The committee have met several times since the season end, and we have also held a successful Annual General Meeting in October.
The ground staff have been extremely busy in recent weeks. The vitally important work on the square and outfield was completed despite the very wet conditions throughout the autumn months. The clubhouse has been completely redecorated and thanks must go to David Reed, Colin West, Tony Brown, Gordon Frazer and Bryan Laidlow for the excellent work recently undertaken.
Following on from the Annual General Meeting, there are several changes in personnel for the 2020 season and it is with much regret, from the club's point of view, that I have to announce that James Bell will be taking up post as Head Coach at Berkhamsted CC, Hertfordshire. I'm sure you will agree that James's contribution to the recent success at all levels at Edenside cannot be underestimated and we wish him every success in his new role.
I am delighted to announce that Fraser Conn has agreed to accept the post of Junior Co-ordinator at Edenside. Fraser will be familiar to many of you, both as an outstanding player and coach.
As many of you will already be aware, Paul Hindmarch has joined the club having recently returned to Cumbria following his role as Director of Cricket at Whitgift School in Surrey. Paul brings with him a wealth of experience as an outstanding player and coach and I know that his contribution at Edenside will be simply invaluable.
I must thank Club Captain Marc Brown for liaising with the committee throughout the autumn in relation to securing these key posts for the 2020 season.
Women and Girls cricket will be much more prominent during the next twelve months at Edenside and I am absolutely delighted that we can announce Sam Richardson as our Women and Girls Development Officer. Sam has recently moved across from Ashington CC, bringing a wealth of experience in planning and delivering bespoke coaching in the ladies' game.
As commented in my report to the AGM, cricket scorers are extremely hard to find. To my absolute delight, Geoffrey Osborne will be making a return to the score box in 2020! Geoffrey had scored for thirteen seasons and nearly three hundred games prior to his retirement in 2018. The great news is that he's back for 2020!
The Edenside online shop continues to operate and it is just the right time for those stocking fillers! The link is via the website under the information section.
One further piece of news is that we wish Phil and Charlotte all the very best for their wedding and future together on Saturday 28th December!
As we look ahead to the coming season, there are several key dates to note. Please put these in your diary! The first of these is the Christmas Party, to be held in the King's Head on Monday 30th December from 4pm.
Monday 30th December 2019 – Club Christmas Party (King's Head from 4pm)
Saturday 1st February 2020 – Club Comedy Evening (Pavilion)
Sunday 23rd February 2020 – Pre-Season Training commences (Trinity Sports Hall to 22nd March)
Saturday 11th April 2020 – Club Dinner (Pavilion).
Sunday 3rd May 2020 – Unicorns Twenty20 Cumberland CCC v Staffordshire CCC (Ground & pavilion – 2 T20 matches with 40-minute lunch break).
Saturday 4th July 2020 – Edenside Cricketfest 2020 (Ground & pavilion).
Saturday 12th September 2020 – End of season function. (Pavilion).
On behalf of the Club Committee may I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Best wishes
Mark Davidson
Hon Secretary