Hillingdon AC – Membership Statement 2020/21

At the start of the membership year 2020/21 the Management Committee agreed to suspend membership subscriptions pending further certainty regarding restarting normal club activities. We are fortunate that due to sound financial management and the Club’s strong financial position we are in a position to withstand this cash flow reduction. We have also been in receipt of £10,000 from the government’s support package and helped by being able to host this year’s Hillingdon 20 prior to lockdown. In addition certain competition related outgoings have not arisen due to the cessation of that activity.

However the Club continues to have fixed costs that need to be met and we face an uncertain future particularly in relation to revenue raising activity such as road races and clubhouse income. With this in mind, and with the lockdown gradually easing, we have taken the decision to open the membership portal from July 1st. Members will then be able to renew their memberships for 2020/21.

Although the various subscription rates are unchanged from last year, as approved at the AGM in March, the Management Committee has decided to offer two options for membership in 2020/21. Firstly, we invite all those who feel able to pay the full membership fee to do so in order to support the long term financial health of the Club. However we recognise that the Club is unable to offer the full range of activities during this membership year and that many members are facing significant financial hardships resulting from the pandemic. In response to these circumstances the Club will offer an option to renew membership at 50% of the normal subscription fee for each category of membership for 2020/21. Whichever option members choose, the Club will continue to absorb the England Athletics (EA) Athlete Registration Fee of £15 per athlete for all those members who indicate they wish to be registered. EA extended the 19/20 registration year to 31 August 2020 but we believe it is time now to renew the registration fees and support the sport’s governing body. Please renew your membership as soon as possible in July so we can process your EA registrations in good time. If you have any queries relating to membership, please contact Steve Hirons, Membership Secretary on s.hirons@bbk.ac.uk.

Regarding our sport, although the normal programme of league meetings and races is cancelled for the foreseeable future, the Club is looking into all opportunities to provide value to members in accordance with government guidelines and EA advice. We are working on holding athletic events, perhaps as soon as July and August, should the guidance allow. The Club is grateful to Martin Bateman, John Dobbs and Nigel Ealand plus all the weekly quiz setters in particular for providing a constant menu of running tests and informative challenges to help us all through this lockdown.

Finally, for those members who feel particularly challenged financially at the moment you may wish to know that the Club maintains a small Athlete Assistance Fund. The Don Hirst Trust can also provide support for help with equipment, injury remedial treatment and other athletics-related matters.

Please find the membership form here https://www.hillingdonac.co.uk/shop/clubmembershippage.html

Stay safe

Management Committee