Post by hhsussex on Jan 28, 2016 14:45:55 GMT
A very nice, but poignant Twitter and Facebook posting from Bolney CC (bolneycricketclub.org.uk/) today that tells a lot about the game in Sussex:
After 17 years of dedication our groundsman Fred Harrison and his able assistant, and wife, Jenny have informed the committee that unfortunately Fred is no longer fit enough to maintain the square this coming season. We are extremely grateful to them both for all they have done to maintain an excellent ground for many seasons.
We are pleased that Jenny and Fred will continue to look after the outfield for at least another year, but this obviously means that the club will have to make alternative arrangements for maintenance of the square. Therefore, the committee is seeking expressions of interest to maintain the pitch throughout 2016. Further details of the anticipated requirements are available from a member of the committee, so please make us aware if you are interested.
I have played several games at Bolney's very pretty ground and can testify to Fred's skills, his knowledge and willingness to help as groundsman, as umpire...you name it. Clubs like Bolney depend very much on the time and skills of people like Fred and the added value that they provide to the whole community of cricket: the players of both sides, the spectators, the officials and the Leagues in which they take part.
Inevitably it seems that the workload falls on the more senior members. As a fellow-player said to me on hearing of Fred's retirement "For the game to maintain itself, younger people need to be willing to chip in and help out – it can be a worthwhile thing to do to build skills and an all round interest in the game."
Let's hope that Bolney are fortunate in finding an able successor and can continue to provide pitches that do something for both batsmen and bowlers.
After 17 years of dedication our groundsman Fred Harrison and his able assistant, and wife, Jenny have informed the committee that unfortunately Fred is no longer fit enough to maintain the square this coming season. We are extremely grateful to them both for all they have done to maintain an excellent ground for many seasons.
We are pleased that Jenny and Fred will continue to look after the outfield for at least another year, but this obviously means that the club will have to make alternative arrangements for maintenance of the square. Therefore, the committee is seeking expressions of interest to maintain the pitch throughout 2016. Further details of the anticipated requirements are available from a member of the committee, so please make us aware if you are interested.
I have played several games at Bolney's very pretty ground and can testify to Fred's skills, his knowledge and willingness to help as groundsman, as umpire...you name it. Clubs like Bolney depend very much on the time and skills of people like Fred and the added value that they provide to the whole community of cricket: the players of both sides, the spectators, the officials and the Leagues in which they take part.
Inevitably it seems that the workload falls on the more senior members. As a fellow-player said to me on hearing of Fred's retirement "For the game to maintain itself, younger people need to be willing to chip in and help out – it can be a worthwhile thing to do to build skills and an all round interest in the game."
Let's hope that Bolney are fortunate in finding an able successor and can continue to provide pitches that do something for both batsmen and bowlers.
