I hope that you have had an enjoyable season; for the most part it has been a successful one for the Club both on and off the field.

The 1^st XI finished strongly to secure 8^th place in the league and were promoted within the new league structure; a vote of congratulations and good luck must go to Chris Davies and Chris Evans who led the team exceptionally throughout the season. The 2^nd XI improved as the season progressed and with a base of young talent in the team they can look to move forward next season. The 3^rd XI improved upon last season’s disappointing performance with a respectable mid-table finish. The 4^th XI struggled against some strong opposition through most of the season, but once again managed to pull off some excellent performances and results.

Reports for all league XIs, together with a review of this season’s Sunday cricket, can be found within this mailing.

I would also like to offer congratulations to Neil Smith, Henry Fajemirokun and under 10 Jiwan Gill, all of whom collected hat tricks this season, a magnificent feat.

Away from league cricket, the Devon tour in late May / early June went very well apart from the disappointment of the Paignton game being called off due to monsoon like conditions. Other than that, the tour saw some excellent weather, great cricket and plenty of time in the bar. I thoroughly recommend Devon to all those who have yet to experience the beautiful South West and I hope that we can take a strong contingent on tour in our 150^th year.

The Malta tour in October was very successful with more than 50 people going for the week, and there are rumblings about a return trip in 2006. A great debt of gratitude is owed by all tourists to Chris Evans for his tireless efforts to ensure the trip ran so smoothly.

The Colts section continues to flourish, with well over 100 boys and girls enjoying cricket at Ashford. Reports for all colts XIs can be found within this mailing.

I am also delighted to be able to announce that the Club has received a conditional accreditation for ‘Clubmark’. Clubmark is a high profile accreditation scheme sponsored by the England and Wales Cricket Board and designed to identify those clubs excelling in offering high quality, safe sports provision for children and young people.

That Ashford is only the third club in Surrey to receive this accreditation (after Cranleigh and Wimbledon) shows what a major achievement this is for the Club and reflects the considerable amount of effort put in by all managers, coaches and helpers in the Colts section in particular. It is hoped that the accreditation will lead to a further expansion of the Colts section over the next few years, together with an increased investment of time and resources from Surrey CCC.

Off the field, the year started sadly with the tragic death of Adrian Chessman. All those who had the privilege to know Adrian will, I am sure, hold their own special memories of him, and it was overwhelming to see so many of his friends pay their tributes at his funeral back in February. His family can be assured that his friends at Ashford will never forget him.

Social events during the season included quiz nights, a race night and a golf day. It would be fair to say that all of these events could have been better attended. As members we must look to support the Club in as many ways as possible, and social events offer an easy and enjoyable way to do this. Let us all try to make a little more of an effort as the Club moves into its 150^th year.

Additional member input will also inevitably be required as the Club, together with Ashford Hockey Club, move closer towards operational independence from Ashford Sports Club. By the end of this calendar year, it is anticipated that a new company – jointly owned by ACC and AHC – will be incorporated with the intention of taking over the management of the Short Lane site.

This is only an initial step, and there will clearly be much work needed in the future for this arrangement to function successfully, not least in shoring up the financial health of the site as a whole. Fundamentally, the Short Lane site will only succeed as a commercial operation with the buy-in of all members. Your support over the coming months, together with any practical assistance you can offer, would be greatly appreciated.

Finally, a couple of dates for your diary. Firstly, the Club’s Annual Dinner and awards evening will be held at the Meadhurst Club on Friday 19^th November, starting at 7.00pm. Those who have been before will I am sure agree that this is always an enjoyable evening offering a chance to celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams from the past season. This year’s dinner will also include the inaugural presentation of the Adrian Chessman Memorial Trophy, to be presented to the colts team of the year.

For information on the Dinner and to purchase tickets please contact Kevin Lambert on 07836 588160 as soon as possible.

I also draw you attention to the notice, included in this mailing, for the Club’s Annual General Meeting, which will be held at the club on Wednesday 24^th November at 8.00pm. All members are strongly encouraged to attend – this is the best chance you have to let the Committee know your thoughts about how the Club is being run and how it can be improved in the future.

Let me close by wishing you all well for the winter and have a Happy Christmas and New Year. I look forward to seeing everyone again in our 150^th year, which I am sure we are all looking forward to with keen anticipation.