As I sit here writing this overlooking a very wet, wind-swept garden, that last weekend of the season seems a long time ago, and it feels an even longer time (25 weeks in fact) until it all starts again. As I've found in my ten months of being Chairman, irrespective of whether any cricket is being played there's still plenty to do and October has been yet again another busy month.

Since the season finished, there have been numerous discussions as the senior squad starts to take shape for the 2016 season. Whilst some of those discussions need to remain confidential at this stage, what I can say is that I'm very pleased with how things are shaping and we will be in a good position come April 23rd 2016. On that note, I'm pleased to announce that both Graeme Keenan (Cricket Chairman) and Simon McGowan (Junior Cricket Chairman) have both been re-elected in their respective positions for another term. A couple of years ago the Clubs Constitution was amended to allow these two positions, along with the 1st XI Captain, to have their term start in October which allows them plan and to put things in place as early as possible for the forthcoming season.

Talking of officers being elected, I'm extremely encouraged that all of the Governing Committee positions have candidates proposed and seconded ahead of the AGM. It's not uncommon that we go into an AGM with some positions unfilled, but to have them all filled at this stage is a real bonus. There are still a few non-Governing positions which remain unfilled, but I'm confident those will be filled at the AGM on 3rd December. Please keep that date at the forefront of your mind as we really do need as many people as possible to attend as this is your opportunity to learn more about how the Club is run and how the finances are shaping up, plus having your say.

One important position that we have created that falls outside of the Governing Committee is the role of Commercial Manager. I view this as a highly important position within the Club and I was delighted that Gary Dixon accepted the invitation to take on that role. As mentioned in an earlier website article, Gary brings with him not only some heavyweight commercial acumen, he brings a passion for the Club which will undoubtedly reap big rewards and allow us a Club to continue our development.

A couple of weeks ago, myself and Rob Chapman met with representatives from our 'landlords'; Leverhulme Estates, one of whom was a chap called Anthony Hannay who is the Grandson of William Sinclair Scott Hannay who founded the Club in 1901. They were extremely impressed with how the tearoom was looking and encouraged by how we were using it. As some of you may be aware, our current lease expires in 2020 and we had a brief chat about extending this beyond the current term. Given an encouraging response, we will continue these discussions in 2016 and I hope to be able to report further next year on how things are progressing.

On the social side of things, I'm really looking forward to my first 'Hot Pot' as Chairman. A lot of work goes in to organising the evening and I am very grateful to all the hard work Pete Clark puts in to ensuring the event is a roaring success. This year we have moved away from the tradition of having a cricketer as main speaker and have an extremely funny man in Eric Jones to entertain us. To compliment Eric, I'm looking forward to welcoming a good friend; Neil Cross to speak on behalf of the 'guests'. In local cricketing circles Neil needs no introduction as he boasts a CV which is the envy of many having played for New Brighton, Bowdon, Oxton and now plying his trade for Wallasey in the Liverpool Competition Premier Division. Complimenting this, Neil was the mainstay of the Cheshire Minor Counties team for many years but clearly a cricketing highlight of his will be his cameo appearances this season for Upton Over 40's!

Hopefully you'll have seen the amazing transformation (click HERE to view it) that took place a few weeks ago as we turned the tearoom into a marquee for the wedding of Paul & Katja Traill. Leading up to the event I was confident that it would look good, but I was blown away with the end result! Whilst the pictures look great, it looked even better in the flesh and the 90 or so guests all had a great day. My thanks must go to Ian Sharrock for 'running' the bar throughout the day and all the unseen work he did in the lead up to it which epitomises how much work he puts in at the club all year round. On the back of this, we already have another wedding function booked in for November 2016 where we will have the tearoom turned into a marquee again.

Almost a year on from the first official function in the tearoom (the 2014 Hot Pot), it's a testament to all those involved in the building 'project' that we now have a facility that has such a diverse use. If you consider that the room has been used for not only cricket teas but table tennis, birthday parties, wedding receptions, Christening's, Overchurch PTA photo shoots, St Mary's Church play group, a Christmas Market and presentation evenings, we are certainly making the best of the facility we have and my thanks go out to all those who made it possible. It's my belief that we are just about striking the right balance of usage at the moment and I see this current level of occupancy continuing.

Finally, a date for your diary is Friday 4th December where Arthur Irwin & his family, plus Simon Simcox will be holding the Annual Christmas Draw. The evening will consist of a quiz, buffet and obviously the draw where there are some great prizes up for grabs. If you haven't bought your 'squares' please pop into the club on either a Wednesday or Thursday evening or Sunday afternoon, or they are available on the night. This really is a great evening and one I'm personally looking forward to and hope to see as many of you there as possible.

Keep wintering well and ticking off those days until April 23rd!