Making the Commitment

Jane Cable talks with Hampshire Committee Chairman David Robinson

Working hard behind the scenes to make sure the Hampshire members’ interests are promoted is the Members’ Committee. With nominations recently closed for the 2008 elections, I met chairman David Robinson to find out more about the nominees – and what the successful candidates will be expected to do.

The Hampshire Cricket Members’ Club has a committee of twelve, all of whom are elected to serve a three year term. Some simple maths tells me that four members retire each year, and in 2008 only two are choosing to stand for re-election, together with three new candidates.

David explained that the remit of the Committee is liaison between club members and the PLC, and to promote the attractions of membership to a wider audience. However there is also a significant fund raising role, both in terms of proposing and supporting Hampshire’s beneficiary, and to make money to help with age group cricket in the county.

I was curious about the amount of time each member needs to make available, given the extent of the Committee’s involvement with Hampshire Cricket. The basic requirement is to host visiting committee members on four match days a year, and to go to quarterly committee meetings. On top of that, individuals take on extra activities such as attending PLC board meetings, sitting on benefit committees, organising and selling tickets for fund raising events such as the Derek Shackleton Memorial Lunch on 24th February, and generally being available to the membership on match days. It all sounds very pleasant if you have a passion for Hampshire Cricket, but I am sure it is also very hard work.

Hampshire members will be given the opportunity to vote for our four new Committee members when ballot papers are mailed on 15th March, but for those who wish to begin their deliberations now, here is a brief pen portrait of each nominee, all in their own words.

Richard Binns
Life Member. In three years on the Members’ Committee worked on various Rose Bowl projects. On the Heritage Committee, updated all Pavilion displays. As its Secretary, worked with Southampton Area Supporters’ Group raising funds for junior cricket. If re-elected I will continue to support the development of Hampshire Cricket.

Terry Crump
A long-time supporter of HCCC, attending every home day’s play since retirement from senior management (Education) on 2004, I travel to many away matches. I aim to help develop Hampshire Cricket to the benefit of players, officials, members and supporters, playing due respect to our club’s history and tradition.

Denis Fuller
Chartered Accountant shortly retiring from full time practice, lifelong player (50 years) and supporter. Hon Treasurer of Ramblers Association. MCC and Hants CCC member; formerly Surrey CCC (20 years). With my Rotary Club organised local events for beneficiaries including Alec Stewart, Harry Brind. Member (3 years) Leonard Cheshire Cricket Committee. My firm organised and sponsored a junior cricket tournament at The Oval. Etc.

Susanne Marlow
Member since 1961. Life member 1978. Travels to all matches, home and away. On Hampshire Heritage Group and has served on Hampshire Players’ Benefit Committees. Chairman, Hampshire Cricket Society. Represents Hampshire Members’ Committee in Portsmouth and SE Supporters Association. Contributes photographs to Hampshire Handbook. Regularly conducts tours of The Rose Bowl.

Michael Pain
Michael has been a supporter of HCC for over 27 years, is a qualified ECB coach and been involved in Hampshire Youth Cricket as a coach/manager for some 12 years. He has served as Chairman for The New Forest Cricket Association and captained his local side. He now runs his own specialist cricket company with the late Jim Laker’s grandson.

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