The Twelfth Man 2011

8 ~ Secretary’s Report ~ 2011/12 – Wombwell’s 60 th Birthday On 3 September 1951 a group of cricket enthusiasts gathered at the Sir George’s Arms in the small mining town of Wombwell in South Yorkshire to greet Yorkshire and England cricketer Johnny Wardle – Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ Society became a reality and the rest, as they say, is now history – in fact 60 years of history with the Diamond Anniversary of this great institution now upon us. The Society, across the years, has striven to remain loyal to its motto: “My Song shall be Cricket and Cricket my theme” and without the help and support of willing volunteers and members would never have made it to this special landmark. As much as anything this 60 th birthday celebration should be a tribute to all of those that went before – your efforts, big or small, remain greatly appreciated. Just as the support of our current ‘crop’ of officials, volunteers, coaches and helpful members is welcomed and acknowledged. My personal thanks, as always, to the dedicated and hard-working members of the committee, who do so much ‘behind the scenes’ to ensure the smooth running of the Society and keep us on the right path. As I’ve stressed before in this report, the need to identify and involve new helpers is an ongoing priority if the Society is to remain viable and thriving in the years ahead. Please come forward and tell us if you want to get involved or can spare some time to help WCLS – it’s YOUR Society. WCLS Coaching – another pleasing winter session Without too much prompting from our dedicated coaching coordinators, John and Beryl Ambler, sufficient young cricketers came forward to take up the excellent offer of ten weeks winter coaching at the Sheffield United Indoor centre from January through March. Delivery of the youth coaching sessions remains the major aim of WCLS and I know John and his coaching team were pleased with the group of youngsters that attended the nets at the start of the year. Any parent with young boys/girls playing cricket or youngsters keen to improve their game should contact John or Beryl for details of the Wombwell winter nets – the best value around, with a history than can boast Arnie Sidebottom, Graham Stevenson, Tim Boon, Martyn Moxon and Darren Gough amongst its numbers down the years. Special thanks once more to John and Beryl for their organisation in ensuring another successful coaching programme – and thankfully this year with no snow issues! New Editor Our long-standing member (and now committee member) Wakefield’s own Norman Hazell (ask him about his uncle Horace sometime [who played 350 matches for Somerset] or maybe his umpiring) makes his ‘debut’ as the Society’s Twelfth Man Editor. Norman – I’m certain – will bring the same enthusiasm and passion to the task as he demonstrates in his love of the game. Please give him your encouragement and support. Personal thanks as well to those involved in the production of the Society magazine, especially Tom Hudson and Neil Whitaker, who review our speaker meetings in such depth and to both Margaret Harrison and Beryl Ambler for providing photographs of our winter guests and events. Still difficult times Sadly the Wombwell committee had to take the unenviable step (and cost) of calling an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Society in May 2011 – an unwanted ‘first’ in the Society’s long history. Members and supporters of the Wombwell are well aware of the difficult financial situation that this Society has faced since early 2007 when it became a stunning realisation that its Bank balances were not – in any shape or form – what they were supposed to be according to its balance sheet. The EGM, attended by 40+ members, together with representatives from the local press, proved to be a very positive and constructive debate – despite the obvious gloom and uncertainty around our financial plight. We shall wait to see whether that ‘positive’ evening and the resulting media coverage has had any beneficial impact on the Society’s long-term future? We shall know more by the time of the AGM in late September. As a first step you will find enclosed with your 2011 Society mail-out a ‘Diamond Appeal’ form to encourage members/cricket lovers who might feel able and willing to support Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ in this special year (via donation). It would be greatly valued and will certainly help with our current fiscal problems. I thank you in advance . As I outline below new members not only help our finances, but – if they are local and enjoy good/quality cricket chat – then it certainly aids our winter attendances and makes it far easier to encourage high quality speakers to our door. Wanted support, donations and members – WCLS ‘Diamond Appeal’ Ideas to attract ‘new blood’ and bolster our numbers on Thursday nights would be very gratefully received please. Encourage a friend who follows the game to join the ranks or bring along a new potential member next time you come. Sponsorship (for the room hire) is £25 per meeting and that really does help the Society to cover a percentage of its speaker programme costs. Think about sponsoring one of our gatherings perhaps, we need your support more than ever. Otherwise just come along and support WCLS – we owe it to those who went before and those who might yet take it on to an unbeaten century. Hope to see you all at the Oaks WMC during this ‘special’ winter for the Wombwell Cricket Lovers’. Mick Pope Email: wcls@councilcricketsocieties.com