16 Feb 2021
Dear all I hope you are all well and safe. I wanted to write to you all to update you on a number of areas that the Committee has been working on. Despite the current lock down restrictions, we are all hoping we will see cricket this summer. Accordingly, please find below some updates in the relevant areas; Herts League The Herts League AGM is later this month and we are expecting further updates on the current plans regarding returning to play this season. The fixture lists have been announced and are all currently planned for the start of season as normal in May. The Ground As many of you will be aware, we worked hard in 2020 to secure funding to undertaken a repair project needed on the Outfield. Unfortunately due to weather in the final part of last year, this project was not undertaken but there was significant repair work undertaken and overseen by ECB to address some of the most problematic areas. We are pleased to confirm that in principle the main project is confirmed for the end of August 2021 to hopefully restore the outfield to it’s former state. Given the work undertaken last year, we expect to fulfil our home fixtures in 2021 as normal. Clubhouse Currently whilst lockdown is in place we don’t have a clear direction on what Club facilities we will be able to use during the 2021 season but we hope to be able to use the bar and club facilities in a positive way this year. Nets Despite the need to undertake the ground project, we still have plans in place to revamp the nets. We are planning towards this project for March 2022 to be in place for the 2022 outdoor season. Training Whilst we do currently have lanes booked at Redbourn, all nets are currently on hold. If there is any easing of restrictions we will look to use these if possible. With regards to this summer our intention will be to run a full and normal training schedule and we have re-engaged Scott Galloway as coach for 2021. Overseas Players Whilst we remain keen to engage two overseas players for 2021, the prospect of this looks unlikely at this stage. The tighter government restrictions along with restrictions, quarantines and costs on return to countries like Australia and New Zealand mean the prospect of having overseas players for this season looks remote. We will keep open minded to any who may present themselves however. John Goodman We have in principle agreed to host Crusaders in July 2022 for a match in John’s honour. More details will follow but we intend this to be a fitting opportunity to honour John’s contribution to both Clubs. Juniors We have entered 4 teams into the Hertfordshire Junior cricket leagues. U9 - 8 a side - pairs - soft ball U10 - 8 a side - pairs - incrediball U12 - 10 a side - pairs - hard ball U15 - 11 a side - hard ball Warren will be contacting all the parents we have contact details very soon. If you have a son or daughter who would like to join our junior section, then please contact Warren Gregory at warren.gregory@yahoo.com or 07712555920 AGM Due to Covid-19 we delayed our 2020 AGM. This will take place at 7pm on 25th March 2021 with zoom details to follow. Whilst we all remain in the current lockdown environment, we believe there is reason for optimism for this season and beyond. The Club has some exciting projects and events planned in the future to continue to take the project forward. We must also remain realistic that we need to continue to operate under Government guidelines but hope these will be relaxed enough to see some sort of cricketing normality in 2021 Should you wish to discuss any of the above, please call myself, Rock or Woz Regards Graham
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