Having been to a few orienteering events on the Isle of Wight, we were saddened to hear the news that the Wight Orienteers are in crisis. Chairman Ian Ralph has this plea to members or potential members. In his own words. Ed
It would not be an exaggeration to say that our club is currently in a bit of a crisis.
For many years, the club’s activities have been run by a small group of volunteers who have organised events, promoted the club, dealt with administration and generally kept the club alive to encourage orienteering at varying levels on the Isle of Wight.
Reduced numbers and rising costs
Our club has suffered from a reduced number of active members, combined with increasing costs and obligations.
The club held it’s annual general meeting in July and it was disappointing that the only attendees were members of the committee.
Committee members unable to carry on
Several members of the committee, who have actively and energetically supported the club for many many years, had decided they are no longer able to continue in that role.
This is especially relevant as these same members have been actively and fundamentally involved in the majority of club events held in recent years.
At the AGM it was consequently not possible to elect a committee for the ensuing year
The problems we face
As I see it, the main problems facing our club are:
- insufficient individuals prepared to organise, plan and run our regular events
- disappointing attendances at events, that often make it barely justified to organise events
- increasing costs imposed upon the club (a good example is the fixed minimum £50 charge now levied on us by Forestry Commission)
- increasing rules and obligations imposed on us by British Orienteering (our governing body), particularly with respect to health and safety, risk assessment and planning.
On the plus side, we have a number of loyal keen members who support most events, our club is financially solvent, we have a good catalogue of orienteering mapped areas and we have a history of putting on regular local events ; indeed far more events than other mainland orienteering clubs.
Need new blood
What we desperately need, are new people to step forward to help run the club and plan orienteering events and provide new enthusiasm and drive. Without this, I fear our club will fold. At present and with regret, we have no events planned.
As chairman, I now ask that any member who is able to devote some time and a fair bit of effort to assisting the club, to contact either myself or reply through the club’s e mail/website. The level of support will surely determine the future of Wighto.
Ian Ralph, Chairman – Wight Orienteers
image: hyperscholar under CC BY-SA 2.0
