Post by skatersmom on Jan 7, 2008 13:21:21 GMT 7
Balcatta Bears has finally closed its doors.
In its hay day Balcatta Bears was a strong vibrant club. Unfortunately the closure of Balcatta Rollerdrome, the splitting of the club and its relocation to the Badminton Centre saw its gradual decline.
It had the disadvantage of not being linked to a rink and until recently was surrounded by parkland and bush. . Membership drives saw minimal and temporary increase in numbers.
The club came to rely on the attendance of other clubs to ensure floor fees could be paid. Unfortunately other skate programs running else where kept our attendance level low. It did not pick up despite our club venue being announced as the venue for the Nationals 2008.
Thankfully the significant turn out of Morley skaters on a regular basis and KFC’s ferocious appetite for chocolates sold on a constant basis by Phil Lose had kept the club afloat.
Thanks to the efforts of Phil Lose whom continued to fight for the club despite having no skaters attending the club (Josh being in Europe most of the year) and Ming Lam speed Rep, the club continued on way longer then any one thought possible. Unfortunately Phil and Ming need to move on and due to there not being enough volunteers to form next year’s committee it was decided that it would be an appropriate time for The Bears to go into hibernation.
I would like to thank
Phil Lose, Ming and Karan Lam the only constant Names on the Committee for sticking it out through thick and thin.
The various parents /skaters that have taken positions ranging from secretary, fundraiser and treasurer throughout the years.
Morley Panthers Speed Club for their never ending support and encouraging their skaters to attend our sessions.
Anthony Dodd for allowing himself to be “borrowed”.
Anthony is in fact the official coach for Morley. When Balcatta lost their coach many years ago, it was Anthony that volunteered his time to coach us until a replacement could be found. Unfortunately coaches are few and far between and the ‘borrow’ has lasted for many years. Thank you Doddy for never making the Bears feel like they were second best. Anthony always made every one of the skaters feel special and his positive attitude to all skaters (even those that deserved a kick in the pants) saw everyone thrive and confidence boosted.
Thanks also to John Capponi and Noel Winsor for standing in when Anthony was unavailable often at short notice.
and
Thankyou to all our wonderful skaters that always tried their best at competitions despite being greatly out numbered by other clubs. Best wishes for your move to your new chosen clubs.
The Bears sleep
PLEASE NOTE......training continues unchanged Friday at Kingsway . Anthony continues to coach from 5.45 -7.45
In its hay day Balcatta Bears was a strong vibrant club. Unfortunately the closure of Balcatta Rollerdrome, the splitting of the club and its relocation to the Badminton Centre saw its gradual decline.
It had the disadvantage of not being linked to a rink and until recently was surrounded by parkland and bush. . Membership drives saw minimal and temporary increase in numbers.
The club came to rely on the attendance of other clubs to ensure floor fees could be paid. Unfortunately other skate programs running else where kept our attendance level low. It did not pick up despite our club venue being announced as the venue for the Nationals 2008.
Thankfully the significant turn out of Morley skaters on a regular basis and KFC’s ferocious appetite for chocolates sold on a constant basis by Phil Lose had kept the club afloat.
Thanks to the efforts of Phil Lose whom continued to fight for the club despite having no skaters attending the club (Josh being in Europe most of the year) and Ming Lam speed Rep, the club continued on way longer then any one thought possible. Unfortunately Phil and Ming need to move on and due to there not being enough volunteers to form next year’s committee it was decided that it would be an appropriate time for The Bears to go into hibernation.
I would like to thank
Phil Lose, Ming and Karan Lam the only constant Names on the Committee for sticking it out through thick and thin.
The various parents /skaters that have taken positions ranging from secretary, fundraiser and treasurer throughout the years.
Morley Panthers Speed Club for their never ending support and encouraging their skaters to attend our sessions.
Anthony Dodd for allowing himself to be “borrowed”.
Anthony is in fact the official coach for Morley. When Balcatta lost their coach many years ago, it was Anthony that volunteered his time to coach us until a replacement could be found. Unfortunately coaches are few and far between and the ‘borrow’ has lasted for many years. Thank you Doddy for never making the Bears feel like they were second best. Anthony always made every one of the skaters feel special and his positive attitude to all skaters (even those that deserved a kick in the pants) saw everyone thrive and confidence boosted.
Thanks also to John Capponi and Noel Winsor for standing in when Anthony was unavailable often at short notice.
and
Thankyou to all our wonderful skaters that always tried their best at competitions despite being greatly out numbered by other clubs. Best wishes for your move to your new chosen clubs.
The Bears sleep
PLEASE NOTE......training continues unchanged Friday at Kingsway . Anthony continues to coach from 5.45 -7.45