As I look out at the snow and ice, I am keen to get back up to Balls Park watching quality cricket with friends in the sunshine! Most of my and the club committee's role at this time year is to focus on the off-field activities, ensuring everything is in place to facilitate the cricket. I am very pleased to confirm some key developments are planned as we approach the season.

Hertford Cricket and Hockey Association (HCHA) are continuing to invest in the pavilion to maintain this key asset. Over the next couple of months we are replacing the wood cladding on the pavilion to match the extension, this is important to ensure we have a weatherproof and maintainable exterior. We are also replacing the flooring in the old showers with a new altro floor.

HCC are also continuing to invest in the cricket. We have a placed the order to replace the electronic scoreboard, so next year we should have a reliable and again maintainable system going forward. Installation is due to be completed before the season starts. We are also supporting the cricket committee with investment in an overseas player and more structured coaching. We have made some good progress with those essential officials we need to run matches; with Jamie Lawrence, Andy Kirtley and I all taking scorers qualifications during the closed season. We still need volunteers for umpires and scorers, so let me know if you want to join us!

We have, as always, been dealing with a few challenges. During the recent high winds a tree fell across the tractor shed and neighbours garage. Martin is working hard with Andy Blackett to get the asbestos roofing removed safely (by specialists) and the garage rebuilt to give storage for the tractor and roller. The groundsman's building will be our next focus for fundraising and investment.

It would not be a chairman's update without a fundraising appeal. We have a small group looking at ways we can improve our income streams - you will see various re-energisation of existing initiatives and some new ones this year. Please give them your support where you can.

I am very pleased that we have excellent engagement and energy across the club. The cricket committee and the junior committee are doing some great work with their plans for the 2018 season. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Regards, Mick Ray

KIT (TRAINING & PLAYING)

Hertford has a new kit and a new sponsor! The new kit includes playing shirts and training gear that is available to buy on the Hertford club shop (http://www.tylers-sportswear.co.uk/Catalogue/Sports-Webshops/Cricket-Clubs/Hertford-CC)

TRAINING & FIXTURES

SENIOR WINTER NETS
4th February – 8th April
(Allenbury's, 20:00–21:30 every Sunday)

SENIOR NETS OUTDOORS
Start on 12th April (18:00-19:45)

WARM-UP FIXTURES
14th – 29th April

LEAGUE FIXTURES
First league game - 5th May

CRICKET WEEK
23rd – 27th July

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES

CRICKET FORCE (WORKING PARTY)
7th April

QUIZ NIGHT
27th April

RACE NIGHT (NEW!)
T.B.C

SUMMER PARTY
27th July (end of Cricket Week)