McDermott bows out in style

The Annual General Meeting of the OCCC attracted a record turnout, lured by the generous provision of wine by the Headmaster, the excellent surroundings of the School and a superb dinner to honour the retiring president, John McDermott.

The AGM in the reading room was a lively affair in which the following was agreed (the full minutes will be available as a download soon).

Eds Copleston replaces Henry Watkinson as captain and David Bugge replaces McDermott as president. The rest of the committee remains unaltered.

The club will withdraw from the Cricket World Trophy as it was almost unanimously agreed that participating in two cup competitions was commiting us to too many matches which clash with the club games which have to remain the essence of the OCCC. As part of a much longer debate, it was generally agreed that while 2008 had been a great success in terms of the Cricketer Cup, the other games had fallen by the wayside and in 2009 a priority was to make sure that the balance was restored.

The only change to the 209 fixtures was that Kings Canterbury Old Boys, who failed to honour their cricket week fixture, would be replaced. The match against the School on Speech Day would be a Twenty20 game with the more traditional all-day fixture starting the cricket week on the first Friday after the end of term.

As thoughts turn to the 2009 season, our chairman addressed the AGM on the subject of teas. "We've had some OC girls in the past who've been prepared to do it for cash during the summer," he warbled.


A super dinner in Hall then followed during which Watkinson made presentations to Rick Johnson, Martin Williamson, Heather Dean and McDermott; McDermott then followed with a typically acerbic and amusing speech, and, realising that as outgoing president this was his last chance to settle scores, then made a second speech after the main course.

AGM set for November 7

The Annual General Meeting of the club will take place at Cranleigh School on November 7 and will be followed by a dinner in the Dining Hall . Full details will follow later but for more information or if you would like something added to the agenda, please contact Ed Henderson.

AGM looks ahead to a busy season

The following are the minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Old Cranleighan Cricket Club held at the OC Club, Thames Ditton, on Thursday January 31, 2008.

Present: Graham Brown, Mike Chetwode, Eds Copleston, Allen Dean, Ed Henderson, Abeed Janmohamed, Rick Johnson, John McDermott, Tristan Rosenfeldt, Henry Watkinson, Martin Williamson.

Apologies: John Cooke, Matt Crump, Robin Elsdon Dew, Rob Merry, Richard Seeckts, Peter Shelley, David Westcott, Andy Wright.

Rules: The meeting voted unanimously to adopt the revised rules as sent out by email.

Captain’s report: In a brief captain’s report, HW said that India had been good, the summer good, but Sarasota not quite as good, other than off the field.

Hon Fixtures Secretary’s report: TR gave a lengthy speech on the 2008 fixtures. The main change was that the Elstead fixture, new to 2007, had not been renewed as it was not felt to be the kind of end-of-season game we were after. Alternatives of were discussed but TR was asked to seek others. The bulk of games were as in 2007 although the frogs had been incorporated into the week. We were again scheduled to play Wellington but there was concern over match fees and recipricocity and TR was asked to investigate.

The Cricketer Cup clashes were discussed at some length and especially the issue of the clash with the School match were we to progress to the second round. The rules do not allow us to play away from the school and the headmaster had made it clear we would not be allowed to be at Cranleigh on that day (June 29). TR would ask potential second-round opponents (Winchester or Clifton) if we could play away should the need arise. Whatever happened, we would field a side against the school on the same day.

Hon Treasurer’s report: In his final report after 25 years in the role, MW said the books had balanced but that was largely through donations from the OC Society and two individuals which totalled £750. The introduction of annual subscriptions (£10) would enable us to book umpires for all games and give us a sounder financial footing. The incoming treasurer would need to make the establishment of standing orders a priority.

South Africa tour 2008-09: EH reported plans were progressing and around 18 people had committed (13 players) with several others more probable than possible. Attempts to reduce the cost had failed as we were travelling at a peak time but other options – sponsorship etc – were under consideration. EH briefly suggested that matches could be played inside Zimbabwe on the Zazmbian leg of the trip but this was vociferously opposed on moral grounds. There were possibilities of a charity visit to Soweto while in SA.

Cup competitions: There were mixed views on our continuing in the Cricket World Trophy but it was agreed that we should on the understanding that selection was, unless unavoidable, mutually exclusive with the Cricketer Cup side. HW would skipper the CC side and EC the CWT side. Selection would be by the cricket committee.

Election of officers: There being no other nominations other than the ones circulated before the meeting, all were passed unanimously. The only changes from 2007 were than MW stood down as secretary and treasurer to be replaced by EH and RM. Rick Johnson was elected to fill the new post of chairman. Two new vice presidents were elected - Heather Dean in recognition of her services as a scorer and supporter for many years, and Clem Williams in recognition of his efforts as master in charge at Cranleigh and his support for the OCCC then and since leaving.

President: John. W. McDermott
Chairman: Rick Johnson
Captain: Henry Watkinson,
Honorary Secretary: Ed Henderson
Honorary Treasurer: Rob Merry
Honorary Fixtures Secretary: Tristan Rosenfeldt
Committee: Michael Chetwode, Martin Williamson,
Vice Presidents: (new nominations) Heather Dean, Clem Williams.

Any Other Business: 1) RJ expressed the desire for two social functions a year, one oldies event in the season and a dinner in October. While the latter was approved, it was felt the former was unnecessary although it was agreed that notice would be sent out that former players would be especially welcome on one specified cricket week day. 2) It was agree to allow Damien Hill to run with his plan of a sixes event on one of the Saturdays of the week. 3) JM asked for a note to be made of the death of Ted Crowe of the Old Blundellians, whose links with the OCCC go back more than four decades.

A watershed AGM on January 31

The Annual General Meeting of the OCCC will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday, January 31, 2008 at the Old Cranleighan Sports Club, Thames Ditton.

Most years we have four men and a Mac attending, but this time we hope as many of you as possible will turn up as this is a very important time for the OCCC and it is vital that as many OCCC members as possible approve the changes being made. We are proposing levying a small annual subscription to help us underpin cricketing activities, ensuring we can afford appointed umpires for all matches for example. We are also introducing a new role, that of chairman to alleviate some of the burden on the captain, as well as an Executive Committee. All these need to be discussed and approved by as many people as possible.

The main thing on the agenda is a redrafting of the OCCC rules. As some of you will know, Rick Johnson spent time drafting a club constitution which has been incorporated into the revised rules. I am attaching a copy of the proposed revision which will be put to the meeting for discussion and final approval.

The rules require that all nominations for OCCC Officers be lodged in writing with the honorary secretary no less than seven days before the AGM (ie by January 24). I am attaching after the rules those nominations received so far for your consideration.

All notices, apologies for absence and communication to me please by clicking here.

OCCC Rules (2008 revision)

1.―That the Club be called the Old Cranleighan Cricket Club.
2.―That membership of the Club be restricted to former and current pupils of Cranleigh School and current members of the Common Room.
3.―That the colours be Blue, Orange and White.
4.―That the Officers of the Club consist of a President, Vice-Presidents, Chairman, Captain, an Honorary Secretary, an Honorary Treasurer and an Honorary Fixtures Secretary. An Executive Committee will consist of the President, Chairman, Captain, Honorary Secretary, an Honorary Treasurer, Honorary Fixtures Secretary and appointed Committee Members elected at the OCCC AGM. The definition of each of the officers' roles is contained in appendix 1.
5.-That all Officers excepting Vice Presidents resign at the end of each year, but remain eligible for re-election at the Annual General Meeting. All nominations for positions will be submitted in writing to the Honorary Secretary no less seven days before the AGM.
6.―That the management of the Club be in the hands of Executive Committee who will have the power to co-opt as necessary during the year.
7.―That all members will pay an annual subscription of their choosing, the minimum being £10.
8.―That an Annual General Meeting be held every year at least 12 weeks before the scheduled first OCCC match of the new season.
9.―That no rule be altered or rescinded without the consent of two-thirds of a General Meeting.
10.-That a special General Meeting can only be called by a written application to the Honorary Secretary by not less than ten members.
11.― A Selection Committee comprising the Chairman, Captain, Hon Secretary and the Cranleigh School professional will be convened for Cricketer Cup matches. The Chairman of the club may co-opt onto this committee. In the event of a consensus not being reached, the Captain will have the casting vote.
12.― In the event of major tours taking place a Tour Committee will be established and appointed to by the Executive Committee and this will report regularly to the Executive Committee

Appendix 1
President Should be present whenever possible to provide support to players and carry out dignitary duties.
Chairman A senior club member who retains overall responsibility for club administration. Oversees fixture lists and the organisation of cricket week including school liaison, grounds management, umpires, balls etc. All subcommittees report to the Chairman.
Captain Will be captain of all cup competitions and designate match managers for other fixtures. The Captain will provide match managers with a database of players. Match managers will report to the Chairman.
Hon. Secretary A senior club member who assist the Chairman in achieving all administrative duties.
Hon. Treasurer Is responsible for the collection of membership subs, match fees, tour payments and day-to-day bookkeeping.
Fixtures Secretary Responsible for the arrangement of all domestic fixtures, including confirmation of opposition, production of the fixture card, providing all club members with a fixture list and assisting the Chairman with ground bookings.

Nominations for Officers received so far
President: John. W. McDermott
Chairman: Rick Johnson
Captain: Henry Watkinson,
Honorary Secretary: Ed Henderson
Honorary Treasurer: Rob Merry
Fixtures Secretary: Tristan Rosenfeldt
Committee: Michael Chetwode, Martin Williamson,
Vice Presidents: (new nominations) Heather Dean, Clem Williams.

AGM set for April 23

The AGM of the club will take place on Monday, April 23 at the OC Club, Thames Ditton, starting at 7.30pm.

Bailey gets a second chance

Steve Bailey was unanimously re-elected as captain at the AGM of the club on January 28.

Bailey, whose first year at the helm was dogged by unavailability and bad weather, said that he was honoured to be given a chance to sort out the mess he had created. "I appreciate that one or two things went slightly wrong," he told the packed audience at the Cross Keys in Chelsea, "but it wasn't that bad … was it?" You could have heard a pin drop. Bailey promised to try and get at least seven players for all games.

Rick Johnson put forward a determined presentation about his plans for the tour to Australia in January 2003 and, despite some reservations from the members, was given until the end of February to come up with a detailed itinerary and list of potential tourists. The need to involve the youngster was stressed.

Herculean efforts by the Fixtures Secretary, Simon Copleston, meant that again we would have an eight-day cricket week to commemorate the return of the Jubilee pavilion as a home for OC cricket. Rick agreed to co-ordinate the organisation and the inevitable hog roast. Simon added that we had no new fixtures (aside from a game against a Sam Watkinson XI) but that we had agreed with the Old Georgians and Old Tonbridgians that we would play them on a home and away basis in alternate years, thus ensuring that we always had seven home matches during the week. He concluded by announcing that we had a home match against Old Johnians in the first round of the Brewers Cup.

Martin Williamson announced the club had made a substantial loss in 2001, caused largely by the lack of players in matches (it was hard to charge people picked up at a Guildford bus stop half-an-hour before the start of a game a match fee), bad weather and poor collection techniques (Bailey blamed Johnson, Johnson blamed Bailey etc). A number of remedies would be implemented in 2002.

John McDermott announced that he had agreed to stay on another two seasons as club president in order to ensure that 'Bailey didn't destroy the whole ****ing shooting match'.

Bailey takes the reins

At a packed AGM of the club Steve Bailey was elected as the new captain of the club. The 28-year-old succeeds Henry Watkinson who leaves for Australia as soon as the side returns from Kenya.

"At least it's not a tough act to follow," said Bailey. "It's a great privilege and I hope that I can live up to the great players who preceded Henry. I feel that my experience of leading the School in 1990, plus my skills as a genuine allrounder, will help to lead the club into a new era."

Ed Copleston, who was elected as vice-captain, was quick to give his support to Kitbag. "Steve is a master on the field, a demon of tactician. He will make calculated decisions based on the situation he faces, not rash reactions to pressurised scenarios. It will be a pleasure to serve under him and I know we all have alot to learn from the next year of transition which he leads us head first into."

New social secretary Rick Johnson discusses fund raising with an admirer
And Simon Copleston also gave his backing to the diminutive new leader. "Steve is a very competent captain. I've played under him before and he'll inject a tough edge into OCs cricket that we haven't seen since the days of Bugge. His dancing talents off the field will be very useful and I'm sure he'll pick a very good looking team."

Club president John McDermott was equally supportive once had got over the shock.

Bailey denied that his new romantic links with a Spanish lady would mean that he couldn't give his full attention to the job.

Other decisions reached at the meeting were that Martin Williamson and Mike Chetwode would captain a 'Golden Oldies' 2nd XI on Speech Day, with selection placing less emphasis on ability to procure illegal substances and more on cricketing prowess. Chetwode denied that it was a move on his part to take more cheap wickets.

Former captain Andy Wright, star batsman Robin Elsdon Dew and supporter Allen Dean were all elected vice-presidents.

And Rick Johnson was levered into the new position of OCCC Social Secretary.