Chairman’s Update
Issue 9 - September 2019
All, with the cricket now finished for another year, there are a few further things to consider:
I'll start with a quick reminder of the end of season working party, starting 10am Saturday 21st September. Many hands make light work so all help welcome. It shouldn't take long, though we do need a few hands to help shift sightscreens etc.
The end of season awards dinner will once more see us order in from the Anuraag for a curry buffet before moving onto the entertainment of the awards - these cover both Saturdays and Sundays and provide a great chance to relive the highs and lows of the season, before we all hibernate for the winter. Due to a few people being unavailable for the original date, this has been moved to Friday 18th October. Cost will be c£15, meeting at 7:30. Please let Ben (0798227368) know if you can make it, it would be great to fill the clubhouse.
Additionally, we need to start thinking about next year. I'd like us to be going for a second Saturday side again, but this will very much depend on people's intentions. I'm very conscious that we've gained a lot of new players this year, and lost some of those as couldn't always offer them enough cricket. But equally we need a good indication that we'll have enough for 2 sides to consider it. Therefore when replying about the dinner, can you also let Ben know your intentions for next year - whether you're likely to play most, some a few or no games, for Saturday and Sunday, this will help with our planning.
All, with the cricket now finished for another year, there are a few further things to consider:
I'll start with a quick reminder of the end of season working party, starting 10am Saturday 21st September. Many hands make light work so all help welcome. It shouldn't take long, though we do need a few hands to help shift sightscreens etc.
The end of season awards dinner will once more see us order in from the Anuraag for a curry buffet before moving onto the entertainment of the awards - these cover both Saturdays and Sundays and provide a great chance to relive the highs and lows of the season, before we all hibernate for the winter. Due to a few people being unavailable for the original date, this has been moved to Friday 18th October. Cost will be c£15, meeting at 7:30. Please let Ben (0798227368) know if you can make it, it would be great to fill the clubhouse.
Additionally, we need to start thinking about next year. I'd like us to be going for a second Saturday side again, but this will very much depend on people's intentions. I'm very conscious that we've gained a lot of new players this year, and lost some of those as couldn't always offer them enough cricket. But equally we need a good indication that we'll have enough for 2 sides to consider it. Therefore when replying about the dinner, can you also let Ben know your intentions for next year - whether you're likely to play most, some a few or no games, for Saturday and Sunday, this will help with our planning.
Issue 8 - July 2019
With us into July now, it's time for another update.The league side are progressing well, currently sitting in second with half the season gone - that said, it's a very tight division with almost any side able to beat others on their day, so we'll need to be in top form to maintain (or improve) our position. And the Sunday side are having the usual fun, with good friendly cricket being played in a good spirit, with opportunities for all.
The colts have also had a very successful season, with both the under 11s and under 13s winning 5 of their 8 games to top the table, whilst the under 15s finished second. A big thank you to all those that have helped with the colts season, from the managers: Ozzy, Dan and Keith, to the coaches: Keith, Ben, Alex, Geoff and me(!) and of course all the parents that help out - particularly the Millers running the kitchen on Sunday matches. It's great to see the young cricketers progressing, with some real talent in there that bodes well for the future. Monday evening (15th July) is the last colts training, and also a chance to celebrate the season with the Colts Awards and BBQ - all members are welcome.
And while we're on BBQs, the club BBQ has been rearranged for the evening of the 27th July, when we host Hoddesdon. So please make every effort to come up and support the side and enjoy the bar and BBQ - again all members welcome, it'd be good to see some colts up there.
Here's hoping England don't fluff it tomorrow, so we can watch them in the final Sunday.
Boris
With us into July now, it's time for another update.The league side are progressing well, currently sitting in second with half the season gone - that said, it's a very tight division with almost any side able to beat others on their day, so we'll need to be in top form to maintain (or improve) our position. And the Sunday side are having the usual fun, with good friendly cricket being played in a good spirit, with opportunities for all.
The colts have also had a very successful season, with both the under 11s and under 13s winning 5 of their 8 games to top the table, whilst the under 15s finished second. A big thank you to all those that have helped with the colts season, from the managers: Ozzy, Dan and Keith, to the coaches: Keith, Ben, Alex, Geoff and me(!) and of course all the parents that help out - particularly the Millers running the kitchen on Sunday matches. It's great to see the young cricketers progressing, with some real talent in there that bodes well for the future. Monday evening (15th July) is the last colts training, and also a chance to celebrate the season with the Colts Awards and BBQ - all members are welcome.
And while we're on BBQs, the club BBQ has been rearranged for the evening of the 27th July, when we host Hoddesdon. So please make every effort to come up and support the side and enjoy the bar and BBQ - again all members welcome, it'd be good to see some colts up there.
Here's hoping England don't fluff it tomorrow, so we can watch them in the final Sunday.
Boris
Issue 7 - May 2019
This is not the season intro I was expecting to write. With the pre-season finished, with a couple of great (if cold) friendlies over the weekend we should be heading full pelt into the league season. Alas, there is a change of plan. Liam and Carl have decided that Compton is no longer for them. I can sympathise to a degree, they are both talented cricketers and pulled up our first XI to heights the rest of us struggled with a bit.
However, the timing is awful. We discussed, as a side, competing in 3B over the winter and wanted to give it our best. But without these two, and the others we've lost since our promotion years, realistically we can't compete at this level and we would be denying players the right level of cricket if we tried to. Unfortunately, the timing means there's little the league can do in terms of rejigging things this year, though pragmatically they have allowed us to drop the first XI, rather than our lowest side, as would usually be expected.
So, we will only have one league side this year, in division 10A. This will mean more competition for places, though there are only 4 or so players to ‘drop down’ (if all available) and a fair few of last years twos are not available. We will be picking our strongest squad of those regularly available, with Willo continuing as captain following the great job he did last year.
We want to keep our players and turn this around to be a benefit in the long run. This requires flexibility from us and you. We’ll look to scheduled additional fixtures when availability allows, though equally some flexibility with usual Saturday players being able to play Sunday would also be appreciated. Though this week it looks like we only have enough for the one league fixture. The hope is that quite soon we can regularly get a Saturday friendly, with a view to having two league sides at the right level next year, as well as the usual Sunday side.
Financially dropping a side will have an impact, so we will be needing to tweak our friendly fees, which have typically been considerably lower than the league fees, though will still a good deal, especially given there’s no annual fee for players.
I’m sorry to those of you that found out from the league website first – though they needed to inform the opposition etc. Whilst I contacted many of those most immediately effected, it has been somewhat of a whirlwind 48 hours and have not been able to discuss with all. I’ll be about at the weekend and am happy to discuss with anyone who has concerns.
Let's look to the future.
Boris.
This is not the season intro I was expecting to write. With the pre-season finished, with a couple of great (if cold) friendlies over the weekend we should be heading full pelt into the league season. Alas, there is a change of plan. Liam and Carl have decided that Compton is no longer for them. I can sympathise to a degree, they are both talented cricketers and pulled up our first XI to heights the rest of us struggled with a bit.
However, the timing is awful. We discussed, as a side, competing in 3B over the winter and wanted to give it our best. But without these two, and the others we've lost since our promotion years, realistically we can't compete at this level and we would be denying players the right level of cricket if we tried to. Unfortunately, the timing means there's little the league can do in terms of rejigging things this year, though pragmatically they have allowed us to drop the first XI, rather than our lowest side, as would usually be expected.
So, we will only have one league side this year, in division 10A. This will mean more competition for places, though there are only 4 or so players to ‘drop down’ (if all available) and a fair few of last years twos are not available. We will be picking our strongest squad of those regularly available, with Willo continuing as captain following the great job he did last year.
We want to keep our players and turn this around to be a benefit in the long run. This requires flexibility from us and you. We’ll look to scheduled additional fixtures when availability allows, though equally some flexibility with usual Saturday players being able to play Sunday would also be appreciated. Though this week it looks like we only have enough for the one league fixture. The hope is that quite soon we can regularly get a Saturday friendly, with a view to having two league sides at the right level next year, as well as the usual Sunday side.
Financially dropping a side will have an impact, so we will be needing to tweak our friendly fees, which have typically been considerably lower than the league fees, though will still a good deal, especially given there’s no annual fee for players.
I’m sorry to those of you that found out from the league website first – though they needed to inform the opposition etc. Whilst I contacted many of those most immediately effected, it has been somewhat of a whirlwind 48 hours and have not been able to discuss with all. I’ll be about at the weekend and am happy to discuss with anyone who has concerns.
Let's look to the future.
Boris.
Issue 6 - April 2019
Thanks to those who made the working party. With a good turnout we fitted more fencing, spruced up the patio, got the net up and the wicket had a good roll.
Adults:
It's not long until the first game so it's time to get your availability in. Ben's taken over from me as team secretary, so let him know your availability - 07982273680 - or update the availability spreadsheet. Our initial friendlies are:
Sat 20th April - home v fives
Sat 27th April - 2 games v OEs, home and away
Sat 4th May - interclub match.
Sun 5th May - home v forest gate.
The herts league AGM has happened since my last update. It's confirmed that all games will be overs, though the two's league will be 45v45 rather than 50v50 for the ones. Unsurprisingly the idea to adopt "u11" rules of two for a wide and no extra ball was rejected!
Colts:
Training starts on Monday, 15th April, at 6pm - here's hoping its not too cold! Colts managers will be in contact about fixtures in due course.
Lets get playing.
Boris.
Thanks to those who made the working party. With a good turnout we fitted more fencing, spruced up the patio, got the net up and the wicket had a good roll.
Adults:
It's not long until the first game so it's time to get your availability in. Ben's taken over from me as team secretary, so let him know your availability - 07982273680 - or update the availability spreadsheet. Our initial friendlies are:
Sat 20th April - home v fives
Sat 27th April - 2 games v OEs, home and away
Sat 4th May - interclub match.
Sun 5th May - home v forest gate.
The herts league AGM has happened since my last update. It's confirmed that all games will be overs, though the two's league will be 45v45 rather than 50v50 for the ones. Unsurprisingly the idea to adopt "u11" rules of two for a wide and no extra ball was rejected!
Colts:
Training starts on Monday, 15th April, at 6pm - here's hoping its not too cold! Colts managers will be in contact about fixtures in due course.
Lets get playing.
Boris.
Issue 5 - February 2019
Let me start with a reminder that training for the whole club, adults and juniors, starts this Sunday (24th February) for 5 weeks at Ashmole Academy from 1 -3. I’m looking forward to dusting off the cobwebs and getting playing again.
Since my last note, we’ve held our AGM and agreed our fee structure for this year:
In my last note I touched on the strain our volunteers feel. It saddens me that another volunteer has stepped down – Linda “Ma” Lawless has been our 1st XI scorer for around 30 years and over the years has seen many of our colts progress through the adult sides and into the first team. She’ll be dearly missed, and shares in Tipex are set to tumble! If anyone is interested in taking the reigns as first XI scorer then please be in touch.
On a similar note it is also worth mentioning that we are outsourcing teas – well the majority of it. This may mean that a bit more tidying up is required from players, but this was another pinch point for volunteers and we’ve found a local company that have offered good value.
Boris.
Let me start with a reminder that training for the whole club, adults and juniors, starts this Sunday (24th February) for 5 weeks at Ashmole Academy from 1 -3. I’m looking forward to dusting off the cobwebs and getting playing again.
Since my last note, we’ve held our AGM and agreed our fee structure for this year:
- Colts will remain at £70
- Adult playing membership has ceased, this was a pain to collect and not forthcoming from members, this has therefore been added to match fees, giving:
- Saturday
Full - £17
Concession - £12
Colt - £7 - Sunday
Full - £10
Concession - £8
Colt - £7 - Social membership will continue at £20
- Saturday
In my last note I touched on the strain our volunteers feel. It saddens me that another volunteer has stepped down – Linda “Ma” Lawless has been our 1st XI scorer for around 30 years and over the years has seen many of our colts progress through the adult sides and into the first team. She’ll be dearly missed, and shares in Tipex are set to tumble! If anyone is interested in taking the reigns as first XI scorer then please be in touch.
On a similar note it is also worth mentioning that we are outsourcing teas – well the majority of it. This may mean that a bit more tidying up is required from players, but this was another pinch point for volunteers and we’ve found a local company that have offered good value.
Boris.
Issue 4 - January 2019
Happy new year all. With the (joy and pain of the) 2018 season well behind us, it's time to turn our attention to 2019.
Firstly there's our AGM 6:30 this Sunday. I speak to many of you throughout the season and off-season, but this is chance to voice your views and for the committee to set out our priorities, as well as the election of the committee and captains. I'm amazed how we manage to keep the club running through volunteers, but this does cause quite a strain on those that help - if there's any way that you could help out please get in touch.
My other key message is to get the indoor training in your diaries. Sunday 1-3 from 24th February to 24th March at Ashmole Academy. This is for the whole club, with the adults and older colts netting, and training and games for the younger colts. It's also an opportunity to introduce new players to the club. We've tried advertising in the past, but the best advertising is word of mouth through those that enjoy playing cricket with us. So please do bring any potential new players along.
See many of you Sunday,
Boris.
Happy new year all. With the (joy and pain of the) 2018 season well behind us, it's time to turn our attention to 2019.
Firstly there's our AGM 6:30 this Sunday. I speak to many of you throughout the season and off-season, but this is chance to voice your views and for the committee to set out our priorities, as well as the election of the committee and captains. I'm amazed how we manage to keep the club running through volunteers, but this does cause quite a strain on those that help - if there's any way that you could help out please get in touch.
My other key message is to get the indoor training in your diaries. Sunday 1-3 from 24th February to 24th March at Ashmole Academy. This is for the whole club, with the adults and older colts netting, and training and games for the younger colts. It's also an opportunity to introduce new players to the club. We've tried advertising in the past, but the best advertising is word of mouth through those that enjoy playing cricket with us. So please do bring any potential new players along.
See many of you Sunday,
Boris.
Issue 3 - July 2018
Apologies for the delay in this update. With all that’s been going on now the season is in full swing its taken me far too long to put pen to paper.
With the kids now disappearing for the summer holidays, firstly I’ll reflect on a great colts season. Not just success on the pitch with the under 11s winning the league, but also great to see so many parents getting involved and at the awards BBQ. We’ve got really good numbers at the younger end and if we keep and develop these players in a (fair) few years’ time the adult sides should get a real boost.
With that in mind, this Saturday is the club BBQ – a chance for the whole club to come together, it would be great to see some of the colts up watching the adults, before the BBQ begins at around 7:30.
Now to the adult sides. The Twos seem to be having fun and Willo’s doing great work – mainly just getting 11 players out! Although the usual availability struggles have seen an early promotion charge falter, on their day they can beat any side in the league, so here’s hoping for a strong end to the season.
The Ones have had a more difficult time. Back to back promotions have taken their toll, and with no additions since last year, and missing a couple of players, we’ve struggled. We’ve competed in the majority of games but have failed to put in complete enough performances. The disappointing thing is how, as a side who got used to winning, we’ve reacted to these defeats. We need to pull together, take the expectation and pressure off ourselves, stay positive for longer – even when things don’t go our way – and just enjoy ourselves a bit more. Last week we put out one of the weakest 1 st XIs we’ve had for a while, but the effort was superb – we need more of this for the rest of the season.
Finally, I need to remind our adult members that membership fees are well overdue. Although we have collected many there are quite a few outstanding, so please get these in promptly at the next game you’re at.
Boris.
Apologies for the delay in this update. With all that’s been going on now the season is in full swing its taken me far too long to put pen to paper.
With the kids now disappearing for the summer holidays, firstly I’ll reflect on a great colts season. Not just success on the pitch with the under 11s winning the league, but also great to see so many parents getting involved and at the awards BBQ. We’ve got really good numbers at the younger end and if we keep and develop these players in a (fair) few years’ time the adult sides should get a real boost.
With that in mind, this Saturday is the club BBQ – a chance for the whole club to come together, it would be great to see some of the colts up watching the adults, before the BBQ begins at around 7:30.
Now to the adult sides. The Twos seem to be having fun and Willo’s doing great work – mainly just getting 11 players out! Although the usual availability struggles have seen an early promotion charge falter, on their day they can beat any side in the league, so here’s hoping for a strong end to the season.
The Ones have had a more difficult time. Back to back promotions have taken their toll, and with no additions since last year, and missing a couple of players, we’ve struggled. We’ve competed in the majority of games but have failed to put in complete enough performances. The disappointing thing is how, as a side who got used to winning, we’ve reacted to these defeats. We need to pull together, take the expectation and pressure off ourselves, stay positive for longer – even when things don’t go our way – and just enjoy ourselves a bit more. Last week we put out one of the weakest 1 st XIs we’ve had for a while, but the effort was superb – we need more of this for the rest of the season.
Finally, I need to remind our adult members that membership fees are well overdue. Although we have collected many there are quite a few outstanding, so please get these in promptly at the next game you’re at.
Boris.
Issue 2 - April 2018
With 5 weeks of indoor training complete, we now turn our attention to the ground and, if the weather stops being so wintery, our first match is in a fortnight. In order for us to be ready, we will hold our usual start of season working party on the 7th/8th April. Many hands make light work and as well as the usual jobs, reconstructing the sight screen and net amongst others, I hope for a good turnout so we can address the biggest annoyance of the season… no, not Robbie!… but our hedges. We have some new chicken wire fencing, so it would be great for plenty of bodies to help repair and replace this to minimise balls being lost and disruptions to games.
For the few of you that don’t already know, I became a dad at the end of February, when Herbert was born – so I’m doing my bit to increase membership! Though it would be good to have some new members that will be ready to slot into the sides a bit sooner. So, spread the word - mates, mates of mates, colleagues, whoever! – if you think they’ll be interested, tell them about us.
It also looks like Herbert’s ready for the new season, are you? If you’ve not already retrieved your kit from the attic now’s the time. Give that bat an oil and maybe even the whites a wash! Talking of whites, it would be great for all our players to wear club whites, with our logo on – this should be worn with pride. This is available from the club shop straight from Tyler’s our supplier. They can take a couple of weeks, so now’s the time to order.
As I said at the top of this email, games are fast approaching. So, for adult catches, can you fill out the availability spreadsheet like previous years please – any issues then just let the captains (Liam / Willo) or me (Boris) know you’re available. Colts games start at the end of April, and the colts managers will sort these.
With 5 weeks of indoor training complete, we now turn our attention to the ground and, if the weather stops being so wintery, our first match is in a fortnight. In order for us to be ready, we will hold our usual start of season working party on the 7th/8th April. Many hands make light work and as well as the usual jobs, reconstructing the sight screen and net amongst others, I hope for a good turnout so we can address the biggest annoyance of the season… no, not Robbie!… but our hedges. We have some new chicken wire fencing, so it would be great for plenty of bodies to help repair and replace this to minimise balls being lost and disruptions to games.
For the few of you that don’t already know, I became a dad at the end of February, when Herbert was born – so I’m doing my bit to increase membership! Though it would be good to have some new members that will be ready to slot into the sides a bit sooner. So, spread the word - mates, mates of mates, colleagues, whoever! – if you think they’ll be interested, tell them about us.
It also looks like Herbert’s ready for the new season, are you? If you’ve not already retrieved your kit from the attic now’s the time. Give that bat an oil and maybe even the whites a wash! Talking of whites, it would be great for all our players to wear club whites, with our logo on – this should be worn with pride. This is available from the club shop straight from Tyler’s our supplier. They can take a couple of weeks, so now’s the time to order.
As I said at the top of this email, games are fast approaching. So, for adult catches, can you fill out the availability spreadsheet like previous years please – any issues then just let the captains (Liam / Willo) or me (Boris) know you’re available. Colts games start at the end of April, and the colts managers will sort these.
Issue 1 - February 2018
Welcome to our 2018 season, and what should be another great year of cricket.
We’re trying a slightly different comms piece this year, with a regular(ish) update from me – Andy ‘Boris’ Grayson, the Chairman. I’ll aim to give you a round up of the key action and highlights through the season, but with no play yet, this time it’s more to inform you of what’s to come…
Cricket’s back, in a week… (indoors!)
That’s right, indoor training is from 25th February until the 25th March, 1 -3 at Ashmole Academy as usual. This is for all playing members, colts and adults. Adults £5 each week, colts included in membership – I hope to see lots of you there.
Matches and outdoor training will then commence in mid-late April:
Fees
It’s with some regret that fee’s will be rising this year. As costs rise, so our income needs to too. They’ll be a small increase in both adults and colts membership fees for 2018, though I still believe we are one of the cheapest club’s around:
Membership Fees
Adult playing member - £40
Social member / U18 or in full time education - £20
Colt - £70*
* Discount on multiple colts
The colts membership is higher as it covers all colts activity including training and matches. For adult matches (which older colts may be able to participate in) there are match fees as usual.
Match Fees
Match type
Friendly
Adult - £10
Concession (part time, in education, or apprentice) - £8
Colt - £7
League
Adult - £15
Concession (part time, in education, or apprentice) - £10
Colt - £7
Tour
This ones for the adults, or the older colts if you fancy a family break. Once a year, for Whitsun, we decamp to Devon for some seaside air and a spot of cricket – 28th May to 1st June. We’re always looking for more tourers, so let us know if you’re interested.
MCC Cards
Nearly there, one last update, each year we can offer members the chance to purchase a ‘Middlesex Card’ for around £30 (a bit less for colts I believe), these grant the (named) individual access to all Middlesex home games – T20, One Day and County Championship. This year’s details are yet to be confirmed, but we know the scheme will be running again – if you’re interested, let Dave Frame know (if you know who he is!), or email us and we’ll pass on.
See lots of you at indoor training soon,
Boris
Welcome to our 2018 season, and what should be another great year of cricket.
We’re trying a slightly different comms piece this year, with a regular(ish) update from me – Andy ‘Boris’ Grayson, the Chairman. I’ll aim to give you a round up of the key action and highlights through the season, but with no play yet, this time it’s more to inform you of what’s to come…
Cricket’s back, in a week… (indoors!)
That’s right, indoor training is from 25th February until the 25th March, 1 -3 at Ashmole Academy as usual. This is for all playing members, colts and adults. Adults £5 each week, colts included in membership – I hope to see lots of you there.
Matches and outdoor training will then commence in mid-late April:
- Adult friendlies – 14th & 15th April
- Colts training – 16th April
- Colts matches from late April
- Adult League matches – 5th May
Fees
It’s with some regret that fee’s will be rising this year. As costs rise, so our income needs to too. They’ll be a small increase in both adults and colts membership fees for 2018, though I still believe we are one of the cheapest club’s around:
Membership Fees
Adult playing member - £40
Social member / U18 or in full time education - £20
Colt - £70*
* Discount on multiple colts
The colts membership is higher as it covers all colts activity including training and matches. For adult matches (which older colts may be able to participate in) there are match fees as usual.
Match Fees
Match type
Friendly
Adult - £10
Concession (part time, in education, or apprentice) - £8
Colt - £7
League
Adult - £15
Concession (part time, in education, or apprentice) - £10
Colt - £7
Tour
This ones for the adults, or the older colts if you fancy a family break. Once a year, for Whitsun, we decamp to Devon for some seaside air and a spot of cricket – 28th May to 1st June. We’re always looking for more tourers, so let us know if you’re interested.
MCC Cards
Nearly there, one last update, each year we can offer members the chance to purchase a ‘Middlesex Card’ for around £30 (a bit less for colts I believe), these grant the (named) individual access to all Middlesex home games – T20, One Day and County Championship. This year’s details are yet to be confirmed, but we know the scheme will be running again – if you’re interested, let Dave Frame know (if you know who he is!), or email us and we’ll pass on.
See lots of you at indoor training soon,
Boris
