MEMBERS UPDATE – SEASON 2020/CORONAVIRUS (COVID 19) CRISIS

As you may be aware, the ECB have recommended that 2020 recreational cricket be postponed – see https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/1646355/ecb-statement-on-the-recreational-game  Surrey Cricket Foundation and the ECB have cancelled all courses and seminars, Natwest Cricketforce is cancelled, All Stars & Dynamos is likely to be postponed or cancelled and it is likely the Colts season will be severely impacted even if cricket does start in July.

The Surrey Championship & Fullers Surrey County League have been issuing guidance to Clubs.  We anticipate that matches will not occur before the end of June at the earliest and the Leagues will propose a restricted season where Clubs play each other once under limited overs playing conditions.

The Committee met last week to consider the implications of the situation.  The critical factor is cash-flow.  Indications are that respective Leagues will waive or defer subscriptions and we are contacting the ECB to seem moratorium on the Wicket Roller Loan.  Any unnecessary expenditure or planned capital expenditure has been deferred, including cancelling the overseas player.  However, with no income from junior or senior match fees, bar or club hire and with some fixed costs that cannot be deferred (eg. insurance, utilities) or expenditure already incurred (eg. service of the gang-mowers, indoor nets) we need to ensure our financial survival in the short-term.

Our cash reserves were depleted last year to cover the completion of the clubhouse and this has left us exposed financially, with all activities suspended the survival of the club could be in jeopardy.  We would therefore ask all members Playing or Social Members to support the club by paying their Annual Subs by 30th April if at all possible.  This will ensure we meet our contractual commitments and can continue to operate effectively once the season does start.  We have already received a few subs and are grateful for these early payments but we need more to survive in the short-term.

As an incentive for early payment, and once the season does start, we are offering a 20% reduction in match fees.  In addition, we will reduce next years subs by 20% for those who pay by 30th April.  We will offer one free drink to all Social Members if payment is received by the same date.

2020 Subscription rates are as follows:-

Full Playing Members/Student Members: £75/£50

Social Members: £20

Given the uncertainty regarding Colts we do not propose to seek Subscriptions for this year but any donations from Colts parents would be appreciated and would be offset against next years fees.

Payments can be made by cheque, payable to Byfleet Cricket Club, and sent to Greg Dodwell, Flat 7 Cedar Court, 23 Brook Avenue, Ascot, SL5 7QW or directly to the Clubs Bank Account:-

A/C Name – Byfleet Cricket Club

Sort Code – 30-99-80

A/C No. – 01765098

In the meantime, please follow Government advice to protect yourselves and others and with the support of all members we will be able to weather this storm.  Your help during this difficult period would be much appreciated and we will update members via e-mail and social media as new information is received.

Byfleet CC Committee – 25th March 2020