Ballycastle Cycling Club’s first meeting

Peter McGrattan opened the evening by explaining the initial steps he had taken in order to get a club off the ground. He also thanked Moyle District Council who had offered the club a small seeding grant when they were formally affiliated as a club. Peter then introduced Tommy and Marian Lamb from Cycling Ulster. Tommy gave a brief overview of the evening before handing over to Marian.

Presentations then followed on the Structure of Cycling Ireland, Affiliation and Membership information, Insurance issues, Guide to Leisure Cycling, Developing a club and Safeguarding. Marian continued to talk about the opportunities for Youth Development through the Sprocket Rocket Programme. She introduced Sean McNicholl of Spires CC whose club has already begun the programme and said that Sean would be only too willing to answer any questions on the programme.

Peter McGrattan concluded the evening by thanking all the attendees for coming. He particularly thanked the group who had travelled from Glenavy who are also considering starting their own club in the Crumlin and Glenavy area. He informed the audience that he had already been in touch with some of the local schools who would like to introduce the Sprocket Rocket programme. The remaining members of the start-up committee were voted in and a registration night for membership sign-up was arranged for Tuesday 21st February.

Over the past few months a number of clubs such as Donegal Bay, Termon Wheelers and Dunloy CC have been visited by Cycling Ulster’s Development Officer, Marian Lamb, and new clubs have subsequently been formed.

If any potential club would like more information on arranging a talk or a visit contact Marian on [email protected].

Report: Marian Lamb