Today sees my last job as Chair at the club AGM, so I wanted to take a moment to say thanks to all those who have helped me over the past 9 years in the role. It’s bittersweet to be stepping down but exciting to see how the new Chair & Vice Chair take the club forward.

In particular I’d like to mention Paul Fleming. Vice Chair to me in all but name, Paul has been an invaluable friend and sounding board for ideas, advice and encouragement over the years. Taking a key role in events, the management committee and lots more, thanks Paul!

I would also like to mention Nicky Clarke, who is moving from the Secretary role to Vice Chair. Much of what goes on to run a cricket club is unseen to members and Nicky has been the heartbeat of this. Her experience and energy to manage all the administration of the club plus restart the Women’s section and play a key role in the cricket committee, to name just a few roles, has been amazing, thanks Nicky and good luck in the new position.

The club would simply not run without the commitment and time that Sam Curley puts in to his role on the Executive Committee. Sam has been across almost all parts of the club, on and off the field, for countless years. Always working to do the best for the club, my role as Chair would not have been possible without Sam’s efforts. A huge thanks to him, from me and all members Sam, you are a WsMCC legend. Need to see Sam’s blistering pace bowling on the pitch a bit more mind you!

I also want to thank Davo for his energy and passion for WsMCC, no one cares more about the club than Chris, not just 1st XI cricket but all sections, teams and abilities. Davo has been a brilliant club captain and leader of the senior section, it’s so much more than what goes on at 12.30pm on the pitch each Saturday. We shared the same aims and visions, promoting youth and local WsMCC players, aiming to be a great family club where all are welcome and sharing a beer win or lose, in good times and in bad.

Finally I’d like to thank my wife Julie for her support for me in the Chair role. There have been some stressful times, long days and sometimes tricky things to deal with over the years and Julie has always been there to support and help me do my best in the role.

Julie is also stepping down this year from doing teas. On behalf of the club I would like to say a massive thanks for her many years in the kitchen providing some of the best teas in the league! It’s a sometimes thankless task, week after week all season, and I’d be hopeful that perhaps for this season and beyond the burden can be shared between a wider group of volunteers.

In my time as Chair I have had five Treasurers, three Secretaries and we’ve probably bought about ten mowers (cheers Sam ?) but it’s been a great time and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’m not going anywhere and I will be a player (if selected!) , volunteer and member for many years to come. I wish new Chair Nick Evans the very best of luck and will do all I can to help him and the committee run what is a brilliant club full of amazing members and friends.

Cheers all,
Chair x