An inaugural Presidential Address…

A short time ago I was surprised and delighted to be asked if I would be the new President of Nazeing Common Cricket Club.

It wasn’t an honour that I ever thought would come my way.

Since then I’ve taken time out to reflect on all that the club means to me. I first arrived in the summer of 1989, a refugee from Hoddesdon where I hadn’t felt at home. Within a very short space of time there was a sense of belonging to the Nazeing family – which is very much how I still view it today. It has always been a happy place for me.

In those early years the club became very much a part of my life. There was always plenty to do, whether it was cutting the grass, cleaning the club house, manning the bar or, even better, enjoying a game of cricket followed by some drinks in the clubhouse afterwards. Then, as now, the club was full of characters and there were many happy evenings spent listening to anecdotes of times gone by or just talking rubbish. We didn’t always win but we always had fun.

As the years went by the standard started to improve and has continued to do so but thankfully we still welcome players of all standards – cricket lovers one and all. In a departure from what I have experienced elsewhere we integrate youngsters into the club from an early age and this is reflected in the number of players who have come up through the ranks and stayed with the club. The sense of belonging is strong and is reflected in all the effort put in by the members to make the club the success it undoubtedly is today.

Before I sign off, let me take this opportunity to thank my predecessor John Coleman, a faithful servant and friend the of the club for very many years. I hope he will continue to join us whenever he can.

I’m looking forward to my time as President and playing a more active part in the life of the club than I have in recent times. It’s time to come home.

Dominic