The 2016 Season already seems long gone. As we all start to think of winter pursuits, I thought I'd write a few words to reflect on the season we've just had and to look forward to the next one.

Although I had some personal health problems at the start of the Season, these are now behind me, and I'm grateful to everyone for mucking in in my absence.

I'm very happy with the way all our teams performed in 2016. It made a change to have been able to select for every match rather than have the Captains phone around frantically just to put out a team.

Our 1st XI came very close indeed to gaining promotion. Had the weather not intervened on a couple of occasions when it looked likely we'd take maximum points, and had we been able to turn a losing draw into a win in a very entertaining match at Wollaton, things would have been different. Congratulations to Joe in his first season as Captain.

After a shaky start, our 2nd XI finished comfortably in the top half of the table. I know Stuart thoroughly enjoyed last Season, not least because he had the support of a very enthusiastic Vice Captain in Tom Rawcliffe.

Under Kevin Brown's leadership of our Sunday XI, we performed well in our division, and gave lots of opportunities for our youngsters to develop their game and compete at senior level.

In our junior section, some age groups did well and, looking forward, I can see some very decent cricketers coming through who will appear in our senior teams before long.

Off the field, we continued to do what we've always done very well indeed. Tim prepared the best wickets in our league by far. I know he's been very grateful for all the help he's received from members and non members alike.

Jo Miller and her team continued to provide the best teas on the circuit. She thoroughly deserved her half share of the Club Person of the Year award with Kevin Brown.

Finally, the sun shone on Charity 6-a-side Day giving us the chance to demonstrate our organisational skills to make money not only for the Club but also for two charities.

Looking forward, I believe we should be optimistic. Negotiations with Nottingham Trent University for an early extension to the lease, provision of new nets and improved drainage are well under way. There will, inevitably, be new buildings on Top Ground before long but we are doing our best to ensure that they will be as least intrusive to us as possible.

As well as this, I see it as a major challenge to ensure that our Junior Section continues to survive and thrive. As most of you know, Garth has decided to step down from the Committee and from his role as Junior Coordinator. We must work out how we can move the juniors forward without Garth, to provide our youngsters with the coaching and competitive cricket they need. I would ask all our qualified coaches and other members to consider how we could achieve this. We cannot afford to lose it. So much of our success in the future depends on us having a thriving Junior Section.

Another challenge is to ensure that, having set up an effective website, we continue to make best use of it. Mike Fryer has decided to step down from the Committee to pursue other interests and will be passing this and other marketing activities over to Stuart Grimley. Thanks to Mike for the work he has done in getting our website up and running, and for giving the Club some great publicity in the local press.

Our Annual General Meeting will take place on 21st November at 8pm in The Reindeer. Please try to attend and keep as involved as you can.

Finally, why not book a place at our Dinner Dance on 25th November at The Saracen's Head. I look forward to seeing you there.

Thanks for reading this. Please don't hesitate to get back to me if you feel there's anything you need to bring to my attention.

Winter well!

Steve Foster
Chairman, Southwell Cricket Club