The Finish Line’s In Sight
As we all know, there’s nothing quite like that feeling you get when the finish line comes into view. From an ultramarathon (presumably!) all the way down to a Parkrun when a PB’s in the offing, the sight of the finish unlocks that last little reserve of endurance and energy which you trade for the imminent reward of completion.
And so it is with Lockdown.
At last week’s HJ committee meeting the return to HJ activities was top of the list for discussion. Government guidelines allow for groups of six people to gather outside from March 29 which, so the HJ Tuesday runs will resume the very next day. They’ll be limited to six people (one leader and five in the pack) and there will be an online booking system in place. More details to come on the booking protocols, and booking will open on Sunday March 28th. Expect it to be like trying to get tickets for Glastonbury. 100 open browser tabs at the ready!
No word on track sessions or long Sunday runs just yet but expect an update in the coming weeks.
Say what, now?
Here’s some information on the AGM which will be enjoyed by any fans of Joseph Heller’s ‘Catch 22’.
Rule 10 of the HJ Club provides that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) “shall be held during the month of April”. During unprecedented times, the AGM in 2020 was held virtually on 30 September. Rather than hold a virtual meeting next month, as per Rule 10, the Committee decided at their last meeting to postpone the 2021 AGM to later this year, when we are likely to be able to meet up and socialise together. Depending on the availability of the Horsham Sports & Cricket Club, the plan is to hold the 2021 AGM in August. You will, of course, be given 21 days’ notice of the meeting date once confirmed, pursuant to the rules!
Breaking our own Rule 10 for two consecutive years strongly suggests the need to make this rule more flexible. Rule 13 provides that “no alteration or addition may be made to the Rules except by an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting called for the purpose.” The Committee propose to amend Rule 10, for voting at the next AGM, such that it provides some flexibility, to deal with unforeseen circumstances.
“An AGM shall be held during the month of April every year…”
will be amended to
“An AGM shall be held every year, in April unless the Committee decide to postpone for good reason(s) to a later month…”
Pay up – or else…
It’s that time again, peeps. HJ Membership renewal for 2021/2022 is due on April 1st. As we have frozen membership fees this year at £10.00 / individual, and £20 / family, your HJ membership fees remain the best value spend you can possibly make.
England Athletics have also frozen their membership for 2021/2022 at £15.00.
The easiest way to renew your membership is via the memberzone which can be found on the HJ website.
Quizzy Rascals, Quiz Team Aguilera, Let’s Get Quizzical, etc…
The HJ Quiz is one of the highlights of the Horsham social calendar and, while we cannot yet convene in person, we do have a Zoom-based pub quiz planned for all the family on Thursday 25th March at 7:00pm (until 8:15pm). Organiser Roger offers the tempting information that there will be prizes, although really it’s all about the glory. There will be 5 rounds, including Geography, Music and Film, with a running theme woven throughout. The Zoom details are below (and will be posted again a few days before), so make a note in your diaries!
Meeting ID: 886 0986 3901
Passcode: 858619
South Downs Way Relay – Update
This just in from John Wilcox:
Organizers have decided to move the Douth Downs Way Relay from Saturday June 5th to Saturday July 3rd to increase the chances of the event going ahead. A full refund will be given to any teams already entered who find they cannot participate on this date.
The deadline for entries is still Thursday 1st April. All other information and requirements on the invitation remain the same.
Horsham 10k – Update
Hopefully the weekend after the SDWR will see our very own club race go ahead on Sunday July 11th. The HJ Committee will be monitoring further announcements from the government and will make a final decision regarding the race after our April meeting, and not later than May 1st.
Club Marathon Places
The club are still awaiting a decision from the organisers of both the London and Brighton Marathons as to whether we will be allocated any club places, and how many might be made available. Once we have an update we will make an announcement to clarify the criteria for entering the ballot for these places.
Community Spirit
We’re always on the lookout for ways in which the club could make contributions to the local community. The HJ Run & Talk team are hoping to get some activities underway as lockdown recedes and the club is open to suggestions from everyone. If you have an idea, please share with us!
On my honour!
On that note, we are pleased to announce that we have two members who this year qualify for honorary membership (being over 65 and having been a paying member for a minimum of the previous ten years).
There are apparently three existing HJHMs who have not yet confirmed their agreement for HJ to retain their personal details for a further four years. If they wish to remain members, they are asked to consent to their data being held. Hopefully you all know who you are!
Save money!
March 2021 https://www.sportsshoes.com/ club discount code is: HVSAJ8 With this running club promotion code, you enjoy 10% off and FREE standard delivery on all orders over £30, expires 02-04-21
If you encounter issues with this discount code please contact sportsshoes customer service dept on: 01274 530 530 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
Also a reminder that HJ members qualify for a 10% discount at Up & Running, on presentation of their membership.
Subscribe to Emails
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Events Calendar:
March 25th HJ Pub Quiz
March 30th Tuesday runs restart!
April 1st Membership renewals due
April 25th Goodwood 5, 10k, HM, 20, Full M
May 1st – 3rd Mid-Sussex Virtual Half Marathon Wkd
May 2nd Three Forts Marathon
May 9th Dunsfold Jigsaw Run 10k
May 15th Eastbourne Trackstar Marathon and Half
