but, worthwhile though it is, it is not a huge saving.

The new rates are:- Adults £20

Juniors (under 18) £10

Family £40

It was felt that these new rates should strike a balance, giving us the income we need to run the club without being excessive. Should anyone be feeling particularly generous, however, we can accept donations under the Gift Aid scheme as well, on which we can recover tax - forms are available from Mike Horrocks or Carolyn Hawkes. Subscription income does not qualify for this.

Affiliate members

Those of you who are receiving this newsletter because you had a day's "taster" session on the snow as affiliate members will, I hope, be encouraged to become full members. Strictly speaking, under the terms of our lease from Allenheads Estates only full members may use the field. The Estates have been relaxed about this but we mustn't push it. So we can't repeat the offer to those who tried it last season. If you enjoyed it enough to want to come again, you need to become full members, otherwise you may not use the field. First-timers however will still be able to have their single day for a charge of £10.

Remember, the best way to make sure you can continue to enjoy skiing at Allenheads is to join up now. For more information you might like to look at our website, www.ski-allenheads.co.uk. Tell your friends about us too!

Junior Representative

Matthew Robinson has volunteered to act as a liaison for the club, promoting it with publicity and contacts round the schools in the area. If any junior members have ideas they'd like to discuss or pass on, Matthew can be contacted on 01434 683308.

Telephones

Just a reminder that not all mobiles seem to work at Allenheads. Orange appears to work from the field (if not the village) but public telephones are available at the cafe and the pub.

The answer machine snow reports will continue as in previous years. Ring 01661 860 689

Club Diary dates

Working parties are needed each year to put up and take down the tows, Please be there if you can.

Sunday November 6 Tows go up. Meet at 10.30

Sunday April 2, 2006 Tows come down. Meet at 10.30

Wednesday April 26, 2006 AGM at the Northumbrian Piper

Extra Discount Dates

Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 November LD Mountain Centre Discount Days

Wednesday 9 November Ski & Outdoor Warehouse Discount Evening

Saturday 19 – Sunday 27 November Nevis Sports Discount Days

Ski equipment

If you have any boots or skis you would like to pass on to the club please contact Carolyn on 01661 822909 or email carolyn.hawkes@tiscali.co.uk. We particularly would like skis less than 175cms or bring them with you when you come to help put up the tows. I would also repeat my plea for the return of any of the clips that are used on the ropes.

Prize Draw evening at Ski and Outdoor Sports Warehouse

Not only has Keith Yoredale, the Manager of the Ski and Outdoor Warehouse, generously donated the prizes I mentioned at the start but he has offered club members an exclusive evening there, when the draw will be made. This will be on Wednesday November 9th, from 6pm until 8.30. There will be food and drink and the prizes will be drawn at 7pm. In addition there will be an extra 15% off the already discounted prices. So please make a note in your diaries to be there. A good attendance will make us all, especially Keith, feel that it has been worthwhile. The Warehouse is at 23b Airport Industrial Estate, near the 24-hour Tesco store in Kingston Park.

Liability.

A reminder that members are advised to insure themselves against loss or personal injury on the field. They must be aware of, and abide by, the rules of the club printed on the membership card and are expected to have care and consideration for others using the field and the tows. The Club will take all possible steps to minimise the risk of accident or injury to members but will not be liable in any way for loss, damage or injury except in cases where negligence by it is proved.

Hope to see you all on the slopes.

Bev Bagnall, Chairman.