events@covtri.co.uk

The committee & key people

The committee is made up by a number of volunteers in different roles, voted for annually by club membership at the Annual General Meeting. It typically meets once a month, but a minimum of 8 times a year to coordinate club development, events and activity.

To find out more about the committee, including copies of meeting minutes contact the club secretary.

Paul Dodson

Paul Dodson

Club Chairperson

I am looking to re-energise the Club post Covid to be the Home of Triathlon in Coventry; to be the place all triathletes look to! I joined the club in 2013 and I joined the committee at an AGM where no one volunteered. A club like ours doesn’t run without volunteers, I felt the need to step up! Work and family allowing, you’ll see me at club run sessions on Tuesday’s, at the Warwick racecourse Parkrun on Saturday’s, in Warwick cycling on Sunday’s and at one of the club swim sessions on Sunday’s. chair@covtri.co.uk or you can also message me through Facebook, or call me on 08766722721
Dave Aberton

Dave Aberton

Vice Chairperson

I am here to support the club and help the great team make it a fun place to be. I have been made to feel very welcome and so want to also help others. I joined the club in 2021 but feel I have been here for ages. There are so many fantastic people with great experiences. I learn each day and participate in many club events. With a busy day job, the club is a welcome escape and helps motivate me to keep fit. I love the outdoors and, although used to the Australian climate, I participate all year round in the UK. I don’t coach yet, but that will be the plan in the future. vicechair@covtri.co.uk or you can message me through Facebook
Adam Simmonds

Juliet Halfhead

Club Secretary

My job is to do all the ‘admin’ and keep the club running, such as organise committee meetings, the AGM and keep things ticking over. I became of member in 2023, as a novice swimmer and have really enjoyed being part of such a friendly and supportive club. I joined the committee at the 2024 AGM to give something back to the club and Paul, our Chair, did a good job of convincing me I would do a good job! You will see me at the club swim sessions on Sundays and at the Warwick racecourse Parkrun on Saturdays (often with an enthusiastic Labrador). secretary@covtri.co.uk
Sue Cannaby

Sue Cannaby

Club Treasurer

I will be keeping track of all the club’s finances, ensuring we have enough to develop the club’s future plans. I’ve been with the club for 5 years, came along to swimming only because my club had cancelled a session and I’ve never looked back. I joined the committee to give a bit back to the club and you’ll likely find me swimming, running or coaching as I am a Level 2 Coach. treasurer@covtri.co.uk
Claire Arden

Claire Arden

Welfare

I am responsible for making sure that we train and compete in a safe and inclusive environment. I have been with the club for five years, starting with swimming, then being encouraged by members to take part in sprint triathlons, and other club activities. I joined the committee looking for a new challenge after completing 38 years’ service with the Police. I have also previously been involved in safeguarding and welfare roles. I make a mean carrot cake and am an enthusiastic supporter and you can usually find me in lane 3 or 4 on Wednesdays and Sunday’s club swim sessions. welfare@covtri.co.uk
Graham Read

Elaine Synnott

Membership Secretary

I am responsible for any enquiries/queries about joining the membership at the club. Also organising the club affiliations to various governing bodies and administering our athletes with England Athletics. I have been a member since 2016 and have joined the committee as I have thoroughly enjoyed the benefits for the last 8 years and it’s about time I gave something back. You’ll see me at most swim sessions, many cycle events and the occasional run sessions and park runs. membership@covtri.co.uk
Jane Carter

Jane Carter

Coaching

I co-ordinate the coaching/leading for the club swim and run sessions. It is my job to ensure all sessions are allocated coaches. I’ve been a member since 2012. Like most people, I joined the committee to give something back to a great club. My first role was Welfare Officer before moving to Coaching Co-ordinator to which I’ve covered for a number of years. I’m likely to be seen at running on Tuesday evenings and on poolside coaching, mostly on Wednesday evenings. I’m not the quietest person, so you probably already know me. coaching@covtri.co.uk
Matthew Allen

Matt Allen

Social Secretary

I am responsible for organising the social club events such as the awards dinner and end of season curry. We also have other events throughout the year which will be posted on the Facebook and on our newsletters! Keep your eyes peeled. I am new to triathlons and this year have completed three sprint triathlons, including our own event and an Ironman 70.3. These events wouldn’t have been achievable without the support of Coventry Triathletes, our members and our incredible coaches! social@covtri.co.uk or on Facebook

Jamie Turner

Publicity & Communications Officer
I’m here to keep you in the loop about all things Coventry Triathletes and to shout about how brilliant our club is to the wider world.
I joined the club in 2025 and I’m looking forward to raising awareness of the club, and particularly the Sprint Triathlon. Taking on this role is my way of giving back to a community that has been so supportive and inspiring.
I’m a born again triathlete so I’ll be joining the coaching sessions along the way and hoping everyone can inspire to towards an ironman!
Got a story worth sharing or something to celebrate? Send it my way – I’d love to help showcase the incredible people and achievements that make this club what it is. publicity@covtri.co.uk or by Facebook messenger.
Paul Dodson

Natalie Williamson, Malc Evans and Lesley Culpan

Club Captains

As Club Captains we are responsible for encouraging people to go for their triathlon goals and helping them achieve them. Together we run the Club Championship league, which runs throughout the season, and the individual club race series. We try to organise additional social and training activities alongside the core club schedule, and support as many of you as possible to get the most out of this fantastic club! All three of us have greatly benefitted from the coaching, training sessions, encouragement and support that the club provides. We’re now here to encourage your triathlon journey with Coventry Triathletes – let’s see what we can achieve! So please get in touch if you have any questions about the club, training sessions, the events and social stuff. We’d also love to hear about what events you’ve entered or thinking of doing and are happy to share with the club to encourage more participants. You’ll see us at the weekly running and swimming sessions and we’re all part of the cross country team – come say hello! clubcaptain@covtri.co.uk or Facebook messenger

* Role delegated to club member, not acting in substantive committee member capacity. They may receive notices from the committee but do not have voting privileges on committee business

Role Holder Club Email
Triathlon England Rep <Vacant> Btfrep@covtri.co.uk
Club Kit Man <Vacant> kit@covtri.co.uk

Non-Committee Roles / Key contacts

There are a number of other key individuals not on the committee, which play a vital part in keeping things on track or representing in specific areas. All roles are entirely volunteer and come about from the enthusiasm of the person doing it.

Role Holder
Men’s Cross Country Captain Ian Adshed
Ladies Cross Country Captain Gabriella Mackinnon
Coaching scheduling/support Sarah Carter
parkrun 5k League compiler Gabriella Mackinnon
Club Historians Joe Reynolds Tony Nutt