AGM report: thanks to groundsmen. Subs to rise

Chairman Richard Feist paid a huge tribute to his father Bernard for his work as groundsman over several years, when the club gathered for its 2022 AGM on Sunday.

Bernard and his assistant Bob McGillivray have carried out pitch and building maintenance work at Quality Street and at The Ring and stepped down from their voluntary roles this winter.

Richard said the club owed them and Mike Griffin - who also volunteers with maintenance work - a "massive thank you" for their efforts.

Bernard, who oversaw the recent redevlopment of the Ring club house which was reopened last summer plus the redevelopment of the Quality Street club house some years ago, also relinques his role as Club Mark leader. He has pulled in many grants over the years. Ensuring the club meets many requirements to achieve this standard has meant the club has thrived to now boast nearly 20 junior sides and female as well as disability cricket.

As a result of Bernard and Bob's retirement, their unpaid efforts will have to be replaced with paid ground maintenance personnel. This will result in a rise in annual subs for members.

Treasurer Chris Clayson detailed how annual memberships will to rise as follows: Adults will pay £120 (up from £90), students £80 (£50), ladies £65 (£40), juniors aged U8s to U15s £90 (£70), U7s £65 (£40) and disability members £65 (£40). He outlined that the estimated extra income would not cover the full cost of a groundsman and anticipated another rise would be necessary next year. He and Richard also stressed that the annual subscription rates were very competitive compared to other local clubs. A surcharge for registrations after 1 May will remain in place.

The new rates will be listed on the website when registration for membership opens within the next few weeks, in time for winter nets which start at the end of January.

The AGM was again held online for a second year, because of the on-going Covid-19 epidemic, rather than in person at Quality Street.

All existing officials of the club were re-elected unchallenged. After Laurie Nicholson stepped down as first team captain, Ed Dawson was appointed to the role, with Luke Saunders as vice captain. In other changes to captaincy and vice roles, Vamsi Bhogireddy and Steve Duncan will share the Sunday second team position. The Ladies will be led by Ali Rustige and Emma Smith.

Next year's AGM was set for Sunday 15th January 2023 at 6pm.