2024 ANNUAL REPORT

11 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT L I S A P U R S E HOU S E CHI EF EXECUT I VE’S REPORT A global pandemic and its aftermath continue to affect our workforce and our member and supporter base, along with the economic environ- ment in which we operate. Although, in many ways, it could appear that our on-field priorities remain much the same as they have for almost 200 years, as a county club that sits at the heart of our community, we have not been immune to those societal challenges. However, as we reflect on the period just passed, we can be proud that we have been able to adapt to changing circumstances, have shown resilience and can look ahead to the next cycle with a degree of optimism. On the field it is evident that the results of our men’s team fell below the standards we all rightly expect last summer. Having enjoyed so much success in the Blast for a number of years, and even taking into account the loss of a number of experienced players, our perfor- mances were hugely disappointing. It was also incredibly frustrating to find ourselves in a relegation battle in the last match of the County Championship season, having worked so hard to return to Division One in 2022. However, we know that with chal- lenge comes opportunity and that change can lead to growth. As we said a very fond farewell to Fletch, a Notts stalwart the likes of which we are unlikely to see again, we watched Freddie McCann and Farhan Ahmed make notable breakthroughs into the first team at the end of last season. Watching such young, talented, home-grown players make their debuts in such style was incredibly uplifting in a difficult season. Our players are fully aware of their responsibilities and we know that, for them to achieve success, the right environment, facilities and coaching structures must be in place – under- pinned by a long-term strategy. A key part of our five-year plan has been to develop young local players in all formats of the game, and we shall continue with those endeav- ours. The upturn in form seen by our women’s team,The Blaze, in the past two summers is a clear demon- stration of a consistent approach The last 12 months has concluded a five-year cycle that has been one of the most difficult periods we have had to navigate in decades. “WE ARE NOW A COUNTY CLUB THAT PLAYS HOST TO MEN’S AND WOMEN’S CRICKET AT THE HIGHEST DOMESTIC LEVEL AND NEXT YEAR’S SCHEDULE PERMITS BOTH TEAMS AN INCREASED NUMBER OF OPPORTUNITIES TO PLAY TOGETHER IN DOUBLE- HEADERS ON THEIR HOME TURF.” Lisa Pursehouse