1. Nets. Well I find it hard to put into words how proud / happy / excited / positive I feel about seeing our nets sitting proud and complete at Strayfield Road. This is a HUGE development for the the whole club now and for many years to come! We now have an absolutely tip top net system that is on a par with the very best in the country (I'm really not exaggerating!). There was a choice, but I'm so pleased that we opted for Stuart Canvas, they have been absolutely brilliant. I will send a quick note out in the near future to let you all know how we can best look after the nets, but at the end of the day please use them sensibly, keep them clear of debris and enjoy.
We are planning an official opening event, but I'm waiting for some key invitees to confirm they are available. The date hopefully is the 15th September, so please pencil the whole day in and I'll be back with more details asap. Suffice to say the schedule will involve as many club members as possible, a colts nets session and game, followed by an adult match. If ever there was a reason to celebrate a new £30,000 facility / investment, then this it it. Thanks again to those who have made the nets after so many years of 'talking about' actually happen.
2. I also have an important development regarding Clubmark. In short and after yet more considerable work we have submitted our bound application to obtain a full Clubmark. I would not like to estimate how many hours of work has gone into it, but Gleno especially deserves a big pat on the back for getting everything together. It is some feat I can assure you! Thanks also for any assistance we have asked from certain people to complete the project (you know who you are).
So you know (especially colts and colts parents) the main hurdle to overcome now is a site visit that will occur before the end of the Colts Sessions. An invigilator from Middlesex Cricket will turn up unannounced and observe a Wednesday session. He/she might ask a coach/helper some questions, but will mainly observe. This is nothing to worry about as all the things they are looking for, we are doing already. We just wanted to put you in the picture as and when an unfamiliar man/lady arrives.
Any questions please address them to Gleno or myself on a mail, call or in person.
Gaining Clubmark is another huge step to secure our future; to show that we do run ourselves to the best standards, we have the right procedures/rules in place and we have the right protection levels e.g. insurances and qualified people. It also is a protection of sorts to all volunteers, that show we have been recognised as obtaining a certain standard not only in the Colts section, but the way we now run the club as a whole.
3. In the words of our Social Secretary Andy MacMurdie,
"We are organising a function at the cricket club on 16th August, which will include a colts dads versus the club cricket match, a bbq and a folk band called 'Mango Walk' who not only play wild Irish jigs but varied music such as Slovakian stomps, Andrews Sisters WWII sing-a-longs, silly 1950s drawling drunken ballads and folk reworkings of 1980s classics.
We are charging £10 per adult and £2.50 per child but your BBQ is then free.
This will be a very popular and great fun evening, so if you are interested please let me know as soon as possible as I will have to limit numbers.
Thanks Andy (07538 911103) and Mandy (07951 701086)"
4. A reminder that this Friday is our next social match against Enfield Ignatians RFC. They are a top bunch and I know are very much looking forward to playing at our ground. Aim is for them to support us and we will look to support them during their season. Please let me know if you want to play in this game on 5th July. 18.00 start. The bar will be open during and after the game, so please join in......
5. Both weekend league teams are doing very well, our progress can be followed at http://www.hertsleague.co.uk/ Our 1's play in Div 3 and 2's play in Div 8. Well done all and good luck for the rest of the season. Keep playing cricket hard, but in the right North Enfield spirit!
6. 2013 is cricket’s summer. Not only is England retaining the Ashes hugely important, so is ensuring the growth of cricket in clubs, schools & villages in every County. Hertfordshire Cricket has teamed up with the England & Wales Cricket Board to launch the inaugural “National Cricket Playing Survey”. They want to understand the nation’s cricket-playing habits of all current, lapsed or potential cricketer age 14 upwards, whether you play in the park, on the beach, for a works or pub team or for an affiliated school, club or county – they need our views. Here is the link
http://cricketsurveys.com/s/the-national-cricket-playing-survey-2013/
Ok, that's it from me. A sincere thanks to all of you that help to make NECC what it is. All help is appreciated and everything makes a difference so thank you. As I always say NECC is your club, please get in touch with me if you have any ideas or thoughts re. North Enfield CC.