Just a quick note to advise you all that the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles has today given approval to the redevelopment of Copthall. The delay has been unfortunate as we had hoped he would give his decision within a week of Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, giving his support, but in fact it took 5 weeks. I suppose the Government have had other more important things on their mind. As part of this project, the SBH Trustees have signed the lease for a new 30 year term on our clubhouse. It is the intention that all documents between Saracens and London Borough of Barnet will be signed by this Friday, so as to allow Saracens to take over management of Copthall from 1 April 2012.

Turning now to the current season. Saracens have decided, after input from SBH, that they will NOT start work on the infield, the external throws area and the existing West stand until 1 September, so that we may have a virtually full athletics season in 2012. They will try and commence work on the new jumps area and the new East stand as soon as LBB allow them to do so, which will hopefully be by mid-April. The work on the jumps area (LJ, TJ and PV) is due to be completed by early June, subject, of course, to the weather, and in time for the Middlesex Schools (Tuesday 12 June) and our LICC promotion on Saturday 16 June.

We therefore should be able to have an almost full club / schools season with no threat to the major promotions, BAL, UKWAL, Super 8, NJAL and UKYAL. Obviously, at this moment in time, the meetings booked from 1 May to 11 June must be considered at risk. Saracens, will make the final decision as regards these early meetings as soon as they take over and will of course discuss what can be offered with each hirer involved.

This completion of this project in early 2013 will make Copthall, with its new indoor facility and external throws and jumps area, the premier athletics venue in London and the south east as well as the being the home of both SBH and Saracens who will be bringing Premiership rugby back to north London.

Finally, thank you all for your support over the past 18 months in getting this project off the ground. If you have any questions, please come back to me.