A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN (our hero – see News)
As we approach the 2nd wave at breakneck speed and a mini-lockdown imminent, it seems like Covid-19 chose to give our membership some respite in the form of cricket this season.
Apart from a couple of lost games to rain and a spurious flying ant attack, the weather did its part in providing us with a Summer to remember, in a year that most would rather forget.
Cricketers in this country are used to dealing with a delayed start, which is probably why we took to the season starting in July with such little fuss.
This is not a season’s review by any means, however without the normal forums available to offer thanks to all those involved, this seemed the most suitable option.
I would like to offer much thanks to all that have given their time and efforts to making the toughest of seasons so successful. From the committee and the coaches to the members and the colts, all of you have contributed to the excellent atmosphere around the club.
Above and beyond this, notable mentions must be given to:
John Callcut, for his continued work around all areas of the club, including organising the team of “grasshoppers” (outfield grass mowers) who also deserve thanks for their continued work (messieurs Bailey, Beale and Mumford).
Andy Major, again, for his continued work around the club, especially the preparation of the tracks.
Phil Mumford, for pulling together an expanded and protracted colts training program, which I know was a relief to so many parents, plus securing sponsorship for the colts’ shirts.
Graham Capel, for taking the helm of the Midweek team and fixtures as well as hitting a “6” on his 80th birthday (I’m not sure too many others will ever be able to claim that achievement…..certainly not me! (although I do feel 80, does that count!?!?))
Becky Chapman, my better half, who has always supported me and has undoubtedly been affected the most by the time I give to the club.
The coaches and committee members, who volunteer their time to make the club what it is. I can honestly say this is by far the most productive, positive, and genuinely fun committee I have ever sat on; thank you!
As chairman, I am afforded 3 awards to recognize the efforts of key contributors for the season, so I wanted to share these with you now:
Karen Fordree; who has gone the extra mile both on and off the pitch; the enthusiasm she has brought to the ladies’ cricket team has added a new dimension to the club; coupled with her work inside the club (physically) and on the committee, she is a credit to the club in all that she does.
Monjur Elahi; who has similarly excelled in so many areas. Bringing in extensive resources to meet our Covid-19 requirements and running an adapted “All Stars” programme (which was officially cancelled by the ECB). He has also delivered not one, but two Sunday teams on a regular basis, adding fresh blood and offering senior cricket to our youngsters coming through the ranks.
The Ranmore Crew, (messieurs Harrow, Zee Log, Grimley, Hussey, Gibbs and Tanner). Over the course of the season you may have noticed six stalwarts socially distancing themselves in front of the home changing room door. They have supported nearly all of the senior fixtures (more vocally as the game goes on), helped the club financially (in a season that could have been catastrophic to other clubs) and with their entourage, again, added to a great atmosphere. Special mention should go to Nigel Grimley, who has been supporting Karen and working behind the scenes (trying to avoid the limelight) and Bob Zee Log (not his real name!), who built and erected the wooden boundary fence, which has been a superb addition to the ground. Their efforts (cough) this season will help the club for years to come.
If you have made it this far through my ramble, thank you again for your time.
I am genuinely already looking forward to cricket in 2021.
Happy Christmas!!! (too soon?)
James Penfold – Chairman
(I promise less brackets next time!)
See calendar for fixtures and use your app Spond for full details and indicate your availability or sign up at https://group.spond.com/HVUWA
Simon Hughes has written in the May 2020 issue of the Cricketer:
“Sport is a temporary deflection away from reality, an uplifting experience after a hard week at work – whether playing or watching – or an opportunity to bond with people who share a communal passion”.
Welcome
…… to the Newdigate Cricket Club web site.
We are a thriving cricket club, playing on a picturesque ground, situated on the Surrey/Sussex border, equidistant from Dorking, Reigate and Horsham. The new pavilion is now fully functioning so we have a fabulous headquarters.
This is what Surrey County Cricket club has written about us. “Premier side Newdigate, a bastion of village cricket on the Surrey/Sussex border and relative newcomers after starting life in 1849. Playing a full part in the heart of their community, they arrived late in league cricket by joining the Surrey Downs League in 1999 and switched to the Fuller’s in 2013.”
We offer a friendly environment for cricketers of all ages and abilities. This year it had been hoped to run two Saturdays sides in the Fuller’s Brewery Surrey County League.
In 2019 the 1st XI came third and the 2nd XI came fifth in their respective leagues.
Under normal circumstance as an alternative to league matches our Sunday side plays traditional friendly matches and our midweek team play twenty over friendlies throughout the summer on Wednesday evenings.
Our ladies entered the winter Ladies ‘Smash-It’ League under the name of the Newdigate Ninjas….. they reached the finals which was scheduled to be played on the 29th March. Unfortunately it has been cancelled but hopefully will be rescheduled when the current health scare is over. See calendar for fixtures and contact Karen Fordree (kfordree@outlook.com ) for more information.
Follow all events happening at the club. Sign up to SPOND by going to https://group.spond.com/HVUWA
Our girls and boys (5-14 years of age) usually meet on Friday evenings at 6.00 pm for coaching. We usually hold a fun-filled Summer Camp but this year it had to be cancelled. Once again we signed up to ALL STARS CRICKET which has proved to be a great success nationally. Unfortunately the scheme has been curtailed and only started at Newdigate in mid- July. In 2019, 2212 clubs participated and 67,000 children attended!
More details at: https://www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars
In 2020 we would have been witnessing some changes as all competitive junior cricket in the county was scheduled to have been united under the Surrey Junior Cricket Championship. We entered teams at under 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14 levels. Provisional fixtures were published – see calendar. For more information go to: https://surreyjuniorchampionship.play-cricket.com/Aboutus
ALSO NEW FOR 2020 or so we hoped – We entered an U13 side in the winter indoor Identilam 6-a-Side competition which was played at Tanbridge House School. Unfortunately the last session had to be cancelled.
We also signed up for the new ECB initiative called Dynamos Cricket. It is for 8-11 year olds. Sessions were scheduled to start at Newdigate on the 15th May 2020 but have been suspended.
We believe in running a club which is open and equable to everyone and have been awarded the ECB Clubmark FOCUS Accreditation in recognition of this achievement.
If you think that this is your kind of club then please contact us
Andrew Major
President
Newdigate Cricket Club
IMPORTANT – STROKES, BLOOD CLOTS ETC.
This is for everyone. If somebody stumbles unaccountably they may have had a stroke. Ask them to smile, to say a simple sentence or raise both arms. Also ask them to stick out their tongue and check if it is crooked. If they cannot do any of these simple things call the emergency service (details on the notice board on the balcony) as they may have had a stroke. Time is of the essence you might just save a life!
We are still fund raising
Are you buying anything on line?
Then register with easyfundraising.org.uk and follow the simple instructions. For every purchase a percentage will go to the club without costing you a penny. Many major retailers such as Amazon, John Lewis, M & S, Argos, Domino’s Pizza etc. are in the scheme so join up and support your club.
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Why not preserve your name or that of a loved one by buying an engraved brick which will be on permanent display in the pavilion?
To donate or buy a brick download the following:
If you wish to add anything to this website please contact John Callcut
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