Last night we held the AGM of The Woodham Mortimer Cricket Club. The minute of the meeting will be issued shortly , however we wanted to let the membership know about one very important change to our clubs management structure.
After three Years as our Club Chairman, Keith Mitchell resigned last night and we thanks Keith for all his efforts over the last three years. The new Chairman; Ian Ball, was voted in unanimously and below is his first email to the club:
Note from the new Chair
Day one in my new job, with the usual mixed emotions of excitement and dread!
Firstly, I would personally like to thank Peggy for his 3 year tenure as our Chair. Peggy is a great stalwart to the club and, under his leadership, he has handed over the club not only in a healthy position, but one with the ability to flourish.
When I was first approached about taking over from Peggy, I admit the usual defence mechanism kicked in - I'm too busy, I don't want that hassle, I just want to play, I'm not capable etc. Then I thought a little longer about it - I've played at a club I love for 16 years now, I have taken out lots more than I put in and it made me think, what can I do for the club rather than what can the club do for me. I accepted the nomination and today, I am excited to be the Chair of our Club. And what makes it more exciting and very helpful are the many positives that we already have at our club:
- We are fortunate to have a ground provided to us by our President, Francis Wolton. Bottom line is that without Francis' generosity and support and individuals such as our much loved Don and now Nathan in maintaining our wonderful facility, then there may be no cricket for us to enjoy. We have a ground that is the envy of many visiting teams;
- We are fortunate to have a committee that is positive, pro-active and have the club at heart. I admit to having taken assurances that, if I was elected to Chair, that our current committee members would remain in place. We have a very strong team in the official club positions which can only serve us well with the club's administration;
- We have a growing members list. Arguably, not growing as fast as we would like, but we are moving in the right direction;
- We have cricket for all. With currently 2 league teams, Sunday, midweek and 6 indoor teams we go along way in meeting everyone's cricketing needs, whether it be competitive, social, long or short format;
- Very importantly, the demographic of our playing members is shifting, with the influx of an increasing number of young, hungry cricketers.
So my initial thoughts are that the club is currently well positioned but, as with any club of our size, we cannot be complacent and there continues to be much work to be done by all to make us even better. Fortunately, I believe we have the opportunity to improve and be regarded as one of the best, most respected cricket clubs in the local area to play and be part of.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be your Chair. I will endeavour to steer us in a positive manner but your club will always need you also to provide ideas, take the lead or simply lend a hand, so please don't be shy! We all love this club, let's now cement the good that we have and build on it together.
Best Wishes
Ian