ONE of the oldest cricket societies in the country are ‘desperate’ for new blood and fresh ideas after it was announced two of the most prominent figures are set to leave.
Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ Society was founded in 1951 and is thought to be one of the oldest in the country but their existence could be thrown into jeopardy now that the two figureheads of the society are simultaneously calling it a day.
Members have been told the chairman James Greenfield and secretary Chris Barron are to resign from their roles next year.
This comes off the back of the recent standing down of vice-chairman Geoff Wellsteed in July.
Chris told the Chronicle that the club are now ‘desperate’ for new, younger members and fresh ideas.
He said: “It’s one of the longest-running clubs in the country.
“The problem at the moment isn’t a shortage of members.
“We’ve still got about 230 members so that sounds quite healthy.
“But we estimate that probably 70 per cent of the members are over the age of 75 so that’s a very high age profile.
“We do, unfortunately, lose quite a number of members each year as people pass away.
“So the numbers are going down and that trend is accelerating.
“We do get some new members coming in each year but it’s not enough to offset the number who either die or retire their membership.
“We need new and younger members. But, not only that, we also need the injection of some fresh ideas as well because this society was born in 1951 when the world was very different.”
A notice sent out to members admits that in March the committee will face a huge decision – does it have the people to fill vital roles?
It added that if it concludes there is not, they will have no option but to begin to process of winding up the society.
But Chris is hoping it won’t come to that – and is urging anyone interested in supporting them to get in touch.
He added: “The club was here before the age of television – that world has changed completely.
“There’s a great opportunity here for people with fresh ideas to come in and take the society in a completely different direction if they wish to do that.
“But it is as much about new ideas as it is about new blood.
“When the society first started, a lot of cricket personalities of the time would come and give their time for free.
“In fact, people, particularly overseas players, coming on tours to England, would actually queue up to come and talk to the society.
“In today’s world, we actually have to pay people’s appearance fees to come and talk to us.
“Some of those appearance fees are very, very high indeed and are beyond our means.
“The world’s changed completely and that’s why we’re looking for people with fresh ideas.”
The society meet during the winter months between October and April at Shaw Lane Sports Club.
In the past they have brought some of the biggest stars in the game to Barnsley, including Len Hutton, Douglas Jardine and Norman Yardley.
Anyone wishing to support the society can do so by visiting their website.
The club have a packed-out winter schedule, with Warwickshire cricketer Oliver Hannon-Dalby visiting on Monday before former England cricketer Mark Ramprakash attends their annual Christmas luncheon in December.
A full list can be found on their website.
