Without doubt we are experiencing what can only be described as a very surreal situation not only in the UK but all around the World. The current situation with COVID-19 is having a huge impact on all of our lives, families, friends and the way we go about our daily routines. The impact has transgressed to all sectors of the community, including Bexley Cricket Club, leading to a huge change in the 2020 cricket season and all that goes with it.

As a community club, we will support the measures currently in place and those that may follow in the best interests of everyone, none more so than the members of the Bexley CC “family”. As from today the clubhouse and grounds will formally be closed for cricket related activity; this supports the guidelines and advice from the ECB. That does not mean we cannot still be involved with the Club.

As you are all aware, Cricket Force 2020 has been cancelled, a day on which we would ordinarily get the pavilion and grounds ready for the coming season. There are still tasks to be completed and with that in mind, we have agreed that if members who are healthy and without symptoms of the virus wish to, they can attend the club and take on some of those odd jobs that need to be done. Government advice tells us that where appropriate, to get out for exercise and fresh air. If you feel that you could offer some time, Dave Sealey will be on site and will be able to point out those jobs that need addressing. We must however limit the number of volunteers at any one time to 5 who must adhere to the 2m social distancing protocol. If you wish to offer your time, please contact Dave Sealey who will monitor numbers and ensure the proper materials are available. The Club survives on volunteers and long may this continue.

The overriding effect of the recent developments is financial. Loss of income will cause repercussions for us as a Club. The General Committee met on Saturday 21st March to discuss all of these issues. Annual subscriptions would in normal circumstances be due within the next month or so for both adult and colt members. The uncertainty as to when recreational and league cricket will resume, cricket related activity for our younger members and of course, the social side of all things Bexley, has been addressed by the Committee. To assist with the minimum running costs the Club face we are asking the following of our members, any payments received will go a long way to securing the financial stability of our wonderful club.

1. Can all members consider paying for social membership of £35 in the first instance? Arrangements for doing so are contained on the Bexley CC Pitchero website.
2. Those who feel they are in a position to offer more can of course pay full membership.
3. Any member that is in a position where they are unable to pay during the current situation are at liberty to contact an officer of the Club. We totally understand that financial and employment situations differ greatly and those issues will be dealt with in total confidence.

Whilst not wishing to go into detail with facts and figures, we already have a cash shortfall estimate based on the current timings and indications given by the Government and the ECB as to when daily life may return to normal and when cricket will resume. The length of the 2020 cricket season is going to be severely reduced and nobody knows when we will get the “green light” to go. A gesture of goodwill from all members to pay the social membership will go some way to offset the financial shortfall we will suffer in 2020.

These are tough times for all and the Committee is well aware of the impact this is having on everybody. Throughout this uncertain period, it is important to keep in contact with friends and fellow members. If you are aware of any of our members that may need help of any kind please share with us and we will do all we can to give assistance or at least, make enquiries on their behalf to source assistance where appropriate. Like any family, it is important that we all stick together and give support to each other.

We have plans to issue a fortnightly “newsletter” on the website to keep everyone informed about developments and hopefully retain some form of social interaction for Club members. If you have any news to share, please send details. You can be assured that as a Committee, we have the interests of all members in mind. General Committee will meet regularly and plan where possible, to alleviate the situation in general terms. None of us can give any promises or assurance as to when Bexley CC will be back on its feet. If any members have any questions, please contact either myself or Nick and we will do our best to answer them.

Until then please stay safe and stay well during these challenging times. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Grand Re-Opening Party.

Steve Griggs (President)
griggsys@btinternet.com

Nick Riley (Chairman)
nicholas.riley3@btinternet.com