Hampshire Cricket AGM 23rd April 2007

Chairman’s Report by David. J. Robinson

Good Evening to you all.  This is my first chairman’s report and there are many points that I wish to cover.

Firstly I would like to thank the previous chairman, Roger Treherne for his hard work over the 4 years and for the help he has given me since I took over in May 2006. He must have known that Alison Wilcocks was planning to retire at Christmas 2006 and some of her work would fall on the new chairman! On your behalf I thank Alison for her help, hard work and kind approach over so many years.

I also thank the members of your Committee for their efforts and support during the year.

As you know, following the untimely death of Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie in February 2006, we have had a year without a President.  Wilfrid Weld, our highly respected Patron, stepped into the breach and I thank him for his guidance and for acting as a chairman this evening.

The committee has considered the position of President and our recommendation is that the person elected should serve for a fixed period of two years as is the case in several other counties.  Our nomination was unanimous and I am sure will be popular with the membership.

The main role of the committee is to act as a liaison between the Members and the board of the PLC.  Hopefully we have passed on your suggestions, views and even the odd complaint.  We will continue to try to look after your best interests.  Once again we can be found in the box adjoining the Executive Club and please feel free to have a chat with any of us at any time.

In leading tours of the ground and its facilities, for new members I am often told that the subscription is really good value.  It is our aim that Members are aware that they belong to a Club and are not merely spectators with season tickets – a sentiment that was expressed so clearly at last year’s AGM.  We want Members to feel that they are supporting not just the team but are contributing to the overall development and growth of cricket especially in Hampshire.

To assist age-group cricket a lunch has been arranged on May 16th in the Hampshire Suite.  You will have received details and it gives a great opportunity to listen to and meet with the legendary Barry Richards.  Tickets are now available and we want your support-last year’s lunch raised over £5100.

The Area Supporters’ Association had a busy year providing Members and their friends with enjoyable social occasions and at the same time raising useful sums of money.  I recommend these events and ask you to support your local committees who work so hard.  Fuller details are in the 2007 Handbook – out early, available now and a good read at £10 – may be something to buy with your vouchers!

Since the 2006 AGM the Southampton Area Committee has held a Golf Day and a Race Night.  As a result the Chairman, Michael Woods, will be handing over a cheque for £2250 to the Hampshire Cricket Board to fund grass – roots crickets in the community.  This area is anxious to show its involvement with the community and at one of the events held a raffle specifically in aid of the Princess Anne Maternity to a representative from that unit.

The Bournemouth and New Forest Committee raised almost £1500 from four enjoyable functions and Chairman, Brian Ford will present a cheque to the Board earmarked for the Under 15 and 16 Hampshire teams.  Two events in 2007 have produced over £1300 with more to come.

The Portsmouth Area is short of active committee helpers and volunteers will be welcomed by Brian Scrimshaw.  Despite this, the area has held two entertaining lunches and will be donating money to Cricket for the Disabled- another worthy cause.

North and Borders have run a variety of events and as a result gave £2000 towards the Hampshire Under 17 team.  They also came up with the novel idea of sponsoring bags containing cricket kit for junior teams.  These sets of kit would retail at £500 and Chairman, Ray Cook, will be presenting the eighth set to Overton Cricket Club who are here today.  The Handbook carries a photo of the first one being awarded to the Odiham and Greywell Club and the bags are clearly very popular.

As already mentioned, the purpose of the Area events is to have fun, friendship and to raise much needed funds.  I urge those Members who have not been to any events to “give them a try”.  They are advertised in the Rose Bowl Round-up, and on the Members’ Notice Board by Reception in the Atrium. We have also been promised our own section for publicity on the new web-site.
Much work has been done around the Pavilion with the display of memorabilia, photos and other items of interest.  Richard Binns points out that the gift of the life-size drawing of Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie displayed in the Atrium Gallery itself makes the climb worthwhile.  The Pavilion is becoming a really interesting place to browse and our thanks are due to the Heritage Group.  The Chairman of the Group, David Allen, has written and produced “Entertain or Perish”, a post-war history of Hampshire Cricket covering Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie’s period of involvement with the Club from 1964-2006. The book should have been launched today, will be out shortly and profits will go to the Heritage Group to support its continuing work.  The book is priced at £20 and knowing David, it will be a “good read” - and there are lots of pictures!

One last plug! The Club lottery has been re-launched as the 714 Club.  Again you will have received details in the mailing – all you need to do is fill in a form and write a cheque for £20 to join.  The prizes are attractive and you will be helping the PLC to continue the exciting development of the best cricket facility in the country.
Please support Dimi’s Benefit Year and following the good start to the season, we wish the team continued success and fun for the Members.

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