VILLAGE UPDATE
By now, I hope you are aware that after more than 70 years absence, the newly appointed officers of the Club have re-launched the Etchingham and Fontridge Cricket Club. We now have in our possession several artifacts, minutes of meetings and games dating back to the 1920s when the club was known as the Etchingham and Fontridge Cricket Club. It was formed by Mr. W. F. Foster who later became President of the Club. Our records show that Colonel Hornblower was elected Chairman in 1934 with Mr. H.H. Howard as Secretary. A Pavilion was erected in 1920 and as the number of playing members increased, a 2nd Eleven was formed. By 1934 Mr. J. Gorwyn had become the Captain of the 1st team. The Cricket Field was used up to the 2nd world War (1939 season). However, after the War the field was not used and the village lost a great sporting tradition.
We have re-instated the Club, using the previous name to maintain a link with past tradition, and ensure a vibrant village game with access for everyone who wants to be involved either as a participant or spectator. We are pleased that Lionel Dengate has agreed to serve as Honorary Club President. Lionel was secretary to the club in the 1930s. The other main officers are:
- Chairman - Mike Shillabeer
- Vice Chair - Steve Tooke
- Treasurer- Frank Smith
- Club Secretary - Anthony Burke
- Youth Liaison - Adam Jacobs
- Club Captain - Olley Smith
- Fixture Secretary - Mike Shillabeer
- Facilities Manager - tba
We also plan to start the youth section this year and use the Queens gardens for our first youth training sessions, dates and times to be advised. As I am sure you will agree, this will be an asset for the community of Etchingham and neighbouring villages. a wonderful way of developing an awareness and appreciation of the heritage of local cricket and will produce additional support and goodwill which benefits the cricket club and the local community for years to come.
The purpose of this letter is to make you aware of our progress to date and our outline plans which are developing quickly and will have moved on again by the time you read this.
· We have agreed and signed the Club Constitution and are in the process of opening up our bank account and finalizing the administrative side of things
· We have had an excellent response from villagers and other local residents with over 30 names already signed up as interested adult members
· Many local businesses and organizations that we have approached have already generously committed sponsorship. To date these include:
o The Etchingham Parish Council
o The Etchingham Improvements Committee
o The Etchingham Social Club
o Barnfield Construction
o Jarvis the Butchers
o WSH Wireworks Ltd
o Bracons
o SHCL
o Southern Counties Lift Services
· Once we are fully established, we plan to approach some of the local and national funding agencies
· We are aiming for a minimum of 6 senior fixtures in our first year and 4 taster sessions for the youth section
· Through an associate membership scheme, the Etchingham Social Club has agreed to allow us to use their Club facilities - so we already have a Club House!
· Practice sessions will take place every Tuesday at the Robertsbridge Cricket Club @ 07.00 pm, starting on 9th May.
So, as you can see we are well on our way! Anyone who wants to get involved in any capacity, please contact the Club Secretary.
Anthony Burke
Secretary, Etchingham and Fontridge Cricket Club
