Although we didn't quite get there (on this occasion), is well worth recording for posterity the possibilities, progress, difficulties and lessons learned from our journey together.

The Concept of Composite Teams The concept of the composite team is outlined in our Questions and Answers document, which was produced at a fairly early stage, and circulated to all interested parties.  UK Athletics had brought in a rule in the 2002 rule-book which allowed clubs to form composite teams, without fully amalgamating.  Many athletes in the Bristol area welcomed this new rule, as it would allow us to put out strong teams in the major championships and leagues, without losing the spirit and strengths of our clubs on a local level, and in the younger age groups. Bristol AC, Westbury H and Yate & District AC got together to propose the formation of this new team.  We kept our group small, to make it easier to get things going.  However, we hoped that, once things were going, other clubs from the 'Avon' area might want to join us in the future. The working party was made up of: Mike Down & Phil Parry from Bristol AC; Neil Miller & Pat Gallagher from Westbury Harriers; Tony Jefferies & Ron Gardner from Yate & District AC; with Rick Wallis (of Westbury H & Bristol AC) as Chairman. The emphasis was on keeping things small and simple, and not to loose the strong and diverse local competition that exists in the area.  So we just aimed to form composite teams for senior teams in Midland and National leagues and championships.  This would be to cover all disciplines (Track & Field, Road and Cross-Country). Athletes would continue to be members of their current clubs (‘home’ club), and would compete for that club in local competitions; but they would be eligible to compete for composite teams in Midland and National leagues and championships.

A life-long member of Westbury Harriers, and also active on the track with Bristol AC, Rick Wallis was the obvious choice to chair the inter-club discussions on composite teams.  Rick previously chaired the organizing committee for the National Cross-Country Championships in Bristol, which also saw a joint effort by Westbury Harriers and Bristol AC.

What Was Achieved

	'Full and Frank' discussions clarified differences in philosophy and direction of the different clubs, and confirmed that it was much better for our members to continue with separate clubs having separate identities and direction ('niches'), but to collaborate on teams to represent us all in regional and national competition.
	We thrashed out some details of the 'body' that would run the composite teams - see Avon Composite Team - Aims, Scope, Structure and Operation.  We didn't really call this a club in its own right, and kept its organization as small and flexible as possible.
	Most importantly, we established (with a few sums) that the composite team could be funded directly from the home clubs without any extra expenditure (apart from the cost of extra vests).  A suggested formula for funding was established.
	With all the issues such as funding, composition, etc., the emphasis was on showing that the job could be done, not to dictate how to do it.
	Finally, having all agreed that composite teams could work (given some caveats - see below),  we set about arranging a joint ballot (including suggested vests).

	Some useful points about the whole process are noted in Review of Discussions Held and Lessons Learned.
	Different policies amongst the different associations meant that composite teams could only participate in certain competitions (joint participation in Road and Cross-Country events looked a particularly distant prospect, and this was a big difficulty).
	We unintentionally slighted other local clubs by trying to establish a name and vest before they had the opportunity to join in.
	There is nothing like arranging a formal ballot to flush out the dissenters.  In this case, activists in Bristol AC arranged a ballot on whether to participate in the ballot!  It would be unfair to comment on another club's internal politics, and we wish them every success under their new name of 'Bristol and West AC'.
	At least, much of the work has now been done, and the pieces are in place awaiting fresh enthusiasm for a Composite Team to represent the Avon area.