Page last updated 18th March 2020

Email from Karen - 18th March 2020

Session changes and timetable amendments

King Edwards has now closed until after Easter and possibly longer. Therefore, the venue for some sessions have been moved to the Morris Centre. Please refer to the web site to keep up to date with the changes.

Friday evenings for March only are now at the Morris centre ( not King Edwards) but there is a change of time for the later session as this is now 8.15pm start not 7.30pm start. The earlier session is still at 6.30pm, but be warned, we only have half the pool, but I really do not foresee this being a problem.

Some sessions are cancelled completely, as I have been unable to obtain any further pool time, sorry I have done my best. Monday 6.30pm session is now cancelled.

Currently, Langley is still open and our Saturday morning session is still running as per the timetable.

Competition update

All competitions including British Para Internationals and Leicester inclusive meet are cancelled. (not postponed but cancelled completely) The next scheduled competition that is still currently running ( always subject to change) is Len Badcock meet in June, following by British and Summer championships.

Are we staying open?
Current guidance from Swim England can be located here

Swim England have left the decision to the individual clubs at the moment, as to whether they wish to continue with their timetabled services. I have communicated with some other local clubs and some have closed whilst others are still open. The committee at Birmingham Marlins have decided to stay open but we do advise that those with an underlying medical condition to stay at home. Looking at the needs of our members, some swimmers would find being at home and not training more difficult, challenging and distruptive than being in the pool and being in the environment we can offer. There, we plan to stay open, unless forced to closed by Swim England, Government or pool hire restrictions.

However, we understand and respect all parental and swimmer decisions in relation to whether to attend a session or not.

Please do not attend if you are ill or showing signs of illness or if any of your family is ill.

Gym facilities at Morris centre and becoming a member of Morris Centre

I have been asked to remind members that the gym facility at the Morris centre is open only for our use between 5pm and 7pm on a Sunday, no other night or session. If you wish to use the gym or other facilities at the Morris Centre outside of these times, you will need to join as a member.

The Morris Centre Committee and Manager have agreed that Birmingham Marlins members can become club members of the Morris Centre, but this membership is fee paying. This is another benefit of being a Birmingham Marlins member and will give you access to all their facilities at any time.

Payments

Alex, our treasurer, has asked me to email this to all our current members

For all those individuals who have not yet signed up can you please do so as a matter of urgency.

https://pay.gocardless.com/AL0002XPXHFNMM

This will allow the scheduling of monthly fees for each member for the 8th April, as well as ad hoc swimming meet fees or any other payments that are due.

Can I ask for this to be completed by no later than Saturday 21st March.

Can I also ask for all those who have not yet paid for their £15 annual membership or March monthly fees to contact Alex on treasurer@birmingham-marlins.co.uk as soon as possible.

Any queries regarding payments please contact Alex.

Car Parking at the Morris Centre

Car parking at the Morris centre can be difficult. Passes are available to be purchased for the cost of £40 for non blue badge holders and you will need to collect an application from me. Birmingham Marlins will not pay this fee on your behalf.

Alternatively, you can park on Pritchards Road free of charge or Pritchards Road car park after 6pm free of charge - about 10 - 15 minutes walk away. The multi storey just up the road will cost around £4.60 for 2 hours parking.

The car park opposite the centre is blue bage holder only. However, Morris centre staff, visitors and members do use this car park after 8pm weekdays and on a Sunday any time. Birmingham Marlins will not be responsible for any car parking fines incurred whilst accessing our services. If you decide to use that car park after 8pm or on a Sunday, you do so at your own risk.

Just a note
The Morris centre has currently got some painting and decorating taking place - just be aware of wet paint.

The Morris centre have completed deep cleaning within the centre, and have now employed another cleaner to try and prevent the spread of infection. However, they have asked me to inform you that they have run out of hand santizer but there is plenty of soap.

We will be closed over the Easter bank holiday from Friday 10th until Monday 13th April inclusive.

regards
Karen