Happy Birthday from this Thursday 29 April to Kachi Akpawku, Christopher Castro-Neto, Henry McLuckie, Gregory Thompson, Sam Trueman, Tim Saunders-Mullins, Naomi Ogunniyi, Adam Shiret and Mark Taylor

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING WEST STAND – RAYNER ROWEN CONSTRUCTION reported that the demolition phase was on track for completion 23 April. The main works are planned for completion on 6 May 2022. The next milestone is the first steel deliveries, commencing in June / July 2021.
This is the April edition of the Saracens/Rayner Rowen Newsletter – Saracens & Rayner Rowen Monthly Newsletter – April 2021
Photograph of West Stand prior to demolition, and at the bottom, as of April 2021.

LEE VALLEY OPEN MEETING FIXTURES MAY TO SEPTEMBER – The fixtures can be found on their website https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events 
100m/200m Sprint Series – Wednesday 9 June (Closing date Sunday 6 June) and is open for entries.

LATEST RESULTS – This week’s results were outstanding, with a large contingent of our young sprinters at Dagenham and Lee Valley. Our jumpers and throwers produced 7 top 10 performances at Birmingham, Colchester, Coventry and Wimbledon. And at the BMC fixture in Birmingham, our 5 middle distance athletes produced 2 UK No.1 and 1 UK No.3 rankings in the 2 races.
There were no less than 46 personal bests, and 30 UK top 10 performances.

BE FIT TODAY TRACK ACADEMY OPEN MEETING – Took place in Dagenham on 25 April.
75m – U11B LANI JAIYEOLA U11 3rd (PB 10.77 w2.7)
75m – U11G 1 VERA DOUDKO U11 2nd (PB 11.53 w1.7), 2 ARU JAIYEOLA U11 1st (PB 11.73 w0.2)
100m – SX 2 SIENNA CORBYN U13 1st (PB 13.42 w3.4) taking .13 of a second off her 2020 time, 6 ANNA ROSE U17 7th (12.82 w2.6), 7 VANESSA ANSUAA U20 3rd (PB 12.69 w2.5) taking .22 of a second off her 2020 time, CHIYENNE ADRIEN U20 5th (SB 12.82 w2.5), 8 EVE WRIGHT U20 4th (SB 11.97 w4.6) taking .03 of a second off her 10 April time, HANNAH FOSTER U20 7th (SB 12.29 w4.6) taking .03 of a second off her 10 April time, 11 OLIVER LAURENS U15 1st (PB 12.15 w1.0) taking 1.86 seconds off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.4 U15 in 2021, JADEN AULIS U15 4th (PB 12.65 w1.0) taking .46 of a second off his18 April time, 13 JAYDEN KLEIN U17 5th (PB 12.33 w4.3) taking .07 of a second off his 18 April time, 14 MEKHI SPENCE-FORDE U17 2nd (PB 11.45 w3.3) taking .68 of a second off his 2019 time, OSCAR LAURENS U17 4th (PB 11.59 w3.3) taking .18 of a second off his 18 April time, 15 MALACHI AMADI U17 1st (SB 11.23 w1.8) and is ranked UK No.1 U17 in 2021, 20 EDSON GOMES 2nd (SB 11.06 w2.8), 22 ALEX BEECHEY (2nd Claim) 5th (SB 10.65 w4.4)
150m – SM 2 LANI JAIYEOLA U11 6th (PB 21.74 w3.2), 3 CALVIN SMITH U17 1st (PB 17.12 w0.4)
150m – SW 1 VERA DOUDKO U11 2nd (PB 23.00 w5.2), 2 ARU JAIYEOLA U11 3rd (PB 23.35 w5.2), 3 SIENNA CORBYN U13 1st (PB 20.63 w4.0) taking 2.97 seconds off her 2019 time
200m – SM 1 JADEN AULIS U15 2nd (PB 25.81 w4.0) taking 1.55 seconds off his 2020 time, 3 MEKHI SPENCE-FORDE U17 5 2nd (PB 23.94 w2.4) taking 1.06 seconds off his 2020 time, 5 JOSEPH PURBRICK U20 (2nd Claim) 4th (PB 22.67 w1.4) taking 1.71 seconds off his 2018 time, 6 ZANSON PLUMMER 4th (SB 21.92 w2.5)
200m – SW 4 ANNA ROSE U17 6th (PB 26.64 w2.8)
300m – SM 1 ZICO JONES U15 2nd (SB 37.68) and is ranked UK No.1 U15 in 2021
300m – SW 1 OLIVE HARVEY-DEW U15 1st (PB 45.75), 2 LOLA MCCANN-EZEKIEL U17 3rd (SB 44.78) taking .69 of a second off her 2019 time, LUCY MARCUS U17 4th (PB 47.64) taking 1.40 seconds off her 2020 time, 3 HANNAH FOSTER U20 1st (SB 40.61) and is ranked UK No.1 U20 in 2021, VANESSA ANSUAA U20 2nd (SB 42.85) and is ranked UK No.2 U20 in 2021
600m – SX 1 CALVIN SMITH U17 2nd (PB 1:27.57) taking 6.13 seconds off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.1 U17 in 2021
800m – SX 1 MAYA GREEN U13 8th (SB 2:56.85), 4 DANIEL BANYARD U17 6th (PB 2:19.30) taking 3.41 seconds off his 2020 time, DINA SILVERMAN U15 8th (PB 2:22.49) taking 2.97 seconds off her 2020 time
1500m – SX 1 PHOEBE MUSIC U15 14th (PB 5:37.00) taking 5.71 seconds off her 2020 time

COLCHESTER THROWS INVIATATIONAL MEETING – Took place in Colchester on 25 April.
Shot 7.26kg – SM OLIVER GRAHAM U23 1st (PB 12.08m) adding 46cm to his 18 April put
Hammer 4kg – SW PHILIPA DAVENALL 1st (61.09m)
Hammer 7.26kg – SM OLIVER GRAHAM U23 1st (61.25m) 

HERCULES WIMBLEDON FIELD OPEN MEETING – Took place in Wimbledon on 25 April.
Long Jump – SX B BRAD DAVIES-PUGHE U20 1st (SB 7.23m nwr) taking 15cm off his 21 April jump, and is ranked UK No.2 U20 in 2021
Shot 7.26kg – SM A ANTHONY SOALLA-BELL V40 1st (SB 9.68m) and is ranked UK No.2 V40 in 2021

LEE VALLEY OPEN MEETING – Took place in Lee Valley on 25 April.
100m – SM 1 JORDAN WATSON-BROWN 2nd (PB 10.54 w1.5) taking .03 of a second off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.10 in 2021, 2 JAMAL RHODEN-STEVENS 1st (SB 10.69 w2.5), 8 ZAC BENJAMIN U15 3rd (PB 13.98 w0.6) taking .05 of a second off his 2019 time
100m – SW 1 ALANNAH FASHANU U20 2nd (PB 12.13 w3.5) taking .83 of a second off her 2018 time, 2 SOPHIE FORBES-LAIRD U17 5th (PB 13.02 w2.7) taking 1.88 seconds off her 2016 time, 7 EVA HIGSON U17 3rd (PB 14.74 w2.0) taking .56 of a second off her 2019 time
200m – SM 1 JORDAN WATSON-BROWN 1st (PB 20.9 w2.7) taking .46 of a second off his 11 April time, ALEX BEECHEY (2nd Claim) 3rd (SB 21.4 w2.7), 6 ZAC BENJAMIN U15 3rd (PB 29.39 w2.3)
200m – SW 3 AZARIA NWANKWO U17 4th (PB 27.75 w6.6) taking .77 of a second off her 2019 time
400m – SM 1 JAMAL RHODEN-STEVENS 1st (SB 46.77) taking .89 of a second off his 11 April time, and is ranked UK No.7 in 2021
800m – SW 3 EVELYNE FONTEYNE U20 1st (SB 2:44.61)
100m Hurdles – SW 1 LILY PARRIS U20 (2nd Claim) 1st (PB 13.87 w3.0) taking .53 of a second off her 21 April time, MARLI JESSOP U20 2nd (PB 14.03 w3.0)
110m Hurdles – SM 1 RUBEN HEDMAN U20 1st (PB 14.93 w1.0) and is ranked UK No.2 U20 in 2021
400m Hurdles – SW HAYLEY MCLEAN 1st (SB 58.99) and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021
Discus 1kg – SX SHADINE DUQUEMIN 2nd (PB 57.37m) adding 2.04m to her 2019 throw, and is ranked UK No.3 in 2021
Discus 2kg – SX GREGORY THOMPSON 2nd (SB 60.19m) adding 1.24m to his 17 April throw, and is ranked UK No.3 in 2021, NICK PERCY 4th (57.61m)
Hammer 4kg – SX SCARLETT O’CONNOR U20 (2nd Claim) 10th (PB 25.46m)
Javelin 600g – SX LOUISE LOCKWOOD 3rd (SB 42.05m) and is ranked UK No.9 in 2021

LOUGHBOROUGH APRIL TRACK OPEN MEETING – Took place in Loughborough on 25 April.
100m – SM C MITTIO MOHAMMADIAN U20 3rd (SB 11.90 w-0.5), H3 MITTIO finished 4th (12.09 w-1.1)
400m – SM 3 NIALL CARNEY 2nd (SB 50.99)
400m – SW LILY BECKFORD 2nd (54.10)
3000m – SM 2 JOSH EDWARDS U23 9th (SB 9:00.17)

WORLD ATHLETICS CONTINENTAL DRAKE RELAYS MEETING – Took place in Des Moines, Iowa, USA on 24-25 April.
400m Hurdles – SW LINA NIELSEN 4th (PB 56.19) taking .48 of a second off her 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021
3000m Steeplechase – SW LIZZIE BIRD 5th (SB 9:38.25) and is ranked UK No.2 in 2021

COVENTRY SPRING MEETING – Took place in Coventry on 24-25 April.
400m – SM 2 CHARLIE DOBSON U23 (HCA) 1st (PB 45.51) and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021, COLUMBA BLANGO T20/F20 1st (SB 49.18) taking 1.05 seconds off his 18 April time, and is ranked UK No.1 T20 in 2021
Discus 1.5kg – SM MICHAEL NICHOLLS F44 2nd (SB 22.97m) and is ranked UK No.2 F44 in 2021

TRU FIT ATHLETICS SPRINT CLASSIC MEETING – Took place in Miami, Florida, USA on 24 April.
200m – SM ZHARNEL HUGHES 1st (PB 19.93 w3.6) taking .07 of a second off his 2019 time

HARROW 3000m SPRING OPEN MEETING – Took place in Harrow on 22 April.
3000m – SX 4 THOMAS CADWALLADER U15 7th (PB 10:36.92), 6 RUBY VINTON U17 3rd (PB 9:53.11) and is ranked UK No.3 U17 in 2021, 9 ALEX LYTRIDES U20 10th (SB 9:37.79), 11 LUCA STUBBS U20 3rd (PB 8:44.02) taking 20.08 seconds off his 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.6 U20 in 2021

BMC GOLD STANDARD RACES – Took place in Birmingham on 21 April.
1500m – Mens A HENRY MCLUCKIE U20 1st (SB 3:42.71) and is ranked UK No.1 U20 in 2021
3000m – Mens A JEREMY DEMPSEY U23 4th (PB 8:02.97) taking 9.21 seconds off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.3 U23 in 2021, KRISTIAN IMROTH U20 6th (PB 8:13.18) taking 34.53 seconds off his 2018 time, and is ranked UK No.1 U20 in 2021, PHILLIP CROUT 8th (SB 8:15.49), KIERAN CLEMENTS 11th (SB 8:18.85)

UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM SERIES 1 MEETING – Took place in Birmingham on 21 April.
200m – SX 1 JAMAL RHODEN-STEVENS 4th (21.52 w1.8), 5 LILY PARRIS U20 (2nd Claim) 5th (SB 26.03 w1.9) and is ranked UK No.9 U20 in 2021
100m Hurdles – SW 1 LILY PARRIS U20 (2nd Claim) 1st (PB 14.40 w3.1)
110m Hurdles – SM EVAN CAMPBELL U23 2nd (PB 15.56 w1.9) and is ranked UK No.7 U23 in 2021
Long Jump – SM BRAD DAVIES-PUGHE U20 4th (SB 7.08m w0.3) and is ranked UK No.3 U20 in 2021, JOSH WOODS U20 5th (SB 6.89m w0.9) and is ranked UK No.4 U20 in 2021, SX EVAN CAMPBELL U23 4th (SB 6.07m w0.2)
Javelin 800g – SM EVAN CAMPBELL U23 1st (PB 44.95m) adding 35cm to his 2019 throw, and is ranked UK No.6 U23 in 2021

DAVE BEDFORD TRACES OUR PAST IN NORTH LONDON – DAVE sent me an excellent article on our many HQ the club has had since 1890. It might be an idea, maybe, to organise a club day-out, to visit all the pubs etc named below. With any photographs framed and displayed in the new West Stand.

This Photo of Shaftesbury Harriers was taken in 1922 outside The Wrestlers Pub on North Hill, Highgate and now sits proudly inside the pub. Go and say hello to Club members of the past and enjoy a great pint of London Pride!  Any historians amongst you might wish to follow the Clubs XC running and drinking journey through time!

Shaftesbury Harriers was formed in 1890 at the Jubillee Hall which stood above The Shaftesbury Tavern (still there) on Hornsey Road. The Club’s first official HQ was a coffee shop in Crouch End then it moved to The Fox and Crown on Highgate West Hill. This pub was closed in 1895 and then demolished but there is a plaque on the wall where the pub once stood. By 1904 the HQ had moved to the Rose and Crown, Highgate High Street (now Le Pain Quotidien) then again in 1911 to The Bull on Highgate North Hill (still standing) and then later on to The Wrestlers.

The Club continued to move North with the expansion of London via East Finchley using The Five Bells (East End Road) and then Windsor Castle (The Walks), both still standing. In 1930 the Club moved to Brook Farm, Whetstone which was to be our XC HQ for the next 50 plus years. The Club had changing rooms, tin baths then later showers in the Sports Pavillion. Following a fire around 1980 which destroyed the Pavilion (now rebuilt) the Club moved its XC headquarters to Copthall Stadium.

I BELIEVE GEOFF HAS SENT HOLLY A MEMBERSHIP FORM – A dog ran away from its owners to join the final stretch of a 4×200m relay race in a high school athletics meeting in Utah. The bitch, HOLLY, can be seen running onto the track to chase Logan High School’s GRACIE LANEY down the stretch. HOLLY logged the last 100 meters in about 10.5 seconds, 1 second behind Usain Bolt’s world record. The track referee disqualified HOLLY for lane violation, some supporters believe he was barking mad – https://youtu.be/TBLMuNEZ4kU

MEET SHAFTESBURY’S CHARLES HICKS, BRITAIN’S SECOND FASTEST TEENAGER AT 10,000m – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

We speak to a US-based rising star whose recent (28:25.29) places him No.2 on the UK all-time teenage rankings behind DAVE BEDFORD. Over the years Britain has had some great teenage talents in distance running and it may have unearthed another in CHARLES HICKS, even though his development has unfolded thousands of miles away from the country he represents. With just one performance in a British vest and a singular appearance in a major British race, he probably is not on the radar of all UK distance running fans. But his (28:25.29) winning 10,000m debut at Palo Alto early in April left him behind DAVE BEDFORD’S (28:24.4) from 1969 on the all-time UK teenage rankings. BEDFORD’S mark was a senior British record at the time and he went on to break the world record at the distance. He was just 19 when he ran (28:24.4) and, like HICKS, not eligible for under-20 records as he reached 20 later in the same year.

HICKS’ 5000m debut of (13:34.63) for 5000m also made major waves on the teenage all-time lists despite the list of British success at this distance far exceeding that of the 10,000m. IAN STEWART set numerous European junior records and won a European senior title at 20, while MO FARAH won a European junior 5000m title. Additionally, Britain won five out of six European junior 5000m titles between 1977 and 1987 with NAT MUIR, STEVE BINNS, JON RICHARDS, PAUL TAYLOR and SIMON MUGGLESTONE all taking golds. Among these champions on the teenage all-time lists, only BINNS heads Britain’s newest distance star. BINNS set a world junior 5000m record at the age of 19 of (13:27.04) and only his predecessor as world junior record-holder, DAVE BLACK, is ahead of HICKS on the UK lists courtesy of a (13:27.85) fourth place in the Olympic trials – again when he was no longer an official junior. 

UK teenage all-time lists
10,000m
1 DAVE BEDFORD (28:24.4) Crystal Palace Apr 19, 1969
2 CHARLES HICKS (28:25.29) Palo Alto Apr 2, 2021
3 JIM BROWN (28:57.82) Crystal Palace Jul 15, 1972

5000m
1 STEVE BINNS (13:27.04) Crystal Palace Sep 14, 1979
2 DAVE BLACK (13:07.85) Crystal Palace Jul 14, 1972
3 CHARLES HICKS (13:34.63) Eugene Apr 17, 2021
4 PAUL DAVIES-HALE (13:35.95) Crystal Palace Sep 11, 1981
5 ALEX YEE (13:37.60) Oordegem-Lede May 27, 2017

We caught up with HICKS, who turns 20 in July, shortly after his 5000m debut, but first he filled us in on his 10,000m victory. “There was no set time but I knew that the pacing would be for a (28:45),” he says, “but I had never raced a 5000m on the track, let alone a 10,000m.” He added: “This meant that I just had to race with heart and take whatever I got. Thankfully, the competition was willing to go for it as well and ALEX MASAI and my team-mate ALEX PARSONS were all able to walk away with great times. I had no idea that this was close to a UK teenage best, but knowing that now I’ll certainly hope to run that down before I turn 20!”

The 5000m followed a fortnight later. “The 5km was very similar to the 10km, I knew that it would be paced for (13:45). My coach, COACH SANTOS, told me to be patient through 2-3km and just to tear into the last mile. Luckily my legs were feeling great on the day and I was able to walk away with a 5km debut that I’m over the moon with!” Both of his races have come in the USA where he is a freshman at Stanford University and he explains his background. “I’ve been based in the USA for the past seven years. After being born in London, I lived with my family in Fulham for 12 years. Since it was the place I took my first steps and learned to compete, choosing to race for GB has always been a simple one for me.

“I think I realised that there was something there when I won my first ‘Cross-Country’ inter-scholastic race at Thomas’s Battersea. That served as my starting point and was a huge confidence booster. Since then, I’ve just been in love with the sport. I’m enjoying every mile and trying not to lose sight of what got me to this level in the first place.” While he had never previously raced the classic Olympic track distances until this April, he did have experience of racing shorter events in his earlier teenage years and the earliest race we could find for him was an (9:33.21) indoor 3200m in Winston-Salem in January 2017. “I actually remember very little about that season as it was the last time I was seriously injured!” he says. “Due to some tightness around my knee and an inability to properly rotate my pelvis I was unable to run more than two miles without stopping. “Thanks to a string of early mornings trying not to drown in the pool and incredible support from my high school coaches, I was able to still maintain some fitness and qualify for the Florida state meet placing fourth in the 3200m (two miles). “I think experiences like that can really show you how mental the racing component of the sport can be and definitely aided my growth as an athlete.”

The first time he made an impression on British fans though was his run in Liverpool in 2019 which incorporated the European under-20 cross-country trials and he finished second in (21:28) behind MATT WILLIS’S (21:13). That run was followed by the European Championships in Lisbon where his fifth place in (19:05) led home the British team to victory in a race won by JAKOB INGERBRIGTSEN. “Liverpool and the Euros were such an amazing experience for me as it was both the biggest gamble and largest pay-off of my career at the time,” he says. “Flying all the way to England for the trials was exhilarating as I wasn’t racing most of that season. “I was nervous about whether I’d make the team and also how the dynamic would be as someone who seems very American at first glance. Thankfully, I’m happy to say that both races went about as well as I could have dreamed, and my GB team-mates could not have been more accommodating and friendly. To come away with the team win for GB is an experience I’m not soon to forget and will absolutely look to repeat it in the future.” Racing was in short supply in 2020 but he did find time for indoor mile and 3000m PBs of (4:10.53) and (8:08.81) in his final year as a junior before emerging in great form in 2021 on the country and he was second in the Pacific 12 race and then 14th in the NCAA Championships and his brave run with three more years of opportunity suggests he could be a future medallist at the event. “Being up with the leaders this cross-country season has meant more to me than the performance,” he says. “I’ve always tried to race ‘well’ but struggled to shoot for the win, especially in larger competitions. Whether that was the result of lacking confidence or inexperience, it was something I was determined to improve upon as I headed into college. “For this reason, breaking through that fear and being able to hang with the best gave me an extraordinary boost. I left it all out on the course in Oklahoma, and even though I slipped a couple places from my ambitious start, I know that the fire and desire to compete is still there. I would like to improve my finish and feel more comfortable through 5km, but I believe it was still a good start.”

His training at Stanford is working well and his enjoyment is clearly evident. “Life at Stanford is both wonderful and hectic,” he explains. “Being surrounded by so many like-minded athletes and amazing people, it’s easy to get swept away by the possibilities of every day. Everyone here is doing something at the highest level and while that can be intimidating, it also creates a competitive and passionate team culture that I think will reward us in the long run. Pun semi-intended. “Right now a typical training week consists of a long run, two workouts, a medium long run and three easy days. I’ve been at around 80-85 miles a week all year but will hopefully look to increase that soon. For now, I’m just continuing to enjoy the simple pleasures of training with some of my best friends in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.” For the future, it looks as if the NCAA Championships will be the summer target but as he has two European under-23 qualifying marks it gives him something else to consider though he will also be eligible for the 2023 edition, so time is on his side (the European Under-23 Champs are in Norway from 8-11 July). “There are definitely still many factors to consider but it’s an incredibly exciting opportunity! As of now, I’m focused on the NCAA circuit but will be re-evaluating how I’m feeling with my coaches towards the end of it to make a decision about the Euros. “I’m trying to take it day by day for now but the prospect of competing for GB is always intensely tempting.” Will he join the long line of British endurance medallists sooner or later? Any athlete sitting above FARAH and STEWART – Britain’s only Olympic 5000m medallists in the last 60 years –  in any all-time lists suggests future success.

UKA FIGHT TO KEEP ANNIVERSARY GAMES IN LONDON – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently. Photograph of the Olympic Stadium.

British governing body for athletics is threatening legal action if flagship domestic event is forced out of the Olympic Stadium. UK Athletics looks determined to try to keep the Müller Anniversary Games in the British capital’s Olympic Stadium after the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) asked for the event to be held elsewhere. The LLDC argue an estimated £3m cost of converting the football stadium to an athletics arena for one event was too expensive and that the 13 July meeting – which is part of the prestigious Diamond League circuit – would have to be staged in Gateshead or Manchester. Gateshead is already staging the first Diamond League of 2021 on 23 May, of course, after the event moved from Rabat to the north-east England venue, while Manchester is set to hold the British Championships in late June. 

But UKA hit back this week, saying in a statement: “This would be an unacceptable breach of a longstanding agreement that forms an important part of the 2012 Olympic legacy plans. “We expect the contract to be honoured and the event to take place at the Olympic Stadium as do the athletes, broadcasters, sponsors, and most importantly the fans. “This is not only a key part of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes’ preparation for Tokyo but an opportunity for fans and young athletes from the local community to return to one of the most iconic athletics venues in world sport. “It would be a travesty for the sport after such a long wait for world-class athletics to return to the Olympic Stadium if our athletes and fans are denied a crucial send-off to Tokyo.” There were hopes that easing of coronavirus restrictions would allow a crowd of between 20,000 to 30,000 to watch the action. In addition to being an opportunity to see Britain’s top athletes before they head to the Olympic Games in Tokyo, its Diamond League status ensures world-class fields.

JO COATES, chief executive of UKA, cranked up the pressure today (April 22) when she told the Guardian: “We’re just not going to walk away from this. It’s outrageous the way they’ve treated us. Hosting a major event each year in London was a major legacy of the 2012 Olympics, so to seek to trash it is just unbelievable.” If the event has to move, it will not be the first time. In 2014 the Anniversary Games, which was then sponsored by Sainsbury’s, was held as a street athletics events on Horse Guards Parade and The Mall in London. In addition, a grand prix event was staged in Glasgow on the eve of the Commonwealth Games. But this was all due to the Olympic Stadium being rebuilt.

World Athletics will also be displeased if one of their Diamond League events is moved outside its planned venue of London. Indeed, there are shades of the Picketts Lock fiasco when, in 2001, the British Government reneged on a deal to hold the 2005 World Championships in north London. Instead the global governing body were told staging the event in Sheffield was a good alternative but they were left non-plussed and the event was ultimately staged in Helsinki. However, COATES is insistent the event should be in London this year. “This is the Diamond League, this is our most prestigious event,” she told the Guardian. “So to be told this news in April, when the event is on in July, is just not acceptable. “It is devastating for us and for our athletes, many of whom will be just days away from going to compete on the biggest stage of their lives. We believe the LLDC are categorically in breach of their contracts, and we are going to fight this all the way.” In addition to the £3m costs, the LLDC argues that the pandemic has created “extraordinary times” and that the Olympic Stadium will not be holding its usual events in 2021.

SBH ANNOUNCERS REQUIRED – GERALD ALTERMAN has sent me the following request.
As a result of the retirement of PETER MATTHEWS and TONY MILLER and the recent death of MARTIN ETCHELLS, we are very short of announcers for our Home fixtures.

England Athletics have told GERALD “we are today releasing a news story regarding a couple of workshops for announcing, during May and dependant on how that goes we may well have more people interested in developing skills at local level. These two workshops are more of an introduction and are informative about what skills are needed and sharing of good practise. ROB WALKER will be delivering these two workshops with ALISON POTTS on the 13 and 20 May, at 7pm-8.30pm, via Zoom.

I am sure we have a few budding STEVE CRAMs or GABBY LOGANs amongst you, therefore this is the link for you to sign up – https://www.englandathletics.org/officiating/development-opportunities/athletics-announcer-training/

LEE VALLEY OPEN MEETING FIXTURES MAY TO SEPTEMBER – The fixtures can be found on their website https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events 
100m/200m Sprint Series – Wednesday 9 June (Closing date Sunday 6 June) and is open for entries.

Remaining 100m/200m Sprint Series – Wednesday 7 July (Closing date Sunday 4 July), Wednesday 4 August (Closing date Sunday 1 August), Wednesday 1 September (Closing date Sunday 29 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above. Entries are not open at present.
Double 100m Sprint Series – Wednesday 26 May (Closing date Sunday 23 May), Wednesday 23 June (Closing date Sunday 20 June), Wednesday 21 July (Closing date Sunday 18 July), Wednesday 18 August (Closing date Sunday 15 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above. Entries are not open at present.
5K Fest – Wednesday 12 May (Closing date Sunday 9 May). Age-groups Under 17 and above. Entries are not open at present.
Regarding Closing Dates – An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early.

THE FOLLOWING SBH DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION CAN EITHER BE VIEWED, DOWNLOADED OR PRINTED 
SBH 2021 Summer Fixture Card – SBH Summer 2021 Fixture Card Front Sheet – Issued 11-04-21 – SBH Summer 2021 Fixture Card Fixtures – Issued 11-04-21
Cross Country Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/cross-country/team-managers/
Road Running/Relay Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/road-running/team-managers/

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OF INTEREST CAN BE FOUND ON THE SBH HOME PAGE BY USING THIS LINK, THEN SELECT THE LEFT OR RIGHT ARROW – http://sbharriers.co.uk/
Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Club Hoody, information on how to purchase one, please go to the bottom of this Newsletter.

UPDATED ON 4 APRIL, ON VOLUNTEERS FROM RAY POWELL – Hope that you are all keeping well, and are slowly getting your jabs.
Standard Chartered Great City Race Tuesday 20 July – 25 volunteers required – 19 at present – 6 more required.
Big Half Marathon Sunday 22 August – 30 volunteers required – 13 at present – 17 more required.
London Mini Marathon Sunday 3 October – 62 volunteers needed – 40 at present – 22 more required.
I know that some of the races are a way off, but if you feel that you can help, please let me know now, as it makes the planning a lot easier. Please contact CLARE & RAY at ray571m@btopenworld.com

GB QUALIFICATION STANDARDS FOR TOKYO OLYMPICS 2021 – These are the following World Athletics qualification standards for all GB athletes:
Men – 100m (10.05), 200m (20.24), 400m (44.90), 800m (1:45.20), 1500m (3:35.00), 5000m (13:13.50), 10000m (27:28.00), 3000m Steeplechase (8:22.0), 110m Hurdles (13.32), 400m Hurdles (48.90), High Jump (2.33), Pole Vault (5.80), Long Jump (8.22), Triple Jump (17.14), Shot Put (21.10), Discus (66.00), Hammer (77.50), Decathlon (8350), Marathon (2:11.30).
Women – 100m (11.15), 200m (22.80), 400m (51.35), 800m (1:59.50), 1500m (3:35.00), 5000m (15:10.00), 10000m (31:25.00), 3000m Steeplechase (9:30.00), 100m Hurdles (12.84), 400m Hurdles (55.40), High Jump (1.96), Pole Vault (4.70), Long Jump (6.82), Triple Jump (14.32), Shot Put (18.50), Discus (63.50), Hammer (72.50), Heptathlon (6420), Marathon (2:29.30).

The final date that all standards are to be achieved is Sunday 27 June, the Marathon date is Monday 29 March. Team selection for all events is on Monday 28 June, and the Marathon on Tuesday 30 March.

Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020

TOKYO OLYMPIC GAMES ALL SCHEDULES – It is not long now before we take to the armchair for 19 days of sport, from Wednesday 21 July. When the games take place, Tokyo is 9 hours ahead of GMT time in London. This is the link to the schedule for all 46 competitions – https://tokyo2020.org/en/schedule/ Just click on any of the competitions, and their detailed schedule will be shown.

Regarding Athletics this is the schedule, which commences on Friday 30 July – https://tokyo2020.org/en/schedule/athletics-schedule

On the first day of Athletics, which is on Friday 30 July, Tokyo morning session commences from 09.00 to 12noon, which means in London the session commences at Midnight on Friday 30 July, and finishes at 3.00m. Their evening session commences from 19.00 to 21.00, which means in London the session commences at 10.00 on Friday 30 July, and finishes at 12noon. The following sessions times vary slightly.

BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES – Well there is just 531 days to the Opening Ceremony, you may wish to sign up to receive their Newsletter. Link – https://www.birmingham2022.com/register-your-interest/. Tickets will be on sale later this year, and can only be purchased through the official Commonwealth Games website, this is the link to register – https://www.birmingham2022.com/the-games/tickets/. This is the link to the current schedule for the 25 events – https://images.birmingham2022.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/11441664_CWGs_Daily_Competition_Schedule_FINAL.pdf.

ATHLETICS take place at the Alexander Stadium 2-7 August, with the Marathons on 30 July. There will be 59 medal events including a fully integrated Para Sport programme. TRIATHLON and PARA TRIATHLON take place at Sutton Park 29 and 31 July. The Individual races contest a 750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run, and the Team races contest a 250m swim, 7km cycle, 1.5km run. Link to all events – https://www.birmingham2022.com/the-games/sports/?utm_source=workflow&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=popup_work_flow_send_welcome_autoresponder_pop_up_footer_form&utm_content=2021-02-05

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

STONEX STADIUM NOW OPEN FROM 29 MARCH – StoneX Stadium is now open to Club members, under strict conditions. Check with your Coach for details.

SBH SUBSCRIPTIONS 2020-2021 – SBH Treasurer GEOFF MORPHITIS has sent me the following regarding subscriptions.
The Club AGM took place virtually at 19.30 on Tuesday 24 November. One of the resolutions which was passed dealt with Club Subscriptions as follows. “The Annual Membership Fee for new members from 1 December 2020 will increase to £50. Existing members who have paid their membership fee for year ended 30 September 2020 will be considered as having also paid their fee for the year ended 30 September 2021.
In other words, in recognition of the disruption caused by Covid-19, these members will have 2 years membership for the price of one.” Therefore, I’m now asking athletes who have not paid their subscription for the year ended 30/09/20 (£45) to pay, so as to qualify for the 2 for 1 concession together with the England Athletics Registration Fee of £15 for 2020/21. The total is £60 and should be paid NOW to; ACCOUNT NAME: SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS, BANK: HSBC, ACCOUNT NUMBER: 41308378, SORT CODE: 400426 – Please let me know when payment is made. Thanks GEOFF

CAN YOU HELP PLEASE – During the period when all competitions are suspended, I will do my upmost in keeping the Newsletter information and other content going.
I would welcome any contributions From Yourselves, any impending marriages, or additions to the family, any running or competing incidents, also past warm weather training/holidays (No Club 24 please). Currently the response has been excellent, but if you have anything that could make it into next week’s Newsletter – please email me.

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM – Contact CLYDE GORDON on 07753 985525.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Is due to re-commence Saturday 5 June

PARKRUN – Can you make sure that you are registered as ‘Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers’, as the link I use to select all results only shows SBH athletes. If anyone is also officiating can you please contact me and advise me where and when.

PHOTOGRAPH’S – From time to time we have photographs of our members taken at meetings or presentations which we would like to use both on the website or incorporated within our report to our local newspaper. Can you please let me know if you do NOT want your photograph to be published. Also, I would appreciate if you could send me any photographs, which I can then publish on the website and newsletter.

CLUB EMBROIDERED RED HOODIES – Currently there are now over 750 Hoodies in circulation, this is the link giving details on how you can order your Club Hoody for £35, which includes having your name embroidered on the front Club Hoodies Updated 01-07-19

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

CURRENT DISTRIBUTION OF SHAFTESBURY INFORMATION – Currently I notify members (by email) using “MailChimp”. The reason I changed, was in November 2017 “Gmail” put a limit of 100 addresses that users could send to in a 24-hour period, and currently I send to approximately 850 members each issue.

On seeking technical advice “MailChimp” was recommended as the best way for SBH to go forward. There is one thing you should be aware off is that when you receive an email from me, the footer at the bottom has 4 options, of which one is “Unsubscribe Me From List”. Could I ask you not to select this as if you do you will be automatically removed from my distribution list.

SBH PRIVACY STATEMENT – In becoming a member, SBH will collect certain information about you. Can you please read the attached ‘Privacy Statement’ which contains Information on General Data Protection Regulations – SBH Privacy Statement Final April 2018

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 22 April to Nadav Boyd, William Gallo, Louise Lockwood, Andrew Millett,  Joe Purbrick, Jamal Rhoden-Stevens, Leo Roncarati, Mekhi Spence-Forde, Lucy Taylor, Odera Umeugoji, Tariq Wild, Ben Winfield and Gabriel Yiadom

RECENT NEW MEMBERS – We wish you a very warm welcome, and a happy, healthy and successful time with Shaftesbury to RAPHAEL AARON and PETER BAYVEL-ZAYATS

SBH ANNOUNCERS REQUIRED – GERALD ALTERMAN has sent me the following request.
As a result of the retirement of PETER MATTHEWS and TONY MILLER and the recent death of MARTIN ETCHELLS , we are very short of announcers for our Home fixtures.

England Athletics have told GERALD “we are today releasing a news story regarding a couple of workshops for announcing, during May and dependant on how that goes we may well have more people interested in developing skills at local level. These two workshops are more of an introduction and are informative about what skills are needed and sharing of good practise. ROB WALKER will be delivering these two workshops with ALISON POTTS on the 13 and 20 May, at 7pm-8.30pm, via Zoom.

I am sure we have a few budding STEVE CRAMs or GABBY LOGANs amongst you, therefore this is the link for you to sign up – https://www.englandathletics.org/officiating/development-opportunities/athletics-announcer-training/

TOKYO OLYMPIC GAMES ALL SCHEDULES – It is not long now before we take to the armchair for 19 days of sport, from Wednesday 21 July. When the games take place, Tokyo is 9 hours ahead of GMT time in London. This is the link to the schedule for all 46 competitions – https://tokyo2020.org/en/schedule/ Just click on any of the competitions, and their detailed schedule will be shown.

Regarding Athletics this is the schedule, which commences on Friday 30 July – https://tokyo2020.org/en/schedule/athletics-schedule

On the first day of Athletics, which is on Friday 30 July, Tokyo morning session commences from 09.00 to 12noon, which means in London the session commences at Midnight on Friday 30 July, and finishes at 3.00m. Their evening session commences from 19.00 to 21.00, which means in London the session commences at 10.00 on Friday 30 July, and finishes at 12noon. The following sessions times vary slightly.

2021 SBH SUMMER FIXTURE CARD – Was issued by email on 11 April, and at the same time was posted on the SBH Website. This is the fixture card which you can open and print for future reference – Front Sheet SBH Summer 2021 Fixture Card Front Sheet – Issued 11-04-21 – Fixtures SBH Summer 2021 Fixture Card Fixtures – Issued 11-04-21

Details of all fixtures will be published on the SBH Weekly Newsletter, the first publication will be on the Thursday 7 May Newsletter, and will show fixtures for the following 4 weeks.

LEE VALLEY OPEN MEETING – Takes place on Sunday 25 April at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London (Satnav N9 0AR).
Age-groups Under 13 and above. Cost is £9 per event.
Timetable for track events – 25-04-21 Track Timetable (1) field events 25-04-21 Field Timetable (1)
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events
Entries Close Thursday 22 April

The remaining fixtures can be found on their website https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events but entries are not open at present.
100m/200m Sprint Series – Wednesday 28 April (Closing date Sunday 25 April), Wednesday 9 June (Closing date Sunday 6 June), Wednesday 7 July (Closing date Sunday 4 July), Wednesday 4 August (Closing date Sunday 1 August), Wednesday 1 September (Closing date Sunday 29 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above.
Double 100m Sprint Series – Wednesday 26 May (Closing date Sunday 23 May), Wednesday 23 June (Closing date Sunday 20 June), Wednesday 21 July (Closing date Sunday 18 July), Wednesday 18 August (Closing date Sunday 15 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above.
5K Fest – Wednesday 12 May (Closing date Sunday 9 May). Age-groups Under 17 and above.
Regarding Closing Dates – An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early.

LATEST RESULTS – The pace has stepped up, and you will see below, there were so many outstanding performances from all age-groups

FINSBURY PARK 100m SPRINTS OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Finsbury Park on 18 April.
100m – SM H1 JAYDEN KLEIN U17 4th (PB 12.4 w1.1) taking 1.14 seconds off his 2019 time, H3 ZICO JONES U15 3rd (SB 11.96 w-2.3) and is ranked UK No.1 U15 in 2021, DAVID BROOKS U20 6th (PB 12.80 w-2.3), H4 BRADLEY UKPETENAN U17 2nd (SB 12.24 w-1.0), H5 SAUGUT PUN U15 1st (PB 12.50 w-2.8) taking .03 of a second off his 2020 time, CAMERON KNIGHT U15 2nd (PB 12.75 w-2.8) taking .55 of a second off his 2019 time, JADEN AULIS U15 3rd (PB 13.11 w-2.8), OMEAD AULIS U15 4th (PB 13.18 w-2.8), AUSTIN WARD U15 5th (PB 13.97 w-2.8) taking 1.13 seconds off his 2019 time, H9 EMMANUEL DURUIHEOMA U20 1st (SB 11.42 w-1.1), H12 OSCAR LAURENS U17 4th (SB 11.77 w0.0) and is ranked UK No.9 U17 in 2021, in Semi-Final 2 OSCAR finished 5th (11.90 w-1.0), 4 EMMANUEL finished 2nd (SB 11.06 w0.0) taking .36 of a second off his H9 time, and is ranked UK No.9 in 2021, SAUGUT finished 5th (PB 12.29 w0.0) taking .21 of a second off his H5 time, and is ranked UK No.6 U15 in 2021, in the Final EMMANUEL finished 7th (11.40 w-0.6)
100m – SW H1 OLIVE HARVEY-DEW U15 3rd (SB 14.04 w0.0), ONYEBUCHI ODIAKA U15 4th (SB 14.25 w0.0), ANNALUCIA HARLLEY U15 5th (SB 14.54 w0.0), H3 ANNA ROSE U17 2nd (PB 12.78 w1.0) taking .47 of a second off her 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.7 U17 in 2021, LOLA MCCANN-EZEKIEL U17 3rd (PB 13.39 w1.0) taking .62 of a second off her 2019 time, H4 ELYSE DUNCAN-BROWN U17 7th (PB 13.91 w-0.7) taking .42 of a second off her 2019 time, NAOMI LAWAL U17 2nd (PB 14.11 w-0.7) taking .42 of a second off her 2020 time, in the Final ANNA finished 2nd (13.17 w-1.1), LOLA finished 5th (13.79 w-1.1), ELYSE finished 7th (PB 13.91 w-0.7) taking .26 of a second off her 2019 time, ELYSE finished 7th (14.13 w-1.1)

COLCHESTER THROWS OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Colchester on 18 April.
Shot 7.26kg – SM OLIVER GRAHAM U23 1st (PB 11.62m) equalling his 2019 put, and is ranked UK No.9 U23 in 2021
Hammer 4kg – SX PHILIPPA DAVENALL 1st (SB 61.95m) and is ranked UK No.5 in 2021
Hammer 7.26kg – SW OLIVER GRAHAM U23 1st (SB 61.34m) and is ranked UK No.6 U23 in 2021

THE OPENER OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Worthing on 18 April.
150m – SM 8 DOMINIC ASHWELL U23 3rd (PB 16.19 w1.4) and is ranked UK No.3 in 2021, ZANSON PLUMMER 4th (PB 16.24 w1.4) and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021

CAMBRIDGE LOCAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Cambridge on 17 April.
100m – SX 2 DITA JAJA U23 1st (SB 11.8 nwr)
400m – SX 1 SOPHIA DEMPSEY U20 4th (SB 69.4)
High Jump – SX CHARLIE KNOTT U20 1st (PB 2.08m) adding 3cm to his 2020 height, and is ranked UK No.1 U20 in 2021

LOUGHBOROUGH SPRING THROWS OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Loughborough on 17 April.
Shot 7.26kg – SM SCOTT LINCOLN (HCA) 1st (20.22m)
Discus 1kg – SW SHADINE DUQUEMIN 2nd (SB 54.93m) and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021, AMY HOLDER (2nd Claim) 3rd (SB 54.28m) adding 8.11m to her 28 February throw, and is ranked UK No.5 in 2021
Discus 2kg – SM NICK PERCY 2nd (SB 61.44m) adding 49cm to his 28 February throw, and is ranked UK No.2 in 2021, GREGORY THOMPSON 5th (SB 58.95m) and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021
Hammer 7.26kg – SM CHRIS BENNETT 1st (73.74m)
Javelin 800g – SM DANIEL BAINBRIDGE U23 1st (PB 72.71m) adding 3cm to his 2020 throw, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

WEST COAST CLASSIC OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Eugene, Oregon, USA on 17 April.
5000m – SM CHARLES HICKS U23 (Stanford University) 1st (PB 13:34.63) and is ranked UK No.1 U23 in 2021

VELOCITY FEST #9 OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Kingston, Jamaica on 17 April.
200m – SM 3 ZHARNEL HUGHES 1st (SB 20.14 w1.1) and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

KETTERING TOWN APRIL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Kettering on 17 April.
100m – SX 8 OBINNA NWOKEJI U15 (2nd Claim) 5th (SB 13.02 w-0.3), 10 EBUKA NWOKEJI U15 (2nd Claim) 6th (SB 12.16 w0.8) and is ranked UK No.2 U15 in 2021, 12 CALVIN SMITH U17 4th (SB 12.03 w2.4)
200m – SX 8 EBUKA NWOKEJI U15 (2nd Claim) 3rd (PB 24.89 w3.5) taking .45 of a second off his 2020 time, 11 CALVIN SMITH U17 4th (SB 23.07 w-0.4) and is ranked UK No.3 U17 in 2021

JESOLO GRAND PRIX OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Jesolo, Italy on 16-18 April.
400m – SM 2 COLUMBA BLANGO T20/F20 1st (SB 50.23) taking 1.28 seconds off his 6 April time, and is ranked UK No.1 T20 in 2021

TOM JONES MEMORIAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Gainesville, Florida, USA on 16-17 April.
1500m – SM 4 JAMIE DEE (Iona College) 10th (PB 3:48.54) taking 1.40 seconds off his 2019 time

VIRGINIA CHALLENGE OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA on 16-17 April.
200m – SW 2 LINA NIELSEN 2nd (23.47 w1.1)

MICHAEL JOHNSON INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Waco, Texas, USA on 16-17 April.
Shot 7.26kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 9th (15.48m)
Discus 2kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 4th (SB 53.80m) adding 2.10m to his 20 March throw, and is ranked UK No.7 in 2021
Hammer 7.26kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 7th (PB 56.72m) adding 1.48m to his 9 April throw

BRIAN CLAY INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Azusa, California, USA on 16-17 April.
400m – SM H1 MICHAEL OHIOZE 1st (PB 46.61) taking .54 of a second off his 2020 time, in the Final MICHAEL finished 2nd (PB 46.30) taking .31 of a second off his H1 time, and is ranked UK No.2 in 2021

HUSKER BIG 10 INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Prairie View, Texas, USA on 16-17 April.
Long Jump – SW B EAVION RICHARDSON (University of Iowa) 6th (5.73m)

AUSTRALIA TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place in Sydney, Australia on 12-19 April.
Discus 1kg – SW Q1 16/04 JADE LALLY 1st (54.12m) in the Final 18/04 JADE finished 3rd (SB 60.36m) adding 1.10m to her 13 March throw, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

DAVE THOMSON RECALLS HIS EARLY YEARS – Hi Alan, I’ve been meaning to send you a note tor some considerable time now to say thanks for all your hard work putting this together each week and especially for the nostalgic pieces and the special features – BOOTSIE, TOM MCNAB etc.

I haven’t been an active athlete for a long time now, but I, like all athletes, love to look back occasionally to the good old days! Pre Covid I was meeting up with BOB MALLOWS, STEVE LOWE, DAVE BEDFORD, MIKE PUDDIFOOT and BRIAN STANDEN (TVH) for periodic dinners and reminiscing and I’m sure we will reconvene in due course.  Over the years I have lost most of my pictures from my running days so always keep an eye out to see what you reproduce. I have attached a couple I do have but am not entirely sure of the occasion or how well they will reproduce. I’m sure current readers would have many more to share – British and Southern League, 6 and 12 stage road relays, numerous road races, Boxing Day Run, and cross country events etc.

DAVE also sent me a team photograph, taken at the Metropolitan League at Claybury on 6 February 1988. Apologies but the photograph quality is slightly poor, between myself and a few others, we managed to identify most of the SBH faces. From Left to Right JOHN CHILD, GRAHAM GETTY, next head down! KEN TOLLADY (397), behind him JOHN KELLY, ABDUL SESAY, NORMAN FOX, RAY POWELL, RUSSELL DEVITT and DAVE ALLEN. Next is BRENDAN GALLAGHER with his son, MARTIN GREY, KINGSTON MILLS, NEIL WALKER and PHILIP CUNNINGHAM. The following 3 runners we are struggling to identify, but it could be MARIO DICESARE and LAURENCE FREEMAN. Next MARTIN SEARS (370), next 2 sorry, ANDREW SMITH, CHRIS WELCH and REG BLACK.

METROPOLITAN LEAGUE, SENIOR MEN 1960s TO THE 1980s – The first season of the Metropolitan League was 1966/1967, in which the Senior Men’s team of Thames Valley Harriers, dominated the season by accumulating (5661 points) from the 5 races, with Ilford 2nd (4399) and Ealing & Southall 3rd (4227). TVH dominated the league, until the end of the 1970s, winning 11 team titles from the 14 seasons, and runners up in the remaining 3. Shaftesbury Harriers took the team title in 1972/1973, where we had an average of 20 runners for each race.

1980/1981 to 1985/1986 was dominated by Verlea with 4 wins, and North London 2 wins, with Shaftesbury Harriers finishing in mid table, and averaged around 15-17 runners in each race. 1986/1987 saw the influence of BRENDAN GALLAGHER’S in getting runners on the start line, beginning to make a difference. TVH won with (12450 points) and Shaftesbury 2nd (12211), with an increased turnout of 24, 23, 34, 27,30 runners. The tide had now turned, from 1987 to 1990 our numbers were averaging 30, with our first 12 to score runners generally in the top 50-60 finishers. 1987/1988 was our first win since 1972/1973, in the first fixture at Welwyn Garden City, the team finished a close 2nd to Woodford Green, moving on to Horsenden Hill we had our 1st win with London Irish just 100 points behind, our 12 to score positions were 1,2,6,7,15,17,20,31,36,37,38 and 44. Fixture 3 at Parliament Hill were finished 2nd, 31 points behind North London, in the final two fixtures at Ruislip and Claybury, London Irish were out in numbers, but we managed to win them both, finishing the season with (12450 points), 2nd London Irish (11563) and 3rd Woodford Green (11449).

1988/1989 due to various reasons we had a poor first and fifth fixtures at Wormwood Scrubs and Claybury, the other fixtures at Ruislip, Parliament Hill and Perivale, we finished 2nd, 1st, and 2nd. Woodford Green took the title (13171 points), 2nd TVH (12904) and 3rd SBH (12175).

The 80s came to an end in the 19898/1990 season, in which an up and coming Woodford Green team pushed us in all 5 fixtures. The first two fixtures at Welwyn Garden City and Ruislip, Woodford Green won from SBH by 80 and 61 points respectively. The remaining fixtures at Parliament Hill, Perivale and Hainault Forest produced wins for us, over Woodford Green. Which meant SBH had won for the second time in 3 years with (13111 points), Woodford Green 2nd (13025) and North London (10480).

Link to the SBH Individual position from 1987 to 1990 – Metropolitan League SBH Senior & Veteran Men 1987 to 1990

MANCHESTER INVITATIONAL PLANS GATHER PACE – Endurance runner MARC SCOTT, shot putter SOPHIE MCKINNA and discus thrower KIRSTY LAW are due to compete in the exciting new Manchester Invitational on Thursday 27 May. The throws look particularly strong with MCKINNA and LAW joined by hammer throwers CHRIS BENNETT, JESSICA MAYHO and OSIAN JONES, together with discus man GREG THOMPSON.

The British Athletics Supporters’ Club is backing the event too and is providing £1000 for the performances of the day, which will be split between the top male and best female athlete. The meeting aims to provide timely competition for athletes one month out from the Müller British Championships and Olympic trials which will be staged at the same venue on 25-27June. It will also lay the platform for a Continental Tour event to be staged there next summer.

OUR SOCIAL LIFE – The following was published in the Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Centenary Year book (1890-1990)

Our Social Life – Social activities have always figured prominently in the Shaftesbury calendar, changing with the times, and when there tended to be a lull, an insistent demand has soon made itself felt. In the early years, it was a ‘Smoker’ or a sing-song in the local. Into the thirties, following inter-club or pack runs, there was often a meal and a social evening. Dances have varied from formal ones at monthly intervals around 1930 to Christmas discos at Copthall that have crashed the sound barrier. The annual dinner and dance as a celebration and opportunity for reunion has maintained its tradition and regular support for many years.
In different vein, and perhaps more fitting for athletes, have been training-cum-social weekends, club rambles and coach outings to the sea. No Brighton Relay would have been complete without its convivial evening on the way home, and much of the social side arises spontaneously when a group of members gather together.

Bring your music – Some newspaper cuttings from the turn of the century, give an idea of what was happening then. Shaftesbury Harriers, 3rd November6 1900: This club holds its ace of their 11th season today – a three-mile handicap from headquarters, the Windsor Castle, East Finchley, at 4 p.m. Mr H.AUCKLAND has kindly presented the first prize, and together with Mr W.COLEY, will occupy the chair at the smoker to be held in the evening, and members are requested to bring their music – if only ‘All the latest: twenty-four a penny’.And in 1901, “A three-mile open road handicap of a very successful character was brought off at Highgate last night … After the race a most enjoyable musical evening was spent at headquarters (Rose and Crown, Highgate) the attendance of competitors and friends numbering certainly, not less than 200. The prizes were distributed to the successful competitors, and a programme of some length and great variety was also enjoyed.

Take your Partners – In the 1932-33 Fixture Card appears “Club Dances Oct.29^th, Dec.3^rd, Jan.28^th, Feb.25^th, Mar.25^th, May.27^th, at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village. Trams and No.11 or Buses No.110 to Highgate Village”.
At that period, dinner jackets, bow ties, and long dresses for ladies, while not obligatory, were fairly general. It was a chance to dress up. There would be a three or four-piece orchestra, a series of waltzes, quicksteps and foxtrots, and maybe a tango for those more expert than the usual run of Harriers. There were far less other entertainment, and hardly anyone had a car.

Beside the Seaside – During the 1950s club outings by coach were very popular. From a 1957 Club Magazine “Some 70 members and friends heaved sighs of relief when Sunday, June 2nd, dawned fine and clear. Two coaches eventually left Hendon Central bound for Littlehampton”. This was the venue on other occasions, as was Walton-On-The-Naze. The sandy beaches were the attraction with plenty of opportunity for games and activity as a change from track training.
This part ought to come under coaching and training. But there is such an enjoyable and social side to it that it must be included in this chapter. Training weekends have been many and at various venues. They have been held at Tanner’s Hatch and Ivinghoe Youth Hostels. The Athletics Training Centre at Timsbury Manor in the New Forest was visited on about a dozen occasions. Early spring at Winterton on the Norfolk coast was found to be bracing, to put it mildly, when some large parties went there, including Barnet Copthall Ladies and Parkside Ladies.
Nor should the “Homebrew Harriers”, founded a few years ago and perpetuating an oft-recurring theme, be overlooked. Their athletics was adventurous, from road racing on the Continent to fell-running in the Peak District. The Homebrew Tankard is their commemoration, and their spirit shall not fade as long as …

Wining and Dining – The highlight of the social year is the Annual Dinner and Dance. Whether or not it was held in the very early years we do not know. It is certainly recorded from 1922 onwards without a break except for the war years.
In the early days, it was held in town, usually the West End. Pagani’s in Great Portland Street was rather ornate and was used a number of times; then there was Anderton’s in Fleet Street. The post-war Reunion Dinner in 1947 was at the Bridge House Hotel, London Bridge, so also was our Diamond Jubilee one in 1950. The Royal Hotel, Russell Square, and Bedford Corner Hotel both had a good run of a few years, while our 75th Anniversary in 1965 was at the Horseshoe, Tottenham Court Road.
After that we transferred nearer to the club area, with the Hendon Way Hotel, the Sparrowhawk, Edgware, and Traveller’s Rest, Kenton, being patronised in turn. In 1987 we excelled ourselves with the Conference Centre Banqueting Hall at Wembley Stadium! But it was really just a little large.
The Dinner is an opportunity for Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers to invite guests from the world of athletics. We have had with us A.A.A. Administrators, Presidents and Secretaries from various governing bodies and from our neighbouring clubs, representatives from the Press and Television, and Olympic Champions and star athletes. We have also been pleased to welcome the Mayor of Barnet and leading members of Barnet Council.
In recent years, we have had on display a magnificent collection of trophies won by the different sections of the club, as well as our trophies to present to our champions. The Annual Dinner is truly a part of the continuing history of Shaftesbury Harriers.

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF SPRINTING – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Running as fast as possible is very elemental – we’ve all tried it at some stage. But what puts someone in the really fast lane?
USAIN BOLT reached nearly 29mph (12-12.34 metres a second) when he was flat out during his world record runs. He covered the 100m distance in around 41 steps with a stride frequency of about 4.5 per second. At maximum velocity, his feet will only have been in contact with the track surface for milliseconds, yet in that time he still had to overcome and impart maximal force. Then there’s the small matter of getting a great start. Sprinters need to get away from the blocks with a lightning quick reaction and then get up to top speed at the right time.

Speed and genetics – It’s often said that sprinters are born not made. That’s only a half-truth but those blessed with a high percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibres at birth will definitely have greater speed potential than those possessing more of the enduring slow-twitch fibres. However, with the right training it’s always possible to get faster. Sprinters’ muscle mass is certainly greater when compared to middle and longer distance runners, however the fastest men and women don’t need to be bulky – rather muscle needs to exhibit high contractile properties. Sprint training, especially weight training, can induce hypertrophy (an increase in muscular size through exercise), however gains in being able to express more power must be mitigated against the potential weight increase created by more muscle. All this will affect the sprinter’s power to weight ratio.

Sprint distance and physiology – The 100m, 200m and 400m are all classified as sprints, however, ask a 100m athlete to “sprint” a 400m and they’ll probably show an impressive turn of speed as they run away! Each distance relies on a different spread of energy system use. All the sprints are fundamentally anaerobic (without oxygen), meaning that the sprinter could not continue to generate a powerful sprint action for more than – at the very elite level – 49 seconds for women and 43 seconds for men. To get its sprint energy the body has to use stored chemicals and phosphates, such as creatine phosphate and adenosine triphosphate. There will be very little reliance on oxygen. It is the way the energy systems are trained which largely differentiates the sprinting that short and long sprinters do. In brief the immediate anaerobic system will provide energy for five to six seconds and relies on the body’s stores of chemicals and phosphates, whilst the longer-term anaerobic system can supply energy for up to around 90 seconds. With the latter oxygen does enter the equation – however, no amount of sucking in of air will stay the execution of the longer-term anaerobic energy.

What is sprint speed? – Sprint speed is the product of technique, stride length and stride rate (frequency) and power (the force which is put through and returned by the track). An idea of stride frequency was provided earlier with BOLT and I will add that there’s actually not that much variation of this between elite males and females. In fact, it’s only the superior muscle mass of males and their ability to therefore produce greater power that makes them faster.

Technique – Sprint technique needs to be well-honed, resilient and constantly replicable. Look at Dina Asher-Smith in full flow – her speed seems effortless, yet it is obviously not. The sprinter needs to “run relaxed”. Tension creates friction and friction will slow the “gliding and firing” of muscles. The working (agonist) and non-working muscles (antagonists) have to work like a fine Swiss watch to produce a winning sprint mechanism. Tension can also lead to lost races and pulled muscles. We’ve all seen the sprinter who ties up when pressed for the lead – learning how to sprint relaxed with great technique is crucial. Dina Asher-Smith (Getty)

Sprint power – Being able to produce immense amounts of power in millisecond ground contacts is a fundamental of sprint training. However, each part of the sprint race needs to be trained slightly differently. The key “parts” being the start and acceleration, maximum velocity and sprint endurance/maintenance.

Weights – Weight training is usually a must for sprinters – although there are some of the greats, such as Kim Collins, who did not place such a great emphasis on it. Weight training can improve acceleration in particular. Heavy load squats will create the slightly lower gears required to get up to maximum velocity very quickly. However, as I pointed out in the February issue of AW when looking at the long jump, strength for the sake of strength can be a blind alley. Specific, transferable strength is what’s required. Crucially it’s all about being able to recruit maximum numbers of fast-twitch motor units through lifting very heavy weights so they can then be used when sprinting. If the sprinter’s training programme does not allow for integration and transition of weight gains into actual sprinting, then the sprinter will become a weightlifter and no sprint time improvements will result.

Plyometrics – Hopping, bounding and drop jump exercises are also crucial for sprinters. These drills are more suited to improving maximum velocity compared to weights. Together with weight training they develop what’s known as leg stiffness, which means greater energy return and therefore speed.

Sprint endurance The length, duration, volume and intensity of various runs in training will differentiate the 100m and 200m sprinter from the 400m sprinter. The latter will obviously do more runs over 200m and between 500m compared to the 100m sprinter. They need to significantly increase their lactate tolerance.

Who should you be looking at? 100m USAIN BOLT – Although now retired the world’s fastest human ultimately had little flaws when it came to sprinting. 200m DINA ASHER-SMITH – The Doha 200m world champion has silky smooth technique and holds this to the end. 400m WAYDE VAN NIEKERK – The 400m world record holder is the ultimate sustained speed one-lap glider.

Technique jargon buster, Heel recovery – You’ll often hear coaches and sprinters talk about heel recovery. It refers to rear side mechanics – that’s to say what happens behind the athlete’s hips. During acceleration, a low heel recovery is seen to be beneficial as it kills unnecessary airtime and allows the foot to be pulled through more quickly and powerfully into each accelerative step.

Coach tip, Developing a good start and acceleration phase – Acceleration needs to be precise, powerful and fast. The best accelerating sprinters are able to impart the maximum amount of force on the track with maximum frequency in the shortest of ground contacts and with the optimum angles. Conditioning is key to being able to do this – but so too is working out an optimal acceleration phase for each individual sprinter. This can vary, for example, between 60m and 100m sprint races and even the time in the training phase. Spend time working on optimal acceleration. The sprinter needs to learn it and do it time after time and without distraction.

UPDATED ON 4 APRIL, ON VOLUNTEERS FROM RAY POWELL – Hope that you are all keeping well, and are slowly getting your jabs.
Standard Chartered Great City Race Tuesday 20 July – 25 volunteers required – 19 at present – 6 more required.
Big Half Marathon Sunday 22 August – 30 volunteers required – 13 at present – 17 more required.
London Mini Marathon Sunday 3 October – 62 volunteers needed – 40 at present – 22 more required.
I know that some of the races are a way off, but if you feel that you can help, please let me know now, as it makes the planning a lot easier. Please contact CLARE & RAY at ray571m@btopenworld.com

GB QUALIFICATION STANDARDS FOR TOKYO OLYMPICS 2021 – These are the following World Athletics qualification standards for all GB athletes:
Men – 100m (10.05), 200m (20.24), 400m (44.90), 800m (1:45.20), 1500m (3:35.00), 5000m (13:13.50), 10000m (27:28.00), 3000m Steeplechase (8:22.0), 110m Hurdles (13.32), 400m Hurdles (48.90), High Jump (2.33), Pole Vault (5.80), Long Jump (8.22), Triple Jump (17.14), Shot Put (21.10), Discus (66.00), Hammer (77.50), Decathlon (8350), Marathon (2:11.30).
Women – 100m (11.15), 200m (22.80), 400m (51.35), 800m (1:59.50), 1500m (3:35.00), 5000m (15:10.00), 10000m (31:25.00), 3000m Steeplechase (9:30.00), 100m Hurdles (12.84), 400m Hurdles (55.40), High Jump (1.96), Pole Vault (4.70), Long Jump (6.82), Triple Jump (14.32), Shot Put (18.50), Discus (63.50), Hammer (72.50), Heptathlon (6420), Marathon (2:29.30).

The final date that all standards are to be achieved is Sunday 27 June, the Marathon date is Monday 29 March. Team selection for all events is on Monday 28 June, and the Marathon on Tuesday 30 March.

Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020

BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES – Well there is just 531 days to the Opening Ceremony, you may wish to sign up to receive their Newsletter. Link – https://www.birmingham2022.com/register-your-interest/. Tickets will be on sale later this year, and can only be purchased through the official Commonwealth Games website, this is the link to register – https://www.birmingham2022.com/the-games/tickets/. This is the link to the current schedule for the 25 events – https://images.birmingham2022.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/11441664_CWGs_Daily_Competition_Schedule_FINAL.pdf.

ATHLETICS take place at the Alexander Stadium 2-7 August, with the Marathons on 30 July. There will be 59 medal events including a fully integrated Para Sport programme. TRIATHLON and PARA TRIATHLON take place at Sutton Park 29 and 31 July. The Individual races contest a 750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run, and the Team races contest a 250m swim, 7km cycle, 1.5km run. Link to all events – https://www.birmingham2022.com/the-games/sports/?utm_source=workflow&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=popup_work_flow_send_welcome_autoresponder_pop_up_footer_form&utm_content=2021-02-05

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING WEST STAND – SARACENS have appointed RAYNER ROWEN CONSTRUCTION to carry out the demolition and rebuild of the old West Stand. Work commenced on Monday 22 February and completion is planned for 6 May 2022.
Demolition commenced on 22 February with completion due on 23 April. The next issue of their Newsletter is due to be sent to me within the next 2 weeks.

STONEX STADIUM NOW OPEN FROM 29 MARCH – StoneX Stadium is now open to Club members, under strict conditions. Check with your Coach for details.

SBH SUBSCRIPTIONS 2020-2021 – SBH Treasurer GEOFF MORPHITIS has sent me the following regarding subscriptions.
The Club AGM took place virtually at 19.30 on Tuesday 24 November. One of the resolutions which was passed dealt with Club Subscriptions as follows. “The Annual Membership Fee for new members from 1 December 2020 will increase to £50. Existing members who have paid their membership fee for year ended 30 September 2020 will be considered as having also paid their fee for the year ended 30 September 2021.
In other words, in recognition of the disruption caused by Covid-19, these members will have 2 years membership for the price of one.” Therefore, I’m now asking athletes who have not paid their subscription for the year ended 30/09/20 (£45) to pay, so as to qualify for the 2 for 1 concession together with the England Athletics Registration Fee of £15 for 2020/21. The total is £60 and should be paid NOW to; ACCOUNT NAME: SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS, BANK: HSBC, ACCOUNT NUMBER: 41308378, SORT CODE: 400426 – Please let me know when payment is made. Thanks GEOFF

CAN YOU HELP PLEASE – During the period when all competitions are suspended, I will do my upmost in keeping the Newsletter information and other content going.
I would welcome any contributions From Yourselves, any impending marriages, or additions to the family, any running or competing incidents, also past warm weather training/holidays (No Club 24 please). Currently the response has been excellent, but if you have anything that could make it into next week’s Newsletter – please email me.

THE FOLLOWING SBH DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION CAN EITHER BE VIEWED, DOWNLOADED OR PRINTED 
SBH 2021 Summer Fixture Card – SBH Summer 2021 Fixture Card Front Sheet – Issued 11-04-21 – SBH Summer 2021 Fixture Card Fixtures – Issued 11-04-21
Cross Country Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/cross-country/team-managers/
Road Running/Relay Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/road-running/team-managers/

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OF INTEREST CAN BE FOUND ON THE SBH HOME PAGE BY USING THIS LINK, THEN SELECT THE LEFT OR RIGHT ARROW – http://sbharriers.co.uk/
Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Club Hoody, information on how to purchase one, please go to the bottom of this Newsletter.

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM – Contact CLYDE GORDON on 07753 985525.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

PARKRUN – Can you make sure that you are registered as ‘Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers’, as the link I use to select all results only shows SBH athletes. If anyone is also officiating can you please contact me and advise me where and when.

PHOTOGRAPH’S – From time to time we have photographs of our members taken at meetings or presentations which we would like to use both on the website or incorporated within our report to our local newspaper. Can you please let me know if you do NOT want your photograph to be published. Also, I would appreciate if you could send me any photographs, which I can then publish on the website and newsletter.

CLUB EMBROIDERED RED HOODIES – Currently there are now over 750 Hoodies in circulation, this is the link giving details on how you can order your Club Hoody for £35, which includes having your name embroidered on the front Club Hoodies Updated 01-07-19

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

CURRENT DISTRIBUTION OF SHAFTESBURY INFORMATION – Currently I notify members (by email) using “MailChimp”. The reason I changed, was in November 2017 “Gmail” put a limit of 100 addresses that users could send to in a 24-hour period, and currently I send to approximately 850 members each issue.

On seeking technical advice “MailChimp” was recommended as the best way for SBH to go forward. There is one thing you should be aware off is that when you receive an email from me, the footer at the bottom has 4 options, of which one is “Unsubscribe Me From List”. Could I ask you not to select this as if you do you will be automatically removed from my distribution list.

SBH PRIVACY STATEMENT – In becoming a member, SBH will collect certain information about you. Can you please read the attached ‘Privacy Statement’ which contains Information on General Data Protection Regulations – SBH Privacy Statement Final April 2018

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 8 April to Ben Bellisario, Charlie Cutler, Bradley Goater, Charlotte Johnston, Julian Lamy, Alessa Lewis, Phoebe Music, Dereece O’Callaghan, Amelia Onyems and Ray Powell

RECENT NEW MEMBER – We wish you a very warm welcome, and a happy, healthy and successful time with Shaftesbury to AIDAN GAFFEY and LOUISE LOCKWOOD

EASTERN YOUNG ATHLETES LEAGUE, CHANGE OF VENUE – The first fixture on Sunday 4 July will now take place at Hemel Hempstead, and not Watford as previously published.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY TRACK AND FIELD DATES – Have just been published, and are as follows – Saturday 24 July for Under 13 and Under 15 at Lee Valley – Monday 30 August for Under 17, Under 20 and Seniors at Lee Valley.

UPDATE FROM RAY POWELL – RAY has been informed by London Marathon, that the Westminster mile on Sunday 30 May and the Vitality 10k on Monday 31 May – are no longer taking place. They are hoping that the events can be re-scheduled for later in the year, but as yet no new dates have been fixed. I thank you for your patience, and if and when the new dates are released. I will let you know straight away RAY.

UPDATED ON 4 APRIL, ON VOLUNTEERS FROM RAY POWELL – Hope that you are all keeping well, and are slowly getting your jabs.
Standard Chartered Great City Race Tuesday 20 July – 25 volunteers required – 19 at present – 6 more required.
Big Half Marathon Sunday 22 August – 30 volunteers required – 13 at present – 17 more required.
London Mini Marathon Sunday 3 October – 62 volunteers needed – 40 at present – 22 more required.
I know that some of the races are a way off, but if you feel that you can help, please let me know now, as it makes the planning a lot easier. Please contact CLARE & RAY at ray571m@btopenworld.com

SOUTHERN TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2021 – These are the dates and information for the Southern Track and Field fixtures for June to September, as issued on 23 March.

SOUTHERN U20 AND SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 12 June and Sunday 13 June, venue to be confirmed. Also includes the Under 15/17 Men and Women 3000m Championships on Saturday 12 June.
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – http://seaa.org.uk/index.php/events/track-and-field
Closing Date Tuesday 1 June 

SOUTHERN COMBINED EVENTS U15, U17, U20 AND SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 3 July and Sunday 4 July at the Horspath Athletics Track, Horspath Road, Oxford (Satnav OX4 2RR).
Events: U15 Girls Pentathlon (Saturday), U15 Boys Pentathlon (Sunday), U17, U20 & Senior Women Heptathlon, U17 Men Octathlon, U20 & Senior Men Decathlon. Guests are welcome.
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – http://seaa.org.uk/index.php/events/track-and-field
Closing Date Tuesday 22 June

SOUTHERN U13, U15 AND U17 CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 21 August and Sunday 22 August at the Weir Archer Athletics Centre, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey (Satnav KT1 3PB).
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – http://seaa.org.uk/index.php/events/track-and-field
Closing Date Tuesday 10 August 

SOUTHERN U15 AND U20 INTER COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 11 September at the Horspath Athletics Track, Horspath Road, Oxford (Satnav OX4 2RR).
Please Note: You will be selected by your respective County Team Manager.
Closing Date Tuesday 31 August

Link to the full Southern Track and Field Prospectus dated 23 March 2021 – 2021 Southern Outdoor Track & Field Prospectus 23.3.21 (1) (1)

BETH POTTER “SHELL-SHOCKED” BY PODIUM 5K WONDER RUN – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.
After running faster than BEATRICE CHEPKEOCH’S women’s world record, 29-year-old Brit says she thought the timing clock had broken at Barrowford event. After slicing 43 seconds off her 5km PB with a (14:41) clocking that beat BEATRICE CHEPKEOCH’S world record time by two seconds, BETH’S mobile phone has not surprisingly been going crazy this weekend. To clear her head, the morning after her race she escaped for an easy three-and-a-half hour bike ride with a coffee stop halfway. Then she chatted to AW about her stunning performance at the Podium 5km in Barrowford, Lancashire, on Saturday (3 April) before tackling a short run in the evening.
For those saying her fabulous run was due to super shoes, they should consider the amount of training she does. Sandwiching an AW interview between two training sessions on a so-called easy day is nothing unusual for the hard-working Scot. In total, each week she typically completes five bike rides, five swims, four runs, a couple of gym sessions and some yoga – totalling 25-30 hours.
The Glasgow-born endurance athlete’s talent is unquestionable too. In 2016 she ran in the 10,000m at the Olympics and 12 months later she won the women’s race at the Night of the 10,000m PBs during a transition to becoming a full-time triathlete based in Leeds. She is in great form as well with a big triathlon victory at the London Aquatics Centre a few days before the Podium 5km.
Still, BETH was as surprised as anybody by her time on Saturday. She entered the race on a relative whim and had asked organiser CHRIS BARNES if she could move into the sub-15:30 race. She would have been satisfied to break her PB of (15:24) and never expected (14:41).
It is not only faster than PAULA RADCLIFFE’S UK record of (14:51) but a couple of seconds quicker than CHEPKEOCH’S world record set in Monaco in February. However due to stringent World Athletics criteria necessary to approve a record, it is unlikely – but not impossible – that it will be ratified.
“I thought it was a joke,” Potter told AW on the moment she saw her finishing time. “I needed someone to confirm to me what it was that I’d run.
“I thought the clock was out! I was shell shocked to be honest.”
When did it dawn on her that the result was real? “Everyone who was there watching was saying ‘you did it, it’s true’ so then I began to believe it a bit,” she says. “I thought (15:15) would be a really good run for me because I’ve been focusing on other parts of my training this year. And so I asked to run in the (15:30) race because I wanted to be pushed all the way.”
Potter settled into a group of male runners and was swept along around the 1km laps. “I was at the back of the boys at the start and it went off fast and I knew I had to commit otherwise I was going to be in no man’s land. I got into a bit of a rhythm and I was in a bit of a daze.
“I couldn’t believe the times that were being read out at the kilometre marks. I only broke three minutes for a kilometre the other night for the first time this year.
“Even when I went through with one lap to go I thought the clock was wrong as I worked out I was due to run 14-something but could hardly believe it.”

FULL RESULT – 5000m – A KIERAN CLEMENTS 8th (SB 13.57) and is ranked UK No.8 in 2021, B BETH POTTER 16th (PB 14.41) taking 43 seconds off her 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021, C LIZZIE BIRD 18th (SB 16.07) and is ranked UK No.8 in 2021

PURE ATHLETICS SPRING INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Clermont, Florida, USA on 4 April.
100m – SM 1.3 ANTONIO INFANTINO 2nd (10.36 w2.4), 2.1 ANTONIO finished 4th (SB 10.31 w1.0) taking .01 of a second off his 27 March time
200m – SM 1 ANTONIO INFANTINO 2nd (20.48 w1.6)

TRAFFORD OPEN OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Stretford on 3 April.
Discus 2kg – SM A NICK PERCY 2nd (60.13m)

PARKRUN 5K – Took place in Perry Lakes, Perth, Australia on 3 April.
5K –  STUART MOORE V60 92nd (30.33)

STANFORD INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Palo Alto, California, USA on 2-3 April.
5000m – SM JAMIE DEE (Iona College) 6th (PB 13:46.78) taking 5.16 seconds off his 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021
10000m – SM CHARLIE HICKS U23 (Stanford University) 1st (PB 28:25.29) and is ranked UK No.1 U23 in 2021

BIG NORTHFLORIDA INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Jacksonville, Florida, USA on 2-3 April.
Long Jump – SW B EAVION RICHARDSON (University of Iowa) 9th (5.69m w3.0)
Triple Jump – SW EAVION RICHARDSON (University of Iowa) 3rd (12.52m w1.3)

ST ALBANS 10K ROAD RACE – Took place in St Albans on 2 April.
10K – KEVIN WALDEN V35 69th (SB 38.09), TIM PARKIN V40 120th (SB 41.42) 541 runners finished

COMEBACK 5000m OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Battersea Park on 31 March.
5000m – SX 6 JEREMY DEMPSEY U23 1st (PB 14:18.81) taking 25.27 seconds off his 2017 time, and is ranked UK No.5 U23 in 2021, DYLAN EVANS 4th (PB 14:23.87), TOM BUTLER 7th (PB 14:29.65) taking .84 of a second off his 2019 time, SX 7 HENRY MCLUCKIE U20 4th (PB 13:56.20) taking 53.97 seconds off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.1 U20 and UK No.7 in 2021

JAKE SHELLEY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE – Hi ALAN, I hope you are well. I just wanted to send a quick update on our men’s distance squad in case you wanted to include it in your newsletter. Within 1 week of races in the UK recommencing, there were six Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers who ran under 14:30 for 5000m/5km, including three under 14:00.

Those were: JAMIE DEE, 13:46 at Stanford – HENRY MCLUCKIE, 13:56 at Battersea – KIERAN CLEMENTS, 13:57 at Podium 5k – JEREMY DEMPSEY, 14:18 at Battersea – DYLAN EVANS, 14:23 at Battersea TOM BUTLER, 14:29, also at Battersea.
We are all very excited with this progress and what it could mean for our squad’s chances once team events like the National XC, and the relays start up again, and when you factor in all of the other talented young distance runners who have also improved over the past 18 months. I am personally inspired by how well all the guys are running and how they have stuck at their training through a tough winter with very little in the way of races to aim for/be motivated by – Up the stripes JAKE

JAKE joined Shaftesbury in October 2003, aged 12, and was a student at Mill Hill County High School until 2009. Following this he qualified to take up a placement at Oxford University, where he studied for a MBiochem degree in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry from 2009-2013. During this time JAKE competed regularly in our cross country and track and field teams, and in 2011 he finished 11th in the Southern and National Cross Country Championships, and 5th In the 1500m at the England U23 Championships. He then decided to further his athletic and academic career, by crossing the pond to the USA, and settled on the University of New Mexico, taking a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology from 2013 to 2015. From 2017 to present JAKE has undertaken a Doctor of Philosophy PhD in Anti-Doping at Kingston University, he is also employed by England Rugby as Anti-Doping Programme Officer.

Since returning in 2016 JAKE has been a regular member of our Road Relay squad, and latterly in 2020, ran a personal best (13.46) at the Armagh 5k and (29.40) at the Chichester 10k.

MARTIN GREY REMEMBERS ‘KEN’ – MARTIN contacted me recently regarding his early memories of ARTHUR KENDALL.
Just before I left school in 1959, shortly before my 16th birthday, my father phoned the AAA office to find a local athletics club near to where we lived in Stanmore, so that I could continue with my passion for running. By chance it was KEN who answered the phone during his lunchtime spell away from his proper job to help out the AAA. He knew just the right club for me — Shaftesbury Harriers!!
I travelled to Headstone Manor, Harrow on my bike and was made very welcome by TONY SUNDERAND, VIC GILLICK, KEN TOLLADY, KEITH MACKAY, IAN LANDLESS, and many others. Sadly, my father never knew about this as he died that day whilst I was at Headstone. KEN himself was also there with a small magazine in his hand which he gave me to keep — Athletics Weekly. I think he also gave me one or two more without asking for any payment — 6d (2 1/2 pence). It is important to know that before KEN arrived at Headstone, after he had already been to Shaftesbury’s other tracks at Parliament Hill Fields, and Maccabi, Hendon and did all the travelling on public transport — on Sundays!
We will never forget moments and people like this. Best Regards, MARTIN

INTERNATIONAL RUNNING CHALLENGE AT CLUB LA SANTA, LANZAROTE – Takes place at the end of November, at Club La Santa, Lanzarote. The challenge in 2021 is the 31st edition, which consists of 4 races on consecutive days, with different distances and terrain. The event attracts some 500 to 600 competitors, of which at least 50% normally are from the UK. There are many groups from clubs all over England, and for some years, EAMON MARTIN has taken a group of athletes from his Basildon club.
Club La Santa is located on the north of the island, and is surrounded by the rugged coastline. The complex has some 400 apartments, with many sports facilities. These include an 8-lane track, Olympic and leisure pools, tennis courts, lagoon with free surf boarding lessons and mountain bikes. There is also an on-site Scuba Diving school. The restaurant is extremely good and inexpensive, also a large nightclub with evening entertainment.

In 2001, NEELAM KADERBHOY, DEREK SURREY and Myself, embarked on our first challenge. It was late November on a very cold Friday morning, the flight was from Luton Airport and after a 4-hour flight we arrived at Arricefe airport, with sunshine and 70 degrees. The transfer to the North of the Island was just over 1 Hour to reach Club La Santa.

Saturday was the day before the races commenced, so DEREK had the bright idea of seeing the area on Mountain Bikes. I believe we were out for some 4 hours, although we stopped for a beer in the village of La Santa. Following this we then cycled up to the village of La Gomera which was about a 2 mile climb uphill, then turned onto a dirt track to head back home. I would say it was not the worst experience I had, but hurtling downhill on a very rough track was not good fun, we eventually arrived back safely.
Sunday was the start of the 4-day challenge;
Day 1 – 10K Vince Regan Memorial Classic Road Run, on a 2-loop course around the lagoon, on asphalt roads toward the villages of La Santa and Caleta de Caballo.
Day 2 – 13K Ridge Run, taking you on both dirt trails and asphalt roads around one of the big volcanoes near to Club La Santa.
Day 3- 5K Beach Race, buses take you to the beach in Puerto del Carmen on the South side of the island, where you run 2 laps on very soft sand.
Day 4 – 21K La Vuelta de Tinajo, in which you start at Los Dolores Church in Mancha Blanca, also on the South side of the island. The start takes you 2k uphill, then around the volcanic “Montaña de Tinache”, through Tinajo and back to Club La Santa on both asphalt and dirt tracks, finishing with 300m of the track in the Stadium. Photograph of the Beach Race.

The races went quite well, with DEREK leading the way, finishing 5th in the 60-64 age-group. NEELAM I believe finished in the top 20 in the 30-34 age-group. I managed to finish Day 4, although my knee was hurting with probably 5 miles to go.
We went on a further 3 occasions, 2002, 2004 and 2005. In 2002 DEREK, had now moved up to the 65-69 age-group, and had an almighty tussle with a German athlete KARL. He had beaten DEREK in the first 2 races, DEREK pulled back some 20 seconds on the beach run. On the final day KARL just got the better of DEREK, to take the title by just over 20 seconds. In 2004 and 2005 I was now a spectator, and DEREK had been suffering with an injury over those 2 years.
In 2004, prior to going, the news had had reported an estimated 100 million locusts have forced tourists and locals to abandon beaches in the Canary Islands. The insects have swarmed into the island of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote after devastating crops across regions of Africa and the Mediterranean. The ground in the Canaries, was blanketed in the pink, 7cm (3in)-long creatures.
When we arrived, the roads were covered in dead locusts, and apparently, the majority of them had died, although at Club La Santa there were still a few of them on the balcony of our apartment.

A SHORT STORY ON RAY POWELL – If you have seen RAY run over the past years, he will have the black & white vest on, plus a pair of yellow patterned shorts (his trademark). You will see by the photograph, that he wishes to change his image. If you have any suggestions on what he should wear, I will pass it on.

HAYWARD FIELD READY FOR ACTION – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Track and field competition is back in Oregon this weekend with athletes enjoying the experience of a newly-built state-of-the-art stadium ahead of next year’s World Championships. Hayward Field makes a much-anticipated return to staging top-class athletics events this weekend and the famous venue in Oregon now boasts an impressive new design ahead of hosting next year’s World Athletics Championships. Construction began in 2018 to renovate the stadium and, after the grand opening was delayed by the pandemic, the action will begin with the Hayward Premiere meeting today (2 April). The impressive new arena has 12,650 permanent seats – which are expandable to nearly 25,000 – and it is designed with athletes in mind, but also for the spectator experience. There are no restricted views, for instance, whereas a large proportion of the seats are deliberately and uniquely packed around the finish line area. Crucially, it has been built with only one sport in mind too – track and field athletics – and unlike most other stadia it is not a multi-sport venue.

This means that in addition to the main outdoor synthetic track running surface and seating, the underbelly of the arena is dedicated to training areas with an indoor six-lane 140m long straight track and areas to jump and throw, plus of course strength and conditioning rooms. Even the spectator concourse is marked out with lines and can be used for running. It is estimated to have cost around $270m and was largely funded by Nike founder PHIL KNIGHT. Some fans have not enjoyed the idea of the historic Hayward Field grandstands being bulldozed to make way for a new stand. But the new venue certainly looks impressive and after this weekend’s Hayward Premiere meeting it stages the West Coast Classic (17 April), Oregon Relays (23-24 April), and Oregon Twilight (7 May). After this there is the NCAA Championships (9-12 June), the US Olympic Trials (18-27 June) and Prefontaine Classic (21 August) followed of course next year by the World Athletics Championships on 15-24 July.

LATEST UPDATE ON 2021 TRACK AND FIELD FIXTURES 1 APRIL – Subject to DCMS, Sport England, UKA and EA guidance. Changes from last week’s Newsletter are as follows, MYAL dates updated and the LICC 4 fixtures now confirmed.
National Athletic League (Senior Men/Women) dates are as follows – Sunday 6 June at Lee Valley (host SBH), Sunday 4 July at StoneX Stadium (host Harrow), Sunday 8 August at Woodford (host WGEL), Saturday 28 August at StoneX Stadium (host SBH) – 4 club divisions – we are in Premier London North with Harrow, Newham and Woodford. 

UK Youth Development League (Under 17 and 20 Men/Women) dates are as follows – Sunday 30 May at Bannister Stadium, Harrow, Sunday 27 June at Perivale Park, Greenford, Sunday 25 July at Ridlins Athletic Track, Stevenage, Sunday 5 September at StoneX Stadium – 5 club divisions – we are in London West with Harrow, Dacorum and Tring, Hillingdon, Stevenage and Team West London (TVH + ESM).

Middlesex Young Athletes League (Under 11, 13, 15 Boys/Girls and 17 Men/Women) confirmed dates are as follows – Saturday 22 May (Finsbury Park) field events, Sunday 23 May (Perivale) track events, Saturday 5 June (Finsbury Park) track events, Sunday 6 June (Perivale) field events, Sunday 27 June (Parliament Hill TBC).

Eastern Young Athletes League (Under 13, 15 Boys/Girls and 17 Men/Women) – Sunday 4 July at Hemel Hempstead, Sunday 15 August at StoneX Stadium, Sunday 12 September at Watford – 6 club divisions – we are with Dacorum and Tring, HAWCS, Herts Phoenix, St Albans and Watford.

London Inter Club Challenge (All age-groups Men/Women including Under 11 Boys/Girls) dates for – Round 1 will be held on Saturday 12 June and Sunday 13 June at Lee Valley Athletics Centre for U15, U17 and U20 age-groups. This open meeting will form the basis for selection for the Middlesex Schools team to compete at the English Schools Championships in Manchester on 9, 10 and 11 July. Rounds 2,3 and 4 are as follows, Saturday 10 July, Saturday 31 July, Saturday 21 August all at StoneX Stadium.

SCVAC Veterans League (35+ and above Men/Women) dates are still to be announced.

ATW CROSS COUNTRY SERIES NEXT RACE – The race scheduled for Saturday 27 March at Merchant Taylor’s School, Sandy Lodge, Northwood HA6 2HT, did not take place. The race has been rescheduled for Saturday 10 April, and are for Under 11, 13, 15 & 17s. This is the link for all details including entries – https://activetrainingworld.co.uk/event/atw-cross-country-series-round-2-3-10th-april-2021/

GB QUALIFICATION STANDARDS FOR TOKYO OLYMPICS 2021 – These are the following World Athletics qualification standards for all GB athletes:
Men – 100m (10.05), 200m (20.24), 400m (44.90), 800m (1:45.20), 1500m (3:35.00), 5000m (13:13.50), 10000m (27:28.00), 3000m Steeplechase (8:22.0), 110m Hurdles (13.32), 400m Hurdles (48.90), High Jump (2.33), Pole Vault (5.80), Long Jump (8.22), Triple Jump (17.14), Shot Put (21.10), Discus (66.00), Hammer (77.50), Decathlon (8350), Marathon (2:11.30).
Women – 100m (11.15), 200m (22.80), 400m (51.35), 800m (1:59.50), 1500m (3:35.00), 5000m (15:10.00), 10000m (31:25.00), 3000m Steeplechase (9:30.00), 100m Hurdles (12.84), 400m Hurdles (55.40), High Jump (1.96), Pole Vault (4.70), Long Jump (6.82), Triple Jump (14.32), Shot Put (18.50), Discus (63.50), Hammer (72.50), Heptathlon (6420), Marathon (2:29.30).

The final date that all standards are to be achieved is Sunday 27 June, the Marathon date is Monday 29 March. Team selection for all events is on Monday 28 June, and the Marathon on Tuesday 30 March.

Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020

BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES – Well there is just 531 days to the Opening Ceremony, you may wish to sign up to receive their Newsletter. Link – https://www.birmingham2022.com/register-your-interest/. Tickets will be on sale later this year, and can only be purchased through the official Commonwealth Games website, this is the link to register – https://www.birmingham2022.com/the-games/tickets/. This is the link to the current schedule for the 25 events – https://images.birmingham2022.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/11441664_CWGs_Daily_Competition_Schedule_FINAL.pdf.

ATHLETICS take place at the Alexander Stadium 2-7 August, with the Marathons on 30 July. There will be 59 medal events including a fully integrated Para Sport programme. TRIATHLON and PARA TRIATHLON take place at Sutton Park 29 and 31 July. The Individual races contest a 750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run, and the Team races contest a 250m swim, 7km cycle, 1.5km run. Link to all events – https://www.birmingham2022.com/the-games/sports/?utm_source=workflow&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=popup_work_flow_send_welcome_autoresponder_pop_up_footer_form&utm_content=2021-02-05

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING WEST STAND – SARACENS have appointed RAYNER ROWEN CONSTRUCTION to carry out the demolition and rebuild of the old West Stand. Work commenced on Monday 22 February and completion is planned for 6 May 2022.
Demolition commenced on 22 February with completion due on 23 April. This is a Link to the first Monthly Newsletter for the redevelopment, which shows site access and the initial site activities – C-0045 – West Stand Monthly Newsletter – February 2021 Rev A

PROCEDURES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM FROM JEREMY SOTHCOTT – The Stadium is now subject to the lockdown guidelines recently set by the Government. It re-opened on Monday 29 March under strict conditions. Check with your Coach for details.

SBH SUBSCRIPTIONS 2020-2021 – SBH Treasurer GEOFF MORPHITIS has sent me the following regarding subscriptions.
The Club AGM took place virtually at 19.30 on Tuesday 24 November. One of the resolutions which was passed dealt with Club Subscriptions as follows. “The Annual Membership Fee for new members from 1 December 2020 will increase to £50. Existing members who have paid their membership fee for year ended 30 September 2020 will be considered as having also paid their fee for the year ended 30 September 2021.
In other words, in recognition of the disruption caused by Covid-19, these members will have 2 years membership for the price of one.” Therefore, I’m now asking athletes who have not paid their subscription for the year ended 30/09/20 (£45) to pay, so as to qualify for the 2 for 1 concession together with the England Athletics Registration Fee of £15 for 2020/21. The total is £60 and should be paid NOW to; ACCOUNT NAME: SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS, BANK: HSBC, ACCOUNT NUMBER: 41308378, SORT CODE: 400426 – Please let me know when payment is made. Thanks GEOFF

UPDATE ON SBH FIXTURE CARD – We are in the process of finalising the 2021 Summer Fixture Card

CAN YOU HELP PLEASE – During the period when all competitions are suspended, I will do my upmost in keeping the Newsletter information and other content going.
I would welcome any contributions From Yourselves, any impending marriages, or additions to the family, any running or competing incidents, also past warm weather training/holidays (No Club 24 please). Currently the response has been excellent, but if you have anything that could make it into next week’s Newsletter – please email me.

THE FOLLOWING SBH DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION CAN EITHER BE VIEWED, DOWNLOADED OR PRINTED 
SBH 2021 Summer Fixture Card, and we will be publishing a draft  in the coming weeks.
Cross Country Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/cross-country/team-managers/
Road Running/Relay Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/road-running/team-managers/

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OF INTEREST CAN BE FOUND ON THE SBH HOME PAGE BY USING THIS LINK, THEN SELECT THE LEFT OR RIGHT ARROW – http://sbharriers.co.uk/
Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Club Hoody, information on how to purchase one, please go to the bottom of this Newsletter.

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Contact CLYDE GORDON on 07753 985525.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

PARKRUN – Can you make sure that you are registered as ‘Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers’, as the link I use to select all results only shows SBH athletes. If anyone is also officiating can you please contact me and advise me where and when.

PHOTOGRAPH’S – From time to time we have photographs of our members taken at meetings or presentations which we would like to use both on the website or incorporated within our report to our local newspaper. Can you please let me know if you do NOT want your photograph to be published. Also, I would appreciate if you could send me any photographs, which I can then publish on the website and newsletter.

CLUB EMBROIDERED RED HOODIES – Currently there are now over 750 Hoodies in circulation, this is the link giving details on how you can order your Club Hoody for £35, which includes having your name embroidered on the front Club Hoodies Updated 01-07-19

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

CURRENT DISTRIBUTION OF SHAFTESBURY INFORMATION – Currently I notify members (by email) using “MailChimp”. The reason I changed, was in November 2017 “Gmail” put a limit of 100 addresses that users could send to in a 24-hour period, and currently I send to approximately 850 members each issue.

On seeking technical advice “MailChimp” was recommended as the best way for SBH to go forward. There is one thing you should be aware off is that when you receive an email from me, the footer at the bottom has 4 options, of which one is “Unsubscribe Me From List”. Could I ask you not to select this as if you do you will be automatically removed from my distribution list.

SBH PRIVACY STATEMENT – In becoming a member, SBH will collect certain information about you. Can you please read the attached ‘Privacy Statement’ which contains Information on General Data Protection Regulations – SBH Privacy Statement Final April 2018

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 1 April to Ena Akpata, Dominic Bannister, Grant Brown, Phillip Crout, Abigail Edwards, Richard Goodman, Phillipa Lowe, Alfredo Melao, Paul Simons, Claire Spurway, Tim Underhill and Amelia Wills

RECENT NEW MEMBERS – We wish you a very warm welcome, and a happy, healthy and successful time with Shaftesbury to RAPHAEL AARON, EMILY DUNNE, ALANNAH FASHANU, JOSHUA FISHER, ABDIRAHIM HAMUD, NICOLE MCGOVERN, EFE UWAIFO and EVE WRIGHT

MIDDLESEX YOUNG ATHLETES LEAGUE – Just clarifying why there are consecutive dates for the first two fixtures. On Saturday 22 May (Finsbury Park) the events are field events only, Sunday 23 May (Perivale) the events are track events only. On Saturday 5 June (Finsbury Park) the events are track events only, and Sunday 6 June (Perivale) the events are field events only. This will enable ‘social distancing’ to be achieved far easier.

LATEST UPDATE ON 2021 TRACK AND FIELD FIXTURES 1 APRIL – Subject to DCMS, Sport England, UKA and EA guidance. Changes from last week’s Newsletter are as follows, MYAL dates updated and the LICC 4 fixtures now confirmed.
National Athletic League (Senior Men/Women) dates are as follows – Sunday 6 June at Lee Valley (host SBH), Sunday 4 July at StoneX Stadium (host Harrow), Sunday 8 August at Woodford (host WGEL), Saturday 28 August at StoneX Stadium (host SBH) – 4 club divisions – we are in Premier London North with Harrow, Newham and Woodford. 

UK Youth Development League (Under 17 and 20 Men/Women) dates are as follows – Sunday 30 May at Bannister Stadium, Harrow, Sunday 27 June at Perivale Park, Greenford, Sunday 25 July at Ridlins Athletic Track, Stevenage, Sunday 5 September at StoneX Stadium – 5 club divisions – we are in London West with Harrow, Dacorum and Tring, Hillingdon, Stevenage and Team West London (TVH + ESM).

Middlesex Young Athletes League (Under 11, 13, 15 Boys/Girls and 17 Men/Women) confirmed dates are as follows – Saturday 22 May (Finsbury Park) field events, Sunday 23 May (Perivale) track events, Saturday 5 June (Finsbury Park) track events, Sunday 6 June (Perivale) field events, Sunday 27 June (Parliament Hill TBC).

Eastern Young Athletes League (Under 13, 15 Boys/Girls and 17 Men/Women) – Sunday 4 July at Watford, Sunday 15 August at StoneX Stadium, Sunday 12 September at Watford – 6 club divisions – we are with Dacorum and Tring, HAWCS, Herts Phoenix, St Albans and Watford.

London Inter Club Challenge (All age-groups Men/Women including Under 11 Boys/Girls) dates for – Round 1 will be held on Saturday 12 June and Sunday 13 June at Lee Valley Athletics Centre for U15, U17 and U20 age-groups. This open meeting will form the basis for selection for the Middlesex Schools team to compete at the English Schools Championships in Manchester on 9, 10 and 11 July. Rounds 2,3 and 4 are as follows, Saturday 10 July, Saturday 31 July, Saturday 21 August all at StoneX Stadium.

SCVAC Veterans League (35+ and above Men/Women) dates are still to be announced.

UPDATED ON 29 MARCH, ON VOLUNTEERS FROM RAY POWELL – Hope that you are all keeping well, and are slowly getting your jabs.
The date for the Standard Chartered Great City Race was incorrectly sent by London Marathon, it is Tuesday 20 July. The response so far,  has been very good but we still require more volunteers please.

Westminster Mile Sunday 30 May – 20 volunteers required – 16 at present – 4 more required.
Vitality 10k Monday 31 May – 20 volunteers required – we have a full team, thank you.
Standard Chartered Great City Race Tuesday 20 July – 25 volunteers required – 6 more required.
Big Half Marathon Sunday 22 August – 30 volunteers required – 13 at present – 17 more required.
London Mini Marathon Sunday 3 October – 62 volunteers needed – 40 at present – 22 more required.

I know that some of the races are a way off, but if you feel that you can help, please let me know now, as it makes the planning a lot easier. Please contact CLARE & RAY at ray571m@btopenworld.com

ATW CROSS COUNTRY SERIES NEXT RACE – The race scheduled for Saturday 27 March at Merchant Taylor’s School, Sandy Lodge, Northwood HA6 2HT, did not take place. The race has been rescheduled for Saturday 10 April, and are for Under 11, 13, 15 & 17s. This is the link for all details including entries – https://activetrainingworld.co.uk/event/atw-cross-country-series-round-2-3-10th-april-2021/

QUEENSLAND TRACK CLASSIC OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Brisbane, Australia on 27 March.
Discus 1kg – SW JADE LALLY 2nd (58.24m)

THE FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Miramar, Florida, USA on 27 March.
100m – SM 1 ANTONIO INFANTINO 2nd (SB 10.32 w2.7)
100m – SW 1 LINA NIELSEN 1st (PB 11.56 w3.4) taking .41 of a second off her 2018 time
200m – SM 1 ANTONIO INFANTINO 3rd (SB 20.38 w2.5)
200m – SW 1 LINA NIELSEN 2nd (PB 23.13 w1.3) taking .90 of a second off her 2016 time, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

BIG TEN INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Bloomington, Indiana, USA on 26-27 March.
Long Jump – SW B EAVION RICHARDSON (University of Iowa) 6th (SB 5.86m w2.4)

ORU INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA on 26-27 March.
Discus 2kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 1st (50.77m)
Hammer 7.26kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 3rd (PB 53.92m) and is ranked UK No.9 in 2021

MELBOURNE CLASSIC OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Melbourne, Australia on 25 March.
Discus 1kg – SW JADE LALLY 2nd (55.67m)

JO NEWALL OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR 2018 – I have been a volunteer in one form or another since my early twenties, originally as a Tawney Owl with a Brownie pack in Finchley until I started a family. Once my daughter was old enough to start Brownies, I joined with her as a pack helper in Edgware. After about 18 months the presiding ‘Brown Owl’ decided to retire and I was persuaded to take on the role, which I did for the next 12 years. I also decided that as the pack leader it would be a good idea to learn some first aid (back then it wasn’t mandatory). I took a course with the local St John Ambulance and soon after joined them but continued as Brown Owl. A few years later, I started running the SJA Badger Sett (children from 6- 11).

Unfortunately, in 1997 my husband, SID, suffered a stroke and something had to give. I had to choose between Brownies, Badgers and St John. Badgers won as going out on First Aid duties was something Sid and I could still do together; we spent a lot of time at Copthall Stadium assisting with events being held there – mainly athletics.
Towards the end of the 2015 I decided for various reasons that It was time to step back from St John and at the last athletics meeting of the season in the officials’ room, I let DAVE BRADLEY know that I would not be around the following year and jokingly said “perhaps I’ll become an official because I’d miss the biscuits”. GERALD came to hear of my remark and the next thing I knew I was enrolled on officiating courses – Health & Safety and, as GERALD is a Starter/ Marksman, he suggested I might like to try these disciplines rather than track or field. Little did I know what I was getting myself into!
I went to the Tri-Counties meeting at Lee Valley intending to shadow the marking team, but when I arrived, I was asked to fill in as one team member had had to withdraw – nothing like being thrown in at the deep end! But it was a fantastic learning experience having to remember what to check, who to signal and when, where to find athlete information I needed. It made, what sounded so daunting during the course, come to life and although I made some mistakes it was the best way to learn and to try not to make them again. Since that day in 2016 I have officiated at many meetings, not only at Copthall but all over the country at club, league and county level. Since I qualified at level 3, I am now able to work at national meetings, but not always in discipline.

One of the more enjoyable non-discipline jobs I have done is working in a call room as there you get to meet officials and athletes from all disciplines, joining in with the banter while checking kit etcetera.
As a novice starter, I had to use the orange, blocked barrelled guns which, if taken care of, will last about two years but are temperamental. I always felt more confident when using the guns of a senior starter (thanks GERALD). Having worked through the levels and held level 3 for over a year I am now entitled to use open barrelled guns at all meetings where I am selected to start.
I still think it very strange that some misguided person thought it ok to let me loose with a firearm. I’ve not shot any one yet, but……
Endurance events didn’t figure high in my mindset as I prefer working on solid ground and not squelching around in mud, snow and rain but I was persuaded to give it a go and found I quite enjoyed it. It’s an amazing sight watching several hundred runners charging up the hill at Parliament Hill Fields – and managing not to get trampled to death in the stampede.

I was honoured to receive the SBH Official of the Year award in 2018 just weeks after obtaining my level 3 as a starter.
All in all, I think becoming a technical official has certainly been one of my best decisions and one that I would recommend any one to try.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR ARTHUR J.C. KENDALL B.E.M 1906-1984 – Was Held on Thursday 27 September 1984 at St Mary-at-Finchley Parish Church N3 at 3pm. The address was presented on behalf of Shaftesbury Harriers by HUGH STARKEY.

When I last met KEN, it was just like the other times. Copthall. A Southern League track fixture in mid-June this year. He was standing against the sort of bar in the pavilion with a clip-board. He wasn’t in charge. But I was sure he knew what was going on. You could rely on that. KEN always knew what was going on. He looked diffident. He always looked diffident – You, whoever you were, were always the important person. KEN made you feel important. Valued. “Ah, hello HUGH ” “Hello KEN. Good to see you. How are you, better I hope?” “Uh yes, thank you.” Not talkative, KEN. Kept to the point, the minimum of conversation really. Even when you worked really closely with him, I gather. “Uh DAVE’S got the numbers. He’s out there. Are you entering the Southern this year? I’ve got a form.” That was KEN. Any of my team mates would have dismissed my chances of making the Southern with a wry laugh. KEN wasn’t like that. KEN had faith. KEN wanted athletes to aim high, to achieve their best. KEN not only suggested a goal, he made it possible; seem natural even. He had the form ready. For years, come to think of it, I received a Middlesex entry form, a Southern entry form and some years a AAA entry form through the post. When I moved house, I still got the forms. Talking to other people.

I now realize this was not just a special favour for me. It was a special favour but not just for me. Think of the work – all those envelopes to all those athletes, addressed by hand. Yes, but think of thinking of doing it, what that means. Thinking that this individual, and that one and the other would find it easier to enter the championships if they received a form direct without having to ask for it. And that was KEN. The anonymous, helpful, thoughtful gesture. No not gesture. This was no token. Nothing half-hearted. This was a way of thinking of athletics administration. You start with the athlete; you see what he needs and you enable it to happen. Enabling things to happen was perhaps KEN’S special gift and it was done by unstinting hard work, careful and skilful administration and personal contact with individuals. This is an occasion when, amongst other things, members of Shaftesbury Harriers can remember and reflect on the legacy that KEN has left us.

For a start, there is the club itself. Shaftesbury Harriers is a name now known throughout Britain and on the continent where this very weekend our Young Athletes, KEN’S special concern of recent years, are competing in the European club championship in Belgium. Shaftesbury Harriers. We carry the name with pride. But it is no doubt in large measure due to KEN that the name and the club still survive because in the early thirties the club was not strong and there was talk of an amalgamation. But KEN took things as ever by the scruff of the neck. Within two years of joining the club he was its secretary and on taking over he entered the club in the Middlesex and Southern track leagues for its first ever inter -club track matches. HAROLD ASHTON wrote in his history of the club: “In 1933 ARTHUR KENDALL became Hon Secretary and the club extended its activities and successes began to come; it is no exaggeration to say that the club that we know today is based on the groundwork and inspiration of KEN.” We are here today to remember and give thanks for that.

Communication with individuals was the basis of KEN’S approach, as I have said. For those of you who are not aware of the fact it will come as no surprise to learn that it was KEN who in 1939 had the idea of producing a Shaftesbury Harriers Quarterly and who did most of the initial work of preparing it for duplication. His first editorial expresses vividly his idea of what are our sport is and should be all about. “We feel that we are making a distinctly progressive move…” (Yes, that was KEN, never standing still, not a traditionalist) “a distinctly progressive move in producing Shaftesbury Harriers Quarterly as we anticipate that it will assist in maintaining the spirit of comradeship that exists among our members and that it will help old members and our many friends to keep in touch with the club”. What a testimony to that far- sighted vision that so many of us, members and friends of the club are gathered here today. And KEN took further, practical steps to maintain that contact and that spirit of friendship. He personally wrote to all those members dispersed on active service in the last war and kept track of them, until he too was mobilised and sent to West Africa. In the same spirit he undertook to write to many former members in all parts of the world to invite contributions to the club house appeal. He had a prodigious and tidy memory. He never seemed to need to write himself notes of the tasks he promised or set himself to do. But his word was enough. A promise from KEN to write to the Borough or send someone an entry form was enough. The task was invariably done.

KEN was himself no mean athlete, of course. He was the first Shaftesbury Harrier to run for Middlesex. The various club trophies that have passed through my hands over the years are all notable for the number of AJC KENDALL’S inscribed on them. “Dogged” is a word used to describe his running. A dogged runner” determined and persistent. For many people ARTHUR KENDALL was the epitome of Shaftesbury Harriers. Generations of athletes have been introduced to the club, helped and encouraged through the various stages of their athletic careers by KEN. Sometimes his unseen hand caused cheques to be discreetly written for a youngster to go on a coaching course or be enabled to have the right equipment. No fuss, just the generous gesture, the thoughtful, encouraging action, the concern with the young, the ordinary athlete, the grass roots. Some were encouraged to play a part in the administration of the club and KEN trusted people to do a job. He never thrust himself forward but he was always there prepared to step in to fill a gap. Thus in the seventies after his retirement he was club treasurer. Even this year he was taking entries for the club ‘10’. At committee meetings, he was, as you would expect, quiet, letting others talk out issues but then he would intervene. He would summarize the discussion and his words carried the weight of experience and the philosophy of one whose main concern is for the athlete, the grass roots of the sport. KEN was always worth listening to.

KEN was somehow always there. He never took a holiday, not one that would make him miss a weekend fixture, until 1972. His words then are revealing “I was away from home for nearly six months and covered about 32000 miles … The boat trips I found distinctly boring, largely I suppose because I am not used to so much idleness.” The astonishing thing is that this phenomenal worker chose to use his energies not for his own aggrandisement, not for empire building or personal glory but for the benefit of young people mostly of modest sporting achievement. It there was a clash of fixtures on a Saturday, he would choose to support the Young Athletes by preference, otherwise the Southern League team would have his support, last of all he would choose the more glamorous British League or International fixture where likely as not he would take on an essential but almost unnoticed task. It is faxinating to read KEN’S obituaries of two former members written in 1967. Of ERNIE REAVELL:  “He was an unassuming official who was always ready to help and made many friends in athletics.” of FRANK SWALLOW: “After his retirement he was in great demand as an Official at various school meetings as he was popular with young people”. We may be forgiven a smile at the appropriateness of those words to this occasion today. And as a tribute the Club is naming its boys race after Arthur Kendall.

And so, as a club, we celebrate today the life and the example of someone to whom all of us here have reason to be immensely grateful. And we can picture KEN at his most typical, on his beloved Hampstead Heath, exposed to all the elements, surrounded by young people in black & white striped vests giving out the safety pins.

Link to the Order of Service – Order Of Service Arthur Kendall Memorial and a brief history including KEN’s memorial fund by GEOFF MORHITIS Arthur Kendall Memorial Service Address also early photograph’s of KEN, apologies for the quality SBH Arthur Kendall BEM 22.03.21

MUSEUM OF WORLD ATHLETICS LAUNCHED ONLINE – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Over the years there have been various attempts to keep the history of the sport alive. Athletics has a strong presence, of course, in the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, whereas the Olympic Museum in Barcelona was a temporary home to an IAAF centenary exhibition in 2012.
Similarly, a shopping centre in Doha housed a World Athletics collection of memorabilia for six months in the run-up to the 2019 World Championships in the Qatari city. Then there is the National Track & Field Hall of Fame in New York, which was founded almost half a century ago.
In Britain, a group of enthusiasts have worked hard in recent years to maintain a collection of primarily written material such as old programmes, books and of course magazines like AW. There have been temporary exhibitions, too, such as at Alexander Stadium during the Diamond League in Birmingham. But plans to build a bricks and mortar museum at the Olympic Park in London in 2012 did not materialise, which means of course that much of the historical material is currently inaccessible to fans.
During the past year, of course, museums have been largely inaccessible anyway due to the pandemic. Given this, World Athletics has created an online museum to allow fans to immerse themselves in the history of the sport without stepping outside their own homes.

The Museum of World Athletics – or MOWA for short – features 3D images of shoes, clothing and equipment, plus medals and more. It has evolved following the creation of the World Athletics heritage initiative in 2018 “to honour, preserve and promote the sport’s history” and includes attractive computer-generated images combined with actual high-quality photographs of various items and artefacts.
It’s goal? To excite, educate and entertain.
“It has been born out of necessity,” CHRIS TURNER from World Athletics heritage department admits. “Covid-19 caused the cancellation of our plans for public events in 2020 and so the answer was simple: to go online.”
World Athletics president SEB COE adds: “We’re not only the first international sports federation to launch a 3D sports museum online but MOWA is the first virtual sports museum of any kind in the world.”
The museum includes items such as GRETE WALTZ’S racing shoes from her heyday in the early 1980s and the singlet and number that HERB ELLIOTT wore when winning the Olympic 1500m title in a world record in 1960,

A World Championships collection room is a focal point of the museum as it opens this week, but World Athletics plan to unveil an Olympic Games section in July followed by a section for road running, race walking, indoor athletics and cross-country in the autumn.
AW enjoyed an exclusive and extensive tour around the museum several days ago in advance of the official launch. Afterwards, World Athletics president COE spoke with enthusiasm about the initiative and he enjoyed a short chat with middle-distance legend ELLIOTT via video from Australia plus WAITZ’S husband and coach JACK in Norway. As part of the launch today (March 15) a heritage plaque has also been awarded in honour of ELLIOTT’S coach, PERCY CERUTTY.
So, what is the MOWA experience like? Pretty good, I have to say. A bit like reading this article online in comparison to flicking through the pages of a printed magazine, some people will inevitably prefer the idea of visiting a museum in person rather than viewing items digitally. But during the pandemic we have little option and World Athletics has made a fine job.
There is a section focusing on the ancient history of athletics and how it has developed in the past 3000 years. Iconic artefacts from every continent are on display too. However, the focal point so far is, not surprisingly, the World Championships area where everything from CARL LEWIS’S singlet through to MO FARAH’S racing spikes are on view. Read More: Our 5 favourite artefacts in MOWA

There are a few sound effects but instead of the shrill and arguably irritating music that visitors to the Diamond League website have found in recent years, it is the quiet rumble of footsteps and light chatter that you would find ordinarily in a museum.
The sound effects aren’t intrusive and make it feel very authentic. Add to this the general design – which includes images of make-belief visitors and even the same style of toilets that you would find in a real-life museum – and at times it really does feel like you are there.
If you grew up playing Space Invaders and Pacman, you will be blown away with the graphics. If you are part of the Fortnite generation, you will feel right at home.
Much of the technology involved in the MOWA is down to a company called dcSPORT, which is headed up by JASON GARDENER, the former world and European indoor 60m champion.
GARDENER’S team took 36 photos of each artefact at successive 10-degree angles to create the 3D element. The pictures were high quality, too, so that if you zoom in you can see every scratch or mark on the footwear or apparel.
GARDENER says: “We wanted it to be a stunning visual, immersive, engaging and enjoyable place to visit. To be part of this big project where anyone with internet access can tap into this rich history is amazing.”
Many athletics moments last only a few minutes or even seconds, but their memory endures forever. Consider the blur of a 60m sprint, for example, or a shot putter spinning or sliding across a throws circle, or a triple jumper bounding into a pit. These feats of athleticism are over in a flash but the MOWA will allow them to endure for years to come.
Not only is MOWA impressive but it will inevitably grow in coming months and years if it can continue to get hold of interesting material. “MOWA is a myriad of marvellous memories and moments which few other sports can match,” says TURNER. “But we are entirely dependent on the generous donations from athletes.”
To check out the museum, CLICK HERE

MEN AND WOMEN WANT DIFFERENT CROSS-COUNTRY DISTANCES – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Early findings from UK Athletics survey shows women generally prefer to race 8km and men like 10km – and in separate races too. Female cross-country runners want to race over 8km and men prefer the 10km distance. Individual races for men and women are better than a mixed race. And when it comes to organising cross-country events, grassroots competition providers probably know best. Those are the findings so far from the cross-country questionnaire which was released by UK Athletics at the start of this year.

After more than 10,000 responses the governing body says the reaction has been so overwhelming and detailed that “cross country would benefit from a wider strategy to be produced that recognises the event’s unique characteristics and requirements”.

So, no immediate decisions will be made when it comes to racing distances and gender equality over the country. Instead, Welsh endurance coach CHRIS JONES will work with interim head of endurance ROB DENMARK to create a new “endurance sub-group of competition working group” with a goal of making “enhancements, greater investment in cross country, and in turn a more cohesive community that believes equity is important and can be addressed in the most practical way without impacting the integrity of the event”.

On the early findings from the survey, UKA listed three key points in a statement:

» A majority of respondents showed preference for separate male and female races to maintain value and exposure and quality of racing and although some respondents felt that equity could be achieved through one mixed race, this was not a majority preference.

» There was a difference in preference of distance between men and women though, with the majority of women preferring 8km and men seeing 10km as the optimum racing distance.

» And while more than half of respondents think guidance from national governing bodies is important, there was an even greater preference for competition providers at a local level to determine how best to deliver cross country competition most effectively.

Read More: Thousands respond to gender equality survey

UKA said their survey also gave them insight into finding improved courses in future, raising the profile of cross country and “creating a product that is welcoming to all”.

GB QUALIFICATION STANDARDS FOR TOKYO OLYMPICS 2021 – These are the following World Athletics qualification standards for all GB athletes:
Men – 100m (10.05), 200m (20.24), 400m (44.90), 800m (1:45.20), 1500m (3:35.00), 5000m (13:13.50), 10000m (27:28.00), 3000m Steeplechase (8:22.0), 110m Hurdles (13.32), 400m Hurdles (48.90), High Jump (2.33), Pole Vault (5.80), Long Jump (8.22), Triple Jump (17.14), Shot Put (21.10), Discus (66.00), Hammer (77.50), Decathlon (8350), Marathon (2:11.30).
Women – 100m (11.15), 200m (22.80), 400m (51.35), 800m (1:59.50), 1500m (3:35.00), 5000m (15:10.00), 10000m (31:25.00), 3000m Steeplechase (9:30.00), 100m Hurdles (12.84), 400m Hurdles (55.40), High Jump (1.96), Pole Vault (4.70), Long Jump (6.82), Triple Jump (14.32), Shot Put (18.50), Discus (63.50), Hammer (72.50), Heptathlon (6420), Marathon (2:29.30).

The final date that all standards are to be achieved is Sunday 27 June, the Marathon date is Monday 29 March. Team selection for all events is on Monday 28 June, and the Marathon on Tuesday 30 March.

Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020

BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES – Well there is just 531 days to the Opening Ceremony, you may wish to sign up to receive their Newsletter. Link – https://www.birmingham2022.com/register-your-interest/. Tickets will be on sale later this year, and can only be purchased through the official Commonwealth Games website, this is the link to register – https://www.birmingham2022.com/the-games/tickets/. This is the link to the current schedule for the 25 events – https://images.birmingham2022.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/11441664_CWGs_Daily_Competition_Schedule_FINAL.pdf.

ATHLETICS take place at the Alexander Stadium 2-7 August, with the Marathons on 30 July. There will be 59 medal events including a fully integrated Para Sport programme. TRIATHLON and PARA TRIATHLON take place at Sutton Park 29 and 31 July. The Individual races contest a 750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run, and the Team races contest a 250m swim, 7km cycle, 1.5km run. Link to all events – https://www.birmingham2022.com/the-games/sports/?utm_source=workflow&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=popup_work_flow_send_welcome_autoresponder_pop_up_footer_form&utm_content=2021-02-05

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING WEST STAND – SARACENS have appointed RAYNER ROWEN CONSTRUCTION to carry out the demolition and rebuild of the old West Stand. Work commenced on Monday 22 February and completion is planned for 6 May 2022.
Demolition commenced on 22 February with completion due on 23 April. This is a Link to the first Monthly Newsletter for the redevelopment, which shows site access and the initial site activities – C-0045 – West Stand Monthly Newsletter – February 2021 Rev A

The day has come, the West Stand has now been reduced to a pile of rubble. JEREMY SOTHCOTT sent me these pictures after it’s final demise.

PROCEDURES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM FROM JEREMY SOTHCOTT – The Stadium is now subject to the lockdown guidelines recently set by the Government. It re-opened on Monday 29 March under strict conditions. Check with your Coach for details.

SBH SUBSCRIPTIONS 2020-2021 – SBH Treasurer GEOFF MORPHITIS has sent me the following regarding subscriptions.
The Club AGM took place virtually at 19.30 on Tuesday 24 November. One of the resolutions which was passed dealt with Club Subscriptions as follows. “The Annual Membership Fee for new members from 1 December 2020 will increase to £50. Existing members who have paid their membership fee for year ended 30 September 2020 will be considered as having also paid their fee for the year ended 30 September 2021.
In other words, in recognition of the disruption caused by Covid-19, these members will have 2 years membership for the price of one.” Therefore, I’m now asking athletes who have not paid their subscription for the year ended 30/09/20 (£45) to pay, so as to qualify for the 2 for 1 concession together with the England Athletics Registration Fee of £15 for 2020/21. The total is £60 and should be paid NOW to; ACCOUNT NAME: SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS, BANK: HSBC, ACCOUNT NUMBER: 41308378, SORT CODE: 400426 – Please let me know when payment is made. Thanks GEOFF

UPDATE ON SBH FIXTURE CARD – We are in the process of finalising the 2021 Summer Fixture Card

CAN YOU HELP PLEASE – During the period when all competitions are suspended, I will do my upmost in keeping the Newsletter information and other content going.
I would welcome any contributions From Yourselves, any impending marriages, or additions to the family, any running or competing incidents, also past warm weather training/holidays (No Club 24 please). Currently the response has been excellent, but if you have anything that could make it into next week’s Newsletter – please email me.

THE FOLLOWING SBH DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION CAN EITHER BE VIEWED, DOWNLOADED OR PRINTED 
SBH 2021 Summer Fixture Card, and we will be publishing a draft  in the coming weeks.
Cross Country Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/cross-country/team-managers/
Road Running/Relay Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/road-running/team-managers/

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OF INTEREST CAN BE FOUND ON THE SBH HOME PAGE BY USING THIS LINK, THEN SELECT THE LEFT OR RIGHT ARROW – http://sbharriers.co.uk/
Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Club Hoody, information on how to purchase one, please go to the bottom of this Newsletter.

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Contact CLYDE GORDON on 07753 985525.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

PARKRUN – Can you make sure that you are registered as ‘Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers’, as the link I use to select all results only shows SBH athletes. If anyone is also officiating can you please contact me and advise me where and when.

PHOTOGRAPH’S – From time to time we have photographs of our members taken at meetings or presentations which we would like to use both on the website or incorporated within our report to our local newspaper. Can you please let me know if you do NOT want your photograph to be published. Also, I would appreciate if you could send me any photographs, which I can then publish on the website and newsletter.

CLUB EMBROIDERED RED HOODIES – Currently there are now over 750 Hoodies in circulation, this is the link giving details on how you can order your Club Hoody for £35, which includes having your name embroidered on the front Club Hoodies Updated 01-07-19

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

CURRENT DISTRIBUTION OF SHAFTESBURY INFORMATION – Currently I notify members (by email) using “MailChimp”. The reason I changed, was in November 2017 “Gmail” put a limit of 100 addresses that users could send to in a 24-hour period, and currently I send to approximately 850 members each issue.

On seeking technical advice “MailChimp” was recommended as the best way for SBH to go forward. There is one thing you should be aware off is that when you receive an email from me, the footer at the bottom has 4 options, of which one is “Unsubscribe Me From List”. Could I ask you not to select this as if you do you will be automatically removed from my distribution list.

SBH PRIVACY STATEMENT – In becoming a member, SBH will collect certain information about you. Can you please read the attached ‘Privacy Statement’ which contains Information on General Data Protection Regulations – SBH Privacy Statement Final April 2018

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER