In a Special General Meeting last Tuesday attended by 20 Striders there was an almost unanimous verdict that we should vote "no" to all four questions in the independent poll, i.e. giving a "no confidence" vote in the current proposals for geographical organisation, accountability, finance and membership data. Thanks to Paul Briscoe, Max Jones and Sam Harris for their research and to the other Striders present for a lively debate

We have agreed that we will use a different shop in Ilkley to supply women's vests and tops. Sara will be placing the first order, contact her (01943 871606) if you are wanting new kit soon. There is a greater variety of styles, less liability to chafe and the logo will be slightly reduced in size to comply with the UK Athletics lettering regulations. NB Ilkley Harriers use the same shop!

In the overall positions (men+women), Valley Striders are currently in 6th place. There is a trophy in this section which excludes clubs which have won medals in the last two years. All the top 5 have won medals, so V.S. are currently in the lead for the "J E Smith Challenge Trophy". This trophy is named after John Smith who was the Treasurer of the West Yorks X-C league for many many years, not after John Smith who is a recent new member of Valley Striders.

Cross country entries are now closed for Otley but you can still run Wakefield on 19 November and Guiseley on 4 December.

The Baildon Boundary way will be on 2nd April next year. Ackworth have moved the half marathon and this is now on the same day. Even so, Baildon will also fill fast, I will let you know when entries are available.

Is this Sunday 11am to 4pm. I have been informed there will be guided tours at 12:00 and 2:00pm, I was thinking of going for 2pm, let me know if you are going along too. See how they benefit from 48 Striders plus friends and family standing out on a Sunday morning in October!

Did I tell you that everyone who helped with the Harewood Trail gets a free bottle of Harewood Hops (beer brewed by Daleside Brewery, labels printed by Briscoe, labels stuck on by the Cutts, Hunter, Bunton and Dixon families). Please come and collect on Tuesday evening.

I was looking at the calendar for the wrong year. The date will be Saturday 8 April 2006. I had 10 volunteers for the incorrect date, hope they can make the new date. But we actually need 50, so let me know your likely availability (or unavailability if you work Saturdays). NB there is a bottle of beer for this too.

We need to decide on a charity for next year. We decided at the AGM it should be a local charity, we have had suggestions of

£9 per person to Steve O, last year a record number of over 50 Striders and partners attended, highlights being Steve O's review of the year, the raffle and presentation of the Marathon Trophy to Tracey. Who will win it this year?

We had a vote at the AGM for the date of the Handicap - December 18 or January 8. The vote was 15-14 in favour of January, so even closer than London's victory in the 2012 Olympic bid. January 8th it will be.