Time for another ‘Chat’

With the 2008/9 season just over the horizon I thought it was about time for another ‘Chat’ updating readers as follows.

I am grateful to Nigel Bedingfield for kindly updating the website. This now includes details of all members who have agreed to serve the club for the 2008/9 season in the wide range of capacities listed. Needless to say I am also grateful to them including Tristan Baynes and Richard Ling (joint men’s club captains) and Merna Merrett (men’s fixture secretary) who have kindly volunteered since the AGM.

My thanks to Irene Bicker and Linda Hunter who have prepared the 2008/9 subscription invoices which will shortly be landing on members’ doormats together with details of the coaching/training arrangements for the forthcoming season.

Recent activity at the club has included the hosting of the Village Games, the cutting of the hedges, the spraying of the car parks and pitches (to, respectively, kill the weeds and to prevent the onset of the dreaded algae) and the ‘oiling’ of the balcony. In respect of these activities I am grateful to David and Judy Cobbald, Jose Tibbenham and Robert Stimpson (re preparation for the Village Games), David Cobbald and Andrew and Richard Longe (hedges and spraying) and John Pestell, Tony and Sue Williams, Peter Halls and Robert Stimpson (balcony).

I thank everyone who attended the ‘In The Mood’ picnic concert organised jointly by Harleston Lions, Harleston Scouts and the club and kindly hosted by Julian and Philippa Taylor at Starston. After initial concerns (particularly on my part) the event was well attended and as expected very enjoyable with Timescape putting on an excellent show.

Former GB and England goalkeeper Simon Mason will be taking a Goalkeeping Day at Dereham HC on Sunday 7 September. The day is aimed at goalkeepers of all levels. If you wish to attend please ring Karen Young (Active Norfolk) on 07827 308998.

My thanks to David and Christine Johnson and their team of club members who so efficiently organised the car parking at the Heveningham Hall Country Fair on Sunday 6 July thereby benefiting the youth section to the tune of £500.

Congratulations and very best wishes to Neil Toulson and Anna Truman and to Chris Reeve and Tracy Baker on their recent marriages.

For the past three years the men’s 1sts have been kindly sponsored by Durrants, the well known local firm of chartered surveyors, auctioneers, valuers and estate agents. Following the expiry of the sponsorship agreement we are actively looking for a replacement company. If you have any ideas please let me know. The same applies to firms which might be prepared to have a pitchside advertising board at the club.

Congratulations to Carl Sitch on his selection to play for England U18s in the 4-nations tournament currently taking place in Cardiff and on his selection to play for England in the UK Schools Games between 28-31 August in Bristol and Bath.

With kind regards and best wishes to all members, supporters and friends of the Club.