Dear Member

 

As another season draws to a close, it's a time to look back at our achievements this year. Although there are many, some of the highlights were:-

 

• The 1^st XI finishing in 5th position in the MCCL . This is the top league in Middlesex, and therefore means we now have the 5th best team in Middlesex - not a bad achievement for a small club!
• All 3 teams retained their position in the top division in the MCCL.
• Success for our Colts - with our Under 11s winning the Middlesex league and the Under 10s and 15s all making regional finals
• Bar takings increasing - a fantastic result especially when you see many pubs closing due to lack of trade
• An increase in our Social and Family memberships.
• A massive 280 registered colts - with a further 120 on the waiting list. We have already had to close the waiting list for next year.
• Another incredible Fun Day, with lots of members offering both help and support on the day, and providing a large and vitally important income for the club

 

As the club becomes larger and more successful, volunteers who run the club need to commit more and more of their time. Apart from a few exceptions, the club is predominately run by volunteers.  With increased regulations applying in the areas of safety, child protection, Clubmark requirements etc, it means that the club has to be run more as a small business than an old fashioned club to meet modern day requirements. At present most of this work is carried out by a small number of club members who are finding it more and more difficult to commit the time to keep the club running on this basis.

 

We wish to avoid employing more staff, as our finances won't permit this, and also because it would be easy to lose the identity of the club. We are therefore asking for some additional help from existing members and their families, so as to reduce the burden on the committee members and other helpers. We are not asking for time consuming commitments or for more committee members. Just some extra help on an occasional basis. Most of the volunteers have in fact found that it is enjoyable and they become even more a part of the club. Below are some suggested areas for help - but it is not exhaustive.

 

Social

 

Sara does a fantastic job of organising our two major events the Funday and Dinner Dance (and in fact most other events that happen at the club!), but we now need a small sub-committee to organise the winter programme of events. A few socials (quizzes, race nights etc) over the winter months together with the pre and end of season parties.

 

Funday

 

A fantastic club day which raises a lot of money for the club. But this year the number of volunteers to help was low. If the support is this low again next year it may not be possible to run the event.

 

Catering

 

Apart from cricket teas at the weekend, the club often needs to provide food at other times such as:-

 

• Mid-week games
• Hires at the club - either in the evening, or during the day for day hires, funerals etc
• Colts' BBQ and colts' corner. We had some fantastic help this year, but occasionally it is inevitable that some people cannot turn up. There is also the need for someone to take responsibility to buy the food in advance.
• Club functions - Xmas dinner, social evenings and the like
• Special occasions. For the 2008 Chairman's v President's match we organised marquees and a full lunch for anyone who wanted to stay for the day. We could arrange more of these events if we had the help.

 

 

Press Officer

 

We know we are a fantastic club - but not everyone else does. Apart from submitting match reports, we need to get into the local papers such items as Fun Day advertising, the success of our colts and any other item that will promote the club.

 

Bar

 

We rely on a small band at present. We need a few more volunteers who are prepared to assist whn needed. Training will be given.

 

The bar also needs the pipes cleaned, the barrels brought in and out and the machinery to be cleaned.

 

Building and Repairs

 

There's always something that needs fixing and Martin Barry, our House Manager, needs people he can call on to assist. We also occasionally need help for specific work parties which can be from digging a drainage ditch, to fitting a new ceiling, to relaying part of the pathway. Let us know what your skills are - or if you are just happy to be a grafter.

 

Opening the club premises

 

Most of the committee work during the day, but sometimes it is necessary to have the club open. It could be to fit a new electricity meter, have the alarm serviced or just open for a mid week match. Keys will be arranged on a temporary basis.

 

Colts

 

We are lucky to have a large amount of help with colts - coaches, managers, BBQ, sweets and more. But we can always do with more help.

 

Marketing

 

Ian Forsyth has started working on this, but now needs help in finding sponsors. Can you help?

 

And there's probably a lot more.

 

We are holding an evening for anyone that might be interested in helping more. Come along and ask some questions and see what is involved. No arm twisting - no one will lock the door until you sign up. And if you can't help the bar will still be open. The first drink will be provided free. It's your club - it needs your help.

 

We hope to see you on Thursday 15^th October at 8.00pm

 

 

Halloween & Fireworks - Friday 30^th October

 

See the notice board or our website for further details

 

Annual Dinner Dance - Saturday 7^th November

 

Sara did such a fantastic job of organising this last year on home soil; we've got her to agree to do it again. Large marquee fully heated, disco and dance floor, 3 course meal. A great evening - ask anyone that went last year. Cost £45 per person - and usual club prices on the bar and wine. Please put your name on the board and leave a cheque behind the bar for a £10 deposit per person.

 

Annual General Meeting - Sunday 6^th December - 10.30am

 

For all members - players and social.

 

Nottingham Tour

 

As many of you may be aware the club reluctantly had to cancel the annual Colts tour to Nottingham. After 10 successful years this was very disappointing but we simply could not gather enough players from the target U15/U17 age groups.

 

However, it is hoped that in 2010 the tour will be revived as we have excellent and hospitable opponents waiting to play us and superb accommodation and practice facilities at Trent Bridge. We would ask those colts (and of course, their parents) who want to participate next August to contact Neil Stevens or John Clouting if interested or if they would like further details.

 

League Dinner - 16^th October 2009

 

The Middlesex County Cricket League dinner is an annual prestigious occasion held at a London hotel situated close to Russell Square, at which the achievements of the prior season are recognised. Eastcote are now indisputably one of the top handful of clubs in the MCCL and we enjoy top (Premier) division status for all our three sides.

 

Indeed, as previously mentioned,  our 1^st XI has so far had one of their best seasons ever in the league. Therefore, ECC needs to be well represented at the dinner. Other successful clubs send up to 20 players and members to this excellent function.   Last year ECC had only 4 people there and this was inadequate and embarrassing. Please contact a member of the committee if you want to be part of the recognition of the club's success. Tickets are £30 which includes a three course meal. Dress is lounge suit.

 

 

Winter Bar Opening

 

The winter times start from 1^st October. The bar still remains open every day. Bar hours will be:-

 

Monday & Wednesday - 5pm - 8pm

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday - 5pm - 11pm

Saturday - 1pm - 11pm

Sunday - 1pm - 7pm

 

The bar will be closed Sunday night unless there is a function.