John HiggsAt the time of writing, 16th April, the season has just started with the first LBW Wednesday evening training session.

The ground looks great, thanks to Dave Wratten's winter work. Well over 30 players and family members have been involved in preparation. The new ground equipment shed is in use. The artificial pitch has been cleared of grass and is ready for action. The two net cages have been upgraded. The outfield mower has been replaced.

The CricketForce weekend of 4/5 April saw some vigorous cleaning, painting, plumbing and sorting out in the pavilion (fuelled by plenty of bacon sandwiches). Once the new carpet is in, the old equipment area will be transformed into a store room and office; space will appear in the main pavilion and dressing rooms. Well done to all the volunteers and particularly to Aaron Bailey and Trevor Sturgess for organising everything!

Integration with the ex Mote Ladies is progressing. We were able to share the excellent new sports hall at Maplesden Noakes for winter training, organised by Richard Atkinson. There will be problems as we go into the season but equally I am confident they will be solved. If any of the girls are not sure of anything or would like to make suggestions, please speak up. It is your club. We are learning about how to run girls cricket.

There are around 50 matches arranged for LBJ. These include many fixtures and Sunday morning sessions to take place at the Tower House ground. We are grateful to Tony and Martine Cotton for making their ground available and giving us such support. At the moment there are no LBJ matches for all girls teams in the fixture card, because we don't have enough players in the under 15/13/11 age groups. We are looking to increase the membership, particularly at under 11, and to arrange some all girls fixtures as soon as we can.

There will be club shirts and caps available soon, with a single club logo for all adult and junior players. Several parents have suggested that we set up a system for the secondhand sale of good quality, outgrown clothing and equipment. This may be possible with the use of the new store room.

Here we go - into our 11th season.