Cricket Force 2009

Andy McParland

Telephone

07976 838246

Dear Friend

England and Wales Cricket Board/Natwest Groundforce Day 2009 – Saturday 4th April.

Despite some atrocious weather, last year’s event was a spectacular success in rejuvenating the clubhouse and grounds in preparation for a very successful season. Well, it’s that time again and I was wondering whether you’d like to be involved this year.

The plan is to have one day of action starting from 10ish on Saturday 4th April and finishing with a drink in the clubhouse. Drinks and food will be available throughout the day.

For the juniors, we’re looking to organise sponsored fence painting again, so for them it’ll be a ‘bring a paint brush’ day. Last year an incredible £600 was raised which paid for a fair bit of the new clubhouse furniture. John Wilson will also be recruiting help in fixing some new netting to poles. (I get the impression that the bank will resemble a Cornish fishing village!)

As far as senior players and parents are concerned, any help in getting the following done would be really appreciated: Internal painting - gloss and emulsion rolling; Slashing and burning the overgrown driveway (deliberate wording for the pyromaniacs) and clearing around the clubhouse; Concreting in some new bench bases; Hanging a new set of garage doors; Artexing a small patch in the lounge ceiling; Painting the screen; Spring cleaning the clubhouse and also photographing the event.

I’m also thinking that in a certain light, the front gable does look slightly ‘Barbie Pink’. If any body has got any white exterior masonry paint it might be good to match it match the rest of the building (alternatively, a load of pink for the rest of the building would also do!)

We’re a bit short of hedge cutting and painting kit so it’s probably best to bring along anything you may want to use. Let me know if you can bring stepladders, dustsheeting or anything else for that matter.

No offer of providing/helping with refreshments will be refused. The barbeque will be in operation so there will be positions for shoppers and caterers. Homemade cakes went down particularly well last year.

Now I’m on a bit of a roll, it would be fitting to get a flag for our redundant flagpole. A Barrow Kipper on green would set the place off a treat. I’m already picturing a ceremonial flag raising! Any suggestions would be gratefully received.

In addition to the Groundforce event, you may be interested to know that John Upton has been relentlessly pursuing funding to provide a disabled toilet and new French doors opening onto an extended patio. So who knows, we’ll soon be able to boast premiership facilities too!

Now, I’m sure you don’t need me to remind you that the club is what we make it and that I was not the only one that appreciated the club spirit of last year’s event. I hope you can make it on the day and will ensure that arrangements are posted nearer the time on http://www.barrowtowncricket.com .

In the meantime, if there’s anything you can offer towards kick starting the season, please feel free to contact me on 07976 838246 or andy@mcp7.freeserve.co.uk .

Best Wishes

Andy McParland