Round 2

Yesterday evening saw the 2nd meeting of the new Bedford CC board and, unlike last time, I was more prepared. Last time out I was drowned by the concept of the meeting, the agendas, and bearing in mind I took no notes, not enough brain capacity to take in everything that was said. This time, with the meeting taking place in the arctic temperatures of the pavilion, I had prepared a bit more thoroughly. Relevant paperwork, a pad to take notes in and although I nearly forgot it, a pen! I know. Sometimes you just forget the obvious in these sorts of situations!

First though, we had a meeting with a pair of ex-members who were interested in coming back to the fray and get involved on all fronts. Playing, coaching and everything that comes with it. I've had more enquiries than I expected given the popular news that our ex-Chairman has left, meaning next season is looking a far more rosy affair. I am trying my upmost to keep our members updated on the goings on at the club, as one of the main issues from that fractious meeting a while back was that the membership didn't know anything of what was going on. My responsibility, as Director of Adult Cricket, is to run the adult section and during the Winter, contact can be lost due to inactivity. From September to January/February, not a lot happens in terms of matches (obviously), training and the like, so to keep everyone informed of the decisions we make is paramount, and I am trying to do so as much as I can.

As for the meeting itself, I once again felt like I took a bit of a back seat as much of the talk was about funds, accounts and property which is an area I have next to no knowledge in. I am still young, and haven't been in a position where I've had to discuss accounts before, so I am learning a lot throughout this experience. It's excellent for my own personal development, and given that it is in a voluntary capacity means there is little pressure from anyone to do a sterling job. I'd like to of course, but at the moment, we are just trying to rebuild a broken ship. Fix the hole that the iceberg left. All in all however, we've made fantastic progress ahead of the upcoming AGM where my position gets ratified along with everyone else's.

I do feel as if I've got the toughest challenge out of all though. The club was in a dangerous position under the new regime, but the junior section is already there and already successful. At the top of their divisions year in, year out - the junior age groups have a fantastic foundation in which to progress on. Our adult section is, quite literally, starting afresh. We need new members, new players, more quality and a new culture which I am heading up and it is quite a challenge. As someone pointed out, being part of a cricket club is much more than just the cricket. We need a new social side to our club, making the team feel more part of a team, instead of just rocking up twenty minutes before the start and swanning off again as soon as the last wicket falls. I need a team around me to help bring that new culture to the club, and I am very hopeful and optimistic that people will want to help all they can. We're hopefully getting a new club logo and a new kit to bring in the new era aswell, really starting again. I really am glad I stuck it out and put up with the old regime allowing me to be in this position, and proud of standing up at "that" meeting and saying my bit. And now the real work begins.

Leading up to Christmas, I am going to be busy at work as everyone wants to send presents and cards here, there and everywhere. Maybe this is a good thing, as it will make the Winter go quicker and next season can come around fast. Frankly, I'm already bouncing off the walls. I want to score runs...