AGM looks ahead to a busy season

The following are the minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Old Cranleighan Cricket Club held at the OC Club, Thames Ditton, on Thursday January 31, 2008.

Present: Graham Brown, Mike Chetwode, Eds Copleston, Allen Dean, Ed Henderson, Abeed Janmohamed, Rick Johnson, John McDermott, Tristan Rosenfeldt, Henry Watkinson, Martin Williamson.

Apologies: John Cooke, Matt Crump, Robin Elsdon Dew, Rob Merry, Richard Seeckts, Peter Shelley, David Westcott, Andy Wright.

Rules: The meeting voted unanimously to adopt the revised rules as sent out by email.

Captain’s report: In a brief captain’s report, HW said that India had been good, the summer good, but Sarasota not quite as good, other than off the field.

Hon Fixtures Secretary’s report: TR gave a lengthy speech on the 2008 fixtures. The main change was that the Elstead fixture, new to 2007, had not been renewed as it was not felt to be the kind of end-of-season game we were after. Alternatives of were discussed but TR was asked to seek others. The bulk of games were as in 2007 although the frogs had been incorporated into the week. We were again scheduled to play Wellington but there was concern over match fees and recipricocity and TR was asked to investigate.

The Cricketer Cup clashes were discussed at some length and especially the issue of the clash with the School match were we to progress to the second round. The rules do not allow us to play away from the school and the headmaster had made it clear we would not be allowed to be at Cranleigh on that day (June 29). TR would ask potential second-round opponents (Winchester or Clifton) if we could play away should the need arise. Whatever happened, we would field a side against the school on the same day.

Hon Treasurer’s report: In his final report after 25 years in the role, MW said the books had balanced but that was largely through donations from the OC Society and two individuals which totalled £750. The introduction of annual subscriptions (£10) would enable us to book umpires for all games and give us a sounder financial footing. The incoming treasurer would need to make the establishment of standing orders a priority.

South Africa tour 2008-09: EH reported plans were progressing and around 18 people had committed (13 players) with several others more probable than possible. Attempts to reduce the cost had failed as we were travelling at a peak time but other options – sponsorship etc – were under consideration. EH briefly suggested that matches could be played inside Zimbabwe on the Zazmbian leg of the trip but this was vociferously opposed on moral grounds. There were possibilities of a charity visit to Soweto while in SA.

Cup competitions: There were mixed views on our continuing in the Cricket World Trophy but it was agreed that we should on the understanding that selection was, unless unavoidable, mutually exclusive with the Cricketer Cup side. HW would skipper the CC side and EC the CWT side. Selection would be by the cricket committee.

Election of officers: There being no other nominations other than the ones circulated before the meeting, all were passed unanimously. The only changes from 2007 were than MW stood down as secretary and treasurer to be replaced by EH and RM. Rick Johnson was elected to fill the new post of chairman. Two new vice presidents were elected - Heather Dean in recognition of her services as a scorer and supporter for many years, and Clem Williams in recognition of his efforts as master in charge at Cranleigh and his support for the OCCC then and since leaving.

President: John. W. McDermott
Chairman: Rick Johnson
Captain: Henry Watkinson,
Honorary Secretary: Ed Henderson
Honorary Treasurer: Rob Merry
Honorary Fixtures Secretary: Tristan Rosenfeldt
Committee: Michael Chetwode, Martin Williamson,
Vice Presidents: (new nominations) Heather Dean, Clem Williams.

Any Other Business: 1) RJ expressed the desire for two social functions a year, one oldies event in the season and a dinner in October. While the latter was approved, it was felt the former was unnecessary although it was agreed that notice would be sent out that former players would be especially welcome on one specified cricket week day. 2) It was agree to allow Damien Hill to run with his plan of a sixes event on one of the Saturdays of the week. 3) JM asked for a note to be made of the death of Ted Crowe of the Old Blundellians, whose links with the OCCC go back more than four decades.