Message from the Chair
As the clocks go back and we reach the end of October, so closes the 2021 season. It was a remarkable season in many ways, one that aside from limited use of changing rooms and no match teas, was relatively normal against the backdrop of what has been happening over the past 18 months.
There was a new enthusiasm among children to play cricket and we saw a significant increase in this part of the Club and we were able to re-establish Under 11 and Under 15 sections so offered cricket from All Stars (5-7 years old) through Under 9, Under 11, Under 13 to Under 15s. In total we had 65 All Stars and over 120 children from U9-U15 – about double what we had last year. That we were able to meet this demand was due to the increase in volunteer coaches, and plans are already in place to identify and support the next series of volunteers, so we can maintain high standards of coaching, deliver enjoyable sessions and support each child in their development.
With the open age section, we saw several new members join the Club as well as some returning to play after some years away. Results were a bit patchy for the league sides: the 1st XI started well then went on a run of losses before securing safety on the final day of the season; the 2nd XI started poorly, and with four games to go were at the bottom of the table and starting to lose touch. These final four games were all won, allowing us to make a great escape. The Sunday side played most weeks, and a series of enjoyable matches took place where everyone had a chance to play a part, and many of our juniors were supported in their transition to playing with and against adults.
Off the field, we continue to be supported by a number of sponsors. We are grateful to each of them for continuing to financially support the Club at a time of uncertainty for their own businesses.
Due to restrictions at the time of our normal Sponsors’ Day, we held a Community Day later in the season, and it was fantastic to see so many players of all ages along with their families, coming along to support the day. Personal favourite was the group that came along directly from a Christening!! It was a well-supported, fun event that raised vital funds for the Club, local charity the Southborough & District Lions and towards a defibrillator.
We had a stall at the Southborough Civic Centre official opening event in September and received a large amount of interest from juniors, and in the prospect of a women’s softball team: something we will definitely be following up on. The Club also has a display in the library – this will be in place until January, so still time to visit and have a read of the Club’s history.
Although the season has finished, we have much to do over the winter: as well as identifying and supporting more volunteers to become coaches, we are also looking at establishing a women’s softball team so will be sharing some information on this in the New Year. We also need to do something with the pavilion to make the existing structure more welcoming to the increasing family membership we have, so grateful for support from our membership in any of these areas and do please get in touch of you are interested in becoming a coach, want more information on women's softball or are able to help in any way with the pavilion.
Winter well and see you in the New Year!!
Annual General Meeting
This is taking place on Wednesday 24 November at the Hand & Sceptre, from 7.30pm. Please put a note in your diaries. Further information will go out in the next week.
It’s a really important meeting so do please support your club by coming along.
We have a vacancy on the committee in the role of Club Safeguarding Officer. This is a vital role and further information is in the attached. For information we are fortunate to have a Club Safeguarding Officer with extensive safeguarding experience, so this role is to compliment and is more heavily focused on the administration side of things, so if that is your skillset and you’re looking to get involved with volunteering and want to help increase resilience and split workload in this vital role, please do contact the Chair, David Smith.
Club Kit
A reminder that for those wanting to order some kit to arrive in time for Christmas, please place your order by lunchtime on Monday 8 November.
Orders will be through the local cricket shop, Kent Cricket Direct. You can order in person or on their website at the following link: https://www.kentcricketdirect.co.uk/teamwear/southborough-cc-shop/
The password is SCC2021