16 July 2025
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
The Sussex Gymnastics Committee Meeting was held on Wednesday 16th July 12:00pm at K2 Crawley, RH11 9BQ
Present
- Emily Knight
- Richard Keasley
- Lisa Jestico
- Beth Burchett
- Keith Walter
- Julie Bellchamber
- Sally-Anne Warner
- Heather Sampford
- Emma Ballancore
Apologies for Absence
- Charlotte Wynne-Pennels
- Dawn Hyland
- Mike Gevaux
- Kim Mirceta
- Nikki Huggins
- Sarah Dyson-Bottle
1. Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes from the last meeting were reviewed - no one had any questions regarding these.
2. Chair's Report
There was no chair report for this meeting as Emma felt as though there had not been sufficient time in her role to write a report. It was bought up as to whether there is a goal for Sussex regarding what the finances should be spent on. This was discussed with the treasurers report.
3. Treasurer’s Report
3 main competitions have taken place
Lots of training grants over the past year - just over £3k worth
People are more aware of it etc
£763 interest - increase this year as interest rates coming down
Not sure on how many times you can withdraw - will effect interest
3.1 Goal for Sussex Finances
What is money for - future?
Lots of money spent when covid hit.
Currently no goal, this year to increase training fund by 10k
Ask what Sussex clubs want from us with the money? - not individual pathways but groups
CPD potentially paid for?
Has started to be opened up more for training etc.
Comp numbers down - less profit this year - how can we increase this?
Grants are for gymnasts - need to give them a chance and have a realistic cap - want to be able to continue this into the future
How can we get numbers up/run more events - helping clubs get into competitions
Facilities for higher level comps is harder - could run competitions as longer days
Put spectator fee etc at a level that’s going to cover the costs
More comps are happening, needs to be variation, not all the same people all the time - spread the work out between people
4. Discipline Reports
General
ABSG comp first time in 7 years - good feedback. Over 150 entries - some clubs with more entries then others.
Look more closely at budget - need to make more money - maybe need to up the fees - spectator and entry.
Judging workshops have been held - want to run a bigger one to include more people like young leaders etc - looking for a county one as well as regionals.
Budget sheet to be put together for all events.
Change of rules - more accessible for many clubs at higher levels so hoping to build back competitions.
Wider list of dates for ABSG comp at K2 - reps to give to Sally-Anne - should be held before regional competition.
Need to set guidelines out with regards to accommodation funding etc.
Increase in boys at comps would be nice for the county at these events.
Claire from 1066 - retained Brevet judging
Dyson put a team in at Bracknell - medal success. Hawth also competed at this event.
Men's Artistic
Bit of a gap in men’s artistic ages at Hawth - covid is the likely cause for this.
Women's Artistic
Coaches talk at County squad - new rules to be used at invitational
Head of WTC - came to judge at county invitational - notes made
Wanting a judging workshop for coaches
Gymnasts get to represent Sussex at invitational - largest entry so far
Hoping to hear more about judging - region have proposed that you can do the course/assessment - BG are not giving guidance through courses - region to then hold courses to allow for judging at the WAG comps 1-2 days at additional cost - no dates online yet
5. Welfare Report
Sussex welfare email - are things in background in process about structure with regards to funding (should now be clearer for all regions nationwide) - should be able to get expenses back - just deciding who they attend it for - fees will be paid by relevant individual (county/region).
Notification group - helpful for things that have been missed on email - E.g. active Sussex welfare meeting - multi sport.
Course on children becoming teenagers - Active Sussex - could be very beneficial.
Keeping teenagers in sport - coaches need to be aware of how to deal with it
Could we get an active Sussex rep to come to a meeting? - Sally-Anne to contact
SE region going to get a document together regarding finances etc - guidelines to work from to solidate more specific figures for us
6. Any other business
6.1 Young Leaders
Young leaders from Sussex - could we get them involved in Sussex? - tough for some children when they’re not getting paid - lots of money to pay them all (fees up etc)
SE ask if they’ve got any BG young leaders - regional event etc to tick off books
Tramp comps very different - good to bring in money, need to meet needs of everyone
Sussex young leaders - what will they gain from that? - looks good for their CV etc
Investment in next generation is very important - helpers course etc
6.2 Training Guide
Training & Development Funding Guide
Training guide - package of what we can fund for affiliated clubs
- Add something in for young leaders
- Is there an age limit for young leaders for first aid course - someone to organise (people may have links in clubs)
- Want to be a county that invests in our gymnasts
- Coaches support - more for HP coaches - done through clubs - same way as HP funding works
- Email chair and treasurer to start with
- Good start - loose structure to start with
- Some coaches don’t have to go to squads in different disciplines
- Put it on website - Richard to put something together
We do a lot more than lots of counties - quite a condensed committee
6.3 Competition Guidelines
Guidelines for organising Sussex events
One person leads - takes responsibility for all parts of the comp
If not going to make money - needs to get authorised elsewhere, as well as treasurer
Trampoline don’t pay judges as National and regionals don’t
Mileage claimed for travel for distances over 10 miles only
All claims should be countersigned by the organiser and sent to treasurer to pay
Ensure everything is on a budget sheet
6.4 Communication
Admin don’t notify the right staff of emails so they get missed
- People need to let us know if they wish for things to be sent to an alternative email
- Put things on without comments
- Notification page - fb - poster (QR code for social media to join - can be on websites) - Emily (secretary) to do.
- Not as many people use websites now.
6.5 Next Meeting
John Selden - 15th October - 11am - Beth to organise
Venue nearer Hastings way for Feb meeting - Emma to let secretary know if there is anywhere nearer them for meeting
The meeting ended at 13:27pm.
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
GG Report for Sussex Gymnastics 16.7.25
GG Reps: Kim Mirceta Nash – Brighton GC, Beth Burchett- Wickers,
Progress report
Online entries via gymevent. Last years event we had 150 entries.
This competition was the first of this level in 7 years and followed the New regional criteria. Great comp excellent feedback from all clubs that took part, venue worked well and we are trying to get dates booked for next year. It was a great success to be able to offer this comp out again after so many years and next year we might have a few more entries.
We will next year look at the provisional budget more closely as although a great success from organisational point of view and County support for clubs with gymnasts of this level, it did lose money (but I think giving an opportunity to clubs and gymnasts is worth more)
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ANYONE WOULD HELPED ON THE DAY.
I have had funding agreed from a regional point but would like to run a county one for the younger development side if possible? as the regional one will be for already qualified level 1 Judges and above to obtain a SE GG regional judging certificate.
If we put a budget sheet together is this something that the county would consider and pay for with a nominal fee being paid by local clubs to attend?
Action to be taken in the next 6 months.
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
Women’s Report July 2025
National finals were a success with many gymnasts from Sussex representing the regional teams.
Since May there has been one county squad held at Uckfield GC with 7 different clubs involved.
In June the Sussex Invitational was held. It held a range of levels from Tin through to Gold and voluntary levels. 170 gymnasts took part from Sussex and Surrey based clubs, the largest entry we have had so far.
The Sussex Championships are in the planning phase and information has been put on the Sussex website. The dates will be the 14th September and 5th October with levels and venues for each day confirmed on the entry pack.
Georgia Stables attended an England in June following selection for 2025. She will also be trialling for upcoming England International competitions.
Nationally the Compulsory and National grades books are being reviewed for 2026 and the club/regional judging courses are looking to take place shortly.
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
Sussex Tumble Report
Since the AGM back in May Tumble have held their Inter County Qualifier, which was on Sunday 6th July at Hollington Gymnastics Club. This competition was attended by Bevendean, Be Gymnastics, Hollington, 1066 Gym and Sky High. Unfortunately Dyson were not able to attend this year due to other commitments. It was nice to have a new club join us and for them also to take home medals as well as some qualification places. We are hoping to see 1066 attending more tumble competitions in the future. From the 83 gymnasts that took part – 60 have managed to qualify to the final, which is being held at Jumpers Rebound Centre, Gillingham, Kent on Sunday 16th November.
Last weekend (12th & 13th July) saw the regional level tumblers competing at the IRCC (Inter Regional Challenge Cup) finals in Birmingham. We had 7 gymnasts from Dyson, 7 gymnasts from Hollington and 1 from Be Gymnastics all representing the South East. The weekend was a great success with Dyson winning 5 medals, Hollington winning 3 medals and Be Gymnastics just missing out on a medal by 0.1 of a mark. We were also lucky to have 3 coaches from Sussex and a Judge from Be Gymnastics all representing the South East this year.
English Championships at end of May, was again another successful year for our Sussex clubs with Dyson, Sky High and Hollington all having gymnasts qualify for this competition at Silver level, with Hollington also gaining a gymnast qualifier at Gold level. Dyson walked away with 3 medals over the weekend, Hollington gained 2 medals. Well done to all gymnasts and coaches.
A gymnast from Hollington has this year qualified through to the FIG National Age Group finals being held in October in Telford.
Competition dates coming up:
Sussex championships (All levels including adult)
Sunday 28th September 2025
Venue - Hollington Gymnastics Club
ICC Finals (Qualifiers only)
Sunday 16th November 2025
Venue – Jumpers rebound Centre, Gillingham, Kent
Hollington Invitational (all levels including adult)
Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th January 2026
Venue – Hollington Gymnastics Club
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
Since the last meeting Dawn has attended a few Sussex competitions in the role of volunteer competition welfare officer. No significant incidents to report. A few minor issues at each competition but they were resolved there and then.
Several Sussex Clubs have previously asked us to organise or point them in the direction of training that would help with having difficult conversations within Club. We put this request to the Active Sussex welfare team.
We were delighted when we were told that such a session was to be run for all Sussex sports Clubs last month. I (Mike) sent a couple of reminders to be forwarded to Sussex gym clubs prior to the event.
Once at the event, only one Sussex gym club representative was present along with both Dawn and Myself
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
Festival discipline report *** 2025
Chichester gymnastics club update:
Not much has changed from last time, as we’re still prepping for Disney in October, which they’re all so excited for! The team got accepted for the Pre-Parade, which is just going to be amazing, and is Team CGA’s 4th time doing this now.
We recently attended GymStarz in London, ran by AllStarz Gymnastics Club. It’s a great day event that isn’t too far. The girls loved this day out and really enjoyed meeting Courtney Tulloch. 🎉 Will definitely be back next year. Again
Other then this, it’s just go go go for Disney in October.
Dysons club update:
We are in the final stages of polishing routines for Disney and like Chichester have been accepted for the Pre-Parade which the children have always really enjoyed being part of in our past years of attending. This will be our third time going to this event and we are planning to make it a regular part of our Festivals timetable (although not every year).
We recently attended ImaGYMnation run by Catleaps gymnastics club and although both our France & UK groups had a lovely time and enjoyed the event, from a coaches perspective we found the organisation a bit hit & miss and will probably give this one a miss in future as there are too many other options we have enjoyed more.
Westgate update:
We are looking to do the Gym-fusion in October at Aylesbury. We will be picking up again a bit more on Festivals towards the start of next year as we’ve had a run of competitions this year and want to concentrate on our Christmas Display work this year - which kind of got overlooked a bit last year.
For any clubs interested in getting involved in Festivals here are a list of future events:
I would like to highlight a new one being offered by BG running at the Telford international centre.
Step into festivals – First one ever being run on the 2nd November this year, no entry details yet but for more info check the BG page below.
International events:
World Gymnaestrada - once every 4 years, the next one is being held in 2027 in Lisbon, Portugal.
For lots of info on this event this is the lady to speak to:
And once info is available it will appear here:
https://www.british-gymnastics.org/international-festivals
This one is for all ages, I'm pretty sure it has a minimum group size and I think it might be 8 children but don't hold me to that, we went in 2023 with 12 children :)
Euro gym for life - every other year, the next one is being held in 2026 in Pistoia, Italy. Entries open for this in September this year and close in October.
Contact and info page are the same as the above.
This one is only open to 12-18 year olds and has a minimum group number, which has previously been 6 but is updated each time it runs.
World gym for life challenge - once every 4 years, one running this year so next one is 2029 but no details for it yet (as they are still working on this years).
Contact I would expect to be Kayla but could change and page is the same as the one above. If you want to get lots more info on this one, they have this year's handbook available on the page above so you can get a good idea of whats involved.
They have no age limits and minimum group size of 2 gymnasts.
Gymnastique Magique - held every year in October in Disneyland Paris.
For more info and to be included in their emails in future contact:
The web page for info is here:
Gymnastique Magique at Disneyland® Paris - Welcome
This is open to all ages and no minimum number to attend as they run solo & duo competitions as well as the group ones.
UK events
GymFusion - run each year, although from the 15 or so when they started, we are down to only 3 running now
Web page on the BG site for them is:
These have always been well run and we used to take part in them lots but with so few to pick from now we struggle to find one that works for our schedule
This years dates:
· GymFusion Aylesbury 19th October, entries open 25th July and close on 5th September
London Gymnastics festival - run each year. Next one London gymnastics festival 10th-12th October 2025. Only one space left as of May 2025.
email:
facebook page:
(8) London Gymnastics Festival | Facebook
Again we have found this one well run and great to take part in.
Liverpool Ministrada - run every year
email:
Facebook page:
ImaGYMnation - run every year
email:
website:
This is not a BG registered event so make sure you investigate any insurance you might want if considering this one.
I am aware there are many more available than I have listed above and will try to include a more comprehensive list next time.
I would appreciate anyone that is aware of ones that go on in & out of the UK forwarding links or emails to me
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
Sussex Gymnastics County Treasurers Report
1 April to 30 June 2025
The first quarter has been quiet with only three competitions being completed, one trampoline, one general, and one invitational.
There is also a tumble competition in progress and entry fees have been received in advance of the event.
A number of training grants have been applied for and paid, the increased funding for clubs has helped clubs with their training needs.
Further information on training support and grants can be found on the web site.
The first county squad training session of the year has taken place at Uckfield more info is available from Lisa.
The county investment at the Building Society has received its first annual interest payment. This was £763 and is a very welcome addition to funds.
As interest rates are reducing and as we have a strong balance at bank, I will be asking at the forthcoming county meeting to increase our savings account by £5000.
Keith Walter
County Treasurer
- Details
- Written by: Richard Keasley
April 2025 – July 2025
Sussex Clubs
Hawth is the only club active in this discipline. The discipline would benefit from more people getting involved.
Be... has expressed an interest in getting involved.
Competition and events
Pipers Vale (10 May 2025): Hawth sent 6 boys to this introductory level event.
British teams (June 2025): Hawth sent an Under 16 team to the British Clubs Teams (BiIll Williams Trophy) The Hawth team were placed 6th.
Calendar
- 28 Sep - Grades Qualifiers, Tolworth GC
- 26 October, Grades training, Pegasus GC
- 31 October - Grades finals, Telford
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
The next Sussex Committee meeting will be held on 16th July 2025, 12pm at the K2, Crawley, RH11 9BQ.
Apologies for absence
- Charlotte Wynne-Pennels
- Dawn Hyland
- Mike Gevaux
- Kim Mirceta
- Nikki Huggins
- Sarah Dyson-Bottle
Chair’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Discipline Reports
- General
- Festival
- Acrobatics
- Trampoline / DMT
- Tumble
- Team-gym
Men's ArtisticWomen's Artistic
Welfare report
Any other business
Review AGM minutes.
Competition Guidelines/Agreement: Competition Guide
Training funding: Funding Guide
Kim says - Happy to agree to £75- £100 per room as that is the going rate, and believe should be meal and 1 drink for those that gave up their time - do we agree?
WhatsApp and Facebook groups - people not receiving emails - FB over 18s only - need to check with Dawn regarding GDPR etc.
Is this time for a meeting suitable?
Next meeting
John Selden - Worthing - 11am or 12pm?