The Clarion - SPRING 2008

Welcome to the new Season, one that marks our fiftieth year at Kenton Court Meadow, and one that promises much.

A few of us will remember those early days and in particular that historic occasion when in 1959 the Club played hosts to The Lord's Taverners and Sir Len Hutton officially opened the ground. Along the way there have been many memorable moments. The start of the Surrey Championship. The wonderful victory at Lords in 1974 in the final of the National KO Cup against Tunbridge Wells. The many successes in the leagues at all levels and now after some time out of the Premiership the 1stX1 being back and with a great chance of success in 2008.

Of course a common denominator to all of this has been the continued growth of the Colts section. It too started in 1959, I know, I was there!! Currently under Frank Sharman's stewardship, his 30th year or so, it is today some 250 strong with budding young cricketers from 5 years of age and above. Proudly we can boast our first England Test player in Richard Johnson and others too like David Nash and Jamie Hewitt for Middlesex, and this year Joel Pope for Leicestershire as well as Andy and Stuey Poynter for Ireland U19 and Adam London now in the Middlesex 2's - all Sunbury Colt's. Long may the production line continue!!

2008 looks to be a really exciting year and the Club is actively on a path of growth and improvement. Growth particularly within the Colts arena, where a record 135 matches have been arranged within a framework of 9 Middlesex and 6 Surrey leagues and improvement as we look to receive 'Clubmark' recognition and have set ourselves the awesome task of raising £40000 over the next 2 years in order that we may improve the practice facilities with 2 new artificial nets, provide automatic irrigation systems to both top and bottom squares and to drill a bore hole which would give us an unlimited water supply.

I am passionate about Sunbury, as I know are others and am delighted that we have reached our half-century - now let's see what the next 50 years brings.

Tony Schaffer - President

Chairman's Report AGM 2007

Following such a wonderful season as 2006, the 2007 season was a mediocre one in many ways, not just in terms of the weather. The first XI promised much in their first season back in the premiership, but lack of consistency in the batting department (save for the exploits of Luke Woodcock) meant a mid table finish. The second and third XI's both finished in commendable positions whilst the fourth XI, in their final season in the AJ Sports league finished bottom, despite some gutsy performances. The major colts successes this year were in the Under 11 and Under 15's.

The 2006 AGM returned the elected committee unopposed. Unfortunately, we lost the services of our secretary John White, due to ill-health early in the New Year. His duties were taken up by Peter Lewis. I am very grateful to Peter for his efforts and must record here my appreciation for all the fine work undertaken by John during his tenure as secretary. Frank Sharman has taken on an additional role as welfare officer in 2007. This is no easy thing as all members will come to find in the coming seasons. Self-declaration forms for players and CRB checks for Captains and officer's will become common place.

Whilst I would like to thank all committee members of both the main committee and the Cricket committee for their hard work and support this season, I must close with a few home truths for playing members to think upon.

FINANCE - The admin and finance of the club do not operate effectively unless all members accept they have a responsibility to both themselves and the club to pay subscriptions, match fees and any other monies owed in a timely fashion. Subscriptions are supposed to be paid by June. Players should always come to matches with sufficient funds to cover their match fees. If you owe money to the club, offer payment to the treasurer and do not wait for the invoice that you know will eventually come. At the time of writing about £4000 remains outstanding from members for the 2007 season.

AVAILIBILITY - When you make yourself available to play, you make a commitment to your colleagues and club, which should only be broken in the most dire of circumstances. There has been too much last minute scratching from teams, some which has lead to fines being imposed on the club. I would please ask for members to display a little more discipline and commitment in this area in the coming season.

ATTITUDE - Closely linked to the matter above, there are a growing number of people in the club who cannot accept that they play for a club and not a team. There are four league elevens on a Saturday and three on Sundays. No one has a given right to be selected in any team and when you are selected, you are selected for Sunbury CC. If you are selected to play in a team lower than that which you think you should be, it is up to you to prove yourself worthy of promotion by performing in the lower XI and not mope around, make yourself unavailable or decry the selection committee's decision.

Michael Lowe - Chairman

TWENTY 20 FESTIVAL - Friday 8 August

….a date for your diary. A new and exciting addition to Cricket Week featuring Sunbury, Stoics, Free Foresters & Club Cricket Conference.

A day of top class competition for the Gerald Plumley Trophy, followed by an evening of nostalgia, food and fun.

ENGLAND'S BARMY ARMY

Everyone has heard of the Barmy Army, what they stand for, how they support England cricket all over the world and how they are an instantly recognisable brand. But few will know that with something like 25000 plus members and a website they boast has an average four million hits a month, their base is here in Sunbury. They too are on a programme of growth and in 2008 they will be running a series of Road Shows in England, one of which will be at Kenton Court

..another date for your diary, the Monday of Cricket Week, 4 August.

They are investing heavily in Barmy Army Colts and Chance to Shine (an ECB initiative bringing Cricket to inner city areas) and so on the day a selected Sunbury Colts X1 will have the chance to pit their wits against both Barmy Army and Chance to Shine X1's in another T20 tournament, the normal Cricket Week match between Sunbury and Barmy Army X1 will also take place and they have promised to bring along any number of personalities and in particular Billie their famous Trumpeter who will lead the traditional singing!!!

Their aims are quite simple:

Passionate about England
Passionate about Cricket
Passionate about fun

The day will conclude with a Q & A session, food and fun - watch this space for further information

ENGLAND IN THE CARIBBEAN - 2009

Rumours abound in the Clubhouse that we will be returning to Trinidad & Tobago in 2009 in support of the England Test Series and also to play a number of matches - 'de ja vu' seems appropriate, the last tour to T&T was a great success, this time it could be even more so!!

No more details yet, but speak to Micky Lowe or check out the web site over the coming months for more information

100 CLUB

Successful fund raiser for the Club and a chance to win £500 or £1000 for an annual outlay of just £5 a month. Unbelievably we have 7 spare tickets - so with better odds than Premium Bonds (I know you can't win quite as much) take the gamble NOW. Details on the website or contact Les Wood.

NEW CLUB KIT

New shirts, caps, sweaters hoodies etc. now available. See website for order form or contact Micky Lowe.

OWAIS SHAH BENEFIT DAY - Tuesday 8 July

Firstly Richard Johnson then last year David Nash, now another Middlesex stalwart Owais Shah will be having a benefit 8-a-side day on Tuesday 8 July. The format will be as the successful formula we seem to have in place.

a bit of Cricket (none too serious)
a Gala Lunch promising fun and more fun
and a bit more cricket (even less serious)

8 teams are already lined up, but if you would like to join in the lunch time session (12.30 - 3.00ish), tickets will be £40 each. Watch this space for more information for order form or contact Micky Lowe.

THE SOCIAL SCENE - 2008

As part of the major fund raising activity a comprehensive social calendar has been organised, with more still to be confirmed. The dates are in the Fixture Card and will be constantly updated on the web site. The first 2 events are:

Fun Quiz and Fish & Chip Supper - Friday 31 May

Individual tickets and/or family tickets are very reasonably priced - but for more information e-mail Clive Shaw. The President will be in the chair and, hot off the press, has confirmed it will be more 'fun than mastermind' and certainly suitable for all ages - DON'T MISS IT. Proceedings will start at 7.30 with supper at about 8.30. Teams can be any size but NO more than 8 and if you can't find 7 others to sit with you we will.

BBQ - Saturday 14 June

In celebration of 50 Years of Cricket at Kenton Court the old favourite returns after a break, but this year will be even more spectacular than ever with not just any old BBQ but a full Hog Roast and with live music. Max Hall is organising this and details can be seen on the website or the Club Notice Board.

Summer Ball - Saturday 5 July

Wendy Lowe is again in charge. This year's theme is 'The Golden Ball' and will include the usual pre-Dinner drinks, the delightful culinary skills of Jack and Sarah Phillips and a lively Disco. More information will be posted on the web site in the coming weeks.

Race Night - Saturday 6 September

Fun at the races…watch for more details later in the Season

AD-BOARDS

As you know a feature at Sunbury has always been the Ad-Boards that surround the ground - WE NEED MORE. Currently there are 15 or so in place with 6 new ones in the pipeline and a further 4 at discussion stages. Simple question - Do you know any Companies (your's, your employer or any business connections you have) who might be interested in supporting us.

At a cost of just £250 for the Season which includes all the artwork preparation, it's a snip and it's clear profit to the Club, thanks to the generosity of Mark Perton a VP who just happens to be MD of Perton Signs, one of London's largest signage manufacturers.

If you know of anyone who you think might be interested please e-mail Tony Schaffer. Another 4 boards will give us a £1000 which will go along way towards the £40000 we are targeting.

MATCH DAY MASCOTS

….to all Colt's Parents

How would you like your son or daughter to be the 1stX1 Mascot (12th man) for the day. There are 9 home league matches in the Surrey Championship and we thought it might be fun for a youngster between 7 and 11 to act as the official 12th Man for the day. What it involves is quite simply:

being part of the warm up before the match
sitting in on the pre-match team talk
helping skipper Luke Woodcock at the toss
lunch with the players
signed souvenir Sunbury Cap
photograph

Cost - just £70. For more details contact Tony Schaffer.

REMEMBER the first home League match is against Guildford on Saturday 17 May - so act quickly and help us towards the Sunbury dream.