The Midsomer Norton Methodist Cricket Club recently held their Annual Dinner at the Old Down Inn, Emborough. There was a good company of players, past players and supporters present.
It was good to see old timers, Henry Thomas and Edwin Attwood, together with Enid and Norma again.
In an exclusive for this column, Henry has recently returned from ‘down under’ where he has been assessing the cricketing merits of the Aussies. Eddie is still working on his life memories, dictating into his phone – but will he ever get beyond the first sentence, your correspondent wonders?
Ken and Lesley Jones were welcomed as guests. There were also a number of first timers, including Roger Howe and from Bath Fourths, Thianne and Beth.
There was a tribute made to the memory of former Chairman, Cyril Green (1985–2012), who had recently died. It was good to see Audrey present, Jim Eyles presenting her with a bouquet of flowers.
President David Shearn then presented a ‘Googled’ Grace.
Doug Howarth, Chairman, recounted some amusing stories before calling on Club Captain and veteran cricketer, Jim, to report on the 2016 season. The full facts and figures were published in the Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Magazine, Ambo, February 2017 edition.
It was the club’s first season in the Bristol and District Cricket Association and he was pleased to report that promotion had been gained from Division Twelve to Division Eleven. There had been some creditable wins and heavy defeats, but the team had enjoyed their matches. Promotion this year sees the Club travelling to the other side of Bristol for a number of away fixtures.
For the first time, players will have a club logo on their kit and a cap, the latter kindly sponsored by Bath Potter Supplies (oldies in their fifties may remember players having a blue cap).
Awards were presented as follows – Batting: Best Average, Stuart Green, Highest Score, Alex Nash, Bowling: Best Average, Stuart Green, Best Performance, Craig Eyles, Players’ Award: Mark Robinson, President’s Award: Doug Howarth, Captain’s Award: John Baker.
Mention was made that Doug had been Assistant Secretary since 1993 and Chairman from 2013.
John Baker had been appointed Secretary in 1990, having served his apprenticeship with the late Michael Gilson from 1985. David Sackett has agreed to take over from John at the end of 2017.
A good, although lengthy, evening was had by all and at a late hour, the President and his Lady craved permission to go home to bed before the coffee was served!
Finally, the most important notice. The Cricket Club Jumble Sale will be held on the morning of Saturday, 8th April. Do look out your best items for us! The Club will be also supporting our friends at Horrington, who are hoping to complete the purchase of their own ground and where the Methodists will be playing their first game after Easter.