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Club Update: Chairman's blog Issue 9

Updates on what's been happening, what's to come and other news......

Hi everyone
 
The start of the 2016 season is just a few weeks away now with so much to look forward to. I was going to start this blog by updating you on some of the behind-the-scenes work in readiness for the start of the season but, 
as some of you may have seen already on social media, I was lucky enough to be at The Civic Centre yesterday to see Ross Allen & Gavin Pointer collect the Dartfordian Medal from Leader Jeremy Kite & Mayor Ian Armitt on behalf of the 1st XI for their heroics at the game with Linden Park last year. This is a very significant honour for the Club and those involved and I know you will join me in congratulating them. I will ensure the medal and certificate is appropriately displayed in the Pavilion in due course. 

Landscaping
Work got under way on Monday to provide safe access to complete the landscaping round the nets. By the 16th April, it should be complete (weather permitting). As part of this work the pedestrian gate to the Pilgrims way end will be reinstated helping to direct people round the square protecting that particularly during the week. There will also an area along the front of the nets where we want to install some benches for spectators and park users.

The cost off this work is not insignificant c£20,000 and has been made possible thanks to a £10,000 grant from Dartford Council, further demonstrating the great relationship we have with them and the faith they show in us for what we stand for, what we try to do and the part we play in the community. We really shouldn't under estimated just how much support we have had from our Council over the last few years, not just the £1 million for the Pavilion but they have also backed our schools coaching program for a 3rd year this year with a further £6,000 award. If you see Jeremy Kite out and about please take the opportunity to thank him

Door Entry System/Membership system
I mentioned this last edition and we think we have now found the right system to provide a more secure and controlled access to the Pavilion which links to our new membership system and DCC Club App. This all means that as well as using a new membership card to unlock the doors you will be able to pay for purchases in the Pavilion including discounted bar prices, as well as tickets and membership subscriptions whilst giving us better control over cash. I have seen a demonstration of how this will work and it will revolutionise how we do things but I want to also make sure that the needs of all members (the technical and the less so) are fully recognised and catered for. I am hoping that by the time we ask you to pay your annual subscription in April that this will all be ready and we can issue your membership card, or even ask you to pay electronically, but we have a period of concept testing to go through and some logistical things to sort first.

NatWest Cricket Force Day
Whilst completion of the landscaping largely completes the main external developments at Hesketh Park for now, there are still lots of those jobs that need to be done every year in readiness for the season ahead.

This year we are holding our Cricket Force event on the morning of Saturday 16th April and as always we need as many people as possible to come along and help. There are no particular skills needed, just a willing mind and body and some old clothes. Please make every effort to lend a hand, we start at 9am and hope to be finished by 12 ready for the 1st practice game. 

Gareth Johnson's Charity Cricket & Fun Day - 10th July
After a break last year because of the election we will once again be teaming up with our local MP Gareth Johnson to host his annual charity cricket match and fun day at our Club. This event, which is hugely popular will give us another fantastic opportunity to showcase our new pavilion and facilities.

As in previous years, all proceeds will be shared between the Arrow Riding Centre and the Club. Founded in 1982, the Dartford-based Arrow Riding Centre charity is run by volunteers and provides valuable therapy and riding lessons to
individuals and special needs schools. Each year the centre, which is self-funding, has to raise in excess of £140,000 and this event plays a small part in helping to raise these vital funds.
 
This year’s event will start at 9.30am on Sunday, July 10, with a series of kwik cricket matches for under 9s, followed by the main match at 1.30pm when a select Dartford XI team will take on a Gareth Johnson XI.
As well as watching play, visitors can enjoy a variety of performances by local groups and there will be a number of charity stalls running throughout the day. There will be entertainment for children including a bouncy castle and face painting as well as refreshments for all on sale. This event is a real family occasion for people to come, relax and enjoy cricket on a summer afternoon in aid of a really worthwhile cause.

I hope to see the match well supported by our cricketing family as well as the wider community and I hope we can raise as much money as possible for such a fantastic cause.  Anyone who would like to donate raffle prizes, books, DVDs or bric-a-brac to sell on the day, please email me. We also need volunteers to help out on the day so if you can donate some time, again please let me know.
 
South Africa Tour 
Since my last blog we have returned from an amazing trip to the fabulous city of Cape Town, South Africa. We played 4 games while were out there as well as taking in some of the sights such as Table Mountain and Robben Island and also managed to see England play SA at Newlands, twice! Whilst we were soundly beaten in each of the 4 games I couldn't have been prouder of the performances of the players particular the Dartford boys

The strength of the opposition took even me by surprise. I knew they would be good but some of the players would probably comfortably play in our 2nd team at 13/14. The schools we played against were also some of the top schools in SA and were half way through their season so they also had the benefit of playing c20/30 games already so they were all well drilled whereas we only had nets to practise skills in.

There was a huge amount to learn for the boys and for me. Other than the opposition's pure ability levels, two things that really struck me from the trip were
  • The very different culture and approach to fitness,  mental strength and team spirit. If I could, it's something I would love to change about the way we live as a nation. I know sometimes we don't necessarily have the climate to encourage everyone to be outdoors all the time but 95% of the players we played against were real athletes and see being fit and healthy as just a natural part of their development and give it the appropriate focus. Sometimes we make excuses for not instilling this into our young people and don't always set the right example ourselves.
  • Their young people are also schooled in the art of communication and respect. I know we were playing the best schools and i'm not saying we didn't have polite, erudite lads but everyone I spoke to was articulate and i've never been called sir so often. Each captain was even required to make a speech after the game (the look of shock on our captain's faces when I said they had to respond was priceless!).
All in all it was a brilliant trip and I will ask each of the lads to give their reflections and something they would do differently as a result of the trip for the next blog. I would like to thank Dan, Josh, Joel, Callum & George personally for the way they behaved, the way they embraced the experience  and for helping make it a great experience for me too. Finally a huge thank you must go to the parents for making the trip happen by paying the bills and taking them to and from the weekly practice sessions in the run up to the trip.
 
Club Dinner
On Saturday we had the 1st Annual Club Dinner in the new Pavilion and it was a great night. It was one of the best supported dinners in many years so thank you to all those that came along.
It was great to have such a good spread of representation from across the Club with a good number of Life Members and Vice Presidents, senior players, junior players & parents as well as social members and guests.It was particularly great to have Jim Fish, one of our longest standing members, on hand to give those in attendance some insight into who  Frank Harris & Teddy Harron were before presenting the Harris Harron award (the junior member who has made the most impact in senior cricket) to Henry Clark. The Gordon Morris, 1st XI Player of The Year was also presented to Gavin Pointer by President Mike Cullingham  

A big thanks also goes to the organisers, in particular Sam Bright, Sandra Bright and Shaun Parker 
 
Event Diary
  • Junior Nets - Venue; North Kent College Wilmington
Years 1 to 5 - Sat 10.30am-11.30am, 6th Feb to 9th Apr
Years 6+ - REVISED TIMES - From Weds 10th Feb to 13th April 5.30-7.30pm
until next time....
 

 

 
President and Chairman's message
Message to all Dartford Cricket Club members from the President and Management Committee regarding COVID-19 – 03 April 2020. Read more..

COVID-19 - Club communication
An update from the club regaring the current coronavirus outbreak. Read more..

Cricket Force Day cancelled
Many of our members will have already seen guidance from ECB suspending all club cricket related activities until further notice. Read more..

Surge's big quiz returns!
On Friday 1st May Surge's annual quiz will return by popular demand! Read more..

Senior indoor training 2020
Information regarding indoor nets for all senior players for 2020. Read more..

200 Club - Christmas 2019 results
Find out if you were a lucky winner in our festive 200 club lottery draw. Read more..

Christmas drinks 2019
Come and join us for some nibbles and drinks at the club! Read more..

70's + 80's disco
Fancy's annual Christmas 70's and 80's party is back! Read more..

Club AGM - Sunday 19th January 2020
This is notice that Dartford Cricket Club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Sunday 19th January 2020 at 12 noon at Hesketh Park. Read more..

200 Club lottery winners: October 2019
We are delighted to announce both our winners for our October draw! Read more..

Junior Indoor Training 2020
As the nights draw in it's time to start thinking about preparing for the 2020 season! Read more..

Rugby World Cup breakfast update
We are disappointed to announce our Rugby World Cup breakfast this Saturday (12th) has been cancelled. Read more..

RIP Alan "Hughsie' Hughes
The Club are sad to report the passing of Alan ‘Hughsie’ Hughes a few weeks ago. Read more..

Rugby World Cup breakfast
Next Saturday (12th October) we will be hosting our first Rugby World Cup breakfast at the Club. Read more..

200 club winners: July, August and September 2019
Here's the latest lucky winners. Read more..

Captain's table
Time to celebrate the senior cricket season. Read more..

Dinner Dance
On Saturday 5th October 2019 we will be hosting our club Dinner Dance for this year. Read more..

Junior presentation day
As you will have read on various Whatsapp groups, Junior Presentation day is fast approaching and will take place on Sunday 15th September. Read more..

Results round-up: Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th August
This week's round-up of all results within the club is available now. Read more..

Results round-up: Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th August
This week's round-up of all results within the club is available now. Read more..

Results round-up: Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th August
Our first round-up of all results within the club over the weekend. Read more..

Ken Walter remembrance day
Next Saturday (20th July) the Club will be honouring the contribution of our late member Ken Walter to coincide with the 1XI game against The Mote. Read more..

World Cup Family Cricket Day
All the details for our exciting World Cup Family Cricket Day, open to all members and their families. Read more..

Match day sponsorship opportunity
We are excited to announce our match day sponsorship scheme is back for this season after the success of last year. Read more..

European finals LIVE at the club
We will be showing two huge nights of football for English football at Hesketh Park in the coming weeks. Read more..

No training Bank Holiday Monday
Further to the email to all junior parents, there will be no junior training tonight (Monday 6th May) due to the Bank Holiday. Read more..

New signing: DCC secure Malinda
The Club are delighted to announce the signing of Sri-Lankan all-rounder Malinda Thotiwilage. Read more..

Chairman's pre-season message
An update from the Chairman ahead of the new season. Read more..

Junior outdoor training 2019
All the confirmed dates and times for our junior outdoor training programme for this coming season. Read more..

Junior cricket update - April 2019
With the clocks having moved forward at the weekend, we are already leaping towards the start of the new cricket season. Read more..

2019 membership rates
A message from the Chairman about the 2019 subscription rates. Read more..

Come and help your club to get ready for the new season!
All the details about our Signing-On and Natwest Cricket Force day on Saturday 6th April. Read more..

200 Club January & February 2019 results
The lucky winners for our first draws of 2019 are as follows. Read more..

All Stars Cricket is back for 2019!
We are delighted to announce we once again an All Stars Cricket centre for 2019. Read more..

Junior section update
Catch up with everything that's been going on in the junior section here. Read more..

Live sport and food at the club
Next month we are planning to open the pavilion to all members and their families to come and enjoy a packed schedule of sport including England's tour of the West Indies, Six Nations rugby and Premier League football. Read more..

Interview: Cook's recipe for cricketing success
I honestly enjoy the successes of others as much as my own and that’s what underpins this club. Read more..

Best wishes to Derek Ufton
The Club would like to pass its best wishes on to Kent cricket legend Derek Ufton. Read more..

200 club December results
Find out who the lucky winners are for our festive 200 club draw. Read more..

Club open meeting
An open meeting of the junior cricket section will be held at the pavilion on Wednesday 9th January 2019 at 8pm. Read more..

A welcome from our new junior co-chairs
For those of you that were unable to attend the Club AGM, the Club are delighted to announce that Michelle Slater and Nicola Clark have agreed to co-chair the junior section. Read more..

Santa Claus is coming to town!
All the details about Santa's very special visit to the club on Thursday 13th December. Read more..

Christmas drinks
On Sunday 23rd December the Club will be open for members to come and enjoy a drink for a catch-up over the Christmas period. Read more..

Cards for Good Causes!
Information about an initiative called Cards for Good Causes which the club are happy to promote this Christmas. Read more..

Club AGM - Sunday 9th December
Details about the Club AGM which will take place on Sunday 9th December at 12 noon at Hesketh Park Pavillion. Read more..

Catch up with Coxy
We catch up with former overseas players Mat Cox who chats about his time at the club and his new venture back home. Read more..

Winter training dates 2019
With the evenings becoming darker and darker the cricket season and warm weather now feels like a lifetime ago! Read more..

Winter quiz nights are back!
Do you know your Jersey Royal from your King Edward? Read more..

Dinner Dance 2018
The biggest (and best) club event of the year is back! Read more..

Dartford CC vs New Ash Green CC
On Saturday 15th September we welcome New Ash Green CC to Hesketh Park for a 30 over friendly. Read more..

Captain's table
Fines, laughs and ducks - it's time to celebrate the 2018 season. Read more..

Junior training update
Details about a slight change of plan to the junior training schedule. Read more..

200 club lottery winners - Summer 2018
Find out who the lucky winners are for the June, July and August 2018 200 club lottery draw. Read more..

Junior presentation day - 9th September
A chance to celebrate the season's successes with the presentation of trophies and two inter-club matches - get ready parents. Read more..

This Saturday's match sponsor
Details about our match-day sponsor for the 1XI home fixture against HSBC this Saturday. Read more..

Mexican Night!
Arribaaaa!. Read more..

An Incrediball Day returns!
Details about the return of our successful community fun-day this Summer. Read more..

League restructuring
Some important information about the restructuring of both the Kent Cricket and Kent Regional leagues. Read more..

Canterbury trip back by popular demand!
We are delighted to announce, following-on from the success of last season’s trip, that we are offering a junior trip to the Spitfire Ground, Canterbury once again. Read more..

Change to senior training & welcome Sandun!
Details of an important change to senior training and a new signing. Read more..

MCC come to town!
Details about our prestigious bi-annual fixture against the MCC which takes place on Sunday 10th June at Hesketh Park. Read more..

Watch the Three Lions bring it home at the Club!
Come and enjoy some hot food and footy at the Club this summer. Read more..

Keith Hart XI game photos
Check out some photos from such a beautiful day at Hesketh Park in aid of a great charity. Read more..

80's disco!
Details about our 80's disco night - get your fancy dress ready and support your club. Read more..

Dartford Cricket Club Big Quiz
Details about Surge's Big Quiz which returns by popular demand for 2018. Read more..

Match day sponsorship
Details on today's match day sponsor and how to get involved in the future. Read more..

Interview with the skipper
New 1XI captain John Smyth is relishing the oppurtunity to lead his group of players in the 2018 season. Read more..

All Stars Cricket comes to town!
The Club are delighted to announce we are an All Stars Cricket centre for 2018. Read more..

Natwest Cricket Force Day 2018
  Our Natwest Cricket Force Day 2018 will take place on Saturday 7th April at Hesketh Park from 9am. Read more..

Signing-on day 2018
Details about our upcoming signing-on day on Sunday 8th April 2018. Read more..

New club shop goes live!
Find out where you can order the latest Club kit so you can wear the Dartford badge with pride this summer. Read more..

Junior pre-season message 2018
A pre-season message from the junior head coach reflecting on winter nets so far and previewing the upcoming season. Read more..

Interview: Creepy Crawley Down Under
1st team bowler David Crawley has been lucky enough to travel to Australia this Winter and play club cricket in the beautiful state of Victoria. Read more..

Changes to Seniors training 2018
Please see an important message from Dave Walker, Chairman of cricket, regarding our winter training programme. Read more..

Seniors training 2018
All the details about Seniors winter training which begins in January 2018. Read more..

200 Club: Winter winners 2017
Find out who the lucky winners are for the October, November and December 200 Club and how you can get involved to win up to £100. Read more..

Junior winter training 2018
Please find below details of our winter training programme starting in January 2018 at North Kent College, Oakfield Lane. Read more..

Upcoming events 2017
Details on the upcoming Club events to close out the year on a high. Read more..

AGM - Sunday 10th December
Make sure you get your voice heard at our AGM which takes place on Sunday 10th December 2017. Read more..

Quiz nights return
Thinking caps at the ready! Read more..

Gordon Morris player of the year 2017
Find out who took home the awards at the annual club Captain's Table - features an interview with the club's player of the year! Read more..

200 Club lottery results - Summer 2017
The 200 Club Lottery has been drawn for Summer 2017 - find out who the lucky winners are. Read more..

Club history: Llewellyn Micah's tankard
Details about an exciting piece of historic club memorabilia that has recently come to light. Read more..

Coming soon...
Details about the final few club events of the season including Captain's table, Dinner Dance and a Christmas get-together. Read more..

Dinner Dance 2017
Please see details about this year's Dinner Dance, back by popular demand! Read more..

Recall of old shirts
Important notice concerning all those that own the 'old' style Mercedes-Benz Dartford playing shirts. Read more..

Junior presentation day 2017
Deatils of this year's junior presentation day - please make every effort to attend and celebrate the season. Read more..

Fantasy Football
It's that time of the year again when fantasy football comes around. Read more..

Dartford Cricket present... An Incrediball Day!
Details of our upcoming family fun-day for all the local community to enjoy - it's not all about the cricket either!. Read more..

New sponsors Buildbase
The club welcomed new sponsors Buildbase to the club for the first time. Read more..

Thank you to St James's Place
For Saturday's 2XI game versus Folkesone we were delighted to welcome Ayeesha Khan from St James's Place as sponsors for the fixture. Read more..

Lashings 2017
Enjoy a short video we made recapping the events of our lashings All Stars event on Friday 30th June 2017. Read more..

Free trip for juniors to see Kent Spitfires in action!
How do you fancy a trip to see Kent Spitfires in action in a T20 blast against Somerset at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury on Thursday 27th July at 18:30PM? Read more..

Today's match sponsor
Match sponsorship for todays second XI fixture against Hartley CC.. Read more..

Match day sponsorship
An exciting oppurtunity to be a part of our new scheme. Read more..

NatWest Cricket force day 2017
A big thank you to all those that turned out to help support the club. Read more..

Quiz Night Friday 2nd June 2017
Details of our latest annual quiz night which is back by popular demand. Read more..

Real Ale Night
The club will be hosting a Real Ale night once again on Friday 31st March 2017 at Hesketh Park. Read more..

Club update March 2017
A round-up of the latest news and events of the club. Read more..

Roy Osmond funeral
It is with sadness that we report the death of Roy Osmond at the age of 87. Read more..

200 Club Lottery Winners February 2017
The 200 Club Lottery has been drawn for February 2017 - find out who the lucky winners are. Read more..

Pre-season drinks and Six Nations rugby
Details of the pre-season drinks event on Saturday 18th March. Read more..

200 Club Lottery Winners January 2017
The 200 Club Lottery has been drawn for January 2017 - find out who the lucky winners are. Read more..

200 Club Lottery Winners November and December
The 200 Club Lottery has been drawn for November and December 2016 - find out who the lucky winners are. Read more..

200 Club Lottery Winners October
The 200 Club Lottery has been drawn for October 2016 - find out who the lucky winners are. Read more..

200 Club Lottery Winners August & September
The 200 Club Lottery has been drawn for August & September 2016 - find out who the lucky winners are. Read more..

Winter Quiz Nights Return for 2016/17
Starting Friday 4th November 2016 at Hesketh Park - 7. Read more..

200 Club Lottery Winners June & July
The 200 Club Lottery has been drawn for June & July 2016 - find out who the lucky winners are. Read more..

200 Club Lottery Winners April & May
The 200 Club Lottery has been drawn for April & May 2016 - find out who the lucky winners are. Read more..

Club Update: Chairman's blog Issue 9
Updates on what's been happening, what's to come and other news. Read more..

200 Club Lottery Winners February & March
The 200 Club Lottery has been drawn for February & March 2016 - find out who the lucky winners are. Read more..

Club Update: Chairman's blog Issue 4
Updates on the bar, junior teams performance, completion of the new nets, discounted club kit for sale and other news. Read more..

EGM Notice
Notice is given to members of an EGM on the 23rd February. Read more..

AGM & Pavilion Opening Date
AGM - 4th January 2015 Notice is given to members of the 2014 AGM to be held in the Pavilion, Hesketh Park at 12. Read more..

Christmas Holiday Camps
Details of the cricket and general sports camps we are running through the Christmas holiday with some former cricket and football pros. Read more..

Pavilion Update and Exclusive Kit Offer
Anyone who has been past Hesketh Park in the last 2 weeks won't have failed to notice the large crane that's operating onsite. Read more..

Dartford juniors Guard of Honour at Canterbury
Here are a few pictures from the day, which resulted in a good win for Kent against Sussex. Read more..

MP's Charity Match & Fun Day 2014
What a great day last Sunday 6th July was for The Club, despite the early weather! Read more..

Club Update: Chairman's pre-season message
A general update on the new pavilion, signing on night, outdoor training, membership fees and Cricket Force. Read more..

Easter Coaching Course with top guest coaches
Four days of top coaching with three guest coaches - Vince Wells, Grahame Clinton and David Ward - all former county players. Read more..

Junior Academy presentation night 2013
Junior Academy Awards for 2013 Congratulations to all our award winners. Read more..

Dartford host Kent Mini Super 8s 2013 Final
Dartford host Kent Cricket Board's under 9 Mini Super 8s County Finals day at Hesketh Park. Read more..

Dartford colts form England T20 guard of honour
Dartford juniors line up at Kia Oval for England v New Zealand international. Read more..

MP's Charity Cricket Match 30th June
This Sunday 30th June sees Dartford host the third annual MP's charity match in aid of the club and Arrow Riding Centre. Read more..

Great performance at Bexley U11 Festival
To reach the Plate Final of the Bexley U11 Festival and lose by a solitary run was quite simply an amazing achievement by the team. Read more..

MP Gareth Johnson's Charity Match
MP Gareth Johnson's Charity Cricket Match, in aid of the Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled and Dartford Cricket Club, will take place on 30th June at Hesketh Park. Read more..

Club Cap Presentations April 2013
The first club cap presentation took place at signing on day with 22 current players from across the four adult teams receiving recognition for their contribution on the cricket field. Read more..

The Dartfordian Award
Well done to Alex Farmer who this week was presented with The Dartfordian award and Medal by The Leader of Dartford Council Jeremy Kite. Read more..

One Day, One Game event at Canterbury
Kent Cricket Board and The County Club are running a One Game event at Canterbury on 23rd March. Read more..

Adult winter training
A reminder that adult nets continue. Read more..

Junior Indoor Training Sessions 2013
Details of our junior winter indoor coaching sessions for school years 1-10, starting in January. Read more..

Dartford hosts Kent Mini Super 8's Final
Kent Cricket Board's under 9 Mini Super 8s County Finals day saw 24 Cricket Clubs converge on Hesketh Park. Read more..

Junior Academy presentation night-2012
Congratulations to all our award winners - those who were there on the night were presented with their trophies by DCC chairman Jim Lowrie. Read more..

Victory for adults in parents v juniors fun match
The parents team cruised to their second successive victory in the annual Parents versus Juniors fun match. Read more..

MP's Charity Cricket Festival success
I'd like to thank all of those of you who made time to come along to be involved in and support Sunday's charity cricket festival and helped make the day a great success. Read more..

Kent Cricket League 20:20 v Harvel 29th June
Come along to Hesketh Park this Friday evening to watch Dartford take on Harvel in the Kent Cricket League 20/20 competition. Read more..

MP's Charity Cricket Festival 1st July
It is under one month now until the Charity Cricket Festival we are hosting with Gareth Johnson in aid of The Club and Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled. Read more..

Watch Euro 2012 games on the Club's big screen
The Club would like to extend an invitation to all members and their guests to join us in watching the upcoming Euro 2012 championship on the big screen at Hesketh Park. Read more..

Ian Rossiter Testimonial game - Monday 4th June, 11.00am
As some of you may know or have seen in the latest Club newsletter, 4th June 2012 will be a very special day for one of the club's longest, and still playing, members. Read more..

Weather washes out first week of season
The poor weather throughout most of April has continued into May and disrupted the start of the 2012 season. Read more..

Club Newsletter April 2012
The April 2012 edition of the club newsletter is out and available to download below. Read more..

Club receives supermarket community donation
The Sainsbury’s store in Dartford donated £500 towards the running and development of the Junior Academy through the company’s community grant scheme. Read more..

Hesketh groundworks underway
Works to improve the quality of the outfield at Hesketh Park are underway. Read more..

Our club history

kent v gloucester at hp 1967 150px wRead about our rich history and origins in the earliest days of English club cricket.

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