What a summer for cricket! The weather was not hot but the cricket sure was. And what memories…. The Ashes – well done England (commiserations to our Australian import Jeremy, you’ll get over it). Old England taught Ashford a thing or two about Twenty20 cricket. Ashford taught the Cross Arrows a thing or two about chasing a total at Lord’s. More personal memories include: a 2^nd XI team hugging and leaping like girls in celebration of a Steve Adams hat-trick against Albury; Wendell Sebastian, booming a straight six from the pavilion end of the main square into a Stanwell resident’s back garden – a massive hit; and Jon White and James Knill truly murdering a Queen classic – don’t bother with the X factor auditions lads.

For the early part of the 2005 season much of the Committee’s and Club volunteers’ time and efforts focused on preparations for the 150^th anniversary cricket week. A special mention must go to Chris Evans for producing a splendid commemorative handbook ready for the start of the season. Well in advance of the cricket week valuable weekends were selflessly given up by many to help refurbish the sight-screens, to prepare the ground, to organise and promote the forthcoming events etc. Even just a few days before the start of the celebrations Roy Smith and Chris Davies contributed super efforts to erect the Club’s new flagpole, which has on subsequent match days proudly flown the anniversary flag kindly donated by MH Thornhill.

In spite of all this preparation and the best-laid plans one aspect of the week remained beyond everyone’s control – the weather. Although a fair summer in general with few matches abandoned, the anniversary week suffered from a prolonged spell of bad weather. On the morning of the game against the Old England XI – the highlight of the week – all looked lost to the persistent rain. Undeterred members and friends gathered to socialise and mix with our eminent guests. And by mid-afternoon hope and fair weather prevailed and Short Lane played host to a unique 20-over game. To see the club populated with a couple of hundred people throughout the day was a joy; thanks to everyone involved, and in particular to Rosemary and Jasdev Rehncy for catering so well for our guests and us. A hardy set of players turned out for the week’s remaining games, played in continued inclement conditions. Come the close of cricket week members gathered again, this time at the Hilton Heathrow Hotel, to enjoy an audience with Derek Randall and Clive Lloyd; congratulations go to Kevin Lambert for organising such a pleasant evening. Amongst this mailing you will find further comments and photos on the 150^th anniversary events provided by our esteemed chairman.

But what of the regular cricket? In league competition, all four XIs consolidated their positions in their respective divisions. Once again, the 1^st XI finished with back-to-back victories as part of a strong run-in to the end of the season. If such form can be continued into 2006, perhaps promotion beckons. A purple patch of good form in the middle of summer ensured that the 2^nd XI recovered from a poor start to the year. The 3^rd XI finished in a respectable mid-table position and in the process offered many young players the opportunity to develop further and experience cricket in the Surrey Championship. Meanwhile, the 4^th XI gave a good account of themselves against some strong opponents in the tough Wey Valley League Division 1. Reports for all league XIs are included within this mailing.

Earlier in the season, in amongst the hectic schedule, a group of Ashford members had a smashing time on yet another success Devon tour. On the subject of tours, I draw your attention to the recent mailing regarding the Club’s second tour to Malta scheduled for the 21–28 October 2006. In 2004 over 50 members enjoyed the sites, sun and cricket of the inaugural tour of the island of Malta. Seats and hotel rooms for next year are in the process of being booked so members who want to go on this fabulous trip should contact Kevin Lambert (07836 588160) as soon as possible.

The Colts section continues to nurture and develop the talent that will hopefully ensure future success for the Club. Congratulations to the U17s and U11s who enjoyed particular success this summer, both teams finishing second in their leagues and reaching the finals of cup competitions. Reports for all Colts XIs are attached.

With well over 100 boys and girls playing cricket at Ashford and Friday training nights thriving with activity, a note of thanks is due to all the managers and coaching staff involved and to the parents for supporting them and encouraging their children to play cricket. The Club continues to support new parents and playing members who want to qualify as coaches. Anyone interested in getting involved in the Colts set-up should approach a member of the Committee – we’d love to hear from you.

Alongside the 150^th anniversary events, the Club’s social calendar continued to offer the regular ‘get together’ events, including a quiz night, a golf day and end of season karaoke night – thanks to Kelly for her initiative in organising the latter. In addition, the fortnightly BBQs at Colts training nights, coupled with monthly 200 Club draws, have proved a real a hit – thanks to David Merchant and his volunteers and to Gordon Smith for all their efforts. On the whole, considering the plethora of special events run during the middle of the season, member support for these events was good. Let’s all try to continue this renewed social interest in the Club into 2006.

With social events in mind, I highlight a couple of key dates for your diary. First, the Club’s Annual Dinner and awards evening will be held at the Abbey Moor Golf Club, Addlestone, on Friday 25^th November. An always enjoyable evening of food, drink and cricketing discourse, this year’s dinner offers a last chance for members to gather and reflect upon this anniversary season as well as celebrate the achievements of its individuals and teams in 2005.

For further information on the Annual Dinner and to purchase tickets contact Peter Davies (01784 256029) as soon as possible.

Following the dinner, the Club’s Annual General Meeting will be held at the clubhouse on Wednesday 30^th November at 8.00pm. Enclosed is a copy of the agenda. Members are encouraged to attend – this is an opportunity for you to air your views on how the Club is being run, and to offer suggestions for its future development.

Overall, 2005 has been a hugely successful year for the Club. Teams’ performances on the field may not have met our expectations for such a landmark season. But the 150^th anniversary and its associated events have benefited the Club in many ways: financially, I refer you to the enclosed treasurer’s report for details; socially, in bringing members together and involving them in aspects of the Club other than playing cricket; and in raising the Club’s profile in the locale. I believe these benefits coupled, with the fever for English cricket generated by the Ashes victory, offer the Club a sound base for further growth and development in 2006.

The success of this year is to the credit of the members, who through their united efforts have instilled the Club with a vital spirit. Let’s maintain this spirit of 2005 into next year and beyond.

Yours sincerely,