25/08/2024
Dear All
As the 2024 cricket season moves into its last few weeks we are already looking forward to 2025.
The progress made over the last twelve months particularly with regard to the re-introduction of a men's third team and the start of women's cricket at Ambergate, alongside the continued progress of the Juniors, gives us much to look forward to.
The club committee is now looking to develop the club further and to continue to invest in the ground and equipment, with the aim to have new covers for the square for the start of the 2025 season.
The next long-term project will be to replace the surface of the nets which has withstood everything the Derwent has thrown at it over the last few years.
As you will know Ambergate has always tried to keep the financial burden away from the players and we have always been fortunate to have the support of a number of businesses for sponsorship. We never take this for granted and we are grateful to those who offer us that support.
In an effort to maintain membership and match fees at the same level for 2025 we will be seeking to increase our sponsorship, this is not with the intention of watching the bank balance grow but to invest in the future of the club and the facilities it can offer. We know of no other club in the area which has been able to match what we are able to offer in terms of cost to its players.
With that in mind if anyone has connection to or knows a business which may be willing to sponsor Ambergate in some way can you please let one of the committee members know and we will be more than happy to follow it up.
For £200 for the season we will ensure that the business name is promoted in the club and on all social media posts, a sponsor's banner displayed on the ground (as provided by the sponsor) and two free places available at an end of season event.
In addition to the projects named above we will continue to invest in junior cricket and keep fees for juniors to a minimum and invest in kit and equipment for women's cricket.
We would also be extremely grateful for any donations from existing club members if the opportunity arises.
Additionally, we aim to introduce player's sponsorship for 2025 this is for both Men's and Womens' Teams. Anyone playing in senior cricket 2025 can be sponsored for the sum of £25.00 and players can be sponsored by more than one person.
At each game, opposing team captains will be asked to name the Ambergate player of the match. At the end of the season the sponsor of the player with the most man/woman of the match awards will be treated by the club to a meal for four at Anila Indian Restaurant.
There will be separate awards for men and women players. In the event of a tie in either category those at the top of the table will be entered into a draw for the meal at Anila.
Also, for any of those who are not members of the 100 club and wish to be entered into the monthly draw please get in touch with Sam Beveridge.
In terms of the work done behind the scenes, as the club grows it will always welcome new members for the committee. We will look to announce the date for the AGM in the next few weeks. If you feel able to contribute and be part of planning for the future please let us know.
I relation to the AGM we need to ensure that we have sufficient volunteers to run, and help to run, the junior cricket administration and the junior sides we hope to enter into respective competitions for 2025.
Rob Poyser will be stepping back at the end of this year and although on hand to offer support and guidance to a replacement he will not be taking the lead.
In addition to that, we will need a commitment for someone to take the lead for running Kwik, Under 11 Hardball, Under 13 and Under 17 teams. Junior cricket is the lifeblood of all clubs, and for many the most enjoyable to watch, but needs support to allow it to flourish.
If we do not have nominated individuals and a structure in place we cannot enter teams into those competitions. If you would like to find out more in relation to what is involved, please speak to either Rob or Matt.
Thank you all for your support in 2024 and enjoy the last few weeks of the season, whilst having one eye of what we need to do to continue our progress into 2025.
Thanks
Mark Heath
Chairman
