Endurance GB (EGB) saw an increase in membership during the 2019 season, while the organisation welcomed its fourth chairman of the year.
It was reported at the EGB annual general meeting on 24 November that membership had risen from 1,831 in 2018 to 1,943.
At a board meeting after the AGM, acting chairman Ann Dark, who had been in the position for just one month, stepped down and Phil Nunnerley was appointed.
EGB operations director Esther Young said the sport had attracted “positive attention” since the European Endurance Championships (15-18 August) at Euston Park, Suffolk.
“Most encouraging was the success of the new foundation graded rides, which provided growth at grassroots level and showed there is a healthy future for endurance. The link between joining and taking part is strong, underlining the clear pathway and support for new riders” she said.
EGB communications director Kerry Dawson told H&H changes in 2019, in which four people had served as chairman, had not had a negative impact, and Ms Dark’s was a “personal decision”.
“[Former chairs] Rebecca Kinnarney had health issues and Sue Box took on a degree; something had to give and, that was EGB,” she said.
The new board of directors will be Rosemary Attfield, Kerry Dawson, Rosemary Henderson, Antonia Milner-Matthews, Mr Nunnerley, Chris Wray, Esther Young and Constance Newbould.
Ms Dawson said Mr Nunnerley, Ms Henderson’s partner, “hit the ground running”.
“People are encouraged to put in nominations based on what skills they can bring and their experiences outside the sport with the view to being more strategic and businesslike in our approach to how we run. That’s one of the things we have achieved with this board,” she said.
Mr Nunnerley, a former Lloyds Bank director, said he was “honoured and delighted”.
“I recognise the challenge that goes with the role in leading and do not underestimate the responsibility both I and the board have in ensuring we continue to offer the support that allows our members to enjoy their sport at all levels,” he said.
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