Time flies when you are struck with gout and spend two weeks in agony lying on the couch which has been my recent lot followed by a further two weeks with a bad back and a sore thigh. It is a good job I am not a whinger – anyway my apologies for the radio silence.
The bad news for the Club is that I remain Chairman following the AGM on February 19th and the subsequent Committee Meeting. Indeed the status quo was very much maintained as the General Committee was re-elected en bloc and the officers of the Club agreed to remain in situ for a further year. I am delighted that this was the case – we have a host of individuals who give freely of their time to make ours a great Club and I am ever grateful for their efforts. The numbers on the Committee were augmented by one or two new members which means fresh blood and hopefully fresh ideas.
On the playing front we have a new 3rd team Captain in Jeff Mason who is being supported by Chris Pounder as Vice Captain. Always the toughest job in the Club I have no doubt these two will give the task their all – the West Tyne League is extremely competitive and we do well to keep this aspect of our Club going. Director of Cricket Kyle Coetzer is fresh from his visit to the Palace and has the plates in the air in terms of recruitment and pre-season practice. I think (fervently hope) 2020 will be an enjoyable season at all levels. I called at St Cuthberts last Thursday to watch the Juniors practice and was most impressed –we have some really talented young players in our ranks. I was even more pleased to see the number of dedicated coaches involved – it is definitely the way forward for BHCC.
Within the Club members will be aware that we are carrying out refurbishment of the Changing rooms and Showers – this is long overdue and will improve the facilities for our male and female playing members and for the vibrant squash section.
The social side of the Club is going well aided by some significant birthday parties– congratulations to Mrs Haves, Mrs Frisken, Mrs Illingworth and Mrs Chambers and if I have missed anybody out my apologies.
On March 28th we have Cricket Force day when we get the Ground up and running – all hands to the pump please.
Please also follow www.benwellhill.co.uk for the packed programme of pre-season games.
I will write again in early April – please see the addendum for the other news that came out of the AGM!
Simon Lunn Mobile 07791-683827 email simon.lunn@live.co.uk
