Chairmans News : June 2026

8 Jun 2026

With the advent of summer on June 1 of course weather changed for the worse but happily to date there have been relatively few fixtures lost and the Ground has been as busy as ever. The First X1 has work to do if it is to achieve one of its stated goals of Premier League status in the 10-team competition in 2027 but there is no reason why not given a hard work and a little bit of luck. Cup results have been encouraging and especially gratifying has been the contribution of younger players to 20 20 successes.

This theme is reflected in 2nd and third team results which can be found on the BHCC website. Real progress has been made in Senior Cricket by many of our Juniors which augurs well for the future of the Club. BHCC has probably the best crop of young players in my 43 years which is due in no small part to the work of the team of Junior Coaches who give up so much of their time to deliver the programme of matches and practice.

This is, of course, led by Barry Pearson who was rightfully recognised by the Northumberland Cricket Board recently in highlighting the work of Volunteers in Cricket. Barry has had to endure a little bit of stick for lying about his age on his profile, but he should be rightfully proud of the recognition. His work and commitment to the BHCC cause is simply fantastic.

Overseas Professional David Christie has made a big impression around the Club, and our young players can learn a great deal from how he approaches his role. David provided the Match Ball Sponsorship for the 3rd Team game on Sunday which is just one illustration of how he has fitted in.

Elsewhere the Patio project is now complete and is testament to the seemingly unlimited skills of Mark Charlton. Not only is Mark the best Groundsman in the League but he has a range of other DIY talents that have stood the Club in good stead over recent years. It remains to be seen how Mark`s nascent 3rd Team Cricket career pans out but at least he has finally donned his whites!

Members will be pleased to learn that work to rebuild the West Road wall is getting underway today. Our Sponsors NBMS are carrying out the work under the watchful eye of Barry Evans. It will take approximately 4 weeks to complete the job so please be careful if you are anyway near that part of the Ground.

The Squash Court will also be refurbished in early August which will require closure for a few days. Martin Avery has – as ever- worked tirelessly to secure a good deal for the work to be carried out and he tells me that the Membership is as buoyant as ever.

A new bench will shortly be appearing in front of the Club House which has been purchased by the Shaw Family in honour of the much-missed Professor – our former Secretary and much-loved player. It will be placed in the middle of the front three in the Shearer role he alleged he fulfilled back in the day.

Finally, website readers will be aware of the recent sad death of Les Jowsey who played in the 70`s and was Club Captain in 1979. Les was a great friend of the President (indeed Tom and Maria met at Les`s 21st before the war!) and a true supporter of BHCC through the years. He will be much missed.

Sorry Joe Moore – this is a little lengthy but there seemed a lot of news to impart. Have a great summer everybody and please keep supporting the Hill in any way you possibly can.

Finally take a look at the photo below taken from Club Photographer Martin Avery's drone, it superbly captures the recent improvements made to the front of the club. Onwards!