The work preparing the ground for the forthcoming season has begun, and, due to the terrible soaking that we have had constantly throughout the winter it's going to be a really tough job to get everything ready for the start of the season on Saturday 3rd May.

As always, we welcome any offers of help, but understand that work and education commitments mean that such opportunities are very limited for the huge majority of members.

What we would really like is a bumper turnout on Natwest Cricketforce weekend, which this year falls on Saturday and Sunday 5th and 6th April. Then we can get all of the regular maintenance jobs which need doing before the start of the season done whilst allowing us to continue to work on the pitch. We are very proud of our facilities at Little Bounds, but they don't just happen....and the more hands we have, the better. As always, we will start bright and early on the Saturday at around 9.30, and aim to finish by 2.00. Breakfast cobs and drinks will, as always be provided.

Please try to give us a few hours of your time. It really is vital to the club.

Update...

We are now just over a week away from Cricketforce 2014. The ground is beginning to look at bit more like a cricket ground as the pre-season work continues, but there is still a huge amount to be done.

Cricketforce aims to bring together thousands of clubs throughout the country, on the weekend of 5th and 6th of April, to act as one massive force for the good of our clubs and our great game.

To give you a better idea of what we are trying to accomplish over the weekend, there follows an initial list of jobs which need to be done.

Outside

Strimming the perimeter of the ground.
Cutting back vegetation behind netting at Elm Tree Avenue end of ground.
Paint Boundary Boards and repair where necessary.
Clean and repair practice nets.
Clean patio area.
Cut grass behind pavilion.
New Sightscreen construction.
Replace covers on frames. Clean cover hoses.
Mobile net repair.
Clean out Scorebox.

Inside

Clean Clubhouse/Showers/Changing Rooms.
Clear out Tuckshop.
Clean external shutters/patio doors

This is not an exhaustive list but it should show you exactly why we need your help.

Work starts at around 9.30 each day (weather permitting) and should be finished by 2.30.

Breakfast will be provided!

Please try to give us at least a couple of hours. Irrespective of attendance the work still has to be done, and will fall on the small number of volunteers who are already working flat out to provide our members with excellent playing conditions for the forthcoming season.

Cheers,
John Leaver and Trevor Berridge