Another season is upon us with our first match at the end of the month, I think on the 19th, this season’s fixtures have been so confusing to manage with various leagues to work with! How Cliff handles this, I do not know.

There have been a few management changes this close season. With the retirement after ten successful years as our Chairman, Simon Radbourne, being replaced by our longest serving cricketer and former Chairman Simon Baulcomb.

Jonny Allen returns as Director of Cricket and Pip Riddell as the VPC Chairman representative.

Sheila has stepped down after decades as Bar Manager, succeeded by Nick Slate our caterer and former colts’ player. Sheila now is looking after bookings, a job she excels, a great Ambassador for our club.

The colts again under Ally Jessey’s stewardship have another bucket load of fixtures for all age groups from nine to nineteen.

This year we are researching and attempting to establish Girl’s cricket, invitations are going out for youngsters to come along and experience our game under the management of Ben Doyle who runs a local charity Changing Lives in Harlow.

Last summer’s celebration of our 250th anniversary of playing cricket here in Harlow was magnificent. A brilliant time had by all. Many fond memories and good to see many past members popping along for a day to watch and catch up.

The exhibition of our club’s history promoted by Harlow Museum has now been transferred over to Essex CCC Museum and on display for the month of April.

Sad news with losing a few past members and close friends including, Michael Davey, Olive Aspinall (wife of former Chariman Ray and mother of past players Nigel and Graham).

More recently, Marylyn Coxhead, wife of Terry (LM and past 1st XI skipper), mother and grandmother of four boys all with cricket backgrounds here.
And finally, Martin Allen, Greg Racey and Richard Parrish.
All RIP.

After last year’s celebrations, three more this year, Clif Clark is 80! Simon Baulcomb racks up 50 years as a playing member and me, 60 years for hanging around.

This seasons Fixtures & Members Handbook has now been published, those who live far away I shall pop a copy in the post within the next few days or so.

We have a regular Thursday Club of past players and friends ensuring the edges are tidy. Pam’s Memorial Garden is in tip top shape. More quality benches arriving each spring and of course our 2FIVE0 Garden has proved to be a success for families to sit in groups away from the club house.

Keep safe and well, I do hope many of you manage to visit Marigolds this summer, its looking better and better each year with many improvements both inside and out.

Please do let me know if you intend to visit us this season, I’ll happily buy you a drink and chat whilst watching our cricket club.

I look forward to catching up you sometime this summer, keep well.

Alan Howick

NB: If have had a change of postal address, please let me know.