A View from the Top

The Chairman speaks…

Monday 24^th June – mid-summer’s day (apparently!) When the results were all in on Sunday morning it was a good view for Minch one’s and two’s, back to top spot on the Premier League and our rejuvenated two’s in second sport in their League Three.

Things are taking shape – don’t forget we are in the SDCA senior KO cup semi as well – but as they always say in these situations, the hard work begins now. We are still struggling to put two teams out every Saturday – regular availability remains a real problem and the captains pursuing players to turn up and turn out (often at some length) is to their credit. Remember, a casual late call off may suit your domestic needs but often results in a lot of messaging and texting so please think first!

Our junior section has been well attended during the early months of the season and we have been fielding sides in the Under 11 and Under 13 Leagues. Justin Hodges and his helpers are manfully managing a goodly number of under 9’s (and younger) who are taking their first steps in the game while Tony Weller and Eric are supporting the Under 11’s and 13’s. Under 13’s are running manager less at present but John (I’m taking a back seat!) Turton has been most helpful as ever and we are getting through their fixtures.

On the money front we have had some good news. During the dark months of winter Pete Raphael and Steve Hooper got to grips with our Charity status and pursued possible Grant Aid refunds potentially due on various payments made into the club via our VP scheme (and other income). Rapha took on HMRC (just the man for the job!) and the result was a refund of around £1200. We will get pro rata (but smaller) refunds on future income via the VP route. Well done to both for their sterling efforts. It has meant a lot of pouring over books and locating paperwork etc. but their efforts were rewarded.

On another money related matter, the club was made aware of possible support from a Trust fund established by one of our long standing VP’s, local resident Mr D.G Thomas. After he passed away Mr Thomas’s trustees established the fund which (among a much wider remit) has an objective of assisting local sports clubs. We asked for consideration and were awarded £2,000! This was a tremendous bonus, and immediately covers the cost of the net mat while still leaving some funds for other capital projects.

‘Flash’s’ raffle: Next Saturday is the mid-point of the cricket season and a good opportunity to remind everyone that we are looking the sell loads of raffle tickets by the end of the season. Everyone should have their allocation and more are always available. Get beavering away if you haven’t sold any yet!