Annual Report 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic most of the events that were planned for this year had to be postponed or cancelled.

We did manage to get in the AGM and lunch just before lockdown was announced on 23rd March 2020. After that we just had a DIY Picnic at Arundel and the Autumn Golf Meeting. Reports appear below for these events.

The remainder of the year we had to rely on online based events including quizzes and Zoom Meetings, organised by Don. The highlight of the year, which is normally our Christmas Lunch also had to be cancelled, but we did hold a charity raffle that raised a magnificent £2500 for our two nominated charities, Martlets Hospice and Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice. The funds we raised were matched by the Bank, so a grand total of £5,000 went to those very worthwhile causes.

We are aware that the lockdown will continue into the New Year, but let us hope for a return to 'normality' later in 2021.

Don Semmons

Social Secretary.

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AGM and Lunch

Thursday 5th March 2020

The Club's 42nd Annual General Meeting was held in the Spen Cama Pavilion at Sussex County Cricket Club in Hove and was attended by 49 members. The weather outside was atrocious, but inside was warm and welcoming.

At the AGM, our Chairman Graham Clark, led the proceedings and welcomed the members and said how good it was to see so many present which indicated the strength of the friendship contained in the Club. Our membership stood at 366, which is an increase on last year, with 186 active members, and he welcomed the three new members who attended their first AGM.  Graham went on to thank all the committee for their continued hard work especially our Secretary Jean Clark for having been our efficient and compliant official for the past 25 years.

The committee were re-elected en-bloc. See a full list of the committee members HERE:

A full transcript of the minutes of the AGM can be found HERE.

Don reported on the accounts that were adopted and a small gift was handed to, Roger Francis for the work he does as Accounts Inspector.

The AGM was followed by a splendid buffet lunch that was thoroughly enjoyed by all the attendees and many commented on how lovely the venue was and the friendliness and efficiency of the staff who looked after us so well.

As usual, just a few photos to show a flavour of the event.

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Arundel Picnic

Tuesday 14th July 2020

For the record, this was the Club's second event of the year and the first since the lockdown due to the Corona virus Covid-19 when the government imposed strict conditions regarding the freedom of movement of its citizens.

So for 131 days we have had to rely on virtual meetings, quizzes and telephone calls to keep in touch with each other during this very difficult, but necessary break to our normal lives, and as lockdown rules were eased this was the first opportunity to get together 'for real', albeit still having to follow social distancing guidelines.

It was therefore marvellous to see 58 of our members and their friends attending the Friends of Arundel Castle Cricket Ground for a DIY picnic. This style of event was the only way to meet up without putting any members at risk and it turned out to be a tremendous success. All those involved were grateful just to be getting out and seeing their colleagues for the first time since March.

Our Chairman, Graham Clark, made a presentation to Don with a card reading - "With grateful thanks from the Committee and Members for keeping the Club going during the pandemic, we all thank you."

This event was such a success that we are trying to arrange a similar event for next month, so watch this space...

As usual, a few photos showing the members obeying the social distancing rules, but enjoying each others company and the views across the Weald.

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Autumn Golf Meeting

held at

Ifield Golf Club

Tuesday 15th September 2020

On what turned out to be one of the hottest September days on record, 13 intrepid golfers ventured out onto the parkland course near Crawley to play for the Mike Barrett Trophy and other illustrious prizes.

With temperatures approaching 30° it was hard work getting round the 3.5 mile course..thats if you walked in a straight line!!..but all 13 managed it, some with the help of an  electric buggy.

Before reading the next paragraph, I wish to make it clear that no humans or animals were hurt in this incident!!

One of our more mature golfers actually managed to drive his buggy into a fairly deep ditch and his group had to wait for some assistance to retrieve said buggy before continuing with their round. No names mentioned, but he was awarded with a golf ball, presented to him, via elbows!, at the awards ceremony at the end of the day. One amusing comment from newcomer Mark Allen, was that he received the award for the 'Shortest Drive of the Day!'.

The overall, and well deserved winner of the trophy was our organiser. John Jago with 34 points, second was Peter Elliott with 33 pts and in third place was Bob Russell with 31 pts. Prizes were also awarded to Barry Davis and Chris Hudson for the best front nine score and back nine score.

An enjoyable day, finished off with a nice meal of Ham, Eggs and Chips eaten outside in a marquee when thankfully temperatures had dropped a little.

As usual a few photos: (Note the 'pretend handshake by Peter Elliott and Bob Russell followed by the rather odd 'elbow-shake!')

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Charity Christmas Draw

Wednesday 16th December

Our charity Christmas raffle took place today during a zoom meeting and a list of the prize winners can be viewed by clicking HERE.

I am delighted to report that a magnificent £2,500 was raised by our members and as that is going to be matched by the Bank, our two selcted charities, the Martlets Hospice in Hove and the Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice in Arundel will each receive a total of £2,500

A BIG THANK YOU to all those you contributed and I hope all the prize winners enjoy spending their winnings.....

Here are a few of the participants: