What's Happening In 2010 - The Year Of Our 150th Anniversary!
Article Date: 28th December 2009
Newsletter from Andy Shield, Club Chairman
Dear Club Member,
As we approach our 150th Anniversary year of celebration, I would like to take this opportunity to inform all our members of developments and events that are occurring at this moment in time and those being organised for the summer.
Recognition of our efforts
The Club has achieved both ‘Club Mark’ and ‘Focus Club’ status, which means in terms of ‘Club Mark’ that Sport England identifies Chipping Sodbury CC as a safe environment for young people to participate in Club activities on and off the field of play.
Where as, ‘Focus Club’ is recognition by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that we are a flagship club within Gloucestershire acting as one of several within the County that are engaged with the local community in the provision of quality cricket. The ultimate goal is to take cricket from the play ground to the test arena.
Ground Improvements
The benefits of these accreditations is now coming to fruition, we are working closely with Steve Silk the Gloucestershire Cricket Development Manager on the installation of new practice nets. The three lane facility will be installed on the site of the existing nets, and it is hoped that this project will coincide with The Club's Natwest CricketForce Weekend 27th/28th March 2010. 75% of the cost will be met by ECB funding. This will provide a much improved facility for the benefit of all our members.
Whilst on the subject of funding, South Gloucestershire Council have provided a grant of 25% towards the cost of wicket covers, and an order has been placed as part of an initiative under taken by The ECB working in partnership with the supplier of such items. The Club is also committed to the completion of the ‘fit out’ of the second pavilion which will see showers, flooring and a tidying up of the area surrounding the building, ready for full use next season.
150th Anniversary
2010 marks a major land mark in our illustrious history as we celebrate our 150th year of existence. The cricket environment we operate now is much different to our beginnings in 1860.
The 150th Anniversary celebrations commence with a New Years Eve Party at the Clubhouse, Rich Bennett has further details. It is hoped that at the stroke of midnight the 150th Anniversary flag will be unfurled to commence a year of celebration.
A Sportsman’s Dinner is being held on Friday April 9th in a marquee erected on the ground, former Derbyshire and England fast bowler Devon Malcolm and local sporting celebrity Gareth Chilcott will be providing the entertainment. It is hoped that this will be an opportunity for business, sporting neighbours and members of the club to help launch the start of our cricket season. Jamie Rendell is organising the event please contact him for more details – james.rendell@sodburypavilion.co.uk or 07899983534.
Saturday 10th April a Pre Season Disco has been arranged at the club in the marquee for every one from all aspects of Chipping Sodbury CC to have their opportunity to launch the season and use this time to officially open the new nets.
Working in partnership with The Royal Oak – Sunday 11th April sees a selection of bands and musicians providing live entertainment at The Club, music to suit all tastes and ages. Contact Jamie Rendell 07899983534 for more information.
The focus will then shift to the cricket season and all the challenges all of our teams face at every level in varying competitive cricket that we all engage in (although time will be given to have some celebratory cricket to mark the year).
A cricket week has been organised which commences with the return of the successful six-a-side competition, the week is structured as follows:-
CRICKET WEEK
- Sunday July 18th – Six-a-Side Completion
- Monday July 19th – v Dorridge
- Tuesday July 20th – v The MCC
- Wednesday July 21st – v Leinster CC & Bristol Phoenix v Leinster Women & Girls CC
- Thursday July 22 – v Bristol & District Representive XI
- Friday July 23rd – Youth Events tbc (Dads v Lads?)
Community Involvement
Prior to the cricket week Bev Hodgson is arranging club participation in the street fair on the final day of The Chipping Sodbury Festival (possibly a street stall). Bev is looking for support from the younger element of the Club and their parents/carers in organising and manning the stall and promoting Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club. If you can get involved then contact Bev on 01454 329177.
Raising Money
Finally the season draws to an end with a Presentation Night for Senior and Youth with entertainment again in a marquee at the Club on Saturday September 18th culminating in a Grand Prize Draw. Craig Scully and his team are arranging the draw and will welcome assistance on the donation of prizes and more importantly the selling of raffle tickets. If you can help with a prize or in any other way then contact craig.scully@blueyonder.co.uk .
Anniversary Handbook
All of our events will be detailed in a 150th Anniversary handbook that is currently in the process of being written. Anyone who wishes to advertise (or knows an organisation that would like to advertise) in the handbook please contact myself with the details 0772 0555 206 or andy.shield@hotmail.com.
Communication
Throughout 2010 we will be communicating regularly with players, families and supporters via email and text. These messages will not cost you anything to receive. Please make sure we have your correct contact details, especially when you’re asked to complete any forms. We would like to have multiple contacts within each household, which will allow us to make sure that messages get through.
Preparing for next season
It's still business as normal from a cricket perspective, pre season nets and coaching has began, various sections of the youth teams have already started preparation for next year, contact Lisa Graham - 01454 324962 or Tony Wake - 07977 917129 for more information.
Senior Nets have been booked for Brimsham Green School on Thursday evenings from 800pm to 1000pm starting in late January – a more suitable time and venue than recent years, further information to follow.
We must not lose sight of the fact that we are a Cricket Club, as a very progressive Club it is important that that we continue to build on the successes achieved in recent times and push on.
The 150th Anniversary can be our springboard, to build further success on the back of the commitment from everyone, on and off the field. We have come a long way on our 150 year journey, where we are today would not have been achieved without the hard work and commitment of everyone who has given their time freely in the pursuit of progress and enjoyment. More than ever this is an opportunity for players, supporters, families and others associated with our club to get and be involved in continued progress.
It is our 150th Anniversary be involved.
