Helmdon Parish Council

Sports Club - News Archive 2000-2015

Committee Help Needed - posted 03 December 2015

Helmdon Sports Club needs you!

Helmdon sports club are on the look out for new committee members to join who have a keen interest in getting involved and increase the village sport.

We are especially looking to fill two vacant positions of secretary & treasurer which have recently been vacated by Joe Adhemar & David Bridger, who after many many years of service and involvement especially with the cricket team are focusing on other voluntary activities that we wish them the best of luck with and thank them for the effort and time they have given us.

If you would like to know more or express an interest in getting involved with the club please contact Darron Worthy

Thanks
Helmdon Sports Club
Darren Worthy

Sports Club AGM On Thursday 12 November - posted 14 October 2015

7.30 p.m. at the Sports Club pavillion.

AGENDA

• Apologies for Absence
• Minutes of last meeting
• Matters arising
• Secretary's Report
• Chairman's report
• Finance Report
• Ground Maintenance
• Premises
• Billiards
• Cricket
• Election of Officers
• Fundraising
• Any other business

Cricket Club Recruiting For Summer 2014 - posted 05 February 2014

If you are a cricket enthusiast or player note that Helmdon CC are recruiting players for the upcoming season. We are a competitive and friendly side who win slightly more than we lose. Regardless of results you will always see us enjoying a drink in The Bell after a game.

Cricket nets for the upcoming season will commence Friday 21st February at Magdalen College School 18:30.

We welcome players of all abilities and experience.

If you are interested in coming along please contact the Team Captain, Geoff Bridger.
Geoff Bridger

Advertising Opportunity For Helmdon Villagers - posted 09 December 2013

The sports and social club have acquired permission to erect advertising boards on certain fences around the sports field.

The sports field is fast becoming a busy place that is getting used all year round by two Brackley under 11 football teams and of course our own cricket team throughout the summer.

Anyone who has passed the sports field at the weekend will appreciate the attendances that the football teams receive and therefore would be great exposure for any business that at the same time would be making a valuable contribution to a village group that has big plans over the next year!

The cost of advertising at the sports field is £250 for the first year and this includes the sign and graphics, thereafter the board will cost just £100 per year.

We have had great interest in the space so far from a number of companies but the sports and social club committee would really like to put the offer out to local businesses in and around Helmdon first to claim the prime spots!

If you are interested in purchasing a board please call Darron Worthy.

Helmdon Cricket Club Awards 2013 - posted 28 October 2013

Photo of this year's award winners for Helmdon Cricket Club. From left to right:
George Stubbs won 2 awards. Most 6's in the season and the coveted 'Players player' voted by club members.
Chris Lipson. Player of the year. With a batting average of over 40 and 50 wickets in the season. He was once again the star of the team.
Dan Gabbitas. Captain's player of the season. A well deserved accolade for Dan. Chosen by Geoff Bridger, our 2013 skipper.
Alfie Adhemar. Gulliver award winner. Alfie's contribution as Helmdon's youngest player were duly recognised by our Captain. His fielding this year described as 'Ninja-like' by his team mates.
Out of shot : Matt Sleath, whose Groundskeeping efforts keep the club alive, was also worthy of an award too.

Joe Adhemar

Summer BBQ 2013 - posted 23 May 2013

click to poster (on www.helmdonhistory.com)

Fundraising Result For 2012 - posted 15 February 2013

Fundraising events are essential to cover our outgoings; the Olympic Evening which coincided with the Opening Ceremony was a great success, raising just over £4,000. This could not have been done without the help of madny volunteers and we had a fantastic response from the village.

New Youth Football Team - posted 08 February 2013

click to poster (on www.helmdonhistory.com)

Sports Club Annual General Meeting - posted 28 October 2012

The Annual General Meeting of Helmdon Sports Club will take place at Sports Ground Pavilion on Thursday 15th November 2012 at 7.30 pm.

Olympic Effort By Sports Club - posted 1 August 2012

On one of the many dreary wet days in May, Helmdon's Sports Club Committee convened to discuss how they were going to raise the thousands needed to keep the club running and repair the leaking roof.

Our chair, Karl Leitelmayer, came up with a cracker. A sports day for the kids with an Olympic theme. From this small spark, somehow in 9 weeks, Karl managed to organise an event that I think most would agree, was a resounding success.

So what happened at 6pm on Friday 27th of July?

There was a 'big screen' and a thunderous PA with a live feed from BBC HD showing Danny Boyle's astounding opening ceremony (constructed on Paul Duncombe's kindly donated lorry).

A Sports Day for the kids brilliantly shepherded by Andy Kirtland & Colin Wright, with the kids competing at Running Races, Backward Races, The Standing Jump, Helmdon Shotput (Welly Throwing) and Catherine Ruffley built and ran Gullivers Velodrome, over 60 children each won a special Helmdon 2012 Gold Medal.

5 hours of eye watering smoke for the Turnham and Stothard families manning the BBQ which needed more burgers at 9pm!

Helmdon's version of Statler and Waldorf, Eddie and Curly, running a bar that at 8:30 needed an emergency trip to Brackley to replenish the beer supply.

2 sets from Helmdon's band "The Autumn Buskers" and a great demonstration of Zumba Dance by Bryony.

And some great stalls run by local groups such as Friends of the Church, Acorns, Friends of Helmdon School and the Leitelmayer kids (all using equipment and marquees donated by The Carnival - Thanks to John Coatsworth and Bill England for their construction) as well as a couple of bouncy castles.

Perhaps the wind blew a little too hard as dusk drew in but after a few mercy runs to the fleece drawer back at the village, around 200 hardy souls stuck around to watch the start of the ceremony with events drawing to a close just after midnight.

Helmdon Sports Club would like to thank everyone for coming along. We really appreciated your support.

One final thank you for a couple of people who we hope you will agree are the most deserving of our thanks.

Firstly, David and Julia Toman who donated £1000 to help with the costs of setting up the event and Colin Hull at South Northants Council, who through the Community Games fund gave us a grant of £500. Thank you so much.

Finally, Karl Leitelmayer whose tireless efforts over the 9 weeks were really quite astounding. His committee mucked in, but without his guidance the event would have fallen well short of the mark. Thank you Karl (and you even sounded good on BBC Radio Northampton!).

Loads of other people helped to make this a great event and we hoped we thanked you all in the programme on the evening.

Thanks Everyone, see you at the next Sports Club event which will be our annual golf day, more information to follow.

Report by Joe Adhemar

Unclaimed Raffle Prizes From The Helmdon Olympics- posted 30 July 2012

Blue 178 – Bottle of Barcardi
Blue 215 – Kempton Park Races Tickets
Yellow 465 – Northants Cricket Tickets
White 65 – London 2012 Ticket Holder
Yellow 450 – Bulldog Skincare Products
Blue 161 – Bliss Voucher
White 34 – Bottle of Prosecco
Yellow 469 – PS3 Game
Yellow 453 – Michael Vaughan signed 2005 Ashes Poster
White 15 – Haircut and Blowdry
Karl Leitelmayer

Live Band At The Helmdon Olympic Opening Ceremony Carnival - posted 25 July 2012

Helmdon Olympic Opening Ceremony Carnival

Live Showing of the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics
Kids Fun Olympics with Medals
Live Band ' The Autumn Buskers'
Have your photo taken with a Real Olympic Torch
Bar
BBQ
Tea Room
Bouncy Castles & Games
Lots of Stalls suitable for all Ages

Tickets priced £3 Adults, £1 Kids or £5 for a Family ticket

click for poster (on www.helmdonhstory.com)

Stalls Still Left For Olypmic Event - posted 09 July 2012

We have been getting a great response to our Olympic Event on Friday 27th July. We do still have a couple stalls left if any groups want to take one, remember no charge! just a suggested donation of 10% of what you take on the day.

The event has been well advertised and is even on the London 2012 website!!!

Karl Leitelmayer

Enter The Draw For The Olympic Torch Ceremony Concert Tickets - posted 07 July 2012

The Olympic Torch is coming to our Area on Monday. Anyone buying a ticket to our opening ceremony event on Friday 27th July this weekend (before 5pm Sunday) will be entered into a draw to win a pair of tickets to the sold out Oxford Torch Relay Event on Monday which has Young Guns & Twist and Shout performing. Get your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/helmdon-olympic-opening-ceremony-carnival-tickets-3739763734

Karl Leitelmayer

Tickets Now On Sale For The Helmdon Olympics Opening Ceremony - posted 18 June 2012

Plans for the Sports Clubs, London Olympic Opening Ceremony Carnival on Friday 27 July are progressing well, with the Autumn Buskers booked, the Kids Olympic races decided, commemorative gold medals ordered and our own Helmdon Olympic Flame purchased!

The Sports Club has decided to hold an event to celebrate the once in a lifetime event that is the London 2012 Olympics.

It will be at the sports field on Friday 27 July at 6 pm. Stalls are available to raise funds for your group, advertise your business or sell your wares!! If you can't take a stall, please still come down and have a great evening, tickets will cost £3 for Adults, £1 Kids or a Family Ticket for £5 and let your friends know about it! Ticket Sales are now open and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/helmdon-olympic-opening-ceremony-carnival-tickets-3739763734. Ticket numbers are limited, so please purchase in advance to avoid disappointment on the night.

All pitches are FREE... with just a suggested donation to the Sports Club of 10% of your takings at the event... Stalls are limited and on a first come basis... What ideas have you got for a Stall then???

Contact Karl Leitelmayer to book your stall asap.

The evening will include live showing of the opening ceremony, a Kids Olympics with medals for all, Live music from the Autumn Buskers, Bar, BBQ and hopefully lots of stalls. We want this to be a whole village celebration, and we want the local groups of the village to benefit by being involved and raising awareness and much needed funds for your group, we would like to offer you the opportunity to have a stall at the event, you can have all sorts of stalls, a few suggestions are:

• Tombola
• Guess the weight of the cake
• Bric a Brac
• Catch the Rat
• Guess how many sweets in the jar
• Coconut Shy
• Beat the Keeper
• Skittles
• Plant Stall
• Book Stall
• And lots more (some of the games used at the carnival are available to be used).

Again, we emphasise there is no pitch fee, yes it is free, all we would ask is a donation to the sports club of say 10% of your takings on the evening to help us cover the costs of the event, so if you make nothing it costs you nothing! We hope that you think this is a good opportunity for your group to raise much needed funds, please contact Karl ASAP if you would like to run a stall, as places are limited. Any questions feel free to e-mail Karl.

Thinking About Joining The Cricket Club? - posted 01 April 2012

The cricket season is almost here! Woohooo! First game is away at Dunchurch on 28th April. We are starting cricket practice from Thursday 12th April at the sports ground; there are a few changes this year including new practice facilities which are awsome.

It would be great to get more people involved as it's a good laugh, good food (always done by the wives) and always a good session down the rubberdubdub after. If you're interested please email helmdonskipper.

Unclaimed Raffle Prizes At Cricket Tournament - posted 31 August 2011

After a great day at Helmdon Sports Field, 3 prizes remained unclaimed from the Raffle.
Ticket numbers 199, 290 and 356.
Plase contact Joe Adhemar (on behalf of the sports club committee)

Race Night - posted 20 March 2011

click for poster (on www.helmdonhstory.com)

"Nets" Have Started - posted 13 March 2011
"Nets" have started for the cricket club to be held every Friday until the beginning of the season.
The location is Winchester House Sports Hall, Brackley, and they start at 8 pm and finish at 9.
The subscription will be £3 per session and the cricket club welcome any villagers to join their friendly team.

Joe Adhemar

Notice of Annual General Meeting - 17th November 2008

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER
7.30pm
SPORTS GROUND PAVILION

1. Apologies for absence
2. Minutes of 2007 AGM
3. Matters Arising
4. Chairman's Report
5. Financial Report
6. Billiards Section
7. Football Section
8. Cricket Section
9. Carnival
10. Ground Maintenance
11. Ground planning
12. Election of officers and Committee
13. Any Other Business

Sports Report from Autumn Talkabout - 7th November 2008

The last year has been one of very contrasting fortunes for the club. The South Northants Council have stated that they cannot support a larger building at the ground as there was not enough evidence to support the project. A very good paper compiled by the Parish Plan Management Group and a report from the club had supported outline plans, but the council did not believe Helmdon warranted another village amenity. They are however prepared to support a plan for a new pavilion and we will start progressing with this project in the near future.

Unfortunately, on three occasions during the last few months our containers have been broken into and equipment stolen. We have lost one hand mower, a lot of diesel and two sit-on rollers. On the first occasion the miscreants had a flat bed trailer with a crane and lifted the roller over the fence. The second time they had some form of cutter which they used to get through the bars on the container. Obviously we have taken steps to prevent a recurrence of this but unfortunately if someone is determined to get in the containers they will, especially with them being at a remote location ….

Activity wise the football team finished creditable mid-table as did the Billiard team. The Billiard team starts their season in October and are very keen to enlist new players. They play at the sport ground on Monday evening and their season runs until March. Anyone interested in playing should contact Tony Wilson. The cricket team finished third in their league having been in contention for winning the league right up to the last game.

Dave Bridger

Notice of 10/10 Cricket Competition - posted 30th June 2008

HELMDON 10/10 CRICKET COMPETITION
on sportsfield
Featuring teams from
The Bell Inn, HYHO, Turweston and the Sports Club.

There will be a Barbecue and bar.
Bring the family
Sunday 27th July
First game 1.30 pm

For more information please contact Chris Page or Dave Bridger

Notice of Sports Club AGM - (posted) 25th October 2007

It'll Be All Wright On The Night - 23rd September 2007

World Cup Football Star Comes To Helmdon!

Helmdon Sports Club proudly announces it's first Annual Sportsmen's Dinner with Mark Wright former England, Liverpool, Derby, Southampton and Oxford United footballer, at Silverstone Golf Club on Thursday 8th November.

Mark has had a colourful career which saw him help England reach the World Cup Semi Final's at Italia 90, and he made 45 appearances for England. His domestic career started at Oxford United and saw him play at Southampton and Derby before a big money move to Liverpool to replace the recently retired Alan Hanson. In 1992 he captained Liverpool to FA Cup glory, in total he made 536 appearances in a career that spanned 18 yrs and included playing with the likes of Kevin Keegan, Peter Shilton, Terry Butcher, Robbie Fowler, Gary Lineker and Paul Gascoigne. His Management Career has seen him manage Oxford Utd, Chester and Peterborough but has also seen him sacked for allegedly abusing a linesmen and for sleeping with one of his players wives, so he'll have plenty of tales to tell!

More information about his career can be seen on Wikipedia.

The evening will include a 3 course meal and the very funny Irish comedian Paddy Greene.

An auction of sports memorabilia will also take place which will include items from Paul Gascoigne, George Best, Shane Warne and many many more...

Dress code for the evening is Smart Casual - No Jeans or Trainers, Tickets cost £38 each, Sports Club Members/Concessions £35 each or a table of 8 for £280 (£35 each).

Table Sponsorship is available at a cost £20 per table.

For Tickets and more information please contact: Karl Leitelmayer, Dave Bridger, or Chris Page.

Notice Of Sports Club AGM - (posted) 15th November 2005

The Sports Club AGM will take place on Thursday 23rd November 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sports Ground Pavillion.

Notice Of Sports Club AGM - (posted) 8th November 2005

Triumph For Cricket Team - 14th September 2004

Helmdon Cricket Team have won promotion for the second year in succession. They will play in Division Three of the South Northants League in 2005.

Read all about the successful 2004 campaign here. XXX

Cricket Team Pipped To The Post- 19th July 2004

Cup Final Team 2004

Helmdon lost their divisional cup final by just three runs on Sunday 18th July 2004 when they were beaten by Croughton. Croughton batted first and were bowled out for 81 in the final over of their innings with Olly Taylor taking 5 for 29. Helmdon struggled on a slow wicket and managed just 79 after needing a six off the last ball.

The team would like to thank all those who came over to Priors Marston to support us and it was particularly pleasing to have John Lawrence there who having played for Helmdon for over 30 years has finally hung up his bat.

The team is at present top of their division and the last two home games are on 31st July and 7th August at the Sports Ground.

Helmdon Cup Team (above): Top row L to R: Paul Stothard, Ollie Thorne, Dave Bridger, John Lawrence, Olly Taylor, Geoff Watson, James Turnham. Bottom row L to R: Charlie Arrand, Jamie Stothard, Ben Thorne, Will Grashoff, Geoff Bridger, Ben Firth.

Helmdon Make Final- 14th July 2004

Helmdon Cricket team are riding the crest of a wave and are currently top of Division Four of the South Northants League.

They have also carried their league form in to the cup competition and won their League Cup Semi Final on Tuesday evening beating Woodford Halse by 10 wickets.

The final is against either Brackley or Croughton and is due to be played on Sunday 18th July at Priors Ground, Byfield Road, Priors Marston. Start 2:00 p.m. with 20 overs per side.

All support would be welcome. If you need further details please contact Dave Bridger.

Helmdon Just Miss Top Spot - 29th March 2004

IAN WILLOUGHBY CUP FINAL - HELMDON 0 MIDDLE BARTON 3

Helmdon came up against a strong Middle Barton side who had already won the division and had beaten Helmdon twice in the league. The match was very even in the first half although neither goalkeeper was required to make a save of any note. Helmdon were relieved to find that two of the main tormentors in the league games were not playing and it was Helmdon who came closest to scoring when Nick Phillips shot inches wide from 25 yards.

James Lansdell worked hard up front but found it difficult to penetrate a well-organised Middle Barton defence. Middle Barton took the lead half way through the first half when their left winger took advantage of poor marking and hit a shot, which by his own admission did not go where it was intended. Unfortunately this deceived the Helmdon goalkeeper and went into the net. Helmdon continued to press but with just a few minutes to half time two bad defensive errors allowed the Barton striker to put the ball in an empty net.

The Manager Matt Sleath gave a rousing half time talk and again Helmdon worked very hard but were thwarted by the Barton defence. As Helmdon pressed forward chances began to come for Barton but goalkeeper Tom Hirst made several fine saves to keep the scoreline down. He was finally beaten a few minutes from time by a header that sealed victory for Middle Barton.

The score of 3-0 was slightly flattering, the Helmdon lads played very well and were disappointed in their own performance as they knew they could play better. Nevertheless they were much younger than their opponents and put up a good show and can be encouraged by the way they played. Sam Oliveira was the Helmdon Man of the Match he put in many fine tackles and when he switched to a different position to what is used to he continued to play superbly.

Football Team Back In The League - 12th September 2003

After several years absence Helmdon can now boast of a football team in the Banbury Sunday Morning League. The home games will be played at the Sports Field kicking off at 10.30pm. All support is welcome.

The Manager of the team is Mark Harrison and James Turnham and Nick Phillips will have responsibility for the team on the pitch. We will not know the fixtures until the beginning of each month but for the rest of September each game is at home.

It is anticipated that further coaching for youngsters under sixteen will resume on a Saturday Morning, the date of this will be confirmed shortly.

If anyone wishes to get involved with the Sports Club in any capacity, please contact Dave Bridger.

Sports Club Treasure Hunt - 10th August 2003

Two of the teams got hopelessly lost.

Anybody who has experienced the Geoff Gulliver humour over the years has not experienced anything until they try one of his Treasure Hunts. On 10th August sixteen cars set of from Helmdon Sports Field armed with a maze, a sealed envelope and several clues to solve. The idea was to try and follow the maze and if unsuccessful you could open the envelope, which would tell you where to turn at each junction. The penalty for opening the envelope was ten points.

The route should have taken you through Astwell, Syresham, Biddlesden, Dadford, Silverstone, Abthorpe, Wappenham and back to the Sports Field. Unfortunately some of the wives were navigating and we finished up in Tesco Car park on more than one occasion.

With a few exceptions everyone completed the assignments and the winners were Ange and Roly Feasey. Second Place was Howard Jessett and family and third was tied between Geoff and Pauline Watson and Tim Wheeler's team. There was a Junior Treasure hunt running at the same time, this was won by Claire and Connie Watson.

It was a great afternoon and we have learnt many things, for example the Hebrew for Bath is "But". Our thanks go to Geoff and Rose Gulliver and Geoff and Roz Crook for all their efforts and to everyone who took part.

Cricket Coaching For Youngsters - 29th July 2003

Northamptonshire County Cricket Board, Brackley CC and South Northants Council are offering youngsters this summer the opportunity to receive expert coaching.
PLUS
All those attending will receive a FREE ticket to see the one day match between Northamptonshire Steelbacks and Durham on Sunday 7th September at the County Ground. (transport not included)

Please pre-book as there are limited places, Call Colin Hull on 01327 322337 or
e-mail colin.hull@southnorthants.gov.uk to secure your place.

Please wear appropriate clothing, bring drinks, bring any medication you may require and in hot weather have sun caps and protective creams.

If any one from the village attends please let either Terry Upstone or Dave Bridger know.

Can Anyone Blow The Whistle On Helmdon? - 23rd July 2003

Last week the football team were elected to the Banbury Sunday League and are now in desperate need of anyone with a knowledge of the rules to referee home games as it will be unlikely the league will provide one every week.

If anyone can help out please contact Dave Bridger.

Olly Taylor Tonne Up - 23rd July 2003

Helmdon cricket star Olly Taylor impressed everyone on Saturday with the club's first century of the season. Scoring 100+ in any circumstance is a huge achievement, but in limited overs and on a slightly unpredictable pitch the feat was an even greater. Olly was finally caught out in spectacular fashion on 103, a score which contributed the lion's share of Helmdon's 222. Opponents Gawcott were then bowled out for just 82 by some lively seam and swing from Helmdon's front line attack. The win takes Helmdon up to 3rd place in the league table with 7 wins out of 12 so far this season.

SPORTS CLUB UPDATE - February 2002

GOLF DAY
On Monday 17th June 2002 there is a golf day organised at Cherwell Edge Golf Club. Details and entry forms are available.

QUIZ NIGHTS
Regular quiz nights are held at the Bell Inn on Sunday Evenings. Details are put on the Village notice boards and are on display in the pub.

IT'S A KNOCK OUT
On Monday 3rd June an It's a knockout fun day will be held at the Sports field. Organisations will be contacted with a view to entering teams of four (2m 2F) This is on the Bank Holiday Monday and is designed as an event to coincide with the Jubilee.

CRICKET
The cricket team will be in Division one of the South Northants League. The club are looking for new players and anyone interested should contact either of the people below.

FOOTBALL
The football team continues to train on Saturday mornings between 10am and 11am. They have a couple of games coming up and the age group ranges from 10 to 16 Anyone wishing to join in is more than welcome and if anyone is able to assist with training on a Saturday morning their help would be appreciated.

GROUND
We are in the process of preparing an application for a grant to replace the existing toilet facilities at the ground. Once there is some news it will be put on the web site

For details of any of the above please contact either Dave Bridger or Terry Upstone.

Sports Club AGM - 26th October 2001

It was extremely disappointing that only nine members were able to make the AGM although apologies were received from seven others.

It is good to report that we now have a nucleus of young footballers who meet on a Saturday morning at the ground. Going forward, if the Club is to succeed we need as many members as possible but especially from the village.

Due to lack of players we have now decided that we can only run one cricket team. It is hoped that some of the youngsters within the football team will also start cricket and we hope we can get back to two teams soon.

Many will have noticed the improvements to the pavilion - especially to the kitchen. We have to make further improvements during the coming year particularly to the toilets.

The following were elected officers for the coming year:
President P Burns, Vice Chairman M Ayres, Secretary D Bridger, Football Sec Vacant, Cricket Sec D Bridger, Treasurer T Upstone. Other officers: G Gulliver, G Crook, G Morris. No-one felt able to commit to becoming the new Chairman. Should anyone be interested then please contact Dave Bridger.

Groundsman Required - 26th October 2001

Due to the unforeseen resignation of the current groundsman, Helmdon Sports Club require a person to prepare the cricket square and about 10 wickets during the cricket season.

The fee for the season is £200 and any interested party should contact either Dave Bridger or Terry Upstone.

Sports Club AGM -25th January 2001

Chairman's Report:
The Chairman Ollie Taylor reported that once again he was able to report a further year's stability on the finances of the club. However, he reiterated the need for more members to give support over the coming year as too often the work that went on behind the scenes was left to too few people.

It was hoped that the programme of work that was to be started at the ground would result in better facilities for the players and he hoped that this would lead to more support from them.

Thanks were given to the committee for their hard work over the past few years whilst Ollie has been Chairman. He is now standing down from the committee to support his children as they have now started playing cricket for their school and he wanted to watch them. He wished the club every success in the future.

On behalf of all members Geoff Crook paid tribute to Ollie for his hard work over the years and wished him every success in the future.

Sport:
Geoff Crook reported that it had been disappointing for the club that it had now lost the football team. It was vital that this be resurrected for the good of the club and village.

The meeting decided that we should concentrate on the youth of the village and look to next season to start up an U-13 side. Dave Bridger together with John Watson, Geoff Watson and Steve Potter would get together and sort out a strategy. D Bridger undertook to run a Saturday group to see what support there would be.

Some of the youngsters were in attendance and submitted a request for two basketballs. The parish council had agreed the previous evening to supply nets which were to be erected at the school. The meeting gave overwhelming support to the application.

Pavilion:
Geoff Crook reported that over the past few weeks Terry Upstone and his son Simon had been looking at the state of the pavilion. It was vital to encourage new blood to the club and the present facilities were unsatisfactory.

Simon Upstone presented to the meeting his findings and gave quotations for the work that was required. Repairs to the roof, a new kitchen, new windows and doors and repairs to the toilets.

A discussion took place during which it was agreed that some of the work should commence immediately. Additional funding for some of the other work would be sought.

Election of officers:
The following were all elected for the forthcoming year:

Geoff Crook
Secretary, Sports & Social Club

Sports Club Committee Meeting - 16th November 2000

The committee of the Sports and Social Club met on 16 November 2000 to discuss the current position of the club and make arrangements for the AGM.

We are extremely saddened that the football club is not presently running due to a lack of interest from people from within the village. Indeed the same concerns were expressed regarding the cricket team as many of our players now come from outside the village. If there is anyone interested in playing of helping with the teams or if you must want information then please send a e-mail to me and I will forward your name on to the respective organiser.

We have been planning for sometime improvements to facilities at the ground by way of a new building. The committee has decided that these plans must be shelved for the time being as without the football team valuable income has been lost and the Capital Expenditure required for such a project could not be justified. We have therefore decided that we will renovate our existing facilities in time for next year's cricket season and these plans are to be ratified at our AGM on 25 January 2001 at a venue to be announced. Please watch this space for an update in the next few weeks. We need as many members at the AGM as possible so that you can express your views.

Finally it was announced that Ollie Taylor will be standing down at the AGM as our Chairman. Ollie has given great service to the club over many years but has now decided to retire from playing and concentrate on supporting his two boys who play cricket at the weekends. The committee would like to thank Ollie for all of his hard work over the past few years and wish him and his family every success in the future.

Geoff Crook
Secretary, Sports & Social Club