The Twelfth Man 2013

7 ~ Secretary’s Report ~ Reflecting on the Society’s winter of 2012/13 I have mixed feelings: fine evenings and some sad farewells. There was another busy speaker schedule, with so many highlights, from Micky Stewart with Stephen Chalke in October to ECB’s David Parsons at our coaching awards night in March, and everyone in between. Another successful spell of youth coaching at the Bawtry Road Indoor Centre and a coaching excursion to Headingley in April, again organised and delivered by John and Beryl Ambler. On the downside, Wombwell has said thanks and farewell to a number of loyal, serving officials and committee members. Congratulations, Farewells, Thanks and Welcomes Firstly congratulations to our Society President, Dickie Bird, on reaching the landmark of 80 Not Out! Dickie’s appearances at meetings and Christmas lunch events are valued, and I know, help to enhance Wombwell’s profile as a Cricket Society of considerable standing. As indicated above a number of our long-serving officials, for various reasons, have called time on their service. We thank them all. Roy Foster came forward to offer himself as Treasurer in the very difficult weeks that followed the death of David Musgrave. Through his careful and dedicated attention to the Wombwell finances the Society was able to get to ‘calmer waters’. It would not have been possible without Roy’s work and loyalty. Sadly ill health has forced him to step down from the role and we all hope he makes a full recovery and that we might see him back at Society meetings soon. John and Beryl Ambler have done a fine job in organising and running the WCLS coaching nets over a number of years. Thankfully both will continue to play a full part in the running of the Society as committee members and, in Beryl’s case, as Membership Officer. Another long-standing committee member, Jean Auty, stepped down in the last 12 months and our Twelfth Man Editor of the last three years, Norman Hazell, having overseen the 2013 edition, will put down his pen. All in their own ways have seen the Society through some difficult days in the last few years and their contributions have ensured that Wombwell endures. Helping to fill these considerable voids come two new committee members, hopefully to be elected to their respective roles at the 2013 AGM: Brian Workman, to take over from John as WCLS Coaching Coordinator, and Brian Sanderson who has offered his services as Treasurer in succession to Roy Foster. Both are enthusiastic supporters of the Society and both are very well equipped and capable to undertake these roles. We need more like them and don’t be afraid to step forward, as Roy did from the ranks a few years back, because he cared deeply about the welfare of Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ and its long-term survival. In closing I must thank everyone involved in the day-to-day running and operation of WCLS – committee and officials, Patrons and President, the dedicated and enthusiastic coaching team and each and every Society member. Keep supporting us, keep coming to those Thursday meetings (and bring a friend or two!) and keep spreading the word that this Society still has much to offer those with a passion for the summer game. Mick Pope Email: wcls@councilcricketsocieties.com YORKSHIRE PRESIDENT AND WOMBWELL PATRON OPENS THE SOCIETY’S WINTER SCHEDULE Yorkshire CCC President and Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ Patron, Geoffrey Boycott OBE, will the Society’s guest of honour at Ardsley House Hotel, Barnsley for a special Evening Dinner on Thursday, 10 October 2013. An order form to book tickets for this event is enclosed with your Twelfth Man magazine/subscription details. We hope all members will support AN EVENING WITH GEOFFREY BOYCOTT . We look forward to welcoming you on the night.