Canterbury September newsletter
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Canterbury March newsletter
Our thoughts go out to Colin Hair who lost so many of his friends and colleagues in the 22 February earthquake at the PGC Building. To all our committee and members who suffered a personal loss or hardship CSBA extends its heartfelt sympathy.

Correspondence
Letter to Rangiora Trotting Club confirming Joan Belcher sponsorship for two races in  August as per last year

Membership
                North Island        Canterbury       Southland         Total
2007/08   107                     68                    78                    253
2008/09   94                       99                    99                    292
2009/10  122                    185                  120                    427
2010/11  119                    192                  119                    430
Increase  11%                   76%                 52%                   70%

We welcome our new members: I Sunckell & L George; G Kirby & C McFarlane; G & K Walsh; G & L Tate; D McKenzie; G & V Wilson; G & J Calvert; R Clark; K Moore; A Brosnan; J & A van Rooyen; G Luke; J & R May; D Jarratt; W & G Power; R Lauren; R Sutorius & A Stuart; K Inwood; D Cottrell; M Chin; S Clucas; G Stevenson; Dr P Brooks;
G Wylie; S Famularo; A Smith.

NZSBA
NZSBA has made an application to HRNZ for core funding for the next three years.

From the survey of 400 breeders we know that it and its activities are viewed positively by the industry (94% satisfaction rating).The survey results are on the NZSBA website www.harnessracing.co.nz

Membership has increased significantly.
Finances have improved:
• NZSBA’s three Affiliates contributed $12,500 of membership fees (up from zero);
• Sire register contribution/profit up $115% to $18,000, while holding fees to advertisers;
• New keynote sponsors contribute $17,700 pa, previously zero.

Canterbury Belle Series
Dennis Bennett and Nick Boyle to report back before next meeting. We need to approach clubs and publicise the series before the start of the breeding season. Possible clubs include Marlborough; Methven; NZMTC and Ashburton which each program a suitable race in the target period of December through March. Also find a keynote sponsor. (Four sprint races for 1 to 5 win 4YO mares and then a $15,000 (approx) final.

Harness Jewels sponsorship
All three NZSBA affiliates have agreed to share equally the $8,000 cost of a race sponsorship on Jewels Day. The free tickets with sponsorship will be distributed by prize draw to Members who indicate that they wish to attend.

AGM
The AGM was deferred following the 22 February earthquake. We are looking at the afternoon of Sunday 12 June 2011, with venue and guest speaker to be confirmed. Details to be confirmed in a notice to members and an advert in the Weekly.

Yearling Sales Series – payments
Neil to contact Noel to work out how to present this topic at our next meeting. Paper to go out before meeting.
Next Committee Meeting

John Mooney and Noel Kennard both away all of May. The meeting will be 7.00pm, Tuesday 7 June 2011 at the NZSBA Offices.

Any member is welcome to email John Mooney with a topic for consideration.