OLD ALLEYNIAN CRICKET CLUB Important Letter from OACC Chairman

Dear OA,

The cricket season is upon us and I'm afraid to report that these are critical times for the Old Alleynian Cricket Club.

As it stands, the OACC leases the ground from the Old Alleynian Football Club, and over the last few years we have not been paying our way. As a result we are being asked to contribute more fully, or else we can wave goodbye to our club.

Understandably there is little sentiment being expressed towards us, and the harsh economic realities of today's world mean that there is a strong body of opinion within the OAFC that would rather rent the ground out for weddings than maintain the summer traditions of leather and willow. Indeed, Dulwich Cricket Club are now also looking for extra pitches and the OAFC would be very happy to accommodate them instead of us.

We have, however, been architects of our own downfall. Members consistently fail to pay match fees and subscriptions despite constant requests and last year we will have contributed less than £1500 to the club (excluding bar receipts and the like).

As a result a harsh, and some may say draconian, but I fear entirely necessary, new regime is in place. David Elsdon will collect match fees from the captains as close to match day as possible. Home captains will be expected to hand over match fees on the day, away captains have a week's grace. Players will not be picked until they have paid their annual subscriptions, which this year will be £60. Match fees will be £10 per match. Alternatively, should you wish, you can pay £180 for a full season with no match fees on top. If you play over 12 games in a season this is the most cost effective solution. In addition each player will be expected to pay for teas (this sum will vary according to the price of teas but allow £3). Furthermore, any additional expenses (umpires, scorers even overseas players) will have to be paid for by team members on the day.

If we do not get the correct match fees to David he will not prepare a wicket.

I appreciate that this new way of doing things may come as something of a shock, but if we get it right, we may just lay the foundations for a thriving club going forward.

The future of the club remains in doubt. My personal belief is that we will have to consider merging with another club (Alleyn Old Boys being the most obvious) as soon as possible. This season, I will be asking members for feedback and contributions to a consultation exercise that will result in a blueprint for the way forward over the next three years. I ask that you all contribute as fully as possible. Without active members there is no club.

All of this may sound terribly alarming, but we have frankly been shambolic these last three years and without some drastic action there will only be a slow and painful death. This cricket club has existed for 80 years. It is on the verge of extinction. I urgently request that we dig deep, pull together and take the OACC forward so that cricket remains at Potash Farm. I have represented this club for 20 years and don't intend to see it die. But I and the committee can't do it alone.

Daniel Norcross
Chairman OACC.
22nd April, 2004