FIRSTLY, from LGCC's Management Committee, thank you for vital support of the club during what's been a most challenging year for the club itself and, more relevantly and importantly, all of our valued members.
There have been losses of loved ones among LGCC's membership, as well as personal and family challenges of differing scale during an unprecedented time for everyone. The club's thoughts are with all those who've been affected by Covid-19 and related difficulties.
Yet now, it would seem, there are clear signs of brighter times ahead, in line with the Government's vaccine roll-out and Roadmap out of Lockdown.
There are few things everyone likes more than enjoying a summer's afternoon at The Green, whether you're doing so enjoying a drink, playing cricket or simply spending time with family & friends. Perhaps these simple pleasures may be more appreciated as we head into summer 2021 and beyond.
With a full summer's cricket schedule (subject to ECB Covid-secure safety measures) accompanied by a slow and gradual return to clubhouse life at The Green, we looking forward to welcoming you 'home'.
KEY DATES FOR THE MONTH AHEAD:
w/c Monday April 12: LGCC Bar Re-Opens* & Membership Renewal Emails Sent
The reopening of the bar for members & their guests will take place on the evening of Friday April 16 and during the daytime on both Saturday April 17 & Sunday April 18. Bar Chairman Graham Evans has also hinted at a celebratory opening on the evening of Monday April 12 itself - so worth checking out the club website and Facebook page across the few days preceding this landmark date.
Bar service will be from the clubhouse door, as before, with the government-advised limits on mixing still applying. All those in attendance are required to be seated. Do not be offended if a member of voluntary bar staff and/or an LGCC management committee member exercises the right to issue a reminder of this.
This week will also see membership renewal emails dispatched by Membership Secretary Keeley Downes. Please take this opportunity to update any personal details which may be incorrectly stated. Once your renewal has been confirmed, Membership Cards will be available to collect from The Green upon your first visit of the May 2021 - April 2022 membership period.
These cards will have an individual membership number marked upon them; a number which will also be assigned to the clubhouse till for ready identification of members in order to offer preferential member's rates during the year ahead.
Tuesday April 13: first senior cricket training session
With two fitness sessions having already taken place, two more are scheduled for next week (Tue Apr 6 & Thu Apr 8, 6.15pm start) before the cricket-based preparations for season 2021 kick in from 6.00pm on Tuesday April 13. Pre-season cricket training will then continue on Thursday April 15 and then Tuesdays (at least) and Thursdays (when no junior fixture) up to and into the start of the competitive cricket season.
w/e of Friday April 16: Junior Cricket Practise starts
With exact timings to be confirmed directly to junior parents/guardians in a separate message to be issued very soon, LGCC junior group training sessions will - to limit numbers gathering at the same time - now be split between Friday evenings (older age groups) and Saturday mornings (younger age groups & Girls team).
So, for now, the Friday evening mass gathering of all juniors & parents/guardians cannot take place - understandably so, given the constraints, and with the fact that the club is fielding NINE junior teams altogether this season.
Sunday April 18: first pre-season cricket fixture at The Green
Starting around 1pm, a mixed XI will host Aspley Guise CC for the first of this summer's action.
Saturday May 8: Saracens Herts League season begins
LGCC will once again field four Saturday teams in Herts League action at the level of Divisions 1, 4A, 8B & Regional B West. All fixtures start at 12noon with no teas provided for the visiting opposition. LGCC may well be providing a tea for its own home team and any supporters in attendance.
As the Government's Roadmap out of Covid-19 restrictions continues to be published and updated, LGCC intends to confirm what further activities will be available. Clearly, use of the clubhouse is an important next step.
For now, though, let's look forward to meeting in the warmth of the British summer (!) and enjoy a few drinks and some cricket back at The Green.
With our continued best wishes to you and your family & friends,
LGCC's Management Committee