Message from the chairman

I know the last few months have been very challenging for us all and no doubt, like me, you are looking forward to things getting back to normal or as close as possible.
nThere is no firm date yet on when the university will actually re-open the track, although they did allude to an August restart possibly. We are trying our best to get an earlier date. When we do start back it is unlikely that we will be able to have club nights in the usual format as numbers will need to be more limited. Notwithstanding this, I am sure we can work around this with all the venues open to us.
nI have been very impressed with how members and coaches have rallied together over the lockdown period with lots of online sessions, virtual runs and quiz's. Thank you to all who have made these possible.
nThis week we have seen the return of some one to one sessions with coaches and the Development Group and U11s academy will be offering small group sessions this month in various locations. The throws group has also started offering small group training and a few event groups. This is all in accordance with England Athletics and the Government guidance. The safety of our members and coaches will be our priority so we will keep a close eye on this and the guidance.
nThank you to all the members who have paid their membership fee (around 520 of you). Those who have renewed this year's membership already or will do so shortly, will benefit from a further three months membership into the next membership year from April 2021 (to compensate for the last three months) which, in effect, gives those members 12 months membership from the 1st July this year. Practically, when renewing next year’s membership fee in April 2021, the fee will be discounted to take into account the free three months.
nGiven all the activities put on to date mainly online and the other sessions, we hope others will now renew their membership as the fee today will be the same in September for those renewing.
nMany of the local clubs have spoken and they are keen to get some track and field competitions into the calendar in September for the juniors especially. Hopefully, we will be able to report on this soon. Thanks to Pete Curtis, John Miller and Andy Fisher for helping to produce new pages on our website under History which captures the development of our club and our members’ achievements. There is also a Hall of Fame and Roll of Honour. Further candidates are still being considered. A lot of work has gone into this so please do take a look.
nSo keep safe and hope to see you all soon.