I should start by saying that Wargrave Cricket Club has a great network of people who are able to help if you are experiencing difficulty adjusting to the COVID-19 disruption. If you are feeling vulnerable or require support please let us know and we will do everything we can to try and provide help.

As I flagged in my email earlier in the week, the cricket club committee met - remotely - on Wednesday to discuss the way forward in the light of widespread social distancing and the cancellation of much of the amateur and professional sports program. We remain guided by the advice of the Government and of our governing body, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Cricket activity at WCC

The ECB have stated that “we recommend that all forms of recreational cricket are for now suspended. This extends to training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity”. Their full statement can be found here: https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/1646355/ecb-statement-on-the-recreational-game

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Alongside the government’s decision on Friday to close social hubs like bars, this means that all cricket club activity - including the President’s Bar and pre-season training - is now suspended until further notice. The outdoor nets at the Recreation Ground are shortly to be locked and the codes changed as part of measures to close facilities that discourage social distancing.

Clearly this will come as a huge disappointment to many, but our members’ health is the single most important consideration. We do not know also how long this ban will be in place. County championship cricket has been suspended until 28 May. At the very least it looks like we will face a heavily-curtailed season.

Cricket Club Membership

There are some immediate challenges that the suspension of cricketing activity poses for the club’s finances with our main source of income - the President’s Bar - now closed. The committee will work through these implications in the coming week. However, as regards your cricket club membership we recognise that there will be many members who may already be facing disrupted incomes and employment. So we will be suspending the collection of 2020 membership fees until further notice - and will review what membership fees are suitable this year if/ when cricket recommences.

For those members who pay via direct debit the club would, of course, be very grateful if you wish to continue this payment - but equally we fully understand if circumstances make this difficult. We will leave this entirely to your discretion.

Kings Field

Despite the delayed start to the season, work continues on Kings Field - the site of the second square - which will be used for the first time this year. Club stalwart and amateur groundsman, James Moss used yesterday’s sunny weather to give the square it’s first roll A couple of extra months before it sees its first cricketing action may help it bed-in and become a batting paradise like the Rec!

Club & Village Day

We will, as a country, come out the other side of COVID-19 disruption and normal life will resume. The Committee are beginning work on a large event at the Recreation Ground to celebrate that moment and facilitate all members and villagers coming together to celebrate the end of social distancing. Whilst we don’t know when that will be, we will be planning to ensure the club quickly fills a void that will inevitably emerge in many people’s lives over the coming weeks. The challenge will be to drink the President’s Bar dry, as a minimum!

If you have any questions around cricket club activities please do not hesitate to get in touch.

WCC Commitee