Tributes galore to Richard Martin
by Paul Barker, 21st November 2006

The Annual General Meeting of the Bassetlaw and District Cricket League took place at the Valley Comprehensive School on Baulk Lane, Worksop. After opening and welcoming everyone present, Geoff Holden (President) then asked Richard Martin (Hon. Secretary) to read out the roll call.

By the standards set in previous years, the non-attendance of eleven clubs namely Basfod Mill, Blyth, Clipstone, Cutthorpe, Ollerton, Rockware Glass, Rose Leisure, South Normanton, Thurcroft and West Indian Cavaliers was a major disappointment and all these clubs are subject to a £20.00 fine for their failure to attend.

Mr. Holden then asked Richard Martin for his Annual report which was followed by the president presenting a cheque to the secretary who was retiring from his post after 21 years of distinguished service.

Mr. Martin then thanked everyone stating he was overwhelmed by the gesture from the member clubs and stating that it didn’t happen very often but he was ‘lost for words’.

Mr. Peter Neale (Treasurer) then presented the Financial statement stating that it had been a reasonable year and went on to thank Roger Heath the auditor for his services. The accounts were accepted unanimously from the floor.

Richard Martin then introduced the vice-chairman for 2007, which will be Mr. Keith Board from the Waleswood Sports Cricket Club. Keith has served at the club as secretary for 25 years and has also been a valued member of the league Management Committee.

John Knowles of Clay Cross Works then paid tribute to the retiring President, Mr. Geoff Holden describing him as a ‘Great Cricket Stalwart’, and also added his own personal tribute to Richard Martin.

The allocation of tickets for the Annual Dinner which will be held at the Masonic Hall, Worksop on Saturday 31st March, 2007 will be as usual and requests for further tickets need to be made to Richard Martin.

Mr. Bev. Norris the League Fixture Secretary told the floor that owing to the withdrawal of Duckmanton Lodge the sections from Division 7 downwards would need to be re-organised and that would mean Bank Holiday Monday fixtures would be necessary because there would not be enough dates otherwise.

Finally Mr. John Leaning (Umpires Appointment Secretary) once again appealed to clubs to step up their quest to add new umpires to the list. The situation is very grave warned Mr. Leaning and action is needed badly and any help given would be very well received.

Mr. Holden then closed the meeting.

Rule changes for 2007