From the CEO’s Chair – 4 April

Much excitement this week, of course, as the season starts on Friday. Pre-season seems to have gone well and all are excited about getting our campaign underway. I look forward to seeing members and supporters at Chelmsford. I am sure many will make the trip as it is so close and coincides with a weekend. For me, this fixture has family significance as my wife hails from the other side of the Thames!

Before we get to the cricketing action, we have the Club’s AGM tomorrow evening. I am sure this will be well supported as usual. I look forward to the opportunity to update members on progress over the last 12 months. They can be volatile affairs, but provide a great chance for all to understand where the Club is at. We will put a brief synopsis on the website later this week.

Like many I expect, I watched the World Cup Final on Saturday and whilst Sachin did not get his 100^th hundred I was delighted for India. As I have said previously there is not a country that comes close to the levels of passion for the game, I can imagine the mood in Mumbai on Saturday night. Paul Farbrace and I often talk about the fact that a visit to India should be compulsory for anybody working in the game to get a proper understanding of cricket’s significance.

Yesterday I sat down to write my Club Annual ‘CEO notes.’ I do find it one of the hardest things to write. Trying to capture a year’s activity in 700 words – particularly the last 12 months – is a great challenge. I am also acutely aware that it is a publication that will be around for decades to come. You can judge for yourself how I did when the Annual comes out later this month!

Finally, a piece of sad news, as Carolyn Prosser (my PA) will be leaving Kent Cricket at the end of April. Carolyn has been with the Club since 2002 – arriving the same day as Steve Waugh! Over the last 18 months I have come to understand and appreciate just how much she does (and has done) to keep the Club running smoothly. I know the eight Presidents she has supported; the two Chairmen she has worked with; the two Chief Executives she has done her best to get organised and the various Committees she has serviced will thank her for all her efforts. I am sure too that members and supporters will join me in wishing Carolyn well as she and her husband move to Cirencester.