It is with much joy that I, on behalf of the General Committee, congratulate the members on what has been the most successful season for the Club in recent years. This is a direct result of the commitment and enthusiasm of members, and I commend everyone on their efforts.

I’m pleased to report that the shelves of the clubhouse trophy cupboard are groaning under the weight of new silverware: the Shepherd Neame Surrey 20/20 trophy; 1st XI Division 4 and 2nd XI Division 5 titles; the U15s Plate; and the U13s West Middlesex league title. Not to be out done by the men’s top two teams, the Ladies section secured promotion too.

This remarkable season and change in atmosphere at the Club are best exemplified by the exploits of Richard Mansfield’s side in the 20/20 competition. Showing no respect for reputations, the team swept aside three Premiership outfits on its way to winning the Shepherd Neame Surrey 20/20 trophy – much to the joy of a boisterous crowd of supporters. Imbued with confidence and accompanied by fantastic support, the side travelled to Kent CCC’s Canterbury ground to represent the county at the southeast Four Counties 20/20 finals. Many expected Ashford to repeat its giant-killing achievements and defeat in the last over the final was met with great disappointment by players and supporters alike. However, this disappointment was soon to melt away leaving everyone to reflect with pride on the Club’s performance.

In league competition the 1st and 2nd XIs powered to their respective titles and promotions, winning 24 games and losing only two between them. As 1st XI captain Richard Mansfield has fashioned from a squad of excellent players a team that believes in its collective abilities and knows how to win games. Meanwhile Kully Banwait led a skilled 2nd XI on a remarkable run of 13 consecutive wins that saw them crowned champions of their league with three games remaining. Both sides will look to carry their form and momentum into 2009 and strive to achieve back-to back-promotions.

The 3rd XI recovered from a poor run in the first half of the summer to finish comfortably mid-table in Division 1. The 4th XI, led by new skipper Ikie Gill, finished 4th in its league and next year, following a reorganisation of the Surrey 4th XI setup, will be competing in the Premier league. So that’s another promotion (of sorts) for the Club, isn’t it?

The Ladies XI’s, captained by Becky Halls, achieved a fine set of results in its league campaign, earning promotion to Division 3 of the Women’s Cricket Southern League.

The extended 20/20 cup run did have an impact on the Club’s involvement in regular Sunday cricket towards the end of the season. But for much of the summer the new Sunday captains Ian Antonio and Jon White led teams that enjoyed their cricket, even if the wins were few and far between.

The Colts teams themselves enjoyed mixed results, the pick of the sides being David Frost’s U13s. I’m glad to report that a growing number of talented colts are making valuable contributions to the senior teams at weekends. This augurs well for the continued well-being and success of the Club.

I direct you to the captains’ and colts’ managers’ reports included with this mailing for some more personal insights on each team’s performance.

The many good results have led to a joyous mood in the clubhouse, which has been nurtured by our new bar manager Tracey. Tracey recently wed her beau Robbo and I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing them well for long and happy future together.

Tracey’s immediate enthusiasm and effort have inspired great support from member volunteers and special mention of thanks must go to Keith, Mark and Elaine, Alison and many others – you know who you all are. The imagination, hard work and persistence of Tracey and these volunteers helped the members to raise money for the new plasma TV and the continuing fundraising activities will further improve the facilities at Short Lane. Thanks must also go to Safdar for managing the bar rota once again and to the growing group of members who are willing to help out behind the bar on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

A good size group of playing members, their partners and families recently returned from the tour of Cyprus. Although less successful on the cricketing front than previous overseas tours (all three matches were lost), the week was a great chance to unwind and full of fun. Many thanks to the members on the Tour Committee who volunteered their time and efforts to organise the flights, accommodation and tour itinerary.

With prize money of £3500 from the 20/20 success, £1000 income from the £1 colts training fee introduced at the start of the year, and income from the other core activities, the Club has enjoyed an encouraging year financially, achieving a net income for the year of approximately £6,400. Enclosed you will find a detailed breakdown of the Club’s income and expenditure, which has been prepared by the Club Treasurer Paul Frost.

The year’s performance puts the Club in a position of some strength from which the General Committee can look to invest in initiatives aimed at developing the Club’s facilities and performances on the field. For example, the Club will be investing in a new roller, which will allow groundsman Andy Goulding to more efficiently prepare and improve our excellent cricket squares, thus releasing more of his time to work on other aspects of the ground. The Club is also continuing its commitment to reimburse the cost of coaching courses incurred by members who want to acquire UKCC Level 1 and 2 qualifications and coach our colts.

Two events remain in the Club’s 2008 calendar. The Annual General Meeting will be held at the clubhouse on Monday 24th November at 8.00pm. Accompanying this letter is a copy of the agenda and the minutes from last year’s AGM. Members are encouraged to attend the meeting – this is an opportunity for you to discuss items on the agenda, to air your views on how the Club is being run, and to offer suggestions for its future development.

But first there is the final celebratory get-together of the year – the Annual Awards Dinner at Ashford Manor Golf Club on Saturday 15th November. I hope to see many of you on the night to toast the Club and a most memorable 2008 season.

Let’s hope that the Club maintains its momentum into 2009 and that we have further achievements to celebrate come this time next year.