Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society Year Book 2026

Another year has flown by and the Year Books seem to be coming around much faster than they used to, or is that just me? But as I cast my mind back, the last twelve months have seen another quality speaker programme. From the chair Dorothy Betts Ben Bloom, author of Batting for Time, wrote an excellent piece in the Guardian about how societies like ours, keep cricket alive during the winter months. https://www. sheffieldcricketlovers.org.uk/keeping-cricket- societies-buoyant-through-winter-is-vital-for- future-of-the-sport It is well worth a read. At our Christmas lunch, Ashley Metcalfe spoke passionately about Yorkshire Cricket, and it was also memorable for the Awards we made to David Longley (see page 2021), plus Bryan Turner and Brian Whitehead (see p9), The David Lloyd supper places sold like hot cakes and, predictably, he ensured it was a night to remember. And perhaps this is a good place to thank Lees Hall for their excellent fayre and service for both the lunch and supper – the latter stretching to more than 100 covers. Alastair Maiden visited when Wednesday and United were both playing but whilst few knew his name, he made a great impression. We suffer when both teams are at home and it can be difficult to reschedule - we do try not to. Both Yorkshire speakers, Arnie Sidebottom and Jack Birkenshaw, were highly entertaining. Chris Cowdrey and Geoff Miller made the 65th Birthday Dinner another real treat. Plenty commented on the lovely atmosphere which must be down to the camaraderie of our members and their guests. Many have built friendships over the years and catch up in a relaxed way over dinner. My thanks to all our members for making it the Society that it is, and to all our Committee Members who work very hard, often behind the scenes, to keep everything running smoothly. May I take time to thank those very kind members who have made donations during the year - these are very much appreciated. Ben Bloom was right when he quoted two of our members: “By the fact you’re half the age of anyone else coming tonight - you’re the speaker?” SCLS sadly does have an ageing membership and if we are to survive, we do need to address it … Enjoy reading this Year Book and best wishes to you all for a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. db the committee President: Darren Gough M.B.E. Vice Presidents: H.B. Stokes; L. Cox; P. Eagar; D.K. Lillee M.B.E.; Dr. N.H. Patel; T.G. Pearson; Sir Tim Rice; D.W. Tunbridge, D.R. Longley Chairman: Dorothy Betts Tel: 07976 308820 dorothybetts@sheffieldcricketlovers.org.uk Vice Chair: Andy Pack Tel: 07968 118278 andy@ajpack.co.uk Secretary: Vacant Treasurer: Dorothy Betts dorothybetts@sheffieldcricketlovers.org.uk Accounts Examiner: Dominic Field Year Book Editor: Andy Pack Events Organiser: Bob Yardley Members’ Draw: Andy Jordan Programme Secretary: Ali Saad Photographer: Brian Whitehead 3