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2024-03-31-accounts

highgateharriers.org.uk

Contents

Page
Charity information 1
Trustees Report 2
o Achievements and performance: The year in review
o Recognition and awards
o Objectives and activities
o Membership report
o Grants report
o Club history
o Structure, governance and management
o Financial review
o Risk Management
o Reserves policy
o The Trustees
o Public benefit
o Trustees’ responsibilities
o Going concern
o Statement of disclosures to our independent examiner
Independent Examiner’s report 14
Statement of financial activities 15
Balance sheet 16
Notes to the accounts 17 - 22

Charity Information

Trustees

Benjamin Noad (Chair & President) Jennifer Lovell (Vice President) Joseph Lowe (Treasurer) Jonathan Laybourn (Secretary)

Management Committee

Danny Isaacs (Membership Secretary) Johan Ghillebert (Membership Analyst) Graham Norris (Grants Officer) Ben Pochee (Night of 10,000m PBs) Cal Gordon Martin Howard Juliet Kavanagh Robert Wilson

Company secretary Jonathan Laybourn

Independent Examiner

Griffin Chartered Accountants Courtenay House Pynes Hill Exeter EX2 5AZ

Bankers

Barclays Bank Metro Bank Hampstead Branch 1 Southampton Row Leicestershire London LE87 2BB WC1B 5HA

Registered office

Corporation of London Hampstead Heath Department Parliament Hill Fields Highgate Road London NW5 1QR

Administrative office

46 Hemingford Road London N1 1DB

Incorporated Charitable Organisation & Charity registration 1190625

Companies House Reference CE022698

VAT Registration 440 5779 84

Contact Details Info@highgateharriers.org.uk

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Highgate Harriers Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 CIO: 1190625

Trustees Report

Achievements and Performance: The Year in Review

Highgate Harriers (the Club) continued to thrive during the year ending March 2024, with growth in the adult and university student membership segments, many excellent team and individual performances in running, the most successful Night of the 10000m PBs event to date and recognition from England Athletics for strong club governance. Whilst the track refurbishment from June to December 2023 necessitated relocation of training and curtailed event hosting opportunities, the disruption was worthwhile, as we discovered on our joyful return on December 12[th] to a fantastic new running surface, pictured below.

Returning to the Parliament Hill track, 12[th] December 2023

Road Running and Cross Country

The Club reinforced its reputation as a leading running and cross-country club, competing with distinction in many competitions. In addition to its highly regarded seniors “A” training group, the seniors “B” training group refreshed its identity and launched group specific training plans under the leadership of Cal Gordon, in so doing becoming an attractive destination for new members targeting fitness and participation.

In June 2023 our outstanding Senior Men competed for the first time in the Welsh Castles Relay, finishing 2[nd] among 44 teams. Run over 20 stages, success requires a significant depth of talent. In January 2024 they retained their SEAA XC title.

The Metropolitan Cross Country League comprises teams from 24 clubs in the London area and took place over five meetings from October 2023 through February 2024. The Club participates in both the male and female divisions across all age groups. Our Senior Men continued their winning streak in Division 1, taking the title for the 11[th] consecutive year. Roger Poolman was the leading athlete overall in the league, with Rob Wilson and Charlie Haywood also making the top 10. Highgate’s B team came 9[th] in Div. 1, with the C team 8[th] in Div. 3. In addition, the Club finished in a top 5 position in the Senior Women Div. 1, Vet Women Div. 1 and Vet Men Div. 2. Our Juniors also competed in the North-West London Young Athletes Cross Country League.

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At the Middlesex County Cross Country Championships, which took place at Horsenden Hills in January, individual wins were notched up by Lauren Russell (U20W), Thomas Chadwick (U17M) and Terry Fawden (SM). In addition, the U17M won their team event, with our Senior Men, Senior Women and U13 Boys all achieving 4[th] place in their team competitions.

The season finale of National 12 & 6 Stage Road Running Relays at Sutton Park once again showed Highgate’s position as a great team, whilst the top positions continued to elude us. The Senior Men came 3[rd] this year, with the B team highly creditable 26[th] . Among the eight clubs that fielded a B team, Highgate’s was the 3[rd] highest placed. Jacob Allen notched up the 2[nd] fastest leg of all athletes on the long leg. Alex Leprêtre ranked 6[th] , following a 2[nd] place at the SEAA Cross-Country Championships at Beckenham Place in January. In the 6 Stage event, Highgate Senior Women improved their position this year to 5[th] . As part of this achievement, Rebecca Johnson ran the 4[th] fastest long leg and Hannah Viner the 4[th] fastest short leg.

The senior men’s squad retained their title at the South of England Cross-Country Championships

Highgate Harriers Night of the 10,000m PBs

The 9[th] edition of Highgate Harriers innovative track 10000m event held on 20[th] May 2023. Created by Race Director Ben Pochee, who also coaches the Senior Men’s A team, our iconic 25 lap festival incorporated the British Championships and trials for the World Championships is Budapest, Hungary. We remain grateful to our key partners On, British Athletics and City of London Corporation for their ongoing support. Delivery of the event wouldn’t happen without the 150+ volunteers and race officials primarily from Highgate Harriers but also from several other grassroots clubs.

In front of record crowds and in an incredible international field, Mizan Alem Adane of Ethiopia became the first woman to run the distance in under 30 minutes on British soil, with a time of 29:59.03. Paul Chelimo of the USA won the Mens elite race, setting a new event record of 27:12.73.

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Track & Field

The Club hosted its Early Season Open Meeting in April 2023 and four Quad Kids events, which are taster events for children aged 4-11 open to the community, between March and June, before the track closed for refurbishment.

In track and field, the Club’s coaches nurtured outstanding individual performers across a range of events. A good example is Harvey Weinberger (SEN) who ran 1.57.12 on the 800m in his heat at the London Indoor Games on 21/1/24, on his way to run 1.53.00 this summer.

The Club was unable to host a Southern Athletics League meeting due to the track refurbishment, and participation in fixtures was impacted by an unavoidable clash with Night of the 10,000m PBs. As a result, the combined Highgate/Mornington Chasers team’s promotion last year to Division 2 lasted for only one season and was relegated back to Division 3.

In the Middlesex Young Athletes League, the Club finished 5[th] , up from 7[th] in the prior year, largely due to increased participation. The Club also competes in the Young Athletes League Upper Age Group in a combined team with London Heathside.

Parliament Hill Track Refurbishments

As anchor tenant of the Parliament Hill Track, the Club was pivotal to securing the £2m budget for track refurbishment, approved by City of London Corporation (CoL). Works commenced in June 2023 and were completed in December. During the year Highgate’s club officers worked closely with CoL to provide input and support. This 6-month project was much more than track resurfacing: the foundations have been repaired with improved drainage, topped with a high-quality track surface that is set midway between a community and an elite performance track. This is designed to enable faster running times than standard community tracks. New energy efficient LED floodlighting was also installed together. The Club funded additional shelter at the site and an in-field power supply.

The Club returned to training at the track in December 2023, with a joyful “soft opening” event attended by William Upton KC, Chair of Hampstead Heath. The official opening was held early April 2024, coinciding with an Open Meeting and a Quad Kids event. A plaque was unveiled by Michael Mainelli, the current, and 695[th] , Lord Mayor of London. Our youngsters ran their warm-up lap of the track accompanied by Phil Norman, who competed for Team GB in 3000m Steeplechase in the Tokyo Olympics.

Achieving England Athletics ‘Club Standards’

In 2023 England Athletics introduced Club Standards as a means to improve club governance across the sport. These cover areas including having an up to date and fit for purpose constitution ad committee, policies for safeguarding, and health and safety, codes of practice signed by athletes, and licensed coaches and officials. The Club was an early adopter and one of the first in London to achieve 7/7 Club Standards.

Committee membership was expanded to enable the Club to tackle a broader range of improvement initiatives. This included refreshing the website to market the club more effectively to prospective members, and rekindling links with local press and Athletics Weekly.

As anchor tenant of Parliament Hill track, Club representatives participate regularly in Hampstead Heath user forums. The Club has an elected member (Jen Hickson) and a co-opted member (Hannah Viner) of the England Athletics London Regional Council and is represented on the Middlesex County Athletics Committee (Richard Priestley and Alima Diabate) and MYAL management teams. Through Martin Howard, the Club liaises closely with the England Cross Country Association and London Youth Games. We contributed significant organisational and volunteer support to the inaugural London International Cross Country event at Parliament Hill in January. Through this activity, the Club contributes more broadly in support of the sport, as well as learning from peer experience.

In October 2023 the Club was Runner Up in the Club of the Year category of England Athletics volunteer awards.

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Recognition and Awards

We would like to place on record a huge thank you to the club members, parents, marshals, volunteers, team managers, coaches and officials who have devoted so much of their time, energy and professional expertise to help organise, train, and motivate our club athletes to achieve new goals and develop and facilitate the successful running of our club.

Highgate Harriers Award Winners 2024

Our awards recognise outstanding individual performances, those who regularly participate in Highgate team competitions together with those whose voluntary effort makes the club special.

Rothery Award Club:
Athlete of the Year		 Alex Leprêtre Second in the southern 6 stage; very strong long
relay legs and XC; London Marathon 2:15.34;
international vest for Valencia 10k
Jewell Award: Junior
Athlete of the Year		 Remy Weinbrecht 2nd at England Athletics Combined Events
Championships.
Jewell Award: Junior
Athlete of the Year -
Runner Up		 Lauren Russell 1st Middlesex County XC Champs; 3rd South of
England XC Champs; 7th English Schools Cross
Country; 9th National Inter-counties XC
Masters Athlete of the
Season		 Karima Harris 2nd in age group result at London Marathon and
leading in age group in many 5k and 10k races.
Track & Field Athlete of
the Season		 Elodie Mayo Competed in every SAL, regularly trying events
outside her comfort zone.
Track & Field Junior
Athlete of the Season		 Thomas Chadwick English Schools finalist 3000m. PBs this year in
all distances from 800 - 3000 including mile and
road races
Road/Cross Country
Athlete of the Season		 Roger Poolman Met XC League - two wins, and two second
placings
Road/Cross Country
Athlete of the Season –
Runner Up		 Terry Fawden 1stin Middlesex County XC Champs; Stage winner
at the national road relays.
Road/Cross Country
Junior Athlete of the
Season		 Sonny Allen 4th in National XC, Won North West London XC
league. 32nd in English Schools XC. Just outside
Top 11 nationally in 3000m
Outstanding Contribution
to the Club		 Natasha
Cendrowicz		 Persistently supporting the Women’s cross
country team for more than 25 years, and she
has run 25 Nationals as a senior.
Outstanding Contribution
to the Club - Runner Up		 Barny Foot Since joining Highgate as B Group coach, Barny
has made a huge impact on the training group,
helping it to thrive. In addition, he organises a
Vets group for races, and gave sterling support
to 2024 Not10k
Miller Harvey Award -
Supporting Junior
Athletes		 Wiremu Nicol Passionate about running, training and all things
related. Organises training routes and motivates
his team. Leads the way in getting the boys to
independently organise their own travel, and
race plans.

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Highgate Harriers Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 CIO: 1190625

Highgate Harriers Annual Report and Accounts 2023/
CIO: 11906
Honorary Life
Membership		 Jonathan
Laybourn		 Services as club secretary over 3 years and
captain of the non-beacon cross country team.
Honorary Life
Membership		 Rob Wilson Sustained leadership across XC and endurance
running over many years, helping to lead the
Men’s team to national success on many
occasions.
Honorary Life
Membership		 Ben Noad Meeting manager for many Open meetings,
organiser of cross-country volunteers and course
setting, time keeping official, and served as
Club President over the past 3.5 years.

Lauren Russell on her way to a commanding win in the Middlesex Country XC Champs

Objectives and Activities

The principal objective of the Club is the promotion of community participation in healthy recreation in particular by the provision of facilities for athletics.

Training and Competition

We provide a great training environment for our members, developed over many years. Providing over 14 weekly training groups with licensed coaches, we enable members of every ability to train with their peers for cross-country, road running and track and field.

Event participation, from National to Parkrun, is encouraged and celebrated. The club covers the costs of entry to a range of events including road relays, cross country and track and field, for seniors and

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young athletes. By hosting several Open and League events each season, athletes gain the enjoyment and advantage of competing on home ground. At our Open events and Quad Kids, we welcome nonmembers.

Night of the 10kPBs

There are relatively few opportunities for international elite and even high standard club athletes to compete in 10k track races. Highgate Harriers takes pride in its annual Night of the 10,000m PBs event, which was set up to address this gap and also demonstrate the innate passion and excitement that exists in UK club athletics.

Two innovations have contributed to its success. Firstly, by providing free non-ticketed access, entertainment between races and allowing spectators to stand on the track in lane 4 and thus get very close to the runners, the event attracts several thousand spectators creating a thrilling atmosphere that is often missing in all but the biggest televised athletics events. Secondly, by scheduling multiple back-to-back seeded races, each with large field sizes, several hundred athletes can participate. Proof of success is demonstrated by the international elite athletes the event attracts. Outside the London Stadium Diamond League competition, this Night of the 10,000m PBs is the only other international athletics event currently held in London.

Wider community benefits can be summed up as showcasing a motivational sport with zero entry costs to the public. We aim to dazzle and inspire people with the potential of athletics and ideally attract more people to engage with their local club and take up the sport to improve their physical and mental health.

Inclusion

Since 2019 we have provided weekly training sessions for athletes with a range of disabilities, both Physical (para) and Intellectual (special needs) and held annual “give-it-a-go” sessions for para and special needs athletes. Highgate Harriers have close links with both Camden’s Disability Officer and the London Inclusion Sports Academy (LISA). In addition, we were inaugural members of Camden Special Olympics and are a member of Camden Disability Sports & Physical Activity Network (CDSPAN).

We provide targeted pastoral support to members in need. As of August 2023, 10 athletes benefit from our scholarship scheme covering membership fees, race entry costs and kit. We are proud that two members of our successful senior men’s road relay team are refugees. We introduced biannual kit swap events to reduce unnecessary waste and help make participation more affordable.

Volunteer Development

We have coordinators for our coaches and officials, and the Club pays for their learning and accreditation through England Athletics. In March 2024 we held an additional first aid training event for our coaches and officials to supplement the EA programme. Two of our committee members (Johan Ghillebert and Jen Hickson) attended EA’s programme on club leadership. Young athletes gain sports leadership experience facilitating monthly Quad Kids events – community athletics for age 5-12. We offer a range of technical and ancillary roles at our hosted events, including our annual Night of the 10k PBs which is powered by 150 volunteers from clubs and community.

Membership Report

Following a small decline for 2022/23, membership growth has resumed. Over the year, membership increased from 654 to 681, a growth of 4%. Within this the senior section grew, while the young athletes section contracted. Within adult membership, female membership was flat. There was very strong growth in the University Students, demonstrating the strength of our relationship with UCL.

Priorities are to remediate the issues with the Under 18 segments, and to make bigger effort to retain and increase female membership. Addressing those two items while further investing in the relationship with UCL (or other universities) will result in solid membership growth.

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Membership income was distributed as below:

Category £
2024		 Percentage
2024
Adult 15,533 46%
Junior 15,577 46%
Second claim 768 2%
University Student 1,972 6%
33,850 100%

Grants Report

Jack Petchey Foundation (JPF) grants

Highgate Harriers again benefited from the JPF Achievement Award scheme with nine of our Young Athletes recognised for their efforts. The funding that comes with it allows the club to enhance their athletics experience through purchases that include athletics implements, strength and conditioning equipment and courses.

In addition to the Achievement Award grant Highgate Harriers also received a grant for new club flags, a Leader Award and a Recognition Award by way of a thank you from JPF for the way the club manages their schemes.

Our club continues to be grateful to the Jack Petchey Foundation for the support they provide.

Club History

The Early Years

Highgate Harriers was founded in 1879 by 16 members of two local cricket clubs, the Magdala and Imperial United, who occasionally ran cross-country races and decided to form their own club. The name Harriers was used by many cross-country running clubs as the sport was based on the followers of hare hounds, or harriers. The club’s first run was reported in the Hampstead and Highgate Express on 22[nd] November 1879.

The following year the Amateur Athletic Association was formed and in 1887 the first National CrossCountry championship was held but it was not until 1898 that Highgate Harriers golden period began when the club was 2nd in the Southern Cross-Country Championship. The following year it won both

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the Southern and National Championships. From then on until 1912 it won the National 4 times, was second 4 times and third once and won the Southern 12 times, never being out of the first two. The most famous Highgate runner of that time was Albert Aldridge whose time of 51:49 for ten miles would still put him well up in the club rankings. Track meetings were held mostly at Finsbury Park at that time but references to “summer members” suggests that they were considered secondary to the main sport of cross-country.

WW1 & WW2

The club closed down at the outbreak of World War One, but it was re-formed in 1919, thanks to the efforts of Harry Rothery, and they had reasonable success for a few years with fourth and fifth places in the National and a string of firsts and seconds in the Southern. However, more and more clubs were being formed and Highgate’s initial golden period had come to an end.

In the 1930s and many years ahead of its time, the club introduced their Annual Schools Races. Run over the Heath and thought to be the first in the country, it proved a very popular and prestigious event. After WW2 the athletic authorities slowly introduced events for the younger age groups that we have today.

During WW2 the club was again dormant, the only activity of the club being race walking (possibly because some of the walkers tended to be older and may have missed conscription) and after the war a meeting was held to re-form the club. The walkers, led by ‘A D’ McSweeney, felt that they were the most successful part of the club and demanded that they should be a separate section of the club. As a result, the club was split into two sections, the Running Section and the Walking Section, each with its own committee and finances, with a General Committee overseeing both of them, also with its own finances. The situation became even more complicated in 1954 when a Ladies Section, led by Charlie Warner, was formed. This clumsy arrangement subsisted for 26 years until 1980 when the club decided to reunite with all members being under the banner of Highgate Harriers as it is today.

In 1950 the Ladies English National Cross Country Championships were held for the first time from Parliament Hill Fields. The venue proved and has continued to be very popular. The Men’s Championships followed and every third year the National Championships (combined Men and Women) are held here. It is regarded by many as the ‘Home of Cross Country’. Highgate have been closely involved in helping with the organisation of this event: members, parents and friends set the courses and marshal these and other important National, Area and County events. Following the 2018 National event on the Heath, World Athletics presented their World Heritage Award which will be set up at Parliament Hill.

London Marathon

Highgate Harriers London Marathon Championship, which ran from 1968-1973. This was the forerunner of the London Marathon we know today, and doing this might give the club its rightful place in London Marathon history.

HQ Origins

Although the club started in Highgate its headquarters have roamed throughout North London. Mainly in pubs, sometimes as far away as Ponders End and Wood Green and including the Royal Oak, Golders Green, The Bull and Bush, The Freemasons Arms and the Load of Hay, Haverstock Hill. In 1939 the running track at Hampstead Heath was moved from its old location near the viaduct to Parliament Hill where an 8 lane cinder track was laid and where the club has been ever since. At that time night illumination was provided by oil lamps placed alongside the track. The present all-weather track with proper floodlights was first laid in 1978.

Club Centenary – An Auspicious Occasion

The club wished to introduce a Marathon race around London streets. Most local authorities and the police would not give permission but in 1974 a course was found away from heavy traffic and the first London Marathon, sponsored by Booth’s Gin was organised by club members and held for a few years around Mill Hill; a very hilly course!

The club’s centenary in 1979 was celebrated with an exhibition at Swiss Cottage Library and a banquet at Kenwood House. Freddie Cuthbert was club president, and guests included the Mayors of Camden, Barnet, Haringey and Islington attended together with Sir Horace Cutler, the leader of the Greater London Council. He subsequently granted permission for two members to find a course on the Isle of

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Dogs for the Avon Half Marathon for Ladies. A few more years and with the help of that success the London Marathon as we know it today came into being.

To mark our 130th year an exhibition was held at the Camden Library in Holborn. Here are held the Highgate Harrier club archives which are available for all to inspect. Among the collection items are photos and documents of Olympians and National Champions.

Success from 2000

The women’s squad has been on the podium winning the Southern 6 Stage Road Relays in 2016, the Southern Cross-Country Championship in 2004, finishing 3rd in the National Cross Country Championships in 2006 and retaining the Metropolitan Cross League Title in 2016 (9 titles since 1994).

The club has helped develop many athletes who have gone on to represent their country over the years, but more recent club ‘stars’ have include Simeon Williamson (2008 Olympics 100m), Ben Noad represented Great Britain at the 2007 World Cross Country Championships, Andy Maud represented Great Britain in 2016 at the European Cup 10,000m, Becky Penty & Richard Scott both gaining England vests for International Cross Country and Marathon duties, Shaun Dixon received two call ups for the England team in the 2013 cross country season and Georgia Fear (U15) gained an England Schools cross country call up in 2014. On July 7[th] 2018, Dominic Ogbechie became the European U18 High Jump Champion with a jump of 2.16 in Gyor, Hungary.

Highgate Harriers Men’s Distance Running – A Golden Age

The era since the mid-2010s has marked a golden age for the club’s men’s distance runners, with the club achieving regular, national success on both road and cross country.

The highest level club team competitions for our senior men are the National & South of England Road Relay Championships and the National & Southern Cross Country Championships. Highgate men secured their first national title since WW1 by winning the National 12 Stage Road Relay Championships in 2016, the club has since gone on to be regular podium contenders at the National 12 Stage Road Relay Championships which rewards our strength in depth. Highgate also won National 12 Stage Road Relay Silver medals in 2018, 2022 and 2023, the latter of which saw the club claim the English Title in finishing runners-up to Scotland’s Central AC, and the team also won Bronze in the 2024 edition. And at a regional Southern level 2024 saw the men claim their maiden South of England 12 Stage Road Relay Championship title, completing a set which includes bronze from 2016 and 2017, and a hat trick of silvers from 2019, 2022 and 2023. Though not quite as medal-heavy as in the springtime 12 Stage Road Relays, the club has experienced podium-level success at the autumn 6 Stage Road Relays Championship too. In winning National 6 Stage Championship silvers in 2014 it could be said a new mindset was established amongst the men – where they could, and should, compete at the national level. While the club has won the fiercely competitive Southern 6 Stage Road Relay Championships in both 2015 and 2017. Through the winter months and on the cross country circuit the men have experienced a similar bevy of success.

The Metropolitan Cross Country League is considered one of the highest standard XC leagues in the country. The league was started in 1966, and 2024 saw the club win the league for a record-breaking 11th season in succession. A base from which they have gone on to build success at regional and national level. At the epic 9-mile-long South of England Cross Country Championships, the club have secured the team title in each of 2016, 2017, 2023 and 2024. With podium finishes achieved in 2015 (bronze), 2018 (silver), 2020 (bronze) and 2022 (silver). At the prestigious National Cross Country Championships, the club were to make a long-awaited podium breakthrough in 2024 where they clinched silver medals behind Bristol & West AC. This came after many near-misses with two 4th place finishes in 2016 and 2023 and a 5th in 2020. At the National Cross Country Relays – held annually in the later autumn over 4 x 5km – the club have found podiums easier to come by. 2024’s bronze medals complemented by second place finishes in 2015 and 2021. On an individual level the senor men have had 5 team members secure international vests in recent years. Alex Leprêtre, Alex Bampton and Chris Rainsford all representing England in road races. While club 5,000m record holder (13:46:17) Jacob Allen has run for England on both road and cross country. The club’s Iranian distance runner Taha Ghafari has competed at both European (2022) and World Cross Country Championships (2023) representing the IOC Athlete Refugee Team.

Individual domestic honours have also been secured in recent years, notably by the Leprêtre – Allen combination once again, with the pair going 1-2 at the 2022 England 10km Championships. And the former becoming something of a South of England Cross Country specialist – securing a trio of individual silvers in 2020, 2023 and 2024.

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Night of the 10,000m PBs

In 2013 the club created an annual celebration of 25 lap track racing in a bid to help boost the progression of club and elite runners, the event was called Night of the 10,000m PBs. In 2014 the club was asked to begin incorporating the British Championships, in 2016 the event hosted the Rio Olympic Team GB trials and then in 2018 and 2019 we hosted the European Cup with 8,000 spectators and 500,000 watching via BBC2. The success of this event under the leadership on Ben Pochee has certainly put Highgate Harriers on the map, with the club now recognised throughout the UK.

Structure, Governance and Management

Highgate Harriers is a charitable incorporated organisation. The Charity operates under a constitution, as last amended on 13 June 2021.

New trustees are recruited from amongst the membership of club, with a focus on the skills that are needed for the charity to continue to thrive and serve the sport of athletics. All trustees serve approximately annual terms, being subject to re-election, by the members present, at each Annual General Meeting. Under the Constitution there must be between three and seven trustees.

The charity is managed by the Management Committee, which usually meets bi-monthly with the trustees.

Financial Review

The Charity's income was £290,418 (2023: £149,217), of which £4,193 (2023: £13,700) was restricted. There was a surplus of £95,322 (2023: £21,723). The surplus increased significantly due to a one-off legacy of £79,020, a discretionary dispersal from the estate of Dr Gwenth Jean Elizabeth Douglas, reflecting the family’s longstanding involvement in the club. To create a lasting legacy, the majority of the funds have been allocated to the erection of a retractable shelter at the Parliament Hill track.

The Charity’s balance sheet remains strong. Cash increased by £79,712 (2023: £5,949), reflecting advance sponsor payments received for the May 2024 10,000m event.

Despite the overall surplus, on a day-to-day basis the club was in deficit. This is determined by removing the non-recurring items of the legacy and 10,000m event, as shown below:

£
2024		 £
2024
Surplus from the financial statements 95,322
One-off legacy (79,020)
10,000m event (20,024)
Deficit on the general operations of the club (3,722)

The following table shows this underlying deficit in more detail:

£
2024		 £
2024
Day-to-day costs:
Track Hire 5,522
Young athlete specific 7,274
Adult specific 8,682
England Athletics memberships 3,618
Website, and other marketing 5,898
Volunteer training 2,126
Finance & administration 3,375
Other,includingequipment 4,765
General costs of operating the club 41,260
Member Subscriptions 33,850
QUAD kids and open meeting surplus 893
Donations 1,804
Retailprofit 991
General funds to operate the club 37,538
Deficit on the general operations of the club (3,722)

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In summary, the general resources available for the running of the club (member subscriptions, modest member donations and the small surplus from the sale of branded items) were insufficient to cover the clubs general operating costs.

The Committee is addressing this deficit thorough the following strategic actions:

The plan does involve some additional costs. The most substantial are moving to automatic club member enrolment in the England Athletics membership scheme and the appointment of a part-time Young Athletes Coaching Co-ordinator. There is also some risk in a new track event. However, overall, the Committee consider that these actions will strengthen the club and close the deficit.

Risk Management

The Trustees have considered the material risks to which the Club is subject, determined the most material and taken appropriate mitigation. This is summarised in the table below.

Risk Mitigation
Loss of access to the Parliament Hill track Maintaining good relations with the City of London
Corporation and stressing the value to the City of the
facility.
Reduction in membership, while continuing
with costs that do not change in proportion to
the number of members		 Strong marketing the club as a focus for improving its
members performance, across all abilities. Maintaining
reserves to support the club during periods when the
popularity of athletics declines.
Safeguarding incident resulting in actual of
potential risk of harm to a vulnerable
member.		 Compliance with England Athletics safeguarding policies
including having a clear policy, safeguarding officer, DBS
checked coaches and a confidential reporting procedure.

Reserves Policy

The charity strives to maintain sufficient reserves to be able to maintain the club through any interruption to its activities, as witnessed in the pandemic, provide emergency funding should there be any threat to its base at the Parliament Hill track, and to be able to maintain its position as one of the UK’s premier athletics clubs.

A consequence of holding international events is that a high level of working capital is required, and that the financial consequences of a failed event are high. Having been in existence for almost 150 years, the trustees are determined to ensure that the club has the resources to continue for at least as long again.

The clubs current reserves balance of £250,449 is moving towards the level required to achieve these goals .

The Trustees

The Trustees who served during the year, and the period up until the approval of this report:

No funds are held as a custodian.

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Highgate Harriers Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 CIO: 1190625

Public Benefit

The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit including the guidance on fee charging. The Charity relies on sponsorship, grants, donations and fees for all our activities. A scholarship scheme is promoted to those unable to afford their membership fees, ensuring that wealth will never be a barrier to participation in club events. At 31 March 2024, 16 athletes were benefiting from a full scholarship.

Trustees' Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.

The law applicable to charities requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Going Concern

The Trustees consider it appropriate to prepare the accounts on a ‘going concern’ basis, because reserves, generally held in readily available cash, are sufficient to cover any forcible negative event.

Statement of Disclosure to our Independent Examiner

In so far as the trustees are aware at the time of approving our trustees’ annual report:

This report was approved by the trustees on 8[th] October 2024.

Joseph Lowe, Trustee 9[th] October 2024

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Highgate Harriers Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 CIO: 1190625

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Highgate Harriers

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 15 to 22.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

As the charity’s trustees of Highgate Harriers, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Highgate Harriers accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of Highgate Harriers as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

Laura Waycott FCA Griffin Chartered Accountants Courtenay House Pynes Hill Exeter EX2 5AZ

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Highgate Harriers Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 CIO: 1190625

Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account) Year ended 31 March 2024

Total Total
Notes Unrestricted Restricted funds funds
Funds Funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations 81,511 - 81,511 3,883
Charitable activities 44,096 4,193 48,289 57,844
Trading activities 158,731 - 158,731 87,490
Other income 1,887 - 1,887 -
Total income 2 286,225 4,193 290,418 149,217
Expenditure on:
Costs of Raising funds
Trading operations 9,886 - 9,886 9,972
Charitable activities
Athletics 181,638 3,572 185,210 117,522
Total expenditure 4 191,524 3,572 195,096 127,494
Net income / expenditure before transfers 94,701 621 95,322 21,723
Transfers between funds 13 - - - -
Net movement in funds 13 94,701 621 95,322 21,723
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds at 1 April 2023 155,748 2,418 158,166 136,443
Total funds at 31 March 2024 13 250,449 3,039 253,488 158,166

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Highgate Harriers Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 CIO: 1190625

Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2024

Fixed Assets:
Tangible assets
Intangible assets
Current assets
Stock
Debtors
Cash at bank
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Unrestricted funds
Designated Funds
General funds
Restricted funds
Total funds		 Notes
8
9
10
11
12,13
12,13
12, 13		 2024
£
22,034
-
22,034
6,134
102,798
270,185
379,117

147,663

231,454

253,488



250,449
250,449
3,039
3,039

253,488		 2023
£
4,238
539
4,777
4,557
65,910
190,473
260,940
107,551
153,389
158,166
155,748
155,748
2,418
2,418
158,166

Approval

The notes on pages 18 to 23 form part of these accounts.

These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on the 7[th] October 2024 and are signed on their behalf by:

Joseph Lowe Date: 8[th] October 2024

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Highgate Harriers Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 CIO: 1190625

Notes to the accounts

1) Accounting policies

(I) Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019 the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except that, as disclosed in the accounting policies, certain items are shown at fair value. The charity is a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102.

(II) Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.

(III) Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.

Expenditure includes attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.

Governance costs comprise accountancy, strategy development, legal fees, trustee indemnity insurance and trustee recruitment.

Expenditure is allocated to the particular activity where the cost relates directly to that activity. Management and administration costs have been allocated to each activity.

(IV) Management and administration costs

These costs comprise expenditure not directly attributable to the charitable or fund-raising activities of the Charity but relate to the furtherance of the Charity's objectives.

(V) Depreciation

Depreciation on tangible fixed assets is provided over 3 years on a straight-line basis in order to write off the assets over their estimated useful lives. Items of equipment are capitalised only where the purchase price exceeds £500.

(VI) Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are incoming resources receivable or generated for furtherance of the objects of the Charity without a specified purpose and are available as general funds or designated funds.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes.

Restricted funds are used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund, together with a fair allocation of management and support costs.

(VII) Accounting judgements and estimation uncertainty

In preparing financial statements it is necessary to make certain judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements. The following judgements and estimates are considered by the board to have most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements. Tangible fixed assets are depreciated to their estimated residual value over their estimated useful economic life as detailed above.

(VIII) Taxation

The Charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities as it is a registered charity. The charity is VAT registered, but due to the nature of its income, is restricted in the proportion of its input VAT that can be recovered. Irrecoverable VAT is included within expenditure. Where applicable, income is shown net of VAT.

(IX) Trade and other debtors

Trade and other debtors that are receivable within one year and do not constitute a financing transaction are recorded at the undiscounted amount expected to be received, net of impairment. Those that are receivable after more than one year or that constitute a financing transaction are recorded initially at fair value less transaction costs and subsequently at amortised cost, net of impairment.

(X) Trade and other creditors

Trade and other creditors are initially recognised at fair value and thereafter stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the effect of discounting would be immaterial, in which case they are stated at cost.

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Highgate Harriers Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 CIO: 1190625

(XI) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. In the statement of financial activities, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings or current liabilities.

(XII) Going Concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

2) Income

Donations
Individual donations
Athletic league donations
Corporate
Charitable activities
Membership
Athletics meetings
Quad kids
Grants
Other
Trading activities
Bars & Catering
Sponsorship
Merchandise sales
Other Income
Bank Interest
Total
Analysis of grants received
Sport England together fund
Jack Petchey Foundation
Net Income for the year
This is stated after charging:
Independent Examination
Depreciation		 2024
2024
2024
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£		 2024
2024
2024
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£		 2023
Total
Funds
£
80,110
-
80,110
1,000
-
1,000
401
-
401		 1,958
1,925
-
81,511
-
81,511
33,850
-
33,850
8,193
-
8,193
360
-
360
-
4,193
4,193
1,693
-
1,693		 3,883
31,771
9,420
1,116
13,700
1,837
44,096
4,193
48,289
17,674
-
17,674
133,980
-
133,980
7,077
-
7,077		 57,844
16,435
65,400
5,655
158,731
-
158,731
1,887
-
**1,887 **		 87,490
-
286,225
4,193
290,418		 149,217
-
-
-
-
4,193
4,193		 8,500
5,200
-
4,193
4,193		 13,700
2024
£		 2023
£
1,470
2,507		 1,820
4,498

3) Net Income for the year

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Highgate Harriers Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 CIO: 1190625

4) Expenditure

xpenditure
Trading operations
Bars & Catering
Items for resale
Charitable activities
Youth coordinator and athletics coaches
Finance, administration & governance
Affiliation fees
Transport
Track scheme
Disability athletics project
Match and event hosting
Race entries
Website
Equipment & clothing
Grants given
Other
Total		 2024
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
**£ **		 2023
Total
Funds
£
3,732
-
3,732
6,154
-
6,154		 5,809
4,163
9,886
-
9,886
4,610
-
4,610
4,365
-
4,365
4,813
-
4,813
6,105
-
6,105
5,522
-
5,522
-
-
-
127,792
-
127,792
4,199
-
4,199
5,792
-
5,792
7,361
3,325
10,686
1,022
-
1,022
10,057
247
10,304		 9,972
4,170
3,782
3,970
2,821
7,089
6,700
67,311
3,073
7,690
6,623
-
4,293
181,638
3,572
185,210		 117,522
191,524
3,572
195,096		 127,494

5) Governance Costs

Governance costs comprise accountancy fees and of the AGM. In 2024, these amounted to £1,680 (2023: £2,198). These costs are allocated to the Charity's activities.

No Trustees were reimbursed expenses, relating to their role as a Trustee, during the year.

6) Liability of members

If the Club is wound up, the Members of the Club have no liability to contribute to its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities.

7) Related party transactions

The Charity has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charity at 31 March 2024 (31 March 2023 - Nill).

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Highgate Harriers Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 CIO: 1190625

8) Tangible Fixed Assets

Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023		 Fixtures,
Fittings &
Equipment
£
6,380
19,764
26,144
2,142
1,968
4,110
22,034
4,238		 Total
£
6,380
19,764
26,144
2,142
1,968
4,110
22,034
4,238

Fixed asset additions include £17,541 relating to assets, as at 31 March 2024, pending installation at the Parliament Hill athletics track.

9) Intangible Fixed Assets

Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
ebtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 Website
£
7,005
-
7,005
6,466
539
7,005
-
539
2024
£		 Total
£
7,005
-
7,005
6,466
539
7,005
-
539

2023

£
73,870
28,928
28,824
37,086
102,798
65,910

10) Debtors

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Highgate Harriers Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 CIO: 1190625

11) Creditors: amount falling due within one year

Trade Creditors
Taxation
Deferred income
Accruals		 2024
2023
£
£
12,475
12,998
18,217
9,805
115,175
77,615
1,796
7,133
147,663
107,551

12) Movements in funds

Movements in funds- 2024
Restricted Funds
Tackling Inequalities
Jack Petchey Foundation
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
Movements in funds- 2023
Restricted Funds
Sport England – together fund
Tackling Inequalities
Jack Petchey Foundation
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds		 As at
As at
1
April
31 March
2023
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
2024
£
£
£
£
£
566
-
-
-
566
1,852
4,193
3,572
-
2,473
2,418
4,193
3,572
-
3,039
155,748
286,225
191,524
-
250,449
155,748
286,225
191,524
-
250,449
158,166
290,418
195,096
-
253,488
As at
As at
1
April
31 March
2022
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
2023
£
£
£
£
£
-
8,500
8,500
-
-
566
-
-
-
566
900
5,200
4,248
-
1,852
1,466
13,700
12,748
-
2,418
134,977
135,517
114,746
-
155,748
134,977
135,517
114,746
-
155,748
136,443
149,217
127,494
-
158,166

Purpose of restricted funds.

Tackling Inequalities: Funding to provide athletics for Camden’s disabled community.

Jack Petchey Foundation: Funding for the achievement awards scheme, for members aged 11 -24.

Sport England – together fund: This fund supported the provision of athletic opportunities disabled persons.

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Highgate Harriers Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 CIO: 1190625

13) Analysis of net assets between funds

2024:
Fixed assets
Net current assets
2023:
Fixed assets
Net current assets
omparative Statement of Financial Activities
Notes
Income from:
Donations
Charitable activities
Trading activities
Total income
2
Expenditure on:
Costs of Raising funds
Trading operations
Charitable activities
Athletics
Total expenditure
4
Net income / expenditure before transfers
Transfers between funds
13
Net movement in funds
13
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds at 1 April 2022
Total funds at 31 March 2023
13		 2024:
Fixed assets
Net current assets
2023:
Fixed assets
Net current assets
omparative Statement of Financial Activities
Notes
Income from:
Donations
Charitable activities
Trading activities
Total income
2
Expenditure on:
Costs of Raising funds
Trading operations
Charitable activities
Athletics
Total expenditure
4
Net income / expenditure before transfers
Transfers between funds
13
Net movement in funds
13
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds at 1 April 2022
Total funds at 31 March 2023
13		 General
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
22,034
-
22,034
228,415
3,039
231,454
250,449
3,039
253,488
General
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
4,777
-
4,777
150,971
2,418
153,389
155,748
2,418
158,166

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total funds
Funds
Funds
2023
£
£
£		 General
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
22,034
-
22,034
228,415
3,039
**231,454 **
250,449
3,039
253,488
General
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
4,777
-
4,777
150,971
2,418
153,389
155,748
2,418
158,166
2
4
13
13
13		 3,883
-
3,883
44,144
13,700
57,844
87,490
-
87,490
135,517
13,700
149,217
9,972
-
9,972
104,774
12,748
117,522
114,746
12,748
127,494
20,771
952
21,723
-
-
-
20,771
952
21,723
134,977
1,466
136,443
155,748
2,418
158,166

14) Comparative Statement of Financial Activities

22

PARLIAMENT HILL, 2024.