Charlesworth & Chisworth Cricket Club

Secretary’s Report

This is my fifth Annual Report, and covers the Club’s sixth season in the Derbyshire & Cheshire League. It is also my last report for, as many of you know, I am leaving the area and in consequence will not be standing again as Secretary.

It has not been a particularly good season from the cricket point of view. The 1^st team finished 9^th and had its moments, including a win over Division 2 champions Hadfield , but only 6 wins against 11 defeats tells its own story. However, the batting looked better with several 200 + scores and the team was only once bowled out for less than 100. Two matches which produced over 400 runs each were only lost narrowly.

The problem seemed to be that the bowling failed to match the batting. Both Dave Gilham and John Abbott scored 450 runs (John’s tally including a century) and Phil Elliott reached 425 runs. However, Elliott Morley, who had an excellent season with 39 wickets for 572 runs average 14.66, figured consistently with the ball. Injuries to both Paul Littlewood and Gareth Evans were a major handicap and their return to full fitness should make the attack much more formidable next year. Nevertheless Phil Elliott in his first year as captain should be able to draw some positives from the season, and it is mainly a young side which probably still has its best cricket to play.

The 2^nd team finished 7^th finally, after a disastrous start and no win until mid June. In the end 6 wins were outweighed by 12 defeats. The batting was the better part with the evergreen Martin Dunkerley leading the way with 505 runs, Brian Collier topping the averages with 384 runs at an average of 48.00 and Ryan Guest reaching 329 runs.

The bowling was clearly the weakness, with Gareth Evans on 1^st team duty or struggling with injury and David Wood borrowed by the 1^st team on a number of occasions. However the experienced Paul Dale (snr.) joined the club midway through the season and topped the averages with 22 wickets for 356 runs, average 16.18, in only 8 matches. A number of promising juniors made their appearances and for next season the blend of youth and experience can expect to do much better. Hopefully, the selection problems which troubled Captain Gordy Graham so much will be solved as the juniors come through.

And so to the juniors, all of whom experienced better seasons. Martin Dunkerley continues to build for the future with an U11 side that finished 4^th and includes a number of very promising cricketers. The U13 side was less successful in 7^th place, but was mainly the U11 side anyway. However, in Tom Sims it has an excellent cricketer who also played regularly for the U15 and U17 sides.

The U15 and U17 sides were handicapped initially by lack of managers, as Steve Leech was unable to carry out the job. However, the Chairman, myself and Richard Jenkins took over. Much arm twisting by the Chairman produced assistance at matches from 1^st team players which was much appreciated by the juniors and clearly enjoyed by the senior players involved. This is a very serious issue faced by the Club, as the League requirement is to field 4 junior teams and failure to do so will ultimately threaten the Club’s very existence in the League. It is therefore vital that we have identified and committed managers and assistants, elected tonight. The benefit of having senior players involved is obvious in that clear links through the teams are established, quality coaching and advice can be given and the enjoyment of both junior and senior players is enhanced. I am sure those who helped this year will endorse this, certainly the juniors appreciated having senior players with them and responded accordingly. Reinforced by 5 new U15 players from Copley High School the U15 team finished 4^th in group and the U17 team 9^th. Next years teams remain essentially the same and can expect even better results, particularly at U15 level.

Finally, the Social Team had, by their standards, a poor season 13 matches were played but only the final two were won, against a Newton Vets F.C. team which bore more than a passing resemblance to Charlesworth & Chisworth CC 1^st and 2^nd teams and old rivals Mottram. Batting was, as ever, sound with Joe James scoring 197 runs and Rob Taylor and Terry Branton not far behind, but the bowling is getting older and slower and we just cannot bowl sides out. An unfortunate development at this level is that some sides are importing ‘ringers’ in their desire to win, as witness the Glossop 1^st teamer I managed to get out. For next season the team needs to find a few new opponents genuinely wishing to play social cricket. However, our contribution to Club funds was £661 , and our thanks go to our match sponsor Peter Atherton, landlord of the George & Dragon.

Away from cricket, work on the ground has largely been confined to maintenance, with no major developments carried out. Nevertheless the ground has been a credit to the Club throughout the season and received most favourable comments when we hosted the Hawke Trophy 2^nd team knock-out Final in August and a High Peak Cricket Development Group U15 match.

The wisdom of buying decent equipment – latterly the outfield mower – is apparent and next on the list is a sit-on roller which hopefully can be purchased before next season. Progress is also being made towards Clubmark accreditation, and the Club’s application has recently been submitted to the Derbyshire Cricket Board. Richard Jenkins has done an enormous amount of work on this.

On the social side Harry Whitney has organised two very successful dinners at the Hunters Inn and these look like becoming established pre and post season events. Peter Thompson and his sub-committee have worked hard at the Gala Week-end and despite less than hoped for support, particularly on the Saturday, a considerable amount of money appears to have been raised for the Club.

Mention must also be made of the Club’s Website, acknowledged to be the best in the League. Credit must go to Rob Greaves for this, and for the most comprehensive set of statistics produced at the end of the season.

Finally, I must thank various people with whom I have worked closely in this and the past few years. Shirley Redfern for all the secretarial and typing work she has done, Harry Whitney with whom I have spent many hours mowing, strimming and maintaining things, Bert Mellor who has kept machinery going long past its sell-by date, and Richard Jenkins who has done so much with junior cricket for the Club.

I have enjoyed my years as Secretary and hope that I have helped to take the Club forward. I wish you every success.

David Rawlinson

Gala Weekend

On Friday the 17^th September 2005 we held our second Sportsmans Dinner, in the George and Dragon car park marquee.

Guest speaker was Lancashire and England cricket coach Mike Watkinson, Comedian Mike Farrell, and the evening was controlled by Master of Ceremonies, James H. Reeves. Catering was provided by Peter Atherton and his George & Dragon staff.

Over 130 attendees had a thoroughly good evening.

This one was particularly successful in that the club funds benefited by about three times the amount that was raised last year. A final profit of £2134.00 was realised.

This was mainly due to the fact that this year we had very generous sponsorship of the event, and we give thanks to our co-opted gala committee man Paul Thackery who guided us through this new venture.

The main sponsor for the event were Barclay’s Bank .

Sponsors were:-

Brother UK thanks to John Parkinson, Buildtec, thanks to Tim Price, Droylsden Glass, thanks to Paul Thackery, Entrepreneur Invest, thanks to Peter Thompson, RTL Systems, thanks to Harry Thompson, Servicetelecom, thanks to Peter Thompson, WSP Fire Eng., thanks to Jason Oldham, Wild & Hallam, thanks to Mike Wild, and Mr Ian Greaves.

We would also like to thank all the people who helped with auction items, and in particular Isoft, Patrick Cryne, and Oxley Threads, David Birch, for the tickets to Manchester United’s theatre of dreams. The monies raised more than doubled last years auction money.

Saturday night was the end of season “knees up” for players, and the musical entertainment provided by local favourites Watson Brown Band.

I would like to thank my gala committee, of Peter Thompson, Ian Greaves, Phil Elliott, Elliott Morley, Peter Atherton and Paul Thackery for all their hard work and time given to this project, and for putting up with me, continually asking the same question over and over again.

The Sportsman’s Dinner this year will be on Friday, 22^nd September and the venue will be the new Glossop Rugby Club clubhouse. Work on this clubhouse will be completed in May with a function room capable of holding 120.

The guest of honour will be Lancashire cricketer and ex-captain Warren Hegg. The comedian will be the one and only Austin Knight and the whole evening will be controlled by Master of Ceremonies, James H. Reeves.

Tickets at £30.00 will be available from any member of the cricket club or ring Alan Burgoyne (Tel:01457 863459)

1^st Team Report

Something of a familiar pattern has developed over recent years for the 1st XI - a decent start followed by talk of promotion, then a few close defeats and a second half of the season that flickers but eventually fades away. 2005 was no exception, except that the good start was not quite as prolonged as in 2004, and our final league position was correspondingly lower. We have to ask ourselves why our performances haven't matched up to expectations.

Undoubtedly one reason is that our batting has been inconsistent. We (the batsmen) have to face up to that honestly and take individual responsibility for doing something about it. Quite likely it's also because the bowlers have been blighted by injury, which is a serious blow because our bowling attack when fully fit is arguably the best in the division. And probably it's because we don't pressurise enough in the field.

What can we do to ratchet up the performances?

Practice! Improving your cricket is rarely achieved through osmosis alone. Good practice is an essential component of improvement and the development of consistent performance. We can all remember the odd good innings, but for ongoing success, good innings should be coming 3 weeks in every 4.

Perhaps we need to turn up the "heat" a bit in the field? We’re more likely to succeed when the opposition knows that we're up for the fight even if the tide isn't flowing in our favour. A good fielding side makes life uncomfortable for the batsmen.

And maybe the odd prayer - please keep our bowlers free from pain and injury in 2006, amen!

New players wouldn't go amiss either. But we definitely do have the talent to do it ourselves and we can look forward to the new season with confidence in that knowledge. We just need to do the simple things well.

In the medium-term? Well, despite the tremendous efforts of a few, the club has certainly suffered in the recent past from a dysfunctional relationship between the senior and junior teams.

Last year saw the first real signs of the reforming of the links and we must focus on strengthening these in the coming season and beyond. If we do, there’s no reason why the whole club shouldn’t expect success for many years ahead.

So yes, 2005 was a disappointing season for the 1st XI. But we had our usual fun and games along the way. Who could forget John "ASBO" Abbott's massacre of Broadbottom's bowling attack or Bob Partridge's magical innings and comedic sledging against Romiley!? We might also remember Dave Whitney's classic over against his cousin's bowling, and our middle-order assault at Dove Holes. And we can reflect fondly on Dave Wood's first 1st XI "5-for" against Mellor and Elliott Morley's consistently outstanding bowling throughout the whole season. Oh and of course, there's always the perplexing but ever-endearing....Johnny Wardle! I suppose these are the things that make it all worthwhile.

All year round there are a lot of people who put in a tremendous amount of work at the club. I'd particularly like to thank Alan, Ian, Dave, Harry, Bert and everyone else on committee for their greatly valued support. Thank you to those of you who turn up to support the teams - it really is appreciated. Many thanks also to Richard Jenkins for his fantastic scoring. And finally, thank you to my retiring vice-captain Dave Gilham (who played a few superb innings himself during 2005). Dave, may your retirement spur on even greater personal achievements in 2006!

Phil Elliott

2^nd Team Report

16all out v Old Glossop was not exactly the dream start to the season. (The runs were thanks to non-regular recruits Thomo-14 and Rob Sheard-2. What happened to us regulars? The early part of the season was more often than not a struggle just to get 11 bodies on the cricket field! Disappointingly it was a number of young players, in whom we had such high hopes, who were unavailable for various reasons. During this period the team depended on the old stalwarts (How often did Eddie Delaroute come out of retirement?) and reliable young players like Dave Wood and Steve Leech.

As the season progressed things did begin to improve with the influx of seasoned pro Brian Collier, the return of Mike Hollin from college and a bunch of Dales (father Paul, sons Alan and Paul and Adam-not related.) Alan and Adam’s U15

Team-mate Anthony Stenton also strengthened the squad. By the season’s end we had achieved mid-table respectability.

The main successes of the season were the batting of Martin Dunkerley, Brian Collier and Ryan Guest and the bowling of Paul Dale senior and latterly Gareth Evans (who we got from 1^st Xl by injury default). Particularly pleasing was the continuing improvement of Dave Wood, Chris Simms and Steve Leech (Is he still alive?) who represented the first team on several occasions.

Finally, thanks to the dependable older brigade such as Nigel Redfern, Rob Taylor and John Parkinson without whom the team may have folded. I wish Brian Collier, the new captain, every success for the season 2006.

Gordy Graham

Social Team Report

A sad season for me as I knew that a move from the area meant it would be my last season with the Social Team and as Club Secretary. Still, 10 years of social cricket, probably more wins than defeats, wickets (including my only hat-trick), runs even, but above all lots of enjoyment with friends in the team and friends we played against. Good memories.

However, as a cricketing season it was not our best. The usual opponents produced some 12 matches after various cancellations, suffice it to say we only won 2. Dwelling on these rare victories we defeated Newton Vets FC (which bore more than a passing resemblance to CCCC 1^st & 2^nd teams) in a tight finish in the final over, and fairly easily beat our old rivals Mottram in the last match. Other regular opponents seemed to get younger and stronger and unfortunately one or two teams fielded obvious ringers (e.g. 1^st team regulars). A review of our fixture list is overdue as there are still genuine social teams out there who would welcome a game. Still, our thanks to Ian Greaves for all his work.

There were, as always moments in the season not to be forgotten. Who got Martin Bell out against Rock C.C? Which opposing captain got our ‘Champagne Moment’ trophy for contributing so much to our victory over them?

There were also new and welcome recruits who could actually play cricket, at least one of whom brought his own spectators in numbers. And we awarded our ‘Champagne Moment’ trophy whenever the last recipient remembered to bring it with them. The annual Batting Award went for the 2^nd consecutive season to Joe James, although an alternative interpretation of the Duckworth/Lewis method of trophy awarding would have given it to Charlie Bishop. The Bowling Award went to Geoff Griffiths, which shows there is no substitute for actually taking the wickets.

Finally, we contributed £642.00 to club funds, not least thanks to our sponsor Peter Atherton, landlord of the George & Dragon.

For next season long serving captain Terry Branton is handing over to vice-captain Rob Taylor. Terry has done a superb job over the years, always a competitive cricketer he has balanced the natural urge to win with the need to keep the team together and give everyone a chance to play their part. As a very occasional captain, I can well appreciate the effort he has put in getting 11 people out every week. I hope he has many more seasons as a player and I wish Rob Taylor well as the new captain. And my good wishes go also to another team stalwart, wicket keeper Terry Brown who has taken over from me as Club Secretary. I know Terry will do very well for the Club in his new job.

Just before I came to write this report I heard of the sudden death of Roy Greenwood. Roy had played for the team certainly as long as I had. An unassuming but effective batsman and a steady bowler, Roy was everything Social cricket was about. A lovely man who supported the Club in many generous ways, the Team will miss Roy and his humour and his racing tips. He deserved a long and happy retirement and our thoughts are with Fay and his family.

David Rawlinson

Junior Cricket U15's & U17's

The season started very poorly for the U15s when the club was unable to field a team for the first fixture, highlighting vividly the major problem we have of a shortage of players.

This problem was also encountered in the first two U17s fixtures where, whilst the games were fulfilled, we fielded teams of only 7. Thanks to the help of Martin Dunkerley we managed to recruit and fulfil all our subsequent fixtures, although, at times it was far from easy. For the long term welfare of the club it is imperative that we maintain and increase the junior membership.

Through the season the standard of performance improved and it augers well for the coming season if we are able to keep all the players.

The highlight for the U15s was the bowling where averages were headed by Tom Guerin, the leading wicket takers were Matt Yates, Adam Dale and Tom, and the best individual performance was 3 for 27 by Adam in helping in an excellent victory over Newton.

The batting was less effective with no-one averaging more than 20. Adam Dale headed the averages and was ably assisted by Tom Guerin and Anthony Stenton with Anthony making the highest individual score of 39.

The U17s team was comprised of the U15s plus the few U17s at the club, and therefore was a very young side, so winning 3 of the 10 games played was a creditable performance.

In contrast to the U15s the U17s area of relative strength was the batting where Chris Sims topped the averages with 262 runs scored at 29.1, including two half centuries and three further scores over30. He was ably assisted by Paul Higginbottom and Matt Yates with Paul top scoring at 49no and Matt 36. The bowling struggled somewhat, due to the quality of the opposition batting, but nevertheless performed tirelessly with Alan Dale leading the averages and taking the majority of the wickets with Nathan Toop and Matt Yates. Strangely the best individual performance was by our part-time bowler Chris Sims who took 3 for 7 with his interesting spin.

Every game both side played relied very much on the team ethic so mention must be made of Nick Bennett, Dale Ainscow, Tom Sims, Lewis Jones and Tom Staples who all played with much spirit and commitment.

To maintain our position as a junior cricket club it is necessary we obtain Clubmark. Accordingly the club has made a written submission to the powers that be at the Derbyshire Cricket Board and we are awaiting their response.

For more years than I can remember the U15s and U17s have been managed, chauffered, umpired and guided by David Rawlinson. Sadly David has now left the club and I would like to take the opportunity to thank him, on behalf of everyone for his unstinting efforts.

In the season 2006 new junior managers will be on the scene with Elliott Morley running the U15s and Mike Fitzgerald the U17s. It is not an easy job and I hope everyone, club members, parents, and friends, gives them any assistance they need.

Richard Jenkins

Junior Cricket U11's & U13's

I would like to thank all the parents on behalf of myself and the club, for giving up your time on Sunday morning when you could have been having a lie in. You have all been an invaluable help and support to me, and my job this season has been a pleasure because of your assistance and co-operation. Without your help to transport the boys to far off grounds I would have had terrible difficulty getting them to away games.

During home games, the voluntary help I received from both Mums and Dads in providing refreshments in the kitchen for all our visitors was a fantastic help and spoke volumes about the quality of the people involved with the junior section of the club during this season.

I would like to thank Robin Bates for his help on Tuesday practice nights, and for keeping score on Sunday mornings, and Simon Rushton for his help in scoring when Robin was unable to attend.

On the field of play, our boys conduct has been exemplary and, win or lose they have conducted themselves in a commendatory manner and deserve to be complimented on that. Well done!

One factor that does affect our performance is the depth of the squad that we currently have to choose our teams from. In general, I have run the two teams with a nucleus of 13 players. To compete with the likes of New Mills and Romiley is very difficult when you take into consideration that they have up to 80 boys registered to play for them. When we are affected by holidays or unavailability, we have problems filling the spaces, bigger clubs just bring in another cricketer.

After much thought about it, I feel a sense of underachievement about this season.

The under 11s could have reached play-offs and been a match for any team in our league had we been able to turn our strongest team out against New Mills and Romiley, and had we not given too many easy wickets away throughout the season. The U11s have been a great bunch of lads who played some very good cricket and the improvement even during the 7 match season was very noticeable. However, if I must identify a weakness, and I think I should because it made a difference to our results, it is that we have been what are generally termed ‘an easy touch’. The U11s lost 49 wickets during the season, that is an average of 7 a game, losing 35 runs per game. The boys enjoy their cricket win or lose, but we do not have the hard edge that makes it difficult for other teams to beat us. We give our wickets away far too easily. Most of the boys have now been playing for 2 years, some of them for the U11s and U13s, so I think the one thing they must introduce into their game next season is the determination not to be out easily. If you get a good ball, or someone takes a great catch like Paddy’s at Broadbottom, then OK, but don’t get out trying to smash a good ball for 6 or taking a silly run when the ball has gone to a fielder. The basis of batting is to be not out, and then scoring runs becomes a bonus. The U11s scored a total of 375 runs in the season and lost 49 wickets (22 in the last 2 games), that averages out at about 45 runs per game, but with a loss of 7 wickets per game (-35 runs) making a net total of 10 runs per game. We will not win many games with that sort of return.

My congratulations go to James Cryne for winning the bowling averages and to Paddy Rushton for winning the batting. Well done boys.

The U13s had a poor season but we also had generally a young team. In every game we played a minimum of four U11s and some games more. In one game we played seven U11s. The bonus factor from this fact is that all the boys are still available for next season, so hopefully this augurs well for our prospects of getting closer to New Mills and Romiley. It just did not seem to come together for the U13s and their results do not really indicate their level of performance, and although the results were disappointing, I was not disappointed with their application and attitude to the games.

However, again I think the loss of easy wickets and the absence of a steely determination in the team has been the biggest weakness, so the comments I have made about the U11s loss of wickets and approach to the game applies just as much to the U13s.

I would like to congratulate Tom Sims on winning both the bowling and batting averages, well done, and to commiserate with Joe Rushton who played in all the games, and who I turned to to bowl against all our opponents strongest batters and to bat against all the strongest bowlers. Well done Joe, you also had a superb season.

The U13s scored a total of 375 runs at an average of 62.5 per game and lost a total of 34 wickets at an average of nearly 7, -35 runs per game. That gives us a net total of 37.5 runs per game. In both the U11s and U13s, we suffered a little through not having an out and out wicket keeper. This is a specialist position and a focal point for the fielding team and although the boys who kept wicket did a super job, its not like having a specialist to work with, but everyone seems to want to bowl as well.

I am looking forward to taking the U13s next season and if we can correct some of the simple mistakes we made this season, and develop a streak of steel, then I am sure we can make an impact in the league.

The U11s season is going to be one of rebuilding and we are going to have to cast our net far and wide to recruit boys who want to play cricket, so if your friends, school mates, brother or neighbours are interested in playing, bring them along to the practice night, which I think next year will be a Friday.

Once again I would like to thank all who have been concerned with the juniors at Charlesworth for making it a rewarding and enjoyable season, and I hope to see you all again next year.

Martin Dunkerley

SEASON 2006

Once again all our league matches will be played on a Saturday – only cup matches being played on a Sunday.. The season begins on Saturday 22^nd April with the 1^st XI at home to HIGH LANE C.C.. The following Saturday the 1^st XI are away to HOLLINGWORTH C.C. with the 2^nd XI playing reverse fixtures with these clubs. Please note that the first two fixtures have a 1.30pm start.

In the Cup competitions we have byes in the 1^st round and play STOCKPORT C.C. in the 2^nd round on 11^th June with the 1^st XI having home advantage.

Extract from Cricket Club Minutes – Feb. 16^th, 1891

1. That we open a Subscription List amongst the members of the club for the benefit of our old member Mr Joseph Woollescroft, also that the first match of the season that is played on our ground be a benefit one for the same object. Proposed by Chairman Mr J .T. Wild and seconded by Mr E. Bowers.

2. That the price of 3d be the price of admission for the above game. Proposed by E. Bowers seconded by W. Metcalfe.

3. That the Charlesworth and Chisworth Brass Band be asked to give their services at the above match.

Proposed by F. Book seconded by W. Metcalfe.

A final sum of £4-13-10 was raised by the club for member Joseph Woollescroft.

Can we have nominations, please for Season 2006!

‘250’ Club

The ‘250’ Club celebrates its TWENTIETH anniversary this year. It has raised in the region of £25,000 for the club in this period and still remains our “bread and butter” income.

Tickets are still available for the ‘250’ Club which runs from MAY, 2006 to APRIL,2007 and anyone who wishes to support the club please contact JASON OLDHAM (01457 868259) or HARRY WHITNEY (01457 864263.)

The price of an annual ticket is £12.00 with 11 Monthly prizes of 1 @ £50 and 3 @ £20 and an AGM Draw of £250.00, £50.00, £30.00 and £20.00

LIST OF WINNERS

April 2005

Peter Davies 092 £50

Ivy Fisher 235 £20

Fraser Marsden 206 £20

Margaret Shaw 228 £20

May 2005

Celia Ashton 250 £50

Anita Redfern 083 £20

Mike Fitzgerald 212 £20

Eileen Lonergan 131 £20

June 2005

John Wardle 105 £50

Richard Vincent 115 £20

Terry Brown 110 £20

Chris Taylor 205 £20

July 2005

Louise Wardle 064 £50

Dave Evans 185 £20

Penny Brady 067 £20

Frank McNamee 061 £20

August2005

Ryan Guest 172 £50

Harry Whitney 023 £20

Pat Ashworth 152 £20

Bill Tierney 235 £20

September 2005

Kath Siddall 055 £50

Brenda Wardle 063 £20

Betty Vincent 234 £20

Peter Davies 092 £20

October 2005

Eileen Lonergan 131 £250

Alan Cawley 163 £50

Frank McNamee 061 £30

Lorraine Elliot 215 £20

November 2005

Terry Brown 132 £50

Ken Barber 034 £20

Trevor Wilkinson 127 £20

Nellie Williamson 107 £20.

December 2005

Claire Whitney 191 £50

Chris Taylor 205 £20

Malcolm Elliot 188 £20

Kieran Grogan 009 £20

January 2006

Mike Wild 197 £50

Gerry Patchett 138 £20

Anna Guest 013 £20

Simon Davies 193 £20

February 2006

Colin Stables 221 £50

Bill Deakin 117 £20

Phil Elliot 183 £20

Dave Evans 185 £20

March 2006

Peter Abbott 003 £50

Gareth Evans 019 £20

Chris Taylor 099 £20

Richard Jenkins 202 £20

Cricket Ball Sponsorship

As ever a very big thank you to all our match ball sponsors – your generosity ensured that every one of our 1^st and 2^nd team league and cup matches was sponsored.

We are required to use the league approved ball for all matches at a cost of £16.75. For 2006 we have ordered 36 – a total of £600.00. However, being able to offset this by some £250.00 sponsorship means the 1^st XI can have a new ball every game, the 2^nd XI can have a new ball every other game and all balls in good condition can be cleaned, polished and passed down to junior teams and the Social XI. Finally all cricket balls are then saved for use in the club nets and for the winter nets!

So we look forward to your continued support for 2006 – for only £10.00 a match your name or business will be displayed in the pavilion and on the team sheets at various places in the village. We are particular to thank you individually and send you our clubcard and fixture list.

For the coming season Harry Whitney (01457 864263) will be pleased to hear from you if you wish to be a sponsor or simply have a word with any club member and I will contact you.

Ball Sponsors 2005

Hunters Inn, David and Diane Rawlinson, Bob Wilkinson, Harry and Marion Whitney, Ian Greaves, Peter Shepley, Margaret Shaw (in memory of Philip), Norman and Shirley Redfern, Moyra Whitney, Pat Ford (in memory of Les Barrett), Richard Jenkins, Arturos – Unisex Hair Stylists, Dr Robert Connolly, Hilary Sykes (in memory of John), Sharna Charlesworth, Mary Hallam and Roy Greenwood.

David Rawlinson - Club Secretary (2000-2005)

I have served for 29 consecutive years on the cricket club committee and served under 7 secretaries – David Shimwell, John Hamshere, Vince Howard, Jack Lonergan, Tom McGarry, David Redfern and David Rawlinson. Each left their own mark on the position and with the club. But I think all these gentlemen and many more will agree that David Rawlinson took the club to a higher level. David became involved with every aspect of the club and if you phoned him at home, his wife Diane would inevitably respond “He’s not in, he’s at the Cricket Club!”

Six years ago, on David’s retirement, I asked him if he fancied helping me out with the general upkeep of the ground and pavilion. Within a very short time, David had taken over and I became his assistant. Over the past few seasons many clubs and their supporters have commented favourably on our ground. This praise from fellow cricketers was the only reward David wanted. Dave, I personally thank you for all the good work you did for the club. You will be missed.

Harry Whitney

Acknowledgements

Anna Guest once again produced our multi-coloured match card. This match card has no equal in the league covering senior fixtures, junior fixtures and the Social team fixtures. Anna produces this free of charge and the advertising revenue bring in another £250.00 for club funds.

Shirley Redfern has continued to type all David Rawlinson’s letters and typed out this newsletter.

Peter Atherton, landlord of the George & Dragon, has continued to provide Saturday teas for the club and after match sandwiches for the Social XI,

Finally, Ian Hidden has provided free of charge his services as D.J. for our musical events and also provided the microphones and sound system for the Sportsman’s Dinner.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the club thanks you.

Officers of the Club

President: Norman Redfern Tel: 01457 853423

Chairman: Alan Burgoyne Tel: 01457 863459

Vice Chairman: Harry Whitney Tel: 01457 864263

Secretary: Terry Brown Tel: 01457 853000

Captains

1^st XI Phil Elliott

Tel: 0161 486 9353

2^nd XI Brian Collier

Tel: 0161 339 7099

Vice Captains

1^st XI Paul Littlewood

Tel: 01457 862180

2^nd XI Martin Dunkerley

Tel: 01457 762486

General Committee

I. Greaves, J. Oldham, R. Jenkins, D. Redfern, N. Redfern, R.Taylor, P. Elliott, Miss G. Chafer,

P. Thompson, D. Gilham.

League Representative

Jason Oldham

Selection Committee Chairman

Ian Greaves

Groundsman

D. Hart

Life Members

P. Sheard, B. Mellor, D. Hart.