2000 FIXTURES - As confirmed at the League AGM, the fixtures sent to all clubs have been withdrawn and are being reworked – please make sure your club Fixtures Secretary knows this. This is responding to the many concerns expressed by the clubs about the use of 2 September and other problems with teams sharing grounds. We cannot guarantee to resolve all of the problems, but Stewart Frazier will do all he can. Please rest assured that new fixtures will be sent to you as soon as possible.

NEWS FROM THE AGM

- From 2001, only ONE Foreign National PER CLUB may be registered, but a coaching qualification will not be a condition of registration.

- ECB Directives for young fast bowlers will apply to all divisions in 2000. Your club should have received a copy of leaflet: ECB Fast Bowling Directives, which was enclosed inside the A5 navy blue folder – ECB Developing cricket from playground to Test Arena - Developing your Club, which your club secretary will have received this summer. There is a picture of Darren Gough on the front of the bowling directives leaflet. There is also further information in the ECB’s Coach’s Manual. Please let Penny Taylor know if you need additional copies.

- The MINIMUM PUBLIC LIABILITY COVER required is £ 5 millon.

- South Coast Panel Fair Play Award (Southern League & County Division 1) was presented to Rowledge CC.

- Allan Trowbridge (Salisbury Wanderers CC) and Jonathan Blake (Linkenholt CC) have joined The Management Committee – we thank them for volunteering - their help will be very much appreciated!

- We urgently need a League Treasurer to succeed Stewart Frazier – please let Penny Taylor know of anyone who may be interested – there must be SOMEONE out their to do it!

- Newsletters & other helpful information e.g. what you should be doing for Grounds Maintenance will be mailed and also be included on the Hampshire Cricket League website: www.hcl.cricket.org

GLOBE-TROTTING SECRETARY

PENNY TAYLOR is taking a much-needed break in South Africa from 30 December – 20 January to watch the last 2 Test Matches in Cape Town and Johannesburg. On her return she will be sending:

- Handbook Entries for updating - Handbook Order Forms - Cricket Ball Order Forms

Please help Penny by responding quickly to what she sends out to you so that she can process everything on her return. Her answering machine will not be on, so it would be better to communicate by post which can await her return. She will be checking her Emails regularly but please restrict these to urgent communications only. Any major problems, please contact Colin Savage on 01329 665 203 or Email him at Colin.Savage@ons.gov.uk.

Queries about Insurance: John Metcalfe or Ann Buckley on 01264 323 157

Queries about Fixtures: Colin Savage as above

Queries about Ground matters: Mike Munday, on 01705 599 099 or George Winkles, on 01489 589 183

Queries about the Winter Quiz: Tony Brown, on 01329 234 488 Queries about Cricket Ball Orders: Jim Strong on 01428 722 940

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES – TO AVOID ARRANGING CLUB FUNCTIONS WHICH CLASH

FRIDAY, 3rd NOVEMBER 2000 PRESENTATION DINNER – Forte Posthouse, Eastleigh

THURSDAY, 25th NOVEMBER 2000 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – venue to be advised

You’ve no excuse now!

THE LAWS OF CRICKET

Several clubs expressed an interest in where they could find information about the Laws of Cricket. There is a complete section on the Laws of Cricket in the blue ECB Cricket Club Management Manual ‘Playing the Game’ which your Club Secretary should have! See Section 8. We do, though, know there will be some changes – which have yet to be announced by the MCC – and will keep you advised. None of the changes will be implemented for the 2000 season.

There is also an excellent book which contains everything you’ll need: Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring & Scoring

Last known prices: Paperback: £5.99, Protective Cover: £0.50p, Postage & Packaging £1

Obtainable from: Acumen Books, Rushton House, 167 Nantwich Road, Audley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 8DL.

Managing Director: Colin Pearson, Telephone & Fax: 01782 720 798

HANDY HINTS FOR YOUR HARDWORKING GROUNDSMAN FOR JANUARY 2000

Not a lot to do this month – basically keep off the square if it is very wet or frosty. During mild conditions, brush the square as often as possible, to remove dew. This will disperse any fungal spores present and worm castes. Continually inspect for disease and damage on the square. Have you serviced your machinery yet, if not do it NOW, as next month, if weather conditions allow, preparations for the coming cricket season could begin. Any problems, call George Winkles on 01489 589 183.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy and, hopefully, prosperous New Year!