Who amongst us would have thought that 2 months after our last AGM in January 2020, the country would be in Lockdown, fighting a pandemic, with the prospect of a game of cricket a long way off.
Twelve months later, we are still in the grips of the coronavirus but with the roll out of, hopefully, Covid busting vaccines, a game of cricket or two may not be a long way away.
Looking back on 2020 which, in royal terminology would have been descibed as an Annus Horribilis, it was by no means all doom and gloom, as far as club fortunes were concerned.
Instead of a May start to cricketing activity, the lockdown provided the opportunity to bring forward, under the stewardship of our Chairman, an exciting and substantial major development of the Club’s Pavilion, involving the formation of an upper level for changing rooms and viewing balcony and a reconfiguration of the ground floor space.
In so doing the project was able to be undertaken during a period of better weather, thereby allowing the work to be undertaken at a faster pace, with less damage to the ground. It also provided much appreciated employment for our builders.
As a result, we now have a vastly improved facility and one to be proud of which, all being well, will be ready for the start of the season. The overall cost was more than value for money and has not left the Club financially destitute. Thanks must also go to the handful of individuals who volunteered their services free of charge and undertook a not unsubstantial amount of the refurbishment work, in particular
Thankfully, the season did not pass without a ball being bowled and some cricket was possible in the second half of the season, all be it in a much changed format.
League cricket was replaced by mini tournaments on a Saturday, with a few friendly fixtures for both senior and junior teams on a Sunday and mid week. Our highly successful, Friday night coaching sessions were also able to return.
Whilst we took no honours in the competitive cricket that was possible, the biggest plus, in my estimation, was that it allowed for a stage on which our younger players could perform and improve. Invaluable for the coming season in my view.
Much to look forward to then in 2021. We are not out of the woods yet by any means but we continue to plan for a prompt start to the season. Further changes as to how we perform, both on and off the field, are in the pipeline, so there is much to be optimistic about going forward.
Finally an invitation. If you are interested in playing cricket, or simply spectating or, if you are a parent and would like to introduce your child to the game, log onto the Club web site at www.calvertoncc.co.uk where further information about the Club and contact details are available.
Keep safe!
Terry Lee, Club Secretary