Chairman’s lockdown diary #3

The news from the government this week - not allowing cricket matches to go ahead just yet – was disappointing, but I would like to reassure all members that we are expecting matches to return soon and we will be ready to play when permitted.

Plans for restarting training

We are making plans for social distanced junior training, in small groups following government guidance, to begin from 2^nd July. We will be taking a gradual approach to returning, learning as we go about what works. For that reason, Sunday morning practice for our youngest members is scheduled to resume last, on 12^th July. Your respective age-group managers will be in touch with you regarding the specific arrangements. We also intend to schedule matches as soon as we can, subject to further guidance being released.

Booking will be compulsory for all sessions, regardless of age group and ability, so that we can adhere to all government guidelines. All attendees and/or parents will be required to read and sign up to our updated COVID-19 risk guidelines. Anyone who turns up without booking will be turned away, with no exceptions. Please keep an eye out for emails and respond promptly, so that managers, coaches and captains can plan accordingly.

We are hoping to provide a lot of junior cricket throughout August. We hope to offer two to three mid-week practices or matches each week for all age groups in addition to weekends if we find that there is both sufficient demand and parent support to help organise and run sessions.

There is no reason we cannot extend the season and continue to offer soft ball cricket into October if there is sufficient interest. Once practice has started, please talk with your coach about whether you would be interested in this.

For the seniors, we are expecting seven weeks of local cup cricket, beginning on 1st August and warm up inter-club games taking place before, subject to further guidance.

Women’s cricket training is also scheduled to return from Monday 6^th July.

However, I must warn you that costs will be higher than normal, as the Club will incur extra expense to mitigate the additional risks through the provision of adequate equipment and additional coaching cover.

Grounds and clubhouse improvements

In the meantime, the Club has been very busy getting ready for the return of cricket and maintaining the high standards we expect of our facilities.

In particular, I would like to thank Dave Porter for all his hard work on the grounds, which I’m sure everyone will agree are being kept in excellent condition. He has been helped by Matt Rance, Jason Rance and Chesham CC’s answer to Banksy, Umar Aslam, who has been painting the fences, among other tasks. I would also like to thank Alex Watson, Chris Royals, Ollie Anderson, Henry Moore and Luke Dawson for their work clearing out the hedging – a much greater task than originally anticipated. Martin Wheeler has also done a huge amount of work inside the clubhouse, which is also very appreciated. The clubhouse has been redecorated inside and outside, with CCTV now added for security and a new defibrillator installed.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Meadow again soon, and until then hope you stay healthy and safe.