CHELMSFORD SPORTS CLUB ; ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 7TH MAY 2015
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Its May again – and time to reflect on the past year at Chelmer Park. In playing terms both
clubs enjoyed a degree of success, in that no teams were relegated (not a bad achievement
considering that there are 19 Saturday teams in total). In cricket, the Saturday 2 nd and 3rd XIs
were champions in their respective leagues, whilst in hockey the men’s 4 th XI and ladies 4th
and 5th XIs were promoted.
The vital commitment to coaching has continued and expanded. For juniors, links have been
made with many local schools and coaching sessions take place both at the schools and at
Chelmer Park. A very successful girls cricket team (Chelmsford Willows) has been
established for the first time and, as I write this report, youth hockey players are hopefully
enjoying their biennial tournament in Zevenbergen. Not to be outdone, adults have again
supported the “come back to hockey” sessions and many of the participants are now playing
regularly: certainly, on the ladies side, increased availability allowed Chelmsford to enter a
6th team in the Essex league.
Many external organisations, having used the playing facilities and the clubhouse during the
year, have expressed their appreciation of the facilities and the hospitality; we should
remember that every event, however large or small, requires helpers in order to succeed.
What happens on the field of play is very important, but the clubs would not be able to
function without committees, meetings, coaches, organisers and volunteers. On that theme,
it seems appropriate to record huge thanks to Robert Nourse and Brian Poole for their
running of the bar and all the work involved in that. As well as being a social focus, the bar is
our main source of income and is vital in allowing us to maintain and improve the
clubhouse. During the last year we have purchased a replacement fridge/freezer,
microwave and grill for the kitchen and have had the bar stools and clubhouse chairs reupholstered. There is, of course, also considerable regular expenditure on Sky T.V., gas and
electricity, alarm systems, cleaning and general maintenance.
Many years ago, the cricket and hockey seasons were strictly defined so there was no
overlap, but there are now several events which occur in the “opposite” seasons. It is good
to report that the excellent liaison between the two clubs has meant that any potential
problems have been overcome. For instance, the new cricket covers were severely
vandalised last September, but the hockey club has allowed them to be stored within the
secure water pitch area until their permanent storage area is ready. Both clubs are again
indebted to the Council staff – Martin, Shane and Alan – who are responsible for the upkeep
of Chelmer Park. They are unfailingly helpful and always willing to go beyond their defined
duties : we appreciate all their hard work.
My thanks go also to the Sports Club committee, the Club committees and to the many
members who contribute to the success and development of the clubs. You may know that
the Hockey club is in the early stages of planning for the resurfacing of both pitches.
Obviously this will be a major project, but do remember that Committee members are
always happy to receive any ideas you may have for changes and improvements, large or
small.
Gill Hickman, May 2015