FINDON CRICKET CLUB
CHAIRMANS REPORT 2010
A busy year, started with the refurbishment of the bar area which was ready for the first league
weekend.
We hosted the Old England XI in July, courtesy of Alan and Neil Higgins’ generous sponsorship in
memory of their late father, Frank. Thanks to all those individuals and businesses who also
supported the day both financially and with raffle and auction items. A good day ensued with a
Club able to help St. Barnabas Hospice with raffle as well as St. Dunstans charity with proceeds
from Dougal Davis’ car parking.
On the field the Senior teams served up a mixed bag. The first XI will have been disappointed not
to have finished higher than 8th and the 2nd’s and 3rd’s both finished mid table. There were however
a number of excellent individual performances and some extremely encouraging ones from players
making their way in adult cricket.
The Village KO included a great win at home to Glynde (2009’s Lords Champions) and an exciting
and proud day for the Club at Rowledge.
Running a Junior Section does not seem to get any easier – paperwork and regulations etc! – but I
am very pleased that Elaine Judges will be continuing as overall Junior Manager in 2011 albeit that
some of her roles have been passed across to others to ease her load. The Junior Section
remains, as it should be, an integral and vital part of the Club. 2010 also saw the Inaugural
Season for our new under 18’s and we hope to continue this for next year.
We now have planning permission for a new three bay net facility at the north west corner of the
ground, but we are in continuing discussions with the ECB in respect of the level of grant funding
available (maximum 75%), something which is taking longer than all of us would want and which
means we cannot set a specific date for their erection at this stage. There will also be considerable
money to find to cover the shortfall in the overall cost of the project.
Having a change of groundsman can be a cause for anxiety but I was delighted with the efforts that
Clive Moore put in this year and that he has agreed to carry on for 2011. The intention is that over
a period of years we see a gradual improvement in the standard of the wickets prepared at Findon
as this can only help our own players’ development and will be important if we are to succeed in
playing at a higher level.
You will note from the draft accounts that there was a “trading” deficit this year. This does highlight
the need for fund raising initiatives and that we cannot afford to rest on our laurels especially in
these challenging economic times. Support for the bar in this regard and use of the new facility is
very important.
As some of you will know I am stepping down as Club Chairman at the AGM as well as relinquishing
my role as Wine Chairman.
Thank you to all those who have contributed to the running of the Club this year.
With best wishes to you and your families for a happy and healthy 2011.
Mike Metters
Chairman
December 2010