Little Hallingbury Cricket Club

May Club Update

We wanted to keep everyone informed on developments at the Club and the impact of the ECB regulations on cricket practice.

Ground update

We have been using the enforced fallow period to improve our playing surface and particular attention has been paid to the outfield. With the help of the Marsh family who own the adjacent field, we have managed to extend our boundary by around 250 square metres. This has involved Andy and Will Renals, a tractor, rotavator and plenty of topsoil. Gareth will be raking and seeding this week, with the result being an extended boundary to the left as you look out from the pavilion. As we intend to play colts matches on that side of the square, this will give us an additional playing area. A new fence is being put in, again extending the previous boundary line and making it even harder for me to reach.

Practice/Training

This week the ECB issued guidelines on how safe practice could be conducted in cricket nets. Our committee have digested these and will be implementing practice sessions for colts on Wednesday afternoons.

In essence, we have to be careful how many people are at the ground and only 2 people can use the practice net at one time. As a result, we are creating an online calendar on TimeTree that will keep us informed who is out the ground and when. There is quite a lot of activity at the moment with the maintenance of the square and the renovations to the outfield, so Gareth (07545 922615) is coordinating all adult visitors and Nick is handling the colts.

Nick and Will are offering one-hour training sessions on Wednesday afternoons with a fitness warm up, fielding practice and 30-minute net session. If your son or daughter would like to get involved, please contact Nick on 07980 773335

Funding

We were successful in our application for funding from Uttlesford District Council to help keep the club solvent at a time when it cannot generate income. Much of this will be put to wards utility bills and ground improvements, any excess will be used to attract new players and support youth development.

While we recognise many are enduring financial difficulty at the moment, if you are able to pay your membership fees it will be much appreciated. Annual membership is £40 for adults and £20 for students and juniors. If you pay before 30th June, this is discounted to £30 and £15 respectively.

Equally, if you are able to join our hundred club, it is only £3.25 per month and entitles you to a prize draw every month. Jenny Canty is our treasurer so if you would like details on the hundred club or would like help paying your subs, you can contact her at jennymaycanty@gmail.com

The Ground

How lucky we are to have such a beautiful ground – both these pictures were taken over the last couple of weeks. Stedy has been busy on the outfield while Gareth is experimenting with stripes by mowing in different directions. He will need to go back to work at some point.

Let’s hope we are out there soon.

Something to watch

Some Essex youngsters interviewing Graeme Gooch. Plenty of good stuff in here including the fact he started his career at East Ham Corinthians, who we play on Sundays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=chw1hvcOBtU&feature=emb_logo

Can we help?

A number of our members have offered to help anyone in the local community that require assistance during these unprecedented times. Gareth Williams (07545 922615) Nick Thorne (07980 773335) and Andy Renals (07712 5859650 are coordinating our efforts, so should you require help with shopping, lifts or need an emergency handyman, do please contact them.