CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD

To say that Henley Cricket Club has travelled far in recent times would be a gross understatement. Until two years ago, the club did not own its own ground and was faced with the daunting prospect of having to raise some £460,000 to purchase the ground in Henley.  No benefactor came forward, but with the support of a number of local organisations, the Town Council and hard work by the committee, the club was able to purchase the ground and to move onwards.  No longer will the threat of closing the club down be on the shoulders of the committee and players.  As Bob Willis MBE, one of the club’s Vice Presidents has remarked “not only is the cricket club the focal point for any community, but with schools becoming more and more obsessed with league tables and exams, it has become the major springboard for the development of promising local talent. In 1981, my benefit year, my happiest memory was of a packed house at Henley, bathed in sunshine, for the Warwickshire visit.  People worked very hard for me …… and the same spirit has now been shown by the cricket club’s stalwarts in saving the wonderful Henley ground for future generations.

Good luck to Henley Cricket Club for an even brighter future and thank you for your friendship.”

In addition, the club has moved forward on the playing front in a number of positive ways.  The 1st X1 has now competed in the highly competitive, Home Counties Premier League for the last few seasons and won the championship in 2004.  The club now puts out five teams each weekend and is able to cater for players of different abilities, from those who like a more social game to those who are of minor county standard or thereabouts.  In 2007, the 3rd and 4th X1s won their respective leagues, and 2nd and 1st X1s retained their positions in their respective leagues. The Junior Section again went from strength to strength and Henley CC is proud to support the local community with a number of its coaches attending sessions each week at local primary schools.  The club recognises that its future is very much wrapped up in the development of young people, some of whom already are beginning to come through to the adult teams.

Any prospective member will find Henley CC is a friendly, family orientated club.  It does not have to compete with tennis, hockey or bowls etc.  In short, it is purely and simply a cricket club where people of a like mind can enjoy their game and a good social side. Come and join us and enjoy the atmosphere and, of course, your cricket. You will be most welcome.

Paul Bradbury
Chairman, Henley Cricket Club