Message from the Chairman
These are testing times where large parts of a way of life we are accustomed to have been put on hold. It’s only right that this extends to cricket, so we are following the ECB guidance which means that all forms of recreational cricket have been postponed. At this time, we simply don’t know when or if the season will start, but I hope that you, like me, remain optimistic that we may get some cricket in this year. We are continuing to plan for an eventuality where later in the summer we become able to play and to that end we continue to make preparations for some cricket this season, even if we’re not able to start until July, which would still give us three months.
But as of now, that’s not the most important message I wish to convey: as a local community cricket club, we rely heavily on the local community from which we draw the vast majority of our playing membership. We are also supported by local people that run or are part of our local businesses and organisations and through their support and sponsorship, we are able to keep our costs to the playing membership down. At this moment these very same people will be suffering through a situation not of their making so it’s important that we do what we can to help them and our wider community. If you are able to support a local business in any way: by getting a delivery/take-away or buying a voucher that can be used when some normality resumes, then we know that will be hugely welcomed. Similarly, if you can help out and support your neighbours through this difficult period then that would also be well received.
Finally, I sincerely hope that all the Club’s members and their families, our supporters, sponsors and friends remain healthy and we look forward to the resumption of cricket up on the common as soon as possible. Please look after yourselves and each other during these testing times!!
Club’s Financial Position
The Committee has been reviewing the financial position of the Club and understands the need to be open and transparent with you so shares this as our update to you. As you will be aware, the Club’s primary sources of income come from membership subscriptions (£3k), sponsorship (£3k), match fees (£2.5k) and the junior section (£2k) and each of these streams will be significantly reduced this year, while there remain areas of spend totalling £9k, such as insurance, utility bills and maintenance of the ground. Thanks to the efforts of both our previous and current Treasurers and our members, the Club is on a firm financial footing and we do hold reserves which combined with putting on hold all non-essential expenditure, means we should be able to weather the worst of this.
Being prudent has allowed us to be in a position where we can survive, but we must accept that this crisis will have a significant impact on the finances of the Club and it would be short-sighted were we not to try to salvage something from the season financially and so we are exploring funding streams from HM Government, Sport England and the ECB, but there is the risk that we do not qualify to receive these funds or funding is not of a sufficient level to cover our losses, so we also make a request of our members.
We recognise that asking for payment of full membership subscriptions is inappropriate in the current circumstances. We are also keenly aware that some of our playing members, both junior and senior, paid in full for the indoor programme which has now been cancelled so we currently hold some funds for an offer that we weren’t able to fulfil.
We are therefore exploring ways in which we can raise some funds from our playing membership and friends of the Club. But first, we want to offer refunds to those that have paid for the indoor programme in full. The Membership Secretary will shortly be in contact with those individuals to agree the arrangement, which might include offsetting against any future subscriptions that may become due this season.
We are also asking that members support the Club by making a voluntary donation. The income generated will go directly towards maintaining the ground in order that we can resume cricket as soon as permitted to do so. This donation will be offset against any Playing Membership fee, which will be set if cricket resumes this season.
We recognise that some playing members may themselves face financial uncertainty in the current circumstances. It is therefore emphasised that the donation is entirely voluntary. Equally there may be members who are willing and able to support the Club by paying the current full membership fee (£90 Seniors/£45 Students; £75 Under 13s/£60 Under 9s), which will be gratefully received by the Club.
Finally, we wish to stress, particularly in these uncertain times, that it remains the Club’s policy that cricket should remain accessible to everyone and that no member should feel that they are unable to join or remain a member of the Club because they are unable to pay a membership fee due to financial hardship. If you find yourself in such circumstances, please feel free to contact the Chairman, in the strictest confidence.
150 Club
This is still running and another way you can support your club. We currently have 113 squares sold and it would be fantastic if we could sell some more squares. For the cost of £2 per month, you have the chance to win £100 in each of our monthly draws. If you would like further information, please contact the 150 Club co-ordinator, James Rumbles at southborough.c.c@gmail.com
Closing
As your committee, we welcome your ongoing support for your club and your local community. Here’s looking forward to happier times where we can resume cricket on the Common surrounded by friends and family!!