The Twelfth Man 2013

5 England Manager and Test batsman Micky Stewart, who returned to the Society with Stephen Chalke. I wish to thank all who so generously give their time, talent – and money – to the work of the Society. I am grateful for the unswerving support I have received throughout another year from Vice-Chairman Ron, Secretary Mick Pope, Membership Secretary Beryl, all-rounder Margaret, Professor Jack Tunnicliffe, Minute Secretary Neil Whitaker and Committee men Colin Barker and Brian Workman. I have left until last those who produce this magazine – Twelth Man Editor Norman Hazell, Meetings Reporter Tom Hudson, photographer Margaret – and Associate Editor Mick Pope and his wife, Tracy, who plough through a mountain of technical work without which this organ which reaches to the farthest corners of the Wombwell empire simply would not exist. We are delighted that Yorkshire President Geoffrey Boycott is launching our 2013/14 season with a dinner at the Ardsley House on 10 October. Do come along and bring your friends to this. Get your tickets from Ron or talk to one of the other Committee members. One of my recollections of Geoffrey’s last visit to the Wombwell is that when I closed the meeting he simply sat at the front of the stage with his legs dangling over the side and signed autographs for more than half an hour. A members’ President if ever there was one. James M.Greenfield 2012/13 MEMBERSHIP REPORT What a difference a year makes. When I was writing last year’s report Yorkshire were in the doldrums, this year only the weather can stop them. Also just heard that Bresnan has been called up again (May for First Test v New Zealand) so we are now three top players down, but well done to the lads. Sorry to say our membership numbers have declined by quite a few this year: not by people actually resigning, but just not sending in their subscriptions. The good news is we have five new members and two more in the pipeline. Out of curiosity I decided to check our first ever membership list which was in the 1961 edition of The Twelfth Man against last year’s and was pleasantly surprised to be able to recognise we have at least 14+ members still paying their subscriptions and some even attending the winter meetings including H.D.‘Dickie’ Bird (our President), Brian Rix now The Lord Rix CBE, M.J.Cowan who are both Patrons, Mrs A.Woodhouse, Brian and Ann Exley (née Roebuck). I am sure there must be others, but I have not been able to spot due to them moving areas so if anybody knows more I would be interested in hearing from you. My ‘Battle Cry’ once again is we could do with more members, especially younger people. If you know anybody out there please point them in our direction. Beryl Ambler