In the September edition of the Newsletter I said that it will not be possible for me to continue as Secretary of the Society. I intended to be assisting ‘in the background’ until my successor was appointed, but it was highly unlikely that I would be able to attend any meetings. I’m afraid my illness is now as such that I will have to totally resign as Secretary with immediate effect. I wanted to pay thanks to the many members who have assisted in keeping the Society in existence since its founding in 1963.

I’d personally like to give a personal ‘shout out’ to Bill Webster who I have known for many, many years as a friend and member.

I would like to pay particular tribute to some individuals who have played major parts over recent years. I apologise to those who do not get a specific mention but whose contributions have been so helpful.

Firstly, to Martin Willows who has been an always present at meetings, arranging the raffles and therefore raising significant funds without any fuss or recognition. I spoke to him on Thursday, and he is in good spirits but we may not see too much of him over this season. Bob Sargeant, a committee member for so many years has kindly agreed to step into this role in addition to his ongoing committee work.

We all know the contribution that Mike Taylor made to both CCLS and cricket in Chesterfield generally and it is a reflection of the man that I feel what a terrific British Ambassador to the US he would be in the present circumstances.

David Marshall has been a loyal member and supporter of CCLS over many years – together with his many other duties for Derbyshire CCC. David is the wise counsel to whom we have all turned to when we had tricky situations to deal with.

I have most difficulty in adequately describing his qualities as he is simply one of the best human beings I have had the privilege to know. Modest, Positive, Caring, Unassuming. Encouraging ……I could go on.

I owe an apology to NEIL SWANWICK as I asked him to assist me by becoming Chair of Friends of Queen’s Park Cricket and after Mike had to step down as CCLS Chairman asked him another favour to take on that role as well. He has worked very hard in this role both up front and behind the scenes and everyone would agree he has made an excellent Chairman – despite my nervousness of having a Notts County season ticket holder in this position!

Finally, to my mind, the person who has made the most significant contribution of all in ensuring the continuance of our Society throughout the years.

35 years as an Officer at any organisation is to be applauded but 35 years of being Treasurer at Chesterfield Cricket Lovers’ Society is outstanding and astonishing. I think we can all suggest that our membership cannot be the easiest from which to extract subscriptions – but we always do eventually.

As Treasurer Niven Roper gets involved with nearly everything that happens at CCLS – collection of subs, payments to speakers, assistance and distribution of Newsletters and other correspondence. How we have managed to break- even, in recent years is something that, as Secretary, I’ve been very grateful for but don’t ask me how Niven has done it.

We often don’t give time to think of the time people give up ensuring other people have experiences they would never have had without people like our Treasurer. Over the years we have become firm friends, and I thank him for that and some scrapes he’s got me through. Have a good retirement at the end of this season Niven.

In remembering significant people in all kinds of organisations it is usually the ‘up front’ people that are regularly recognised for obvious reasons.

In our case there is an outstanding contribution that has been made. Many, many thanks to Niven Roper for all his work.

I wish good luck to Steve and Peter who have volunteered to take over the roles. There’s nothing to fear – a lot of help will come your way when you most need it.

Lastly, from my point of view, it has been both a privilege and a pleasure to serve as Honorary Secretary. I will miss the meetings but remember you all. Please do all you can to assist in ensuring the Society continues well into the future.

One final request – could I ask that this statement is posted on the Society webpage for an appropriate period of time.

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