Dear Club members and friends of Hutton CC,

We are coming to the end of what must have been the most challenging year we have ever had. I am sure we are all delighted and hopeful that with the vaccine that’s been developed and started to be given out, 2021 will be the start to a return to some sort of normality.

Let’s all hope and pray that is the case. At least we now have something to look forward to even though the latest and most stringent lockdown has come at the worst possible time.

I want to pass on some of my thoughts about HCC and 2020.

Firstly, I would like to express my thanks and admiration to your Chairman, JIm Lynch and all the Club's committee for an amazing job done during this pandemic. With their exceptional work we were able to provide virtually a half season of cricket. Something that looked impossible early on. I am delighted to say the Club's teams performed exceptionally well with two league wins.

Steps were taken to allow this to be done safely for the players and spectators and there was even a way to allow the bar to open which assisted in bringing a little light relief and camaraderie back to the Club. I am sure this helped some individuals and families to get away from the stresses of the time.

I also want to thank a number of people for the financial support that, along with prudent action and planning by the Committee has allowed the Club to maintain a good position to move forward into 2021. These include grants from Brentwood Council and we are again grateful to Chris Hossack for bringing the opportunity to our notice, the ECB, continued sponsorship from Blueprint Properties Company and the first year of sponsorship by Neo. We continue to be grateful to those lovely people at Olivers butchers who have now provided our teas for over 10 years and are we extremely grateful to Jamie Forster and Graham Bonney, our groundsmen for working with us and agreeing to reduce his costs for a long period. I also really want to thank all those members who, without knowing how much or if there would be any cricket, paid their subscription either in part or in full. It showed a great spirit is maintained throughout our Club.

On top of the successes on the field I am delighted to say how proud we should all be of the reputation that HCC has gained outside its own membership. As most of you know I am at most home Saturday games and in my strolls around the boundaries I often chat to our opposition and their supporters. I regularly hear Hutton is regarded as one of the friendliest and most family orientated clubs on the circuit. A great reputation to have!

It just leaves me to hope you have as happy and merry festive period as you can, and let’s look forward, with the very encouraging news we have had recently, to being able to get together in a more normal way during 2021.

Finally the Club has lost a number of its members and friends over the past 12 months, Neill Hammond, Eileen Pont, Brian Anfield, Richard Pryke, Lorraine Taylor and David Gilder. My sincerest condolences go out to all their friends and family. We will all remember them with great affection.

I look forward to seeing you all in 2021.

Best wishes and please stay safe.

Nick Watson
President
Hutton Cricket Club