Cricketers and cricket fans,
This is a brief update on what’s been happening and what to expect when cricket restarts at Boxmoor.

First though, A powerful short film, narrated by cricket fan Stephen Fry, captures the spirit of the cricket community and celebrates the way in which society has come together during this difficult period.

Lockdown and Finance
Whilst cricket has been suspended during lockdown, your committee has been trying to maintain facilities, equipment and funds so that we are ready and able to restart when we get the “green light”. It’s important to realise that whilst most of the Cricket club’s expenditure takes place during the winter, most of the income is generated during the playing season. We are missing most of this.

At the beginning of the lockdown, our able Treasurer, Rachel provided a Cash Flow forecast that showed we would not have sufficient funds to enable us to continue during the next close season without donations and grants.

• Many of you have continued to pay annual subscriptions – thank you.
• Many have provided junior fees and continued to be part of the 100 club – thank you.
• Some have provided donations - thank you.

Plus, we have been fortunate in getting a Government Grant through Dacorum Borough Council of £10,000. This has enabled us to be ready for cricket’s restart.

Lockdown and Cricket Restart
The ECB and Saracen’s League have stated that, subject to Government Guidelines, we can hope to see cricket restarting on July 11^th, with the latest date being July 25^th. This will be without promotion and relegation. We also hope to be able to restart Junior Cricket, watch this space for more details.

One of the things we wait for, is advice on “Social Distancing in cricket”. Once we are advised by the ECB, we will of course let everyone know.

Lockdown and Facilities
I’m sure you will all have noticed that the ‘Moor, is looking great. Whilst as far as possible we have reduced costs, (but the roller and outfield cutter have just cost us £1,100 to repair) mowing has continued and it’s all looking excellent – partly because there is no cricket being played on it!!

But it does mean that the ‘Moor will be ready for 11^th July. We are also in discussion with Dacorum Borough Council over a 3^rd team pitch as Bourne End is no longer available.

The pavilion is being maintained and everything has been switched off to reduce costs. As not only has there been no cricket, our key tenant, Gade Valley Harriers has also not been able to use it. But to make sure the pavilion is ready for July 11^th we will be arranging a working party at short notice to clean and prepare everything. Hope to see you there.

Lockdown and Nets
As our nets are open to the public, the club is not in a position to follow the ECB guidelines. This requires them to be shut, unless they can be pre-booked and a “Nets Co-ordinator” appointed. Therefore, we are not able to sanction their use for club practice.

But, we know they are being used and we expect users to take appropriate care with regard to net safety as well as social distancing.

Lastly, let’s look forward to some cricket this season, all be it a truncated one,

Robert Booth
Boxmoor Cricket Club Secretary, on behalf of the Executive Committee