Dear Members,

After a wonderfully served 10 years (at least) in positions, our esteemed Chairperson Ayrton Fielding and 1^st XI Captain Stefan Fielding have expressed their intention not to re-stand for their positions for the 2023 season. The committee would like to place on record their thanks to both Ayrton and Stefan for their dedicated service to the club.

With this in mind, the committee on Monday determined that the 1^st XI Captain position should be filled sooner than the AGM due to the process which is currently underway in recruiting players for next season. The level of the 1^st XI opposition this year has stepped up significantly and that without the assistance from a professional, it would have been an extremely difficult battle to maintain their position in the Championship. However, with further additions to the senior playing pool, the club can make strides to not only maintain their league standing, but look to be promoted to the GMCL Premier Leagues, which in turn, will increase recruitment to the club.

In addition, the value of a further players to the wider club to assist with coaching, both juniors and seniors, will have a significant positive impact on the club as a whole. Other clubs are starting to sign players now and as a result, to wait until the AGM to ratify the position of 1^st XI captain, who will be the main responsible party to recruit senior players, needs to be in place as soon as possible to start this process and to work with the treasurer on establishing the budget to be presented at the AGM.

According to the club rules, the minimum notice period to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting is 14 days and as such, take notice that an EGM has been ratified by the committee to take place at 7.30pm on Monday 31 October 2022 at the Cricket Club with the following single item to be determined: 1^st XI Captain.

Nominations for the position should be made, in writing, to be received by Michael Beech (as secretary), or Paul Marks (as details secretary) no later than Monday 24^th October 2022 and should be accompanied by the name of a person who seconds the respective nomination. Those persons wishing to be considered for the position should attend the meeting and may be required to make a short speech before the any vote takes place. In the event that the nominee cannot attend, they should submit a short written statement (200 words or less) which can be read out at the meeting.

Ayrton is happy to remain in post as chairman until the AGM, which shall be called for Monday 5^th December 2022 at 7pm. Nominations for chairpersons, as well as other positions will be asked for in the build up to that date.