It seems hard to believe that the season is less than a month away, as I sit here looking out of my window on a cold Sunday morning unable to see the grass as the ground is covered with snow. Cliff did manage to cut the outfields earlier in the week. But is some two weeks behind where he would normally be in preparing the grounds for the forthcoming season. As the season is not that far away I thought it would be a good idea to update our members as to what has been going on behind the scenes in readiness for the new season.
Paul and Christine Baxter have secured a £3000 grant from The Mulberry Trust for the purchase of two new sight screens for Spicers Field, which cost £3,240 with the club making up the difference. They have been purchased from Durant Cricket and will be delivered this week along with a new boundary rope for Marigolds, which has been generously donated by the HCC VP’s Club. We have also applied for a grant towards a new patio on Spicers side of the clubhouse, which is our next priority project. We should hear about this sometime in April. We have had quotes for the Patio, and a contractor poised to start once we have heard if our bid has been successful. The grant will only pay for about a third of the patio, with the difference being made up from club funds. Rehman and Jon Allen have been busy securing sponsorship for the 1st XI shirts, and with the generosity of Shab and Louise Munir from Bonington’s this has been possible. We will continue to work towards having all teams sponsored, and if anyone works for, or has a company that has a sponsorship fund please let Jon or Rehman know.
As many of you will know the Clubhouse is busy every Friday and Saturday night (and some Sunday’s too) with outside lettings, hosting Birthday Parties, Music Events, Wedding Receptions etc. Today we are part organising and part hosting a wedding fair, which is a first for HCC! Many of you are aware that the revenue we receive from these outside bookings not only enables us to improve our facilities at the ground. But is essential for the day to day running costs of the new clubhouse, and are also used to subsidise the grounds maintenance, and cricketing costs allowing us to keep the annual subscription as low as possible. I would like to thank Sheila and her team for making this so successful.
While on the subject of subs I would like to take this opportunity to respectively ask you to pay your subs promptly, remembering that if you pay your annual sub on the day of, or before the first league match you are entitled to a free match fee. Jenny has sent out an email to all with the details, and ways to pay and she would be grateful if you could do so at your earliest convenience. Alternatively the club registration evening is from 6pm on Tuesday 17th April, when you could bring your form along with your payment. This is also the first colts training evening of the season at the club grounds. If you wish to spread the cost of payment then please speak to Jenny direct, she would be more than happy to accommodate any reasonable suggestion!
We also anticipate a major shortage of coaches for the colts summer sessions on both a Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6.30pm until 8pm, and we have been looking at ways to address this. If any player could help out on just a few evenings throughout the season, it would help us to be able to run a full coaching programme for the youngsters. Even if it’s just the occasional week, as Tesco keeps telling us “every little helps” and you never know you may have a drink bought for you afterwards at the bar! Please speak to Paul or Christine for further information or to sign up.
On the social side we have a programme of events organised throughout the season. Details can be found on the website, in the fixture card, on the noticeboard in the lobby, or through Tracy Sykes direct. I hope you will support both Tracy and the club for these events, and if you wish to help in any way please contact Tracy direct. All proceeds go towards those ‘little extras’ to benefit you the members.
Please note that the Club Work Party day this season is on Saturday 14th April at 10am. Cliff has a list of jobs that need doing, and we would like to see as many people there as possible. Coffee and Bacon Rolls will be served to those helping out. There is also a rumour of an inter club 20:20 game in the afternoon, weather permitting so watch this space.
A little reminder that our website address is www.harlowcricketclub.co.uk, where news, match reports, and anything related to cricket or the club can be posted via Craig or Tracy. This is your club website and any photos of matches, Senior’s or Colts as well as social events can be uploaded for all to enjoy. If you are reading this via Facebook or Twitter and have not received it by email then please could you go on the website and update your contact details through one of the committee members.
A message from the VP’s Club – The annual spring supper is sold out, and is being supported by many more club members this year. Thanks for your support. They have also purchased a new lightweight flag for the flagpole, which will mean it will actually wave in the breeze!! The current hand woven one may find its way into the clubroom somewhere.
The Presidents Significant Birthday Celebrations – Bank Holiday Monday 2nd April – Everyone welcome from 2pm until the bar closes or runs dry!
All that remains is for me to wish you all a fun and successful season, and thanks to the captains and the committee for all their hard work behind the scenes making it all happen week in week out. Please support them all.
Best wishes
Simon Radbourne
Chairman HCC