Chairman’s Report to the AGM January 26th 2009

I read somewhere that the third Monday in January is the day people find to be the most depressing of the year and having witnessed England’s capitulation in South Africa over the weekend I see no reason to disagree! So what better day to reflect on last seasons achievements and look forward to the summer ahead and cheer myself up.

Congratulations to John Noal, in his first year as skipper, and to the First Team on their promotion back into Division G, a tremendous all round achievement which hopefully will lead to further success. Tony and the Second Team after a difficult start enjoyed some success and despite a disappointing run at the end of the season staved off any threat of relegation and should look forward with optimism to the season ahead.

The most encouraging aspect of last season was the number of new and younger members to the club. Attendance at midweek nets and an increase in midweek games helped numbers to grow and thanks should go to John and Damien in particular for their support and encouragement.

I understand that a Lowdham CC team has been gracing an indoor league over the winter and we have also registered with the Newark Alliance to play Sunday League cricket this season, so on all fronts there seems to be a resurgence of interest which bodes well for the future.

One thing that has proved difficult to get off the ground, despite our best efforts, is junior cricket. We have a number of teenagers and father and sons playing for us but the interest and numbers for a junior team has never materialised. I think we have to face the fact that with the likes of Caythorpe, Thurgaton and Calverton providing better facilities we are never likely to be able to compete or attract sufficient interest.

Club finances continue to be healthy buoyed last year by a record 4 car boot sales; where would we be without them?!! If we wish to invest in improved facilities we shall have to carefully consider how much and where the money is coming from because without a recognisable and active youth policy a lot of the potential funding streams won’t be available to us.

Once again I would encourage you all to help in anyway you can with running the club and invite you to come along not only to the AGM but to any of the monthly committee meetings. We are fortunate that all the current committee members are willing to continue but they still need your support and there are always opportunities to help spread the load. I am sure both skippers are up for the challenge should anyone wish to stand against them and there are also the midweek and Sunday positions to formally consider.

One vitally important post to fill is that of Groundsman; understandably Damien can’t commit the time required to continue and we thank him for all his hard work over the past years. We have advertised locally and individual members have sent out feelers but if anyone is interested or knows of anyone please tell us.

I trust I see as many of you as possible at the AGM, remember its your opportunity to lend your support and have your say in running the club, if not I’ll see you during hopefully another enjoyable season of cricket.

Mike Pollard

Chairman

January 2010