It has been a privilege to have been President of the Club for some twenty years. During that time the Club has moved forward significantly thanks to the efforts of many people. There have been a lot of “ups” and a few “downs”.
That period started with a few stalwarts, in cahoots with the Hockey Club, organising the move to Chandlers Lane which, despite the main contractor going bust, was successfully achieved. This has been followed by a succession of advances:-
-the move from the Berkshire League into TVL with a start in Divisions 4,6 and 8, which became at best 1,3 and 6 with a 4th XI added before our recent problems.
-the continued development of the Boys with many successes at County level and the highlights of appearances in National Finals at Under 13 (spoilt for me by being rained off on the day I went) and twice at Under 15 level.
-the start-up and development of Ladies and Girls cricket.
-the creation of the second ground.
-maintenance and improvement of the playing facilities through the efforts of many Ground Crew members.
-successes at a senior level in the Guy Jewell and Aylward Cups.
-the purchase of the ground, through YCHA, to ease any concerns about security of tenure.
There have also been a few disappointments along the way:-
-the death of Derek Eastwood, who had picked up the cudgels, along with the other early Ground Crew members, of looking after the ground.
-our inability to secure the second ground within the purchase of our facilities due to lack of clarity by Yateley Town Council.
-the resignation of the Hockey Club from YCHA, which has caused some financial concerns over recent times, overcome to some extent by our involvement in the Cask & Cork Festival.
-our inability, for various reasons, to hold on to the players who got us to those National Finals.
This has sadly resulted in our senior mens cricket going backwards over the last two years.
-we have suffered from bouts of vandalism over the years. Whilst this may not be surprising considering where we are located it is still very frustrating for the volunteers who take on the responsibility for looking after the grounds and the buildings.
Amateur sport would not survive without volunteers and the Club has been well served in that respect. This has become more critical over recent years as all sports have seen participation numbers going down. Modern life has put a lot more demands on individuals. In that respect my thanks go to all those individuals, far too numerous to name, who have contributed to the advancement of the Club during my time by:-
-organising, finding the finance and delivering the move to Chandlers Lane and, subsequently,
the creation of the second ground.
-coaching, managing and running the many teams.
-starting up and running the Ladies and Girls cricket section.
-looking after the grounds and buildings.
-organising and producing teas.
-acting as umpires and scorers.
-setting up and running the website.
-organising and helping at Juniors' Friday evening, including All Stars last year.
-fundraising, particularly the Cask & Cork Festival in recent times.
-organising the bar and helping therein.
-serving on Committee and Selection Committee.
My best wishes go to my successor and all those involved in running the Club in all its' aspects. I will, hopefully, still be on the boundary watching and hoping for an upturn in our playing fortunes and perhaps a few more playing members attending social events and helping at the Cask & Cork Festival.
Max Kaye, YCC President