James has asked me to say a few words for his next “Mail from the Chair”. This is a one off … I promise… and not the start of a series of “Posts from the Pres”.
I put together some thoughts for the AGM which I have subsequently edited and reproduced below.
I was honoured to be asked to become Club President. It has been my privilege to accept, the more so in following Alan Wood, a great servant of North Enfield and our President for 30 years. I hope I can measure up to his high standards.
Alan was always very much in touch with what was happening at the Club and with his long playing experience was able to give advice and encouragement, particularly to the younger players. On practical matters he could often provide a different perspective that might not always be apparent. I shall try to offer the same.
I have discussed with James the idea that going forward we should limit the term of office of our President to 5 years maximum and as part of my role as President, I along with the new committee will be developing ideas for the election, and likely term of office for President, Chairman, Vice Presidents and Life members. The intention being to propose some revisions to our Constitution which will be debated and decided upon by the Club in a general meeting at the end of the coming season. This should update us and help give the constitution a modern look and feel.
I envisage that I will attend Management meetings, offer an opinion if required but I think it’s important that I have no vote on committee so as to retain some independence from the decision makers. In this way hopefully anyone at the Club could contact me and use me as a channel to air a view at Management. I would hope that any of our members will feel comfortable to approach me, in confidence if necessary, to clarify issues or raise areas of concern. I would encourage all members to air their ideas and concerns in this way, or directly to the relevant member of the committee if that is more appropriate.
As a small club, we at North Enfield can be proud that we have made such great progress over the last 10 years or so. On the playing field by gaining promotions, in developing the youth Section, and improving the fabric of the ground and pavilion. We all want to continue that development.
However because we have limited resources and manpower each of these achievements always comes at a cost or a compromise elsewhere. A cost or compromise that might not always be popular with everyone. Sadly we are not sufficiently strong as a Club to do all we would like at once. Inevitably there are differences of views on priorities such that individual frustrations occur. Over the years we have all witnessed the odd fall out or argument, members have left, and come back – it’s an understandable part of Club life – often a lack of support for an idea or project, work rota, bar duty can provide individual frustrations and frictions.
We must be careful that those differences and frustrations should not weaken our resolve to work together for the benefit of the Club and expand upon our hard won achievements to date.
None of those who turn up on a cold winter’s night in February for the AGM or stand for office is motivated by anything other than a desire to do their best for the Club and their mates. With that in mind I would encourage us all to be charitable, support each other and do the best for North Enfield to take the Club to the next level. That’s surely what we should all be striving for, together.
Have a great season, let’s enjoy the cricket and my best wishes to you and your families in 2017.
Richard
Richard Barber
President, North Enfield Cricket Club