It's an honour and privilige to be the new Chairman of Tring Park Cricket Club. When I joined TPCC some seventeen years ago, I never imagined that I would one day hold this position. With the support of a fantastic new committee, I will work very hard to be worthy of a role that has been filled by so many great personalities, over the club's long, illustrious history.

In recent years, my main contribution to the club, has regrettably not been in the form of majestic centuries (though I like to think there is still one left in me..take note Grouty), but in the more prosaic work of leading the change in the public presentation of our annual fireworks event. Some members may be surprised to know that this event now generates revenues over ten times that of senior match fees. It's a sobering thought and one that illuminates the challenge we all face. Cricket, as a participation sport, is and has been for a while now, in decline.

Now I don't accept for a second that this must be our fate. In fact, I know we can buck the national trend. How? The answer lies in evolving what we have to offer - just as we have done with the fireworks - to be the best kind of modern day, cricket led, multi sports facility, that 'customers' want to be a part of. We've been doing it for some time now, but we just need to turn it up a notch, particularly where playing cricket is concerned. We need to understand that what makes playing cricket enjoyable - what makes folk prepared to give up a whole Saturday for the sport we love (when they have so many alternatives), is different for every individual. My challenge to Gordon and the team captains is to work hard at finding out what kind of cricket experience, every playing member wants... and then collectively, do their damnedest to deliver on those wishes. My brain can only cope with simple logic: If people enjoy their cricket, they will keep playing. If they don't they will stop.

There's lots to discuss and I look forward to plenty of lively conversation on that wonderful balcony of ours. In the meantime, two things:
1) We need two more people with time and energy to step up to the plate and be a part of the new hands on, making stuff happen team (formerly known as the Committee). If that appeals to you, get in touch.
2) To potential new members - please come and join us. You'll get a warm welcome. To existing members, please pay your subs online here, as soon as you can. Commercially last year was a tough one - more on that in my next update - and prompt subscription payments will help enormously. It's real easy to do on our new website right here: http://www.tringcricket.co.uk/payments

Yours
Nick Wake
E: ChairTPCC@gmail.com
M: 07815 301569