Well here we are, just three weeks away from the season starting and it seems such a long time since last season ended. You’d imagine that these last few weeks would be a hive of activity as the final preparations take place, but having witnessed it first hand over the last few weeks I can testify that the work never seems to end as the various House & Grounds teams go about their business to keep on top of things. Reflecting on that enormous amount of work that goes on, it struck me that the majority of the people doing the work don’t play cricket – but they get such a sense of satisfaction in helping out THEIR club. I encourage you to remember this, and where possible take a moment to say “thanks” as without these guys we wouldn’t be playing cricket.

Taking a look at some of the things that have been going on, I’m pleased to report that the old Portakabin is finally down thanks to the work led by Ian Bruce and John Lamb. Naturally with any kind of destruction work, there’s a lot of mess and we’ve been heavily on the radar of the fire brigade with the number of fires that have been lit (just ask John Scragg!!). The new and improved scoring area will be arriving shortly and it will create a far better environment for the scorers together with looking a whole lot better. I mentioned last month that Storm Doris paid us a visit and did some damage to the sightscreens, and once again Ian and John have done a sterling job repairing these as best as possible, however there are a few longer term repairs that are needed but there’s just not enough time alongside all the other jobs that need doing. Ken Barrett and his team have continued to keep on top of things ‘indoors’ and I am scared when I go to the club as there’s a danger if you stand still you’ll get painted!!

Out on the pitch you won’t be surprised when I say that the pitches are VERY wet, so much so that just a few weeks ago I spent a good hour and a half trying to tow the mower off the outfield after it got stuck. The team have done an amazing job in subsequently getting the grass cut and the squares mowed and rolled to give the best possible chance of playing come April 22nd when we welcome Bollington and Chester Boughton Hall to Old Greasby Road.

Looking ahead, the next few weeks will see the finalisation of a lot of ‘projects’ and I’m delighted to say that to compliment the splendid refurbishment of the lounge area, we have been awarded a grant to do a bit of a makeover to the gents toilets from an environmentally conscious angle where we will be installing waterless urinals, new cubicles and sinks together with refreshing the toilet walls. Touching back on the lounge refurbishment, progress continues and we have had the new ‘honours’ board fitted, the trophy cabinet is back up, some of the notable memorabilia has been put up in the alcove area at the end of the bar and the team photos should be up very soon. Over the last few weeks, I’ve firstly catalogues every team photo and then spoilt Mrs Lamb with an evening of re-framing them in new frames! Whilst this has been a bit of laborious task, it’s been really interesting looking back at all the players who’ve been part of the clubs history and you can’t help but think about the contribution that they’ve made. I must say that despite these photos having been out on display previously, in my 26 years as a member of the club I’d probably not really looked at them properly – so if nothing else, take a time to look at them as it’s taken me ages to do!! A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting two players who figured prominently in the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s – John Martin & Gordon Edwards when they popped down to the club one Tuesday morning. They were hugely impressed with the changes that had been made, and had kept in touch with goings on at the club via the website which was great to hear.

From a sponsorship perspective I’m delighted that we have the continued support from Tom Maguire under the guise of his new business; Ellice Francis Group who will be sponsoring the senior league playing shirts for the next three years. This sponsorship is extremely crucial to enable us to continually develop our club as well as making the shirts look great – thank you Tom. I’m also delighted to welcome on board The Yog Bar who will be sponsoring the “Performance of the Week” with the weekly winner receiving a £10 voucher which can be redeemed in their shop in Hoylake – thank you.

A couple of weeks ago, myself and Tom Marsland attending the Cheshire County League’s “Behaviour Forum” which was aimed at the league, clubs and umpires working together more closely to ensure that standards of behaviour across all teams is the best it possibly can do. Whilst I believe we don’t have a major issue with the behaviour of our players, it is a worthwhile reminder that we all need to be aware of the ECB’s Code of Conduct. Please take time to read this as it’s important we maintain our good reputation.

Next weekend it’s going to be very busy at the club – on Friday we are holding a pre-season Charity Quiz Night, where quizmaster Tom Maguire has produced a belting set of questions to test all ages. This event will not only kick start the season and be a great way to ‘re-acclimatise’ you into Club life, but it is also an opportunity to raise some money for our charity partner; Vital Signs Foundation. The following day we have the annual work party, supporting the ECB’s “Cricket Force” initiative. Given the season will only be a couple of weeks ago, as mentioned earlier, there’s so much work to do so please make every effort to get down for as short or as long a time period as possible.

Finally, our overseas player; Chris McArthur is only hours away from touching down at Manchester Airport. The club will be open from about 5pm where you will have the opportunity to meet Chris – what better way to throw him in at the deep end after 24 hours on a plane that being hit with so many introductions!! Having spoken with Chris a lot of the winter, and more so in the last week or so leading up to his arrival, I’m really looking forward to welcoming him to Upton Cricket Club. Whilst he’s here, Chris is looking to do some work and we’re on the lookout for anything that may be going, so if you know of anything, please get in touch with me.