Hampshire Cricket Members’ Committee AGM - 14th April 2008

Chairman’s Report by David Robinson

Good evening and can I start by saying how pleased we are to see our Patron, Wilfrid Weld looking so well after his recent operation and spell in hospital.  I am especially grateful that he is able to take the chair for this meeting.

Our President, Barry Richards is unable to be here as he has a few family problems and I understand his son has recently been in a car accident.  He should make an appearance at the Rose Bowl this summer and this will be a possibility with the South Africans being on tour.  We hope to have an event and that this year he is not prevented from attending by illness.  His non-appearance at the 2007 lunch was a major disappointment but the event was well supported and enjoyed.  It raised in excess of £4000.

I thank members and friends for supporting both this and also the Derek Shackelton Memorial lunch held in February.  The lunch was to celebrate Derek’s life with many cricket stories and reminiscences from his former playing colleagues.  Unintentionally, a small profit was made and a cheque for almost £250 will be handed later to the Hampshire Cricket Board for Age-Group Cricket.  Derek died in late September and this Hampshire legend is fondly remembered and sadly missed.

One of the aims of the Membership Committee is to make members feel they are part of a Club and not just spectators. On your behalf I should like to thank the local area committees for their hard work in organising a variety of events that are not only fun but provide much needed assistance for Age-Group Cricket. Later in the meeting there will be presentations by the Area Chairmen of various cheques as a result of this fund-raising.

North and Borders raised well over £6000 and presented sets of junior kit to clubs, one of which is represented here this evening.  They are also assisting with a programme of coaching in junior schools in the Basingstoke area.

Portsmouth area is steadily growing its activities and raised over £1000.  They are donating money to the Hampshire Cricket Board as well as supporting cricket for the disabled and giving financial help for cricket in the Rachel Maddox School in Cowplain.  This is an establishment for children with Special Needs.

The Southampton area raised more than £3000 with their quiz nights and a race evening.  They continue to support grass-roots cricket with cash and supply kit for the Community Cricket Club in Southampton City.  They will also be funding a display in the Rose Bowl Pavilion to commemorate the Hampshire one-day triumphs under the captaincy of Mark Nicholas.  This will cost over £600 and enhance the appearance of the Atrium.

A variety of events in Bournemouth and the New Forest raised over £2500 and this will be used to sponsor a member of the Academy and to provide funds generally for the Age-Group sides run by the Hampshire Board.

General committee members raised over £2200 by organising coaches to the Lord’s final for supporters – the brightest feature of that particular day!  Both Bournemouth and Basingstoke coaches raised more than £300 each but thanks to Glynis Osborne and her team of helpers, Rose Bowl coaches raised £1500 which has already been donated to the Youth Trust.

On behalf of the Area committees I thank the Players and Rose Bowl staff who attend the functions and agree to speak or face a question and answer session.

Again, I urge all members to support the area activities and we will endeavour to spruce up the web-site to keep you all up to date.  The cost of a mailing to all members is close to £2000 so it is important to make the best use of the web-site.

I thank all members of the Committee for their hard work and support during the last 12 months.  We do try to act as the link between the plc and the members. Please feel free to talk to us at any time and do not be afraid to visit us in the Committee box if you do not see us round the ground.  Two Committee members have not sought re-election this year and on your behalf I thank Andrew Renshaw and Ray Cook for their efforts over a good number of years – Andrew for his achievements with the superb Handbook and Ray for work generally and particularly for his success with the North and Borders Association.

A big “thank you” also to the Rose Bowl staff for their help and friendliness, especially the Membership Office who are always in the “firing line” both from the members and the Committee.

Lastly, can I ask you to support this year’s beneficiary, John Crawley.  He has a full list of events and ties and merchandise are available at the back of the room.  John is a popular choice and deserves a successful benefit.

Congratulations to Rod Bransgrove and his Board for their success and vision with the ground development plan.  We have heard the news of the first Test Match for the Rose Bowl in 2011 and the One – Day International against Australia in 2009.  With all the excitement and need for funds the Committee has proposed that there should be no individual beneficiary in 2009.

We wish new Captain, Dimi Mascarenhas and his players a successful season and trust that we will all enjoy good cricket and better weather than in 2007.

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