Finally we have news about the Dinner.

Our event has been cancelled by the Fairfield Halls because of restrictions resulting from Covid-19.

It's a huge disappointment for us to be unable to celebrate our big achievement in an appropriate fashion.

We do intend to hold the event in 2021 but we have taken the decision not to book another date until there is more certainty about being able to go ahead.

For everyone who was planning to join our celebrations, how can we celebrate our big anniversary in the absence of any live events?

• We suggest everyone keeps the date of 26^th September free for Croydon Harriers.
• We would like to ask people to get together in smaller groups on that date – for real if allowed or practicable, otherwise online.
• You would organise this yourselves though we can put people in touch if they ask and give permission.
• Perhaps we’ll have a Croydon Harriers themed menu. (Maybe have a competition in advance to get ideas?)
• The theme colours would be blue and white or even a dress code of CH vests!
• We’ll ask people to take a photo of their group – real or from eg Zoom screen.
• We’ll compile a gallery or montage of said photos showing lots of Harriers, past and present, marking the occasion. Perhaps put montage up in the clubhouse, on our website, and in the press.
• Of course people could do it at any time of day or on another day and still send a photo. Meal and theme colours also optional.
• We’ll hope to have a few short videos for people to watch on the day.

After much discussion, we feel keeping it simple like this is achievable and the best way forward. We hope you can all meet up with special friends one way or another and that this will result in a pictorial record of the event.

Any further suggestions as to how we can make it a success will be most welcome.

And what what will happen next for ticket holders?

• We have requested a refund of our deposit from the BHLive, the Fairfield Halls management company.
• As soon as this is received, we will process refunds of £50 per ticket. As we can’t be sure there will be an event in 2021, we would prefer to reimburse everyone and start again when we know the new parameters.
• Unfortunately the admin fees cannot be recovered so we won’t be able to refund the additional £1.50 paid per ticket.
• We don’t know how long it will take for the money to be returned by BHLive but once it arrives we’ll contact you again to let you know that your refund is on its way.

We are very sorry it isn’t better news and hope we can all meet in person before too long.

Best wishes from the Croydon Harriers 100 years team