Following on from the recent updates on Government guidance linked to COVID-19, we just wanted to give you a few updates about Kings Langley Cricket Club at this time.
- We remain closed until further notice - Whilst there have been some changes to rules around recreational activities, team sports and social clubs are not permitted until "Step 3" in July at the earliest. As we have previously said, the Herts League have already stated that there will be no league cricket before July 11th at the earliest, and at the time of writing this remains the situation. We will continue to review the relevant sources of guidance and do all we can to be in a position to be able to operate safely in line with restrictions when circumstances allow.
- The financial situation - As it is for most organisations, this is a trying time financially as the bar and private hires are a significant proportion of our income. Thanks to the hard work and contributions of many people over the years, we entered this crisis in a relatively robust financial position - and we are keeping abreast of any opportunities to apply for relevant and appropriate grants to support us at this time. It is, of course the time of year when many would be paying their memberships subscriptions as the season is getting underway, and we would kindly ask that, as long as you find yourself in a position to be able to do so, you still pay your subscriptions for the coming season (details are attached). We continue to have a certain number of outgoings, and we are also in the process of reviewing the status of the Net Refurbishment Project, so all contributions will make a big difference.
- Preparing for cricket - We do continue to prepare for the possibility of cricket, and if you have walked past The Common on your daily exercise you may have noticed the beautiful square and the ever-improving outfield, courtesy of the efforts of Ricky Mohammed, Paul Ashford and Tony Tuffs who have all spent time, following careful social distancing guidelines, working on the playing facilities in recent weeks. There are also a few players volunteering to help with the watering over the coming weeks - if you would like to help, let us know.
- Developing your skills - It may be difficult to practice our cricket skills at the moment but we have been informed of a number of free, online courses for potential umpires and scorers. This includes a course for players who may be called upon to fulfill these roles for a few overs each weekend, so if you do find yourself with increased free time, you may be interested in following this link: https://www.ecb.co.uk/be-involved/officials/find-a-course
- Opportunities for Junior cricketers - we know we have a number of young cricketers who will be chomping at the bit to get playing. It is worth exploring the ECB website for ideas for activities and games you may be able to use at home, and for 8-11 year old's, this linked video gives an introduction to the Dynamos Cricket App: https://www.ecb.co.uk/video/1661985/introducing-the-dynamos-cricket-app-
- Trying to keep spirits up - We will continue to do our best to offer opportunities to bring our KLCC family together whilst we have to stay apart. We will continue to host a Virtual Pub Quiz on Facebook Live each fortnight (next one tomorrow at 8pm), there will be more reports and scorecards of 'the games that couldn't be' and we're keen for your ideas and involvement - if you have ideas, would like to contribute to ongoing activities or would be able to support the club in some way, please do get in touch by replying to this email.
Please be reassured that the Executive Committee continue to hold regular 'virtual' meetings and will continue to discuss all aspects of club life to ensure we are as prepared as we can be as restrictions and guidelines are modified over the coming weeks and months.
Please take care, stay safe and we look forward to seeing you on The Common again when circumstances allow.
The Executive Committee