We have talked about defining a direction for the club articulating how we would like to see the club develop over the next 5 years or so.
The committee spent a day earlier this year brainstorming and evaluating all aspects of the club. After several iterations, this paper outlines our proposal in terms of what we are trying to achieve, how we think we can move the club in that direction and the values we aspire to encourage in doing so.
The Future: As a club, we aspire to bring people together through cycling in the Evesham Vale and surrounding area of outstanding natural beauty.
To do this, we believe the club’s mission is to:
1) Provide a regular and highly social leisure activity and a fun way of keeping fit – in body and mind
2) Provide personal challenges through both formal and informal rides
3) Provide opportunities for the local community to enjoy cycling, across all age groups
Everything we do should embody these core values:
1) Support each other – help, guidance, technical & local knowledge
2) Respect – for each other and particularly for our volunteers and ride leaders.
3) Inclusive – with a particular emphasis on communication
Having a clear vision of what we want the club to be is of little use unless it helps us identify and implement practical projects and changes that deliver our aspirations for the club. After an extensive review of the club’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis), we have defined the following priority programmes, which we believe are essential to both delivery of the mission and improving the way the club operates.
1) Communications – including new website
2) New Activities and Events
3) Age Profile
4) Partnerships
5) Committee Structure and Processes
6) Finance Policy
7) Risk Management and Compliance – Privacy Policy
These seven programmes will all be clearly defined with a very simple “Terms of Reference” (TOR) Document which will scope out each programme in terms of specific objectives, deliverables, resources, etc., to help us all understand exactly what we are trying to achieve. We will share these as they are developed. It will all take some time, and we will need volunteers to help make things happen. So, once you see the TORs, please contact a committee member if you feel you can help. Communications (including web site development) is our initial priority.
If anyone is interested in the SWOT analysis or any further background, please ask. Later in 2025, we plan to try and define a set of measures (KPIs) to track our progress.
This is your club. If you have any comments or suggestions on the plans outlined in this paper, please channel them through Colin Chapman.