Chairman’s Report 1977

By J W Baddiley

The highlight of the 1977 season at Trent bridge was undoubtedly the superb Test Match between England and Australia, graced on the first day by a visit of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Philip.

The huge crowds paid record receipts to see England deservedly beat the only enemy, and the attendances proved once and for all, that Trent Bridge is one of the Country’s Major Test Venues.

But the price of keeping Trent Bridge up to a standard really is tremendous. You will see in the accounts, that during the last three years, we have spent £100,000 on the necessary upkeep and safety of the ground, and this work has been absolutely essential. I only hope the critics who think that Test Match profits are dwindled away, take a second look at those figures.
Before I leave the Test Match, I must mention the vast organisation so splendidly arranged by Group Captain Wilson, Maurice Youdell – the Chairman of our House & Test Match sub-committee, Ron Poulton and Tom Tinkler the Test Match secretaries.

Sport these days is badly affected by the hooligan element and cricket is no exception. But throughout the Test Match, the vast crowds behaved in an orderly fashion, the playing area was kept completely clear at all times, and it was generally agreed the standard of behaviour was not equalled elsewhere. I offer my personal congratulations to everyone concerned.

Jubilee year, however, was not one our County side will wish to remember with any warmth. Their performances were most disappointing, particularly after the great promise showed in 1976, and we must hope and expect a big improvement in 1978. As you are aware, Clive Rice will be captain in 1978, and I am delighted that Mike Smedley has agreed to be vice-captain. Mike has been a tremendous servant to the Club, and Clive will find his vast experience invaluable.

I must sincerely pay tribute to our Under 25 team, who played so well to reach the semi-finals of their competition, only to see the weather ruin any hope of completing the competition.

Our younger players showed considerable promise, and they are aware they will be given a chance at the top level to prove their worth.

Towards the end of last season, Philip Wilkinson signified that he wished to retire from first class cricket, and we also said goodbye to Peter Johnson. The Committee would like to thank both players for their contribution to Nottinghamshire, and to wish them every success in their future careers.

We are, indeed, fortunate to have so many cricket clubs in the County who are prepared to loan us their grounds for a number of matches.

Ransome Hoffman & Pollard, and Worksop both allowed us to play a Schweppes County Championship fixture, also sponsoring the catering, and both clubs are extending similar facilities to us in 1978. We are most grateful.

Our second eleven and Under 25 teams received most hospitable receptions wherever they played throughout the County, and we would be delighted if more spectators could support the younger players on these delightful grounds.

Once again, the Cricket Club is deeply indebted to have many firms, organisations and individuals who have played such a vital part in raising much needed finance. Not only did the Supporters Association purchase the magnificent wicket covers that were so much needed, they also made a further donation, and to all members of the Association, we are grateful for all their effort.

Yet again, the three major Nottingham firms have given us their financial support; we must not forget the Leicester and Nottingham Trustee Savings Bank, who provided all our scorecards during the season.

The 200 Club had a most successful year, which resulted in a considerably increased donation, and the Ladies Section once more were table to present the Club with the considerable proceeds form their very popular coffee mornings. To everyone who helped in whatever capacity the Committee wished to say how grateful they are, for without such solid support, the Club would find it difficult to survive.

All at trent bridge were saddened by the sudden death of Jim Wibberley. Jim was a most enthusiastic member of the Supporters Association, and he was instrumental this year in organising the Sponsored Walk. He will be greatly missed by his many friends.

Soon after the Test Match, our General Secretary, Group Captain Wilson, informed the Club he would shortly be retiring.

There have been many changes at Trent Bridge since Bob Wilson became Secretary five years ago. The Office Block and Squash Court complex were still very much in the planning stage, and much credit must go to him for the very smooth way these projects progressed.

Members and guests have always been received with the utmost courtesy and consideration, and we are all very sorry to see him leave.

To Bob and his family, we give our good wishes for the future, and assure them there will always be a warm welcome at Trent Bridge.

As you will have seen in the Press, Philip Carling will shortly be joining us as our Chief Executive. Philip was very helpful in setting up the administration side of the Squash Club in 1974, and we hope he and his family will have a happy and successful time in Nottingham.

Much work goes on behind the scenes at a Test Match ground. The unanimous opinion of all converted was that the pitch prepared for the Test Match was perfect for good cricket.

Our head groundsman, Ron Allsopp, deserves all the congratulations he received, and to Ron and all the groundstaff, we say Trent Bridge is extremely proud of the superb sight of the square and outfield on all occasions. It is fitting that Ron should be nominated County Groundsman of the Year and winner of the Watney Mann Award.

Towards the end of the year, our administration was at long last housed under one roof, and to all the Office Staff, we thank you for your tremendous support during a very busy year.

Our thoughts now turn o 1978. To you, our Members, the Club wish you a very prosperous year . I am sure you would join me in wishing our playing staff an injury free year, just a little more luck and return to the promise we saw in 1975 and 1976