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Tuesday 1st July
Keymer suffered a second successive defeat on Saturday away to promotion chasing local rivals Ansty. Batting first, Keymer struggled to take advantage of favourable conditions and largely had Nick Campion (57) to thank for their total of 172 for 9, with Ansty skipper Shaun Janman returning figures of 6 for 64.
In reply Ansty rarely looked in trouble, as they reached their target for the loss of just four wickets.
The 2nd XI posted their highest score of the season against Ansty on Saturday, but couldn't force victory. After winning the toss, Keymer racked up a massive 243-7 in 48 overs. Runs were shared around the middle order - Ross Watkins (63) and Sid Barnes (32) shared a partnership of 79 before both departed in a short space of time. The mantle was then taken up by Neil Green, with a better than a run a ball 60, and Joe Isted (34*). Ansty started well, putting together a number of partnerships while keeping at or around the run rate. However, when two wickets fell at 128, they shut up shop despite there being 16 overs yet to be bowled and still five wickets remaining. Despite the best efforts of the Keymer slow bowlers virtually no aggressive shots were played in the last hour of the game, leading to a dull close at 178-6.
The 3rd XI also played out a high scoring draw against Edenbridge 2 in a Stoner League Division 3 match . The hosts' decision to bat paid dividends as opener David Putman carried his bat for a massive 203 not out, enabling them to declare on 281-5 after just 35 overs. There were two wickets each for George Christmas and George Hutchinson and a debut league wicket for young seamer Matt Dibdin. In reply, Keymer & Hassocks made steady progress, with young David Chad top-scoring with 72 and Praby Singh making 63, but were never able to keep up with the with run rate, finishing on 230-7. Putman also shone with the ball for Edenbridge, picking up 3-44.
Keymer and Hassocks were on the wrong end of a dramatic one wicket defeat to Henfield at Adastra Park on Sunday. The home side racked up a formidable 208-8 declared at tea thanks to 114 not out from Neil Green and several decent supporting innings, in particular a well-played 17 from youngster Ben Roberts.
After tea Hassocks took two early wickets to leave Henfield in trouble, but Henfield were able to rebuild for a push at the total. With the score on 100-3 Keymer then fought back with five wickets for just seven runs, with good spells from Luke Miller (1-12) and Alex Vannon (2-13), to leave Henfield in real trouble on 107-8.
A ninth wicket partnership of 73 then kept them right in the game with all four results still a possibility with six overs to go and 37 still needed. In a tense final over 10 were required with one wicket in hand, and Henfield completed a remarkable victory in a topsy turvy game with a four off the penultimate ball of the match.
Friday 27th June
As I look at my notes for this update, I think it will be the longest yet (but as sparkling and entertaining as ever!). I take this as a sign of a thriving club, both on and off the field.
The 1st XI have recorded the club's first ever County League victories - congratulations to them. The 2nds are yet to break their duck, but have had winning opportunities in some games, which we need to convert. The thirds are also performing well, and could be set for a high finish this season. Disappointingly, Burgess Hill knocked us out of the 20/20 competition at the group stage.
We have purchased the new net facility, which has wheels and is far more user-friendly than the old one. This means that people can now have nets at their convenience, which I believe has happened on a few occasions already.
I am particularly pleased with availability for Cricket Week (16-21 July), with decisions needing to be made on who will play on more than one day, rather than a bare 11 and crossed fingers that no-one drops out. It seems to me that people feel it is now an established part of KHCC culture. With three weeks still to go, there is still time to sign up, as there may be drop outs, so don't feel the door is closed.
After the Ditchling game on the Thursday of Cricket Week we will be hosting a Race Night in the pavilion (regardless of the weather or the game taking place). Please support this event. Who knows? You may break even on your beer money, or even make a profit! Friends and family welcome.
The Friday of Cricket Week is in fact the golf day. Please support this if you can, by signing up through John Price or Ross Watkins.
Roger is again running the President's Day sweepstake. £10 will get you a ticket corresponding to a particular aspect of the game (total runs, wickets etc), with a top prize of £100. The club will make £200, with a prize fund to match - a win-win situation, I'm sure you would agree.
Hewi has worked hard on getting us Community Amateur Sports Club status, which has various financial advantages for the club. However, we have to re-word our rules slightly to comply, so will be requesting members attend a Special General Meeting soon. This is planned be held on a Saturday evening, so as many members as possible can attend after their match that day. It should only take a few minutes of your time, so please attend if at all possible.
The vast majority of playing members have paid annual subs, which is pleasing. If you are one of the few who hasn't, please do get it in to us, so we don't have to invoke the non-selection procedure we now have available to us.
The Primary Club collection box on the bar is being well supported. Thank you to all who have put a few coppers or silver in there - it makes a huge difference to the worthy cause of helping blind people play sport. Please continue to support it.
The pavilion project is gathering pace: The Parish Council now has a dedicated sub-committee (which I am part of), rather than tagging along under another committee. This sends a strong signal that they are taking it seriously, and they have now invited architects to tender for the project as a whole. We met one of them last week, and it was exciting to hear a professional talking about her vision of how a new building might look. As ever, there is still much to be done - but rest assured that I will be pushing the PC as hard as I can to bring the project to completion as soon as possible, and I do believe that they are now as committed to the project as we are.
June's 100 Club winner is Martine Faith. (£53 for £2 a month - it's got to be worth joining!)
See you on the field/in the bar soon.
Cheers
H
General Committee Chairman.
Thursday 26th June
Friday 18th July 2008
Bacon Rolls / Coffee / 18 holes (Hassocks Golf Club) £25 per head
followed by......
2-Course Meal (Thatched Inn) - £25 per head
Prizes to be won!
To book golf, meal or both,
Contact: John Price
07779 242449
john.price@holidays.ba.com
Coffee and Bacon Rolls from 12.30pm
1st tee off at 1.26pm
Dinner 7.30pm for 8.00pm
Tuesday 24th June
Keymer & Hassocks 1st XI fell short against top of the table Glynde on Saturday, losing by 65 runs having let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers.
On a lively early wicket, Keymer were in control when they reduced their free-scoring visitors to 78 for 6, but a seventh wicket stand of 103 helped Glynde to a more than respectable 188 for 9 off their 50 overs. Mike Poole, with 4-51, and 3-44 from Michael Johnson were the key wicket takers.
In reply Keymer were always up with the run rate, but wickets fell at regular intervals as they were dismissed for a disappointing 123, and only a hard hitting 38 from Nathan Cooper kept them from further embarrassment.
Keymer seconds put in a good display despite eventually losing at runaway league leaders Glynde. Winning the toss and batting first sent a positive message to their confident opponents, and contributions came all through the order. John Poole gave the innings substance, opening up with 46, and then a rapid partnership of 84 between Mark Wylam (posting his second successive 50) and Howard Collins (36*) led to a total of 219-7 at tea. The hosts started with a blaze of shots and reached 60 in the 10th over before the first wicket fell. After that they put in a workmanlike performance, building persistent partnerships in damp, drizzly conditions to reach their target of 220-5. Chief Keymer wicket taker was Andy Dixon, returning after holiday and injury, picking up 4-47 from eight overs. The 3rd XI lost at Staplefield in a friendly after the home side won the toss and chose to field. After a good start, in which David Pithie scored 42 and Praby Singh 34, Keymer & Hassocks slid from 81-1 to 123 all out. In reply, despite a couple of early wickets for George Christmas, the hosts made a rapid start and reached the winning post in the 16th over for the loss of 5 wickets – the remaining scalps being shared by James Griffin, George Hutchinson and Rob Bartley.
Keymer and Hassocks won by nine wickets on Sunday at Ditchling, where the hosts won the toss on a good-paced track and made a solid start, reaching 75-2. A flurry of wickets then saw them fall to 115-7 before eventually reaching 143 all out - the main beneficiaries being John Grimley (3-15) and Andrew Westgate (4-6). In reply, Keymer ensured victory thanks to an opening stand of 114 before Roly Molyneux departed for 39 as Neil Green top scored with 87 not out.
Keymer were again outplayed by Portslade in the Dads & Lads fixture on Sunday after losing the return fixture earlier in the season. Portslade opted to bat first and Keymer generally bowled well to restrict them to 169-9. Will Upton (2-25) and Ben Roberts (2-39) were the pick of the attack, while 11-year-old Dan Panico picked up a wicket in his first game in this form of cricket and Jack Pettett claimed three good catches in the outfield. It was again the batting display that let Keymer down. Despite the best efforts of Ben Roberts, who capped an excellent all round display with a battling 27, Keymer were rushed out for 98, helped by a hat trick from Fedddie Fiveash.
Tuesday 17th June
Keymer and Hassocks outplayed their high-flying hosts Seaford on Saturday, claiming a surprising 68 run victory in blustery conditions.
Batting first, 17-year old Nathan Cooper made 71 in a total of 228 for 8, and was well supported by Tony Chad (43), Michael Johnson (36) and Nick Campion (26).
Second placed Seaford were then bowled out for 160 despite being well placed at 145 for 3. 82 from Jacob Thompson was the highlight of their innings, but 6 for 43 from Campion and 3 for 26 from Johnson destroyed Seaford’s middle order and tail, with the last seven wickets falling for just 15 runs.
The 2nd XI suffered a disappointing defeat at home to Seaford after posting a challenging total of 181-7.
A solid opening stand of 46 from John Poole (22) and Sid Barnes (21) laid the foundations but wickets in the middle order fell around Ross Watkins who made a very patient 25. At 109-5 Keymer looked in trouble but the lower order were again up to the challenge, as Mark Wylam (51) and Alex Brakell (23*) put on 72 for the 7th wicket to ensure eight batting points. The game was lost in the first hour of the Seaford innings as positive batting and poor bowling gave Seaford a flier. At 73-0 off 12 overs the writing was on the wall, but the ageless John Grimley turned in a magnificant display to take 4-46 from another 15 over stint. The run rate increased but a number of half chances were not taken and skipper Tim Goddard guided his team home with two overs to spare
Keymer & Hassocks 3rd XI beat Burgess Hill 3rd XI by seven runs in an exciting Stoner League Division 3 derby. Hill won the toss and chose to field, and KHCC declared at 153-7, with opening batsman David Pithie carrying his bat for 54 not out, helped by 32 from Jamie Purtell and 17 from David Chad.
In reply, Burgess Hill started brightly, but once again young off-spinner James Griffin turned the match in KHCC's favour, taking 5-21 including the final wicket as Burgess Hill fell just short at 146 all out. The remaining wickets were shared between Rob Bartley (3) and Nigel Hartley (2).
The Sunday fixture at Preston Nomads saw a defeat for KHCC, who could only post 126, thanks to Ross Watkins's 35. The hosts then made sure of the win for the loss of six wickets.
Thursday 12th June
The 1st XI held on for a draw Saturday in the local derby clash with Burgess Hill.
Batting first, Burgess Hill reached 217 for 7 from 48 overs before declaring, with Justin Estriech (72) and Jack Simpson (65) the main contributors. For Keymer, three wickets for Chris Johnson was the main highlight in an otherwise tough afternoon in the field.
In response, Keymer got off to a positive start, before losing John Price for 23 in the sixth over, with the score on 39. From there it was Hill's afternoon, taking wickets at regular intervals, with Marcus Barlow claiming three and Ian Plummer four. It was only the resilience of opener Tony Chad, who batted through the innings for a dogged 41, that saved the hosts blushes as they ended on 108 for 9.
The 2nd XI got the better of a draw at Burgess Hill in terms of points scored but probably not in their chances of winning the game.
Burgess Hill opted to bat first and the Keymer attack responded generally well in restricting the home side to 154 all out in their allotted overs. Mark Wylam (3-34) and John Grimley (2-39) both bowled 15 over spells keeping things very tight and Jamie Carter tidied up the tail in quick time.
At 61-1 after 18 overs Keymer looked firm favourites but a miserly spell from left arm slow bowler Nick Brailey put the brakes on and wickets fell regularly as the run rate kept rising. Roland Molyneux and Jamie Carter eventually negotiated the last four overs to secure a draw.
On Sunday a young Keymer and Hassocks XI took on an even younger Horsham Trinity XI at Adastra Park. Batting first Neil Green top scored with 126 as Keymer were eventually bowled out for 199.
After an opening spell from Charlie Needham and John Grimley had reduced Horsham Trinity to 10 for 3, they almost managed to hang on for a draw but eventually were all out for 105 with three balls to go. The pick of the bowlers was young Alex Vannon with 4 for 9 off eight overs.
Highlights of the game included pepperami sandwiches at tea becuase the skipper had a shocker and brought an empty loaf and Treacle replacing Neil 'keeping and then having to change again because he was needed to bowl!!!!!
Tuesday 3rd June
Keymer and Hassocks history was made on Saturday, as the first team picked up their first ever win at County League level away to Chiddingly. Michael Poole took 5-29 and Neil Green two wickets as Keymer put themselves in the box seat by dismissing Chiddingly for 133.
They completed their maiden victory by making short work of the target as Joe Barnes-Gratton hit 70 not out and Adrian Tatford 34 not out to see them home.
In the reverse fixture, Chiddingly 2nd XI's last pair denied Keymer the double by surviving the last three overs of a tightly-fought encounter.
After Keymer were asked to bat first they struggled to 87 - 7 after 35 overs, but the tail wagged magnificently to post a final total of 162-9. Young Alex Spinks took the attack to the Chiddingly bowlers and scored a brisk 29 before last wicket pair John Grimley and Jamie Carter had an unbroken stand of 33 in the final overs. Carter then picked up two early wickets, helped by a stunning slip catch from Joe Isted, which set the tone for an excellent display in the field. Chidingly rebuilt solidly and at 86-3 looked sure fire winners but Keymer's spinners Mark Wylam (3-37) and Isted (2-7 from 8 overs) strangled the scoring and took regular wickets until Carter had a final blast at the tail, finishing with the impressive figures of 3-30 as Chiddingly closed well short on 124-9.
The Sunday fixture versus Moulsecoombe and District ended early with a crushing victory for Keymer and Hassocks, who successfully chased a very small total of 52, with Tony Coleman grabbing 5-10 and young George Duplock 3-15. Neil Green’s 47 then enabled Hassocks to win inside eight overs.
Tuesday 27th May
Keymer and Hassocks lost at home to Crawley after being inserted and posting a declared score of 190-3 from 49 overs. The visitors then timed their run chase to perfection, finishing on 191-6 in the last over, despite a late flurry of wickets.
The seconds crashed to a disappointing defeat at Crawley despite posting their highest total of the season so far. After winning the toss, skipper Ross Watkins led the way with 54, ably supported by Joe Isted (29 not out) and Howard Collins (26). A total of 175-7 was par for the conditions and a close game would have been expected. Crawley had other ideas, and came out with all guns blazing. Early wickets for Alex Brakell (3-30) did nothing to change the pace of the innings and with 10 overs to spare Crawley reached the target with 5 wickets still intact.
In a Sally Miller Trophy match played on Sunday, KHCC 3rd XI lost to St James by 115 runs. St James won the toss and chose to bat, amassing 217-6 in their 40 overs, mainly due to 136 not out from Matt Ades, while skipper Nigel Hartley took 4-18 for KHCC. In reply, KHCC were all out for 102, with Alex Spinks top scoring on 23, while the wickets were shared among the St James bowlers.
The Sunday XI emerged victorious against Ifield on Sunday, winning by one wicket. Keymer won the toss end elected to field as Ifield got away to a flying start, reaching 142-2 after just 27 overs before some good bowling brought the Ifield innings to an end on 188 with Luke Miller and Brad Panico both taking 1-18. In reply the Keymer innings got off to a disastrous start and victory looked unlikey at 39-4. However an excellent partnership between Neil Green (81) and Lawrence Hannam (35) got Keymer right back in it. With Green departing at 132-5 Ifield again looked favourites but some brilliant batting by youngster Jack Pettett (13) kept Keymer in the run chase. Hannam was then out with 18 still needed but the tail held strong to see Keymer home by one wicket in a tense finale.
Wednesday 21st May
While still searching for our first Sussex League win, the club has put in some excellent performances, with the first team still unbeaten. The club can be particularly proud of putting out 33 players on 10th May, when late drop outs meant the sides were being finalised at midday. Thanks to all who helped out by being flexible.
The purchase of the new net is imminent. We may need volunteers to help set it up for the first time. Please speak to me or Ian Poole if you would like to help.
Please ensure you have paid your annual subscription as soon as possible. Late payment means a higher amount and the risk of non-selection. The club needs all the finance it can get, and £30 is still an extremely competitive amount in the area.
It is likely that the Clubman of the Year trophy, awarded at the presentation event each autumn, will be named after Richard Bostel as his memorial from KHCC.
New 100 club members will be in the draws from July onwards, so please get your £24 to Mick Bateup by end of June. Current members of the scheme should also renew in June. Just £2 a month for a good cash prize. Ask Reg Renaut - he won in April and May! I blame the nameless committee members who make the draws.
See you all soon,
Howard Collins, Committee Chairman.
Tuesday 20th May
A Saturday league washout meant all the KHCC action was focused on Sunday's fixtures, with a draw at Beeding and Bramber and a defeat for the Dads and Lads XI at home to Henfield.
The uncut outfield at Bramber, together with a game-ending injury to the hosts' opening bowler during his run-up to deliver the first ball of the match, gave a farcical air to early proceedings, but the match soon settled down, with Neil Green smashing 92, supported by brother Simon with 23, skipper Andy Westgate (34) and Howard Collins's 25, as KHCC declared on 195-5 .
Bramber's innings was similarly dominated by Pete Smith, who bludgeoned 87 after being dropped twice, and it looked as if the home side would canter to victory, with 20 needed from the last six overs. However, with five then needed from the last six balls, with five wickets intact, John Grimley stepped up to concede just three runs to ensure an unlikely draw.
The Dads & Lads fell just short of victory at home to Henfield in a game they should have won comfortably. The visitors batted first and were restricted to 115 - 7 by some excellent bowling from the Keymer youngsters. Wickets were shared around but mention should be made of Alex Vannan who bowled exceptionally well on his debut without luck.
The Keymer reply was progressing nicely at 73-2 but the rest of the team collapsed to be dismissed for 103. Only openers Brad Panico and Paul Duplock showed any permanence at the crease, as a winning position was thrown away.
Tuesday 13th May
Late drop outs meant Keymer and Hassocks struggled to put out three competitive sides on Saturday, with various juniors being drafted in at the last minute, and performing well in the circumstances.
The game at Adastra Park ended in a draw after Hellingly had amassed 250 for 3 declared, with former Hastings man Johns Snashall hitting 110 not out against a makeshift attack. In reply Keymer and Hassocks made 160 for 8, with Joe Barnes-Gratton compiling a fine 61, as the visitors could not make their superiority count.
In the reverse second team fixture, a young Hassocks side were well beaten after they could only make 135 all out, as only John Poole (44), Howard Collins (19) and 13 year old Jamie Purtell, with 17, offered any resistance. The hosts then eased to victory on 136-2, with both wickets falling to Andy Dixon.
In Stoner League Division Three, a KHCC 3rd XI fielding six youth team players lost to St Andrews Bears by 73 runs. KHCC won the toss and chose to field, and after a slow start Bears declared on 192 for 9. Pick of the KHCC bowling was again promising young off spinner James Griffin with 4-67. In reply, KHCC made a steady start but fell away in the middle order and were all out for 119, with David Pithie top scoring on 29, helped by 24 from David Chad.
Sunday's fixture saw Keymer's Dads & Lads XI make their first appearance of the season at Portslade, suffering a resounding 90-run defeat in a 40 over game. After losing the toss and being forced to field in the blazing sun, Keymer found it difficult to restrict the hosts, who eventually totalled 221 all out off the last ball of the innings. Pick of the Hassocks bowlers was Matt Dibden, who showed control to claim 4-26 from his eight overs. Keymer lost wickets at regular intervals in their reply, as only Jamie Purtell, with his second good knock of the weekend, looked solid in reaching 31. At 63-9 a humiliating defeat looked on the cards, but a last wicket partnership of 68 between young Adam Wickens, who played some nice shots in his 15 not out, and last man Ross Watkins, who slogged his way horribly to 46, restored a measure respectability.
Tuesday 6th May
It was league draws and a Sunday victory for KHCC this weekend.
Keymer & Hassocks started their inauguaral County League Division Three season with a well-earned draw at old rivals Lindfield.
Batting first, the hosts struggled with the slow wicket against some tight Keymer bowling, before a profitable final 10 overs saw them reach 184 for just three wickets.
Keymer then looked set for victory at 117 for 3, but wickets then fell at regular intervals and they ended 24 runs short with one wicket left. Tony Chad (30), Jo Barnes-Gratton (43) and Neil Green (34) were the main contributors.
The seconds earned a draw at home to Lindfield in their opener. Keymer won the toss and inserted the opposition on a damp wicket, and Lindfield found things difficult early on against John Grimley (3-19), Andy Dixon (2-23) and Jamie Carter (1-36). However, Malcolm Page (56) and a wagging tail saw Lindfield to 153-9 off their allotted 50 overs. Keymer started their response in the worst possible way losing wicket in the first over, but skipper Ross Watkins took an aggressive stance in reaching 33 before being dismissed by Mike Newcombe (4-27). Laurence Hannam took up the charge with an excellent 40, but the run rate was ever climbing on what was still a difficult scoring pitch, and once he was dismissed the Keymer innings closed 26 runs short on 127-8
In a Stoner League Division Three match , the thirds came close to victory over Cuckfield fourths, but had to settle for a frustrating draw with one Cuckfield wicket left. Keymer lost the toss and were put in to bat, with 74 from Prabby Singh, support from David Pithie (20) and Jamie Purtell (19), while Alan Piolet took 5-45 in their total of 174. In reply, Cuckfield were soon in trouble as skipper Nigel Hartley took 4-20 in 12 overs. However, the KHCC attack was unable to dislodge opener Charles Dunnett who carried his bat for 49 not out as Cuckfield finished on 106-9, with young off spinner James Griffin taking 2-29.
The Sunday XI recorded their first victory of the season with a win at home over Steyning. The visitors were put into bat and wickets fell regularly as they were bowled out for 130, with Neil Green (5 for 20) and Alex Brakell (3-29) doing most of the damage. In reply, John Poole (36) helped put on 73 for the first wicket to create a solid foundation for Neil Green hit a quick fire 40* and secure the win in the final over.
Thursday 1st May
Youngsters performed well for Keymer and Hassocks on Saturday, with contributions in each of the three games, offering encouragement ahead of the opening league fixtures.
The first team friendly at East Preston ended in a draw. Batting first, Hassocks made a solid start, but it was the third wicket partnership between Tony Chad (51) and Nathan Cooper (94 no) that shaped the innings of 223 - 4.
Wickets were shared around, with two for Rob Bartley and one apiece for Mike Poole, Neil Green, Andy Westgate and Alex Brakell, as East Preston finished 57 runs short of their target for the loss of six wickets.
The 2nd XI started their season with a home friendly defeat against Portslade. On a wet wicket Keymer were asked to bat first and slumped to 88 all out, with only opener Joe Isted coming to terms with the conditions and making 35. Portslade’s bowlers were led by skipper Lisher who took 4-13 from his eight overs. In reply Hassocks made the perfect start, Jamie Carter taking a wicket with the first ball of the innings, but after that point Portslade built steadily towards 79-5 and looked comfortable, but quick wickets from Andy Dixon (3-10) and 13 year old Matt Dibden (2-4) brought the game to a knife edge, with one wicket left and five runs wanted. Portslade did just enough to secure victory, as three difficult chances went begging.
The thirds won a similarly close-fought game against Uckfield Anderida thirds by one wicket. Pick of the Hassocks bowlers was young off spinner James Griffin, with 3-59, helped by Chris Brakell with 2-6, and under 14 players George Duplock and Luke Miller got their first wickets in senior cricket in Uckfield’s total of 152-9
In reply, Hassocks lost a wicket in the first over, and despite useful scores of 17 from Jamie Purtell and 11 from Luke Miller, wickets fell regularly to leave a win looking unlikely at 85-7 with only 12 overs remaining.
However, successive partnerships of 34 saw Tony Coleman (18 not out) score the winning runs in the final over, helped by 26 not out from skipper Nigel Hartley and 23 from George Hutchinson.
Friday 18th April
As last year, I plan to update all members on issues discussed at committee. I hope this will give everyone a better idea of what goes on at committee, as we try to make decisions in the best interests of the club. (If you disagree, why not stand for next year's committee so you can help shape things?)
Developments this winter:
We have been given new pavilion furniture by the Men's Club. I'm sure you will agree it makes the place seem much more welcoming and more like a cricket club bar. Please look after the new chairs, sofas and tables, and don't take any of them outside. We still have other chairs and tables that are either weatherproof or old enough for it not to matter.
It has been agreed that Tony Lyne and Richard Bostel, who both sadly died this winter, will be commemorated. Tony's family kindly asked for donations to the pavilion fund to be collected (which raised £485), and he will be appropriately remembered in the new building. Richard's memorial is yet to be decided. One suggestion is an award in his name, and others are welcomed.
Indoor nets continue at St Paul's on Thursday evenings. A new outdoor net will be purchased, with grants from two sources covering most if not all of the cost. We have selected a wheeled one which will be much easier to manage than our current facility.
A new tea urn has been provided.
Discussions with the Parish Council on the pavilion project continue. I will update members as and when there is further news.
100 Club winners for 2008 so far are: January, Howard Collins (sorry); February, Anthea Collins (honestly); March, Lynne Rimmer. All three pocketed £53 for an outlay of £2 per month. Why not speak to Mick Bateup and join today?
See you on the pitch or in the bar soon.
Friday 8th February
Keymer and Hassocks CC have moved a step closer to a new pavilion following a grant award from Mid Sussex District Council.
Council members approved £35,000 to Hassocks Parish Council towards the project at a meeting on Wednesday, February 6th, subject to a "cooling off" period of two weeks - a District Council requirement which very rarely affects grants of this nature. Terms of the award state that the club and the Parish Council now have one year to get further match funding in place, and another year in which to complete the project.
Chairman Howard Collins is investigating match funding options, which will have been greatly strengthened by this significant show of support from the local authority.
He said: "With the club committed to putting £30,000 towards the project, now more than matched by Mid Sussex District Council, we have around 20 per cent of the likely build cost guaranteed."
"I am reasonably confident that my match funding efforts could double this, with the Parish Council accepting that a public loan is inevitable for this project to happen. They have assured me at recent meetings that they are fully committed to the concept of making the new pavilion a reality and they are investigating planning and project management options."
"We are not at the finish line by any means, but this news is a good step in the right direction after years of frustration."
Wednesday 30th January
The fight to get a new pavilion for Keymer and Hassocks CC approaches a crucial milestone next week, when Mid Sussex District Council considers a grant application from Hassocks Parish Council.
With help from the club, they have submitted a bid for £35,000, with a panel of councillors due to determine the outcome on February 6th.
Of course, there are no guarantees, but noises from MSDC have so far been encouraging.
Success would not only mean a cash injection, but would also demonstrate to other funders that the local authority supports the project - an important element for funders.
Keep an eye on this webpage for an update next week