Amazing news – the London Marathon Charitable Trust has granted the appeal £70,000. Once again, the key element has been the community use – they simply would not have given the money just to the cricket club. With firm interest shown from table tennis, short mat bowls, pilates etc and the Village Hall saying that they would use the new building as an over-flow as they have to regularly turn bookings away it was very clear to the Charitable Trust that the new building would be used by the entire community – thus they granted the money.

End of week 3 and the site is cleared.

On the 11th and 12th December lots of young cricketers from Newdigate Infants School have been perfoming in ‘Jesus’s Christmas Party’ at the school and very good they were too.

With all the excitement centred around the new building it is easy to forget that work still has to be done on the ground. A group of people who have to ‘work in the community’ have been clearing leaves from around the square and the outfield. They will be paying several visits over the next few weeks.

End of week 2 and the site is nearly cleared.

The oak tree stands alone…

You can get your bearings by seeing the nets and the waste bin

November

Dreadful news about the Aussie test cricketer, Phil Hughes, who has sadly died following a blow to the head whilst playing in a domestic match at Sydney. So everyone, check your helmets. Make sure that a ball cannot pass through the visor and the peak and make sure that all the nuts are tightly in place. Don’t compromise.

Day 3 and despite continuous rain and the clouds coming down to the ground demolition continues apace. The timber and metal has gone for recycling.

Day 2 and the opposition changing room no longer exists and Nick Procter is taking away the roof to re-use.

Demolition started on the 24th November by local contractor, Bill Kear. Here are two former juniors, Alwyn Kear and Daniel Pople stripping out. The other picture shows the result of their labour as recyclable material is carefully sifted.

Local historian and cricketer, Dave Boorman, has just been in touch. He has found an article in the Sussex Agricultural Express of September 1849 covering an encounter between Newdigate and Rusper::

‘played at Newdigate on Thursday the 13th inst between the above elevens when some excellent play was exhibited on both sides. The match was not played out but was decidedly in favour of Newdigate.’ It was a two innings match and Rusper scored 35 and 62, whilst Newdigate scored 65 and were 15-1 at stumps.

Previously the earliest recorded match that we had found was 1886 so this puts our origins back even further.

Things are now moving really fast with regards to the development. Thanks to everyone who worked hard clearing the pavilion and packing up. Thanks also to Graham Capel and Simon Cryer for providing storage facilities for all the fittings and equipment. Here is the empty pavilion looking rather sad and equipment in storage at Simon Cryer’s barn.

The decision has been made – our much loved pavilion and scout hut will be demolished and the new community pavilion and hall will be built. The trustees gave the go ahead so all hands on deck to clear the buildings.

During the afternoon of Friday, 14th November John Callcut appeared on the David Jay Show at Susy Radio, the local station for the Gatwick, Reigate and Horley areas. He was able to give a good plug for the appeal.

The Fuller’s Brewery Surrey County League awards dinner was held at Sandown Racecourse on Friday, 7th November. Newdigate was represented by Andrew Major, Roger Bailey, Dan Jones, Charlie Major, Paul Bettesworth, Krisztina, Richard and John Callcut. The main speaker was the ex Leicester, Kent and England wicket keeper, Paul Nixon, who gave a very entertaining speech. An excellent evening was enjoyed by everyone.

Charlie Major missed the picture as he was at the bar.

October

The weather was kind and the crowds came out for our annual community bonfire evening on the 24th October. Thanks to everyone who helped to make the evening a success.

We have had some disappointing news. The application to the Surrey County Council Community Improvement Fund (£30,000) has been rejected for the third time. This means that we will have received no assistance at either County or District level.

Clare Balding hosts a television programme on Thursday evenings on BT Sport 1 in which she interviews famous sports people. On the 8th October Paul Griffiths and John Callcut were invited to attend the show which was recorded at the BT Sports Studio at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The main guest was Kevin Pietersen, who of course, was promoting his controversial new autobiography. He was all sweetness and light so it is very difficult to make an opinion about the rights and wrongs of the England team during that period. KP signed one of our appeal brochures so we’ll hang it up in our new clubhouse. He was joined by the rugby league players Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield.

Rob Burrow, Clare Balding, Kevin Sinfield and KP

On the 5th October, Ross Hamilton, John Callcut, Andy Meads and Paul Griffiths attended a conference at Downsend School in Ashtead. Neil Stewart gave a presentation detailing the skills required for one to one coaching. The Sri Lankan spin wizard, Eranga Mendis, spoke about coaching spin bowling and all the varieties that spinners can torment batters with. Finally Richard Hall (pictured) talked about various ways in which to make net sessions enjoyable and fulfilling. It is important that the coaches stay right up to date with modern coaching methods and the day was both informative and enjoyable.

On the 4th October we held our annual awards dinner and dance at the Surrey Hills Hotel. Everyone had a great time and Nick Crawford’s Band provided fantastic entertainment throughout the evening. The food was excellent, the company was good and some people went home the richer having won a prize in the Centurion Club draw kindly drawn by Marion Hales. You will know that our Chairman, Andrew Major, will be stepping down at the end of the year to be replaced by Roger Bailey. We hope that he will accept elevation to the position of President and that he enjoyed the special picture which was commissioned especially for the occasion.

Stephen Kehl receives the 1st XI batting award

Will Bowley had a good season winning the 2nd XI batting and bowling awards

Mike Kornrumpf receives the 3rd XI bowling award

Andrew Major presents Simon Capel with the Brian Chamberlain Batting Award

Andrew Major passes the Chairman’s baton over to Roger Bailey

Allan Cooper, Mick Randle and Dan Jones

Jinny & Mike Osborne together with James Penfold in relaxed mood

party time

and a happy table

The band in full flow ….. but where’s Nick Crawford? we can only see his hands!

Derek and Julian spent all day putting the pitch to bed. It is still warm and damp so let’s hope for good growth this Autumn. This is how it looked on the 1st October.

September

On the 29th September a member from LV=SOS Kit Aid came and took away our surplus kit for re-use overseas. We had too much gear to fit into his car so they came back with a van.

Top photographer, Nigel Spreadbury, has agreed to take photographs of the pavilion development through all the various stages. He has taken the first series of pictures showing the pavilion and scout hut before any work takes place.

Soft, soft the sunset falls upon the pitch, the game is over and the stumps are drawn’ . The over 35s beat the under 35s in the final match of the season as the autumnal sun spread gently across the ground. This autumn has a special significance because….. are we really going to say goodbye to our much loved pavilion.? Trusted friend that is slowly rotting away – but a new horizon dawns, the Trustees have advised us that funding is in place and a new community pavilion and hall will be built. Rest easily – although the cricket club will be sharing the building with many other users we believe that the atmosphere will be the same and we will have the use of decent changing rooms, kitchen, bar and we will also have adequate facilities for the disabled. A centre for everyone. It is no bad thing to reminisce so here are some pictures of our farewell to the pavilion.

The final ball bowled by Charlie Major

The final score

Relaxing after the game

Bill Turner, Martin Earp, Bill Wyllie and Dev Patel enjoying a final drink

the girls must be talking about the technicalities of cricket???

and the two Rogers contemplating the future.

Many will remember Mike Frogley who miraculously kept our old roller going. He passed away aged 78 and his funeral was at St. Peters on the 18th September. The club was represented. This is how we remember him.

We have had a frantic week regarding the funding appeal. We had a letter of intent for £50,000 from Biffawards. They only give to community projects and they were clearly impressed with current and future involvement of the entire village. To top it all on the 12th September we received confirmation from Sport England that they have awarded us £50,000. Quite a week.

The junior section was started by Don & Annette Jones with the help of Richard Callcut in 1993 – they had seven young players. 21 years later the junior section celebrated their 21st birthday with a Colts vs. Coaches match followed by a delicious 21st birthday cake baked by Tricia Kehl. It was cut by Toby Capel and the Ball brothers and Paul Bettesworth – our youngest and oldest colts. This was followed by the junior awards presentation and a barbecue. It was good to welcome the Rev. Andrew Coe and Marion Hales the wife of our former President, Colin Hales. It was also good to see old stalwart, Dave Puddicombe at the club. But most of all it was great to see so many parents and juniors.

both teams line up for a picture

Old friends – Dave Puddicombe., Don Jones and Nathan Threader

a beautiful sunny day

Our oldest and youngest colts cut the 21st birthday cake.

August

On Friday, 29th August we were due to host the Surrey vs. Sussex u9 county match. We prepared the pitch and the Surrey boys arrived and then the heavens opened and rain flooded the square. The match was cancelled and everyone went home – the rain then stopped and the sun came out.

Then we have the other side of the story. Sometime between 10.30 pm on Sunday night, when the club was locked up, and the afternoon of the Bank Holiday Monday some low-life people jemmied open the kitchen window, dismantled the iron bars and climbed inside. They jumped over the bar and stole the float (just over £50.00) then smashed the padlock to the cellar and stole the large bottle containing donations given for the pavilion appeal. They even took the sweet money and the tea/coffee donations! The bottle probably contained some £250.00 as people had been particularly generous after the Sunday match. The police have found finger prints and pointed out that it was suspicious that these people only stole money but, most importantly, they knew exactly where to go! The smashed bottle was found by the road near to the exit. The story made the front page of the Dorking Advertiser.

Andrew Major with the Police Officer at the scene of the crime … also with the broken bottle

On the 25th August, Nigel Spreadbury, Paul Griffiths and John Callcut took a small group of girls to Lords for the England versus India One Day Womens’ International. Unfortunately the rain got progressively heavier and all prospect of play was abandoned. However, the girls experienced the ‘home of cricket’ and had their picture taken with the statue of W.G. Grace and then the England captain, Charlotte Edwards, came over and she kindly agreed to have her picture taken with the girls —- so not all was lost.

During week commencing the 18th August you may have noticed lots of young people on the Brocus throughout the day. Under the guidance and inspiration of Dan Jones we staged our first ever Cricket Summer Camp and it was a resounding success. The sun shone on everyday and we had on average about 25 boys and girls participating in cricket based games. There were many helpers from every aspect of the club who devised a wide variety of fun based cricketing activities which left the youngsters tired but happy at the conclusion of each day (not mentioning the coaches!!). At the close of the final session we enjoyed a barbecue and each participant was presented with a medal and a certificate. Many congratulations to Dan and all the coaches and an added bonus was that the proceeds boosted the appeal by nearly £2,500.00.

On the same day that Finn scored his century, Barry Jordan, Paul Griffiths and Adam Ball took a group of under 11s to the Oval for the England vs India test match. They played Kwik Cricket during the luncheon interval. Here thay are having a great time and Barry said that they were a real credit to the club. If some were wondering why the interview with Sunil Gavaskar was a bit disjointed it was because Samuel Clark smashed a ball into his back whilst he was broadcasting! The first picture was taken directly from the TV.

A red letter day for Finn Osborne. On Saturday, 16th August he scored his maiden century against Horsley & Send 4th XI. Many congratulations.

The under 13s again entered the Sussex Junior Cricket Festival which promised matches everyday from the 11th through to the 14th August. The Monday at Crawley was rained off, on the Tuesday we lost to a strong Portslade side and on Wednesday we drew at Lingfield. On the Thursday St. Andrews travelled all the way from Brighton, the pitch was prepared and everything ready. At 1.50 pm the heavens opened and thunder echoed around the ground. Rachel Moon took these pictures of the Brocus under water. Needless to say, play was abandoned. The ground dried up and cricket was again played on Friday when we had a good win against St. Peters.

Much excitement on the Brocus on Wednesday, 13th August. The mid-week team were entertaining Redhill Analysts who posted a demanding 135 in 20 overs. With the light fading the home team found themselves on 130 with one ball to go. The bowler pitched the ball and Andrew Mayne smashed it over cow corner for a magnificent six.

Ethan Bishop took this nice picture of his son Jonty enjoying a day at the Oval. Free tickets were available thanks to the club being a ‘Friend of Surrey’.

A message from Roger Bailey:

Newdigate is extremely proud to announce that on Wednesday, 6th August our very own John Callcut received tremendous recognition from the Surrey Cricket Board by way of an award for his ‘Outstanding Services to Coaching’. From an initial high volume of nominations across Surrey, John was one of four finalists, and was then selected as the outright winner. His award was presented by Paul Nixon, formerly of England, Leicester and Kent at a special ceremony held at the Kia Oval. In company with Dev Patel, another of our coaching stalwarts, John was able to enjoy some great Surrey Cricket Board hospitality. John now goes forward as a regional nomination for the role. I know that he enjoyed a great day, and it is fantastic to see his efforts and passion acknowledged. Well done John.

John Callcut receives his award from Paul Nixon and David Graveney

July

Congratulations to Vicky Holland who won bronze in the triatholon at the Commonwealth Games. She is the grandaughter of our late President Colin Hales. Marion avidly follows her progress so she must be very proud of her grandaughter’s achievements.

Latest update. We had a good win at home to East Grinstead but lost a rain effected match at Horley. Final group match was scheduled to be a home match against Reigate Priory but we had to concede the match as we were unable to field a team.

On the 24th July we once again entertained Headley Court to a 20/20 match on the Brocus. Blessed with a beautiful summers evening Newdigate batted first and scored 165-7 from their 20 overs. and Headley Court finally knocked the runs off in the final over. Ros and Roger Bailey provided an excellent barbecue and all proceeds went to the Headley Court Benevolent Fund. Here are the two teams together.

Great news – the appeal has received a letter of intent from the Sport England Inspired Fund in respect of the application for £50,000. We understand there are a few stipulations which the appeal trustees will need to comply with before the money is forthcoming but hopefully they can overcome these..

Lots going on at the Brocus all day on Monday, 21st July. We hosted two Surrey u9 training sessions which lasted from 11.00 am through to 4.00 pm and then we had our normal Monday evening coaching. Here coach, Simon Talbot, outlines the days activities.

Newdigate entered a side in the inaugural NatWest T20 Blast and their first match was away to Oxted & Limpsfield on the 20th July. This coincided with a beer festival so there were a lot of spectators which added to the atmosphere. Newdigate recorded a good win and a report can be found under the junior section.

The mid-season barbecue went well on the 19th July with lots of people attending and a good atmosphere. On the same evening the local theatrical group ran a ‘Newdigate’s Got Talent’ evening at the Village Hall and raised £200 towards the pavilion appeal.

The Yorkshire Tea advertisement was aired on the 9th July – here it is http://yorkshiretea.co.uk/great-cricket-tea-challenge/ Yorkshire Tea has very kindly donated £500.00 towards the pavilion appeal.

Once again we had heavy rains on Friday night and it had just about stopped by 8.30 am although it looked very threatening. The village had kindly agreed to donate 50% of the proceeds of Village Day to the pavilion and scout hut appeal so obviously we agreed to be involved in the day. Club members provided lots of bottles for the tombola and we presented Michael Vaughan’s autograph, a cricket bat signed by Andre Nel and some 20/20 tickets for the raffle. We agreed to erect a marquee to sell redundant cricket gear and promote the appeal. Roger Bailey, Maggie Ashworth and John & Tina Callcut all arrived at 9.00 am and put up the marquee, it rained a bit but then suddenly a squall came from nowhere and the marquuee took off, landed on a classic Jaguar car and headed up the Brocus. We managed to grab it but unfortunately the struts on the marquee were damaged beyond repair but thankfully the Jaguar was unscathed. We had to abandon plans to be outside so we moved into the village hall. The weather improved and we guessed that numbers were down overall, but we were not in a good position so not too many people came to see us. Nevertheless we thank Kirstie Havard and her organisers for thinking of us. At least cricket was played and all three teams won!

June

Would you believe it? After two weeks of warm, dry weather come Saturday, 28th June, grey clouds arrived and the heavens opened at about mid-day. Our covers at Newdigate nearly saved the 2nd XI game but another heavy downpour in the afternoon put paid to any more cricket on the Brocus. The 1st XI were luckier as there had not been so much rain at Warlingham and their match concluded in a winning draw. Congratulations to Dan Jones and Stephen Kehl who broke the club record 8th wicket partnership when they scored 110. This was previously held by Richard Callcut and Bill Sherman who created the record in 1998.

We had a disturbing message from the East Surrey Colts League concerning our two u13 sides, Oaks and Ashes. It appears that in the rules players cannot play for both sides. We transgressed this rule on three occasions, with no greater motive than to give young players a game of cricket, but as a result the Ashes team has been ejected from the league. The trouble started in April. By combining with Capel’s small squad we had 26 players to pick from. Much to our surprise and dismay six players dropped out and two sustained long term footballing injuries. This resulted in us having to juggle teams and pull in younger players and unknown to our managers we transgressed the rules. We are truly sorry for the players who will not now be getting regular cricket.

Great news on the funding front so perhaps an update will not come amiss. £80,000 has been raised by us and our application to Sport England for £50,000 is pending subject to us demonstrating partnership funding before the 1st July. Chris Whitaker from the England & Wales Cricket Board has been in touch with Sport England and through their loan/grant scheme will support us to the tune of £75,000 – now we wait with baited breath for the result of Sport England’s deliberations.

The Surrey Youth Games took place at the Sports Park in Guildford on the 22nd June. A group of Newdigate girls represented Mole Valley. In their group they defeated Elmbridge 1, Epsom & Ewell 2, Runnymede and Surrey Heath. In rhe semi final they had a good win against Woking but lost to Guildford in the final.

Congratutulations to Fiona Kehl on her selection to play for Surrey u12s girls team against Sussex. The match was played on the 21st June at a splendid looking Mynthurst ground. Here she is resplendent in her Surrey shirt.

For the first time in the club’s history Newdigate played in an u8 cricket match. Friday, 20th June was the date, the opposition was Reigate Priory and seven Newdigate players were playing their first ever match. Lots of people came to watch on a lovely summers evening and the players had a fabulous evening – oh and Newdigate won!

Monday, 16th June was a red letter day for u15 Finn Osborne. He had been selected to play for the Rest of Surrey Schools against Surrey London Schools at the Oval. They were competing for the Hobbs Trophy. Unfortunately due to the inclusion of another team from inner London the match was reduced to a 20/20 and going in at number seven Finn was forced to push for runs and was run out for 3. He kept well for ten overs when his place was taken by another keeper. Nevertheless this was a memorable day as he was able to change where the pros change and visit the Long Room. The pictures give a feel of the day.

Finn going in to bat

Not everyone gets their name on the Oval scoreboard!

The Bedser twins look down upon Finn in the Long Room

Finn with his proud Mum, Jinny

The Osborne family and Andrew Major on the members terrace

Once again Capel CC staged an excellent 6–a-Side competition at their ground on Sunday, 15th June. Although the day was chilly and overcast the rain stayed away and everyone enjoyed the many entertainments laid on. Our u11s won their group without dropping a game but lost a close game to Lingfield in the semi-final with their last batsman cleverly retaining his wicket against a probing over by Samuel Clark. The under 9s did not qualify by a whisper as they lost to the group winners, West Chiltington & Thakeham, by one run and then lost narrowly to the eventual winners Capel Thunder in a closely competed match. They did beat Pulborough and Horsham. Our u11 girls lost all their matches but gained valuable experience for next weeks Surrey Youth Games.

Dev Patel and Andrew Major took a group of u15s to the Oval to see the Surrey vs. Essex 20/20 match on the 6th June. Here are the boys enjoying the day.

On the 5th June we entertained the Centurion Cricket Academy of Mumbai. This is their third visit to Newdigate and it was good to see their coaches again especially our good friend Mahesh Hatkar. The Brocus was bathed in sunshine for a good match which saw Newdigate win against a somewhat younger, but very talented side.

The two teams line up

Skipper, Ollie Turner tosses up

Andrew Major and Mahesh Hatkar

Andrew Kehl receives the Man of the Match award

Centurion CC display their specially produced pennants

Congratulations to Finn Osborne. He has been selected to represent the u15 Rest of Surrey XI against Surrey London Boroughs XI. They play for the Hobbs Trophy on the 16th June at the Oval.

May

On the 30th May we hosted the CAG Surrey under 12 boys training session. They were at the ground for most of the day and left just before Ross Hamilton started his u13 practice session.

Surrey u12 training session in progress

We came fourth in the Yorkshire Tea ‘Best cricket tea competition’ and on the 29th May we were invited to take a team to St. George’s College in Addlestone to play a match and judge the winning teas. We arrived at the beautiful college ground and a film crew was in place as they were producing an advertisement for Yorkshire Tea. The former England captain, Michael Vaughan, was also present. The day was pretty shambolic but it was quite an experience. The weather didn’t help with heavy rain showers disrupting procedings. The pictures give a ‘taste’ of the day. Keep a look out for the advert on television as we might well be in it.

Simon Capel stroking the ball to the boundary

Mick Randle enjoying a spot of sunshine

Newdigate players watching the filming

The Newdigate team with Michael Vaughan

Who’s for tea ??

We’ve done it !!! Steve and Ann Jones, John and Tina Callcut, Rev. Andrew Coe and Roger Bailey walked the Monopoly board on Saturday, 24th May for the pavilion and scout hut appeal. The first two hours of the walk took place in pouring rain, then the conditions were ideal for walking. Then at Waterloo Place the heavens absolutely opened. We had rain, sunshine, cold winds in fact the complete gamut of British weather. We walked 22.68 kilometers in just under 9 hours. We had three breaks….. at Bill’s in Islington, Wetherspoons at Marble Arch and the crypt at St. Martin’s-in-the Field. Andrew had been offered an extra donation if we could provide a picture of him sitting on the driver’s seat of a black cab and similarly Steve had to borrow a policeman’s helmet and wear it. Both dares were successfully completed. We met at Newdigate at 6.00 am and were back in the village at 6.00 pm tired but very happy and very pleased to have raised over £3,000. One disappointment – most of the money was raised amongst relatives and friends of the walkers and the local community – why didn’t we get support from cricketers and scouts? Here we are en route.

Starting off in pouring rain at the Whitechapel Road

on to Pall Mall

a dubious Community Chest but the sun was shining

and outside the Mayfair Post Office

The Dorking Schools Kwik Cricket boys competition was held on the 21st May. Six local primary schools competed and St. Pauls won a closely contested match against the Weald.

Aldershot Cricket Club hosted a charity cricket festival for girls on the 18th May in aid of the Chase Hospice. There were two groups of three playing 15/15 matches. Our first game was against Aldershot 2nds and we chased down a score of 87. In the second match we played the 20/20 Academy and our girls played good cricket to restrict their opponents to 61. They reached the total comfortably. The final was against a very strong Aldershot first eleven and we were well beaten by a well organised and disciplined side. For the final there was a real 20/20 atmosphere with music blasting every time that a wicket fell or a four was hit. The weather was beautiful and it was great to play on Aldershot’s fantastic ground.

Our wonderful Tricia Kehl has entered the Yorkhire Tea ‘Best Cricket Tea Competition’ and has been short listed. That’s why she has been busy videoing players munching away. The finals will be judged by Michael Vaughan and the first prize is a £10,000 kitchen….. other clubs must do some fantastic teas if they are to beat Tricia.

On Tuesday, 13th May the girls had just finished training and the u12s were part way throught their match against Lingfield when the heavens opened. The match was abandoned but Paul Griffiths took these dramatic pictures just before everyone dashed to the pavilion.

Bad news – the registration number was false – watch out for a catching cradle on e-bay!

April

Would you believe it? Two weeks after the attempted break in to the equipment store, during the evening of Tuesday, 22nd April thieves stole our catching cradle. This much loved piece of equipment has been in constant use for over ten years and as you know it takes two people to carry it. Until we get our new pavilion with adequate and safe storage facilities it seems that we are prey to this type of unsocial activity. The picture shows our juniors enjoying the cradle – a new one will cost over £300…….. Since this was posted we have just heard that Robin Gardner, whilst walking his dogs, saw the cradle being loaded on to a trailer. The thieves had carried it down from the club to where their vehicle was parked opposite Bob’s Shop. Fortunately Robin made a note of the registration number and this information has been passed on to the police …. watch this space. Regrettably the number plate did not tally with police records so it is goodbye to our catching frame.

On Easter Sunday James Penfold organised a village pram race to raise money for the appeal. In the past this was a popular event but enthusiasm had waned so it was good to see the event revived and the pub full up. Here is the line up and the winning team.

There was a good turn out for the NatWest Cricket Force 2014 on the 5th April. We use this occasion to open the club for the new season. The Callcuts were missing – sunning themselves in Cuba for Richard and Krisztina’s wedding. Still, JC was at least at the club opening in spirit as he is seen wearing the new NatWest t-shirt on the beach!

March

Eight young players attended the Russell Haigh Bursary at the Surrey Cricket Centre at Burpham for six consecutive weeks. Here is a group of the younger players obviously having a good time.

The Surrey Club Cricket Conference was held all day at the Kia Oval on the 23rd March. Andrew Major and John Callcut represented the club and attended a series of lectures concerning fund raising, club organisation and fund raising. We also used the opportunity to discuss the pavilion appeal with senior people within the ECB and Surrey Cricket. The day ended with a question and answer session with Alex Stewart and Mark Church – interesting questions were aired about KP, Graham Smith and Graham Ford.

On the 22nd March the film crew from the Russian Channel One television station came to Newdigate to complete their film. We had a pavilion appeal promotional table outside Bob’s shop attended by Andrew Major, Dan Jones, Nick Crawford, Steve Jones and Colin Hughes. Afterwards the film crew moved to the Six Bells where a group of young cricketers were playing Kwik Cricket. They then sat down and interviewed a group of parents and the team who had been at Bob’s Shop. They then, about a dozen in all, enjoyed a pub lunch and then they filmed inside the Callcut’s house. Conducting the interview was Vladimir Pozner, who has a weekly programme which is screened throughout Russia. A nice touch was when we introduced him to Andrew Posner’s grandmother Mollie. Their family had escaped Russia during the pogroms of the 1860s. The whole film has been produced by Daria Prokhorova and will be broadcast throughout Russia in September 2014.

Vladimir Pozner, Daria Prokhorova and JC

Well done Hattie, Faye, Georgina, Evie and Heidi who swam 54 laps (108 lengths) in 55 minutes at the Swimarathon organised by our sponsor Dorking Deepdene Rotary Club. The event took place at 9.00 am on the 8th March at Dorking Leisure Centre. Here they are, tired but happy. See the mydonate site to see how much money they have raised. https://mydonate.bt.com/events/swimarathon/112718.

February

On the 28th February John Callcut went along to Susy Radio (103.5 FM) and was interviewed by their afternoon DJ, David Jay. David will be familiar to some of our members as David Jones as he was formerly head of cricket at Reigate Grammar School and is a supporter of Mogador Wanderers. The interview covered a number of subjects but JC took the opportunity to promote the appeal. Susy Radio has agreed to broadcast details of all our fund raising activities.

www.susyradio.com

Susy Radio’s David Jay and JC outside the studio

Many thanks to Sarah at the Plough for hosting the fund raising quiz on the 26th February. There was a good cross-section of the village represented and we raised £490 towards the fund. Well done Roger Bailey for drumming up the support.

We have entered the pilot Surrey Trust Under 19s 20/20 competition. The other teams in our group are East Grinstead, Horley, Reigate Priory, Oxted & Limpsfield. This promises to be great fun.

Following the wettest January on record a good crowd turned up at the club on the 1st February to clear leaves. Hopefully, this will give the grass a chance to grow back.

January

Christina Wood and her team from the scouts organised a brilliant Burns Night at the Village Hall on the 25th January. It was sold out and everyone had a brilliant time. A magnificent £2436.16 was raised towards the appeal.

A well attended AGM was held at Newdigate Bowls Club on the 13th January. Everyone was well aware that our chairman, Andrew Major, had made it very clear of his intention to step down and he announced that as Roger Bailey was willing to stand as Vice Chairman, he would continue for a further year with Roger assuming the full position in 2015. It is fair to say that the entire meeting was delighted with this resolution. All other committee places remained the same. After some twenty years of skippering sides, the Saturday 1st XI captain, Richard Callcut decided to take a break and Allan Cooper has taken over with Dan Jones as his vice captain. Bill Turner and Craig Jones will continue skippering the 2nd XI and James Penfold and Charlie Wyllie will be taking over the 3rd XI. Ruky Wickremasinghe will be captain of the Saturday XI. Reports were read out by the captains and the welfare officer and there were ground, pavilion development and juniors reports presented. Full details will be available when the secretary issues the minutes. The treasurer presented the accounts which showed a very small surplus. This year’s figures took into account two years rental for the Forest Green pitch which made the picture look a little worse. Also bar takings continue to decrease as more opponents leave immediately after the game and home players do not stay so long. It was decided to keep subscriptions at their current rate with the exception of juniors which will rise by £5.00 to £50.00 per annum.

Dave and Sue Harris send best wishes to all their friends at the cricket club from their home in deepest Herefordshire. Here they are pictured outside their home on the 13th January.

The Surrey Advertiser came to the club on the 8th January. They took a picture of the pavilion and next day ran a story about the pavilion appeal.

The Newdigate Theatrical Society performed Dick Whittington again on the 3rd and 4th January to three sell out audiences. It was enormous fun and so many people said that they haven’t laughed so much in years. All the cast came from the village. In total £4000 has been raised towards the appeal and if you add the £1000 granted through the Heart of the Community Appeal then that makes a grand total of £5000. There were over eighty villagers involved in the performance and production and over 450 people came to watch which certainly raised the profile of the appeal. A triumph and our thanks go to all those concerned.