The season has been overshadowed by the death of Jimmy Shields. The debt the Club owes him is incalculable. He was a member for over 25 years and for much of that time he spent many hours tending the ground and keeping the pavilion in good order. Much of what the Club is today is due to his untiring efforts and good advice.
On the playing side, I believe we are ‘on the up’. Although the results are not as good as they should be, the signs are there that we have some good young players beginning to come through and next Season there will be plenty of competition for places in the 1st XI.
The Colts week in August was a great success and much credit is due to Arnie Hubbard for his hard work.
The Yorkshire match was also most successful and a good day was had by all. Next year, on Friday August 20th, we have arranged a similar match for David Bairstow’s benefit.
Once the season was over, work began on the main square, to get rid of the ‘ridges’ that have gradually appeared over the years since 1937 when we moved to Cobden Hill. We are very appreciative of Paul Roxan’s and Peter Thornhill’s work and it is their just reward that they have won that most prized trophy, the President’s Award; they took over from Jim and have laboured long and hard to keep up the high standard.
The Club depends on voluntary labour for its operation. It ought to be possible to avoid having to engage paid labour in the form of a steward and a groundsman.
COLTS REPORT – Arnie Hubbard
A colts cricket week commenced with a few selected colts being given coaching on the morning of the Yorkshire match by the former England Test batsman, John Hampshire. The standard of cricket and club spirit visibly improved during colts week which culminated in John Carr beating Andy Griffiths in the single wicket competition final. The successful season was assured by “KING COLT” Andy Herod the U 17 captain, coordinating the efforts of the hard working selectors and age group captains Ian Smith, U 18, Marcus Whitmore U 16, Andy Watson U 15.
ENTERTAINMENTS – John Tattersall
As I write this, we are recovering from the Annual Men’s Dinner. I think by general acclaim, it was a great success. Our thanks are given to the staff of Porters Park Golf Club for providing an excellent meal in first-class surroundings, and the marvellous speeches from our visitors, Jimmy Finch and Keith Lewis.
Now we have two Winter fixtures for your delectation. On Friday 11th December, Dan Graham is organising a Ladies Night in the Pavilion, 7.30 for 8.30. the format of the evening is for the men to make amends for all their intolerance, impatience, and taking for granted the sacrifices made by their wives and girl-friends during the past year (My wife wrote that).
Ian Holland has done a marvellous deal with HATFIELD LODGE for our DINNER DANCE ON SATURDAY 19 FEBRUARY at a cost of £10.50 per person. Now – COME ON!! The Club has a reputation for putting on enjoyable evenings, but it does depend on having the right number.
Finally, we shall be having our usual NEW YEARS EVE PARTY at the Club with Geoff Langrish-Smith providing the Disco. Numbers have to be restricted and early booking to me is essential.
John Tattersall