Dear players and parents,
Welcome to the 2008 season. There are a number of pieces of news that we need to bring you to up to speed with and hence this newsletter.
1. Cricket nets
A small group of people have been trying hard over the winter to raise money to install 2 new practice net facilities at the ground. This has been very successful raising over £7,000. I would like to pay particular tribute to Andy Stone who has worked tirelessly on this project and who has made it possible. The nets are due to be installed by Exclusive Leisure at the end of April. The official opening of the nets will be marked on Sunday August 24th by a match against a Gemini FM radio side and a visit by ex-England wicket keeper Chris Read.
2. Subs and match fees
To simplify the payment of subs and match fees we are introducing a single annual fee of £25 which will mean that there will then be no need to pay any subsequent colts training or match fees. This should act as an incentive to train and to play as well as making the process of collecting the money simpler.
3. Training
Training will continue on Friday evenings. The times will be the same as last year, namely Under 11s from 5.00pm to 6.00pm and all other older age groups from 6.00pm to 7.30pm. Please can you make sure children are collected at the appropriate time for both training and after matches. This will help us ensure everyone’s safety and well being.
4. Appeal for help
The colts set up is continuing to grow and we need your help and support to enable us to operate effectively. If you can do anything to help us please contact Doug, Tim or Pete. This could range from helping at training, helping with the administration, working behind the bar or helping with refreshments.
5. Kit from the Lords Taverners
We applied again and received a set of colts cricket kit from the Lords Taverners. This is very much appreciated and will be invaluable to us during the season.
6. Website
Bob Bamber, one of our colts, is continuing to develop the cricket club website which can be found at www.stokegabrielcc.co.uk. This is an excellent facility which has many features including the colts fixtures/results, an interactive forum and much, much more on the site. If you have anything you want posted on the website please e:mail Bob on bobbamber@googlemail.com
7. Fund raising
We are raising additional funds to help cover the total cost of the net project. To this end you may be interested in entering our bonus ball draw over the summer which costs £20. Please let me know if you want a form.
8. Review of 2007 season
The season was very enjoyable with players improving and playing the game in a great spirit. We had a great time despite the rain ! It was particularly frustrating for the U17s who suffered badly with postponements. During the season the U15s finished runners up in their league and the other teams all had an enjoyable season. A number of players were rewarded with call ups for representative sides.
9. Team management
The managers for the respective colts teams for 2008 are as follows:-
U11s/U13s – Doug Ansley (01548) 550237
U15s – Tim Nand-Lal (01803) 402205
U17s – Pete Bamber (01803) 553655
The club is fortunate to have 2 Australians joining us this summer with one being a qualified coach who will help with our sessions on a Friday night. Steve Tolley and Sam Hill will hopefully continue to provide invaluable help on the training sessions.
Please contact the team manager if you are unsure about whether a fixture will be played and also if for any reason someone may no longer be able to play in a match.
10. Medical information and contact details
Please can you let the respective team manager have your up to date contact details and medical information. This is essential information.
11. Old cricket kit
If you have any old cricket kit, please think about donating it to the club. This will enable us to use this as club kit and therefore keep the costs down of replacement equipment.
12. Adult matches
I would urge any of the older colts interested in playing in an adult game to put their name up in the club house for the friendly matches at the weekend. There are a number of fixtures that have been added during the season to provide further opportunities for the colts to play in these games.
Finally, good luck for a successful 2008 season. If you have any queries now or during the season please contact us.
Yours sincerely,
Tim Nand-Lal