As the Festive Season draws near there has been a lot going on at the Club some of which has been covered elsewhere on the Web Site. My thanks to all those who make our site vibrant and the best one around.
It will take a while to get over the untimely death of our long-standing Secretary Keith Shaw but the enormous turnout at his Funeral bore testimony to the esteem with which he was regarded. I am grateful that Scott Williamson has agreed to fill the breech at least until the AGM which will take place towards the end of February – date to be confirmed.
Scott, Martin Avery and David Archbold recently became Board Members of the Club and all three have a great deal to offer as we seek to continue to make BHCC a great place to play sport and to socialise. They are already developing the broad shoulders that are required in terms of fielding the 'odd gripe' from the Membership.
We have recently negotiated a barrelage loan with our Brewery that will enable us to purchase new furniture for the Club House. The previous stock is easily the best part of 25 years old and starting to creak and this completes the project that has seen the roof replaced and a new carpet installed. Of course the Club is like painting the Forth Road Bridge in that it will never be completed but this is still a significant step forward.
Elsewhere work has been completed in the Squash Courts to bring them up to scratch and Martin has recently published a 'House Full' notice in terms of Membership which we believe shows the value of continuing to invest in the facilities we manage.
Work will shortly begin on the Tennis Courts and on the Pavilion Steps to further improve the Club – our recently announced NEPL Groundsman of the Year Mark Charlton is undertaking these tasks as part of his winter programme.
Preparations for the 2025 Cricket Season are well underway and Director of Cricket Philip Nicholson has been extremely busy in recruiting some talented new players to take the Club forward. Promotion to the Premier Division is the clear goal of the Cricket Committee whilst embedding the core values of the game which has always been the Benwell Hill way. Both the Seniors Dinner and the Junior Presentation evening showed we are on the right lines if everybody commits to the greater good.
I recently visited Newbrough Cricket Club with Phil Haves and Mark Charlton – it is a lovely ground near Hexham. Newbrough have kindly agreed to allow us to hire their ground which means we will continue to be able to offer Saturday 3rd Team Senior Cricket to our Membership. This cricket will be in the Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League following the sad demise of the West Tyne Cricket League. Chris Pounder is also on the hunt for new players so if you know of anyone who would like to play – at any level – please get in touch with any of the principals.
I will leave it there – as ever please contact me (details below) if you would wish to bring anything up. We do not have a monopoly on good ideas and the is Club belongs to ALL its Members.
Thank you for reading and of course a massive thank you to all the Volunteers and Professional Staff for your efforts in 2024.
Best wishes
Simon Lunn
Chairman
Email: simon.lunn@live.co.uk
Tel: 07791 683827
