Appleton
further developed the facility in 2005
under a £325k development programme.
The most challenging aspect of my role
is balancing our day to day cash flows,
whilst ensuring funds are available for
future developments.
“The Club continually seeks to
improve its facilities for the membership.
In the past three years we have invested
in new covers, the provision of a paid
groundsman, an electronic scoreboard,
refurbishment of the social area, external
solar lighting and the provision of wi-
fi. All of these developments require
funding. Robust processes need to be in
place for the collection of membership
fees and match fees, alongside exploring
the various funding opportunities that
are available to cricket clubs.
“The current mood at the Club is very
positive. We have a great set of captains
for our four senior men’s league teams
and are the only club in North Cheshire
to consistently operate four Saturday
League teams. Our Women’s team has
won the County League four times in the
last seven years.
“The Captain’s share the Appleton
ethos that encourages everyone to
be involved and ensure that each
individual has a role to play within their
team. We had a successful Club Fun
Day in August with an open age softball
cricket tournament. It was great to see
all sections of the Club participate in
the event, including the junior parents
and there were a few handy cricketers
amongst that group too. We also recently
held our 12th Annual Golf Day, so it’s
not all just about the cricket, there is a
good social buzz around the Club.
“Reflecting on the season as it draws
to a close, all teams are going to finish
mid-table in their respective Divisions
which is probably a disappointment
from last season’s performance where
the 1st XI finished 3rd and were in the
promotion race right up to the last day of
the 2016 season.
“Similarly the Women’s team will
also finish mid-table after winning their
knock out Cup last year and narrowly
missed out on winning their League.
However we were expecting this season
to be tough as a couple of players moved
on and a few established players took
planned breaks during 2016 for a variety
of reasons.
“However we did recruit over the
winter and our playing membership
has actually increased in 2017 which is
extremely positive. With our established
players committing to a full season in
2018 I am confident that 2017 will be seen
as year of stabilisation and the platform
for future success.
“We have a forward looking
Committee led by a proa