Pudsey Congs Club News
30 Year Celebrations are a Huge Success
Almost 40 cricketers took part in a social game to celebrate 30 years of cricket at the Britannia ground. Secretary Steve Raistrick introduced the President Mr Malcolm Sowden, both gentlemen giving a warm welcome to 100 (approx) members and friends with President Sowden recalling a couple of his own personal highlights. Cricket Chairman Ralph Middlebrook spoke about success on the field, success in building a ground to be proud of (most of the work being done on a voluntary basis), success in administration and success in fundraising. Tea ladies, craftsmen, groundstaff, captains, coaches and junior managers were thanked as indeed anyone who had helped in 30 years of SUCCESS .
82 year old former President Geoff Sutcliffe faced the first over of the match bowled by 8 year old Harry Allman, honours even! Mick Hirst and Mark Bray lead & organised two teams with former players Chris Glover (what a catch), Roy Smith (why are you not still playing), Gary Brook (how well did he time the ball), Simon Purdy (jublliant as ever) and a host of youngsters in a game which one team won. Guest umpires included Granville Fletcher, Alan Glover, Jonothan Smith, Neil Humpleby, Ken Illingworth, some young players and last but not least, our President. Thanks to all who helped especially John Malpass for the pitch, Sue for the catering and Neil and co for the bar service. Thanks to anyone who assisted. I think it is fair to say a good time was had by all.
Sponsored Run to Blackpool
The team undertook the run to Blackpool in aid of this years charity, Sick Childrens Trust. Michael Hirst had the honour of doing the first leg, leaving the club at 9.15pm on Thurs 08.07.10. The team arrived at The Windmill in Blackpool at 7.30 on Fri morning, with no problems along the route. Spokesman John Malpass said they were feeling a little stiff but this would not stop them from having a few drinks to celebrate. A magnificent effort from everyone involved. On behalf of the Social Committee and the Charity, I would like to thank the runners and Keith Shaw (the driver) for what they have done.
Roy Smith
Cancer Research Cheque Presentation
Pudsey Congs First X1 Captain Glenn Roberts presents the cheque to Andrea Membe
After 32 members and friends of Pudsey Congs Cricket Club walked the 3 Peaks of Yorkshire on April 2nd , 2010, £1400 was raised for Cancer Research UK. The cheque presentation took place on Saturday evening in the clubhouse. Many thanks to everyone involved for all their hard work.
Glenn Roberts
Buy a Brick Campaign
1. The cost of one brick is £25
2. Choose an (unsold) numbered brick, and your name will be entered into it
3. This will be YOUR brick for the period of the campaign
4. For your £25, you will be entered into a monthly draw, with all the other current brick owners for a monthly prize of £50
5. This monthly draw will take place the first Sunday in the every month
6. The first draw will be made on: (to be confirmed)
7. The anticipated length of the campaign is two years, therefore around 24 monthly draws will be made
8. At the end of the campaign (when all 500 bricks are sold), a prize draw will be made.
9. The cash prizes will be as follows:
1 prize of £500
5 prizes of £100
4 prizes of £50
4 prizes of £25
10. The above prize list MAY change if a decision is made to end the campaign BEFORE all 500 bricks are sold, or if ALL bricks are sold before the proposed two years
11. Both Club Members and Non-members can join the Campaign
12. All winners will be contacted by the Campaign Organiser, either in person, by telephone or e-mail
13. The Campaign Organiser's decision is final
14. To purchase a ‘brick’, and for more information, call the Campaign Organiser:
Andre Stolarski on 07802308320
Thirty One hardy souls undertook the daunting challenge of the 26 mile trek over the Three Peaks in uncertain weather on Good Friday. Gary, Graham and John arrived back at Horton-in-Ribblesdale first, but it was not a race. Man of the day Adam Patrick, aged 16, was not far behind the early finishers - two of whom are regular fitness devotees. Everyone who took part is to be congratulated as is it no mean feat to attempt this "marathon" - thanks to all. Special thanks to our first team Captain Glenn Roberts, who did all the organizing in true professional style and to everyone else who assisted onsite. Funds generated will be split 50/50 between Cancer Research and our Pudsey Congs Cricket Club. All participants are grateful to each individual sponsor, thank you.
Your cash can be given to Glenn, Ralph or drop it off behind the bar to either Neil or Michelle.
thanks to everyone involved - Ralph and Glenn
Lily Francis and Denise Finlay receive the League trophy .
Michael Hirst receiving a cheque for £60 for junior funds.
photos courtesy of Roy Smith
When I drafted up a rough website for the Pudsey Congs in late 2004 with the help of Micheal Knight, I never would have thought that its popularity would skyrocket to the heights that I am seeing in 2009.
On Dec 2nd, 2009, PudseyCongsCricket.com had its 100,000th unique visitor to our website. To put that into perspective, that is 100,000 different people clicking on our website from over 72 countries in the world, including England, Canada, Australia, USA, France and China. Our hit counter for visits to the website by repeat customers is over 500,000.
A website is only as good as the people that supply the information to the editor. On that note I take my hat off to many contributing folks such as Paul Coates (your emails are always a pleasure for me to read), Mark Gibson (our resident video expert), Michelle Humpleby (our Sky correspondant), Peter Marsh (photographer), Tom Brook (match reporter for various divisions), Dan Appleyard and Stu Hardcastle (4th team reporters), Dom Allen (classic match reports), Mike Oldfield and Phil Allinson (2nd team updaters), Ralph Middlebrook (Chairman), all the junior coaches and many, many others. Your tireless hours of volunteer contributions are always welcome.
We have half a million hits in 5 years, keep up the great work folks, it is my pleasure to be involved with such a credible organization
Thanks
Glen Duffield, Dec 4th, 2009
Keith Illingworth Plaque Dedication
On March 16th 2009, Margaret Illingworth was invited to the club to unveil a plaque to her late husband which had been provided by the Monday Morning Gang. Keith was a lifelong lover of cricket and played a large part in the planning and construction of the verandah in front of the Century Suite and kitchen. He was an active member of the Monday Morning Gang until forced to retire due to ill health. After the unveiling Margaret was taken to The Fleece for drinks and sandwiches.
Story and photos courtesy of Roy Smith
Pudsey Congs have now registered with
www.easyfundraising.org.uk
Easyfundraising has links to over 500 internet retailer websites including many of the best know high street names. By registering with www.easyfundraising.org.uk and then linking to their required internet retailer through the site, club members and their family and friends can purchase goods in the usual manner. They will still be dealing directly with the retailer with all the rights and protection associated with internet transactions.
The retailer, through easyfundraising will make a donation to the club of between 1% and 3% of the purchase price AT NO EXTRA COST TO THE MEMBER.
The easyfundraising website is simple to follow. After clicking on "Register As A User" on the Home Page, customers are asked to create their own Password and register the cause they wish to support, recording - Pudsey Congs Cricket Club - will bring donations to the club every time they purchase goods linked through this website.
Large purchases such as insurance bring up to 15% profit for the club.
Ralph rewarded for coaching prowess
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Ralph Middlebrook receives his award from Jimmy Adams |
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) staff coach Ralph Middlebrook has been honoured.
The Pudsey Congs stalwart and former Cricket Development Officer for Leeds City Council is one of 80 coaches throughout the country to be named in the Sky Sports Rewards and Recognition Scheme.
Part of Sky Sports' Developing the Coaches sponsorship is the first ever Sky Sports Coach Recognition Scheme.
Their aim is not only to create more cricket coaches throughout the country, but also to reward long-serving and distinguished coaches throughout the counties. Middlebrook's reward was a day at a Test match (the Riverside Test against the West Indies last month), plus a presentation during the lunch interval by one of the Sky Sports commentators - in this case West Indian Jimmy Adams. Ralph was nominated by Yorkshire because he has been a major player in the coaching of junior cricket in the county for many years now. He has been involved in the ACC (Association of Cricket Coaches) and Yorkshire Cricket Board Coaches Association (YCBCA), as well as the YCB Pathways programme. Middlebrook is also a leading force in the YCB Junior Forum, which aims to further the efforts of the board in promoting junior cricket and, in particular, Ralph's idea that we should move down the age groups in terms of organised cricket for under-nines and under-sevens. That has already happened in the Upper Airedale Junior League and is set to happen in the JCT600 Bradford League.
Middlebrook, who is the father of former Yorkshire and Essex off-spinner James, said: "I'm very honoured to be honoured in this manner and welcome the input of Sky Sports, especially in the productions of the dvds, which are excellent, especially for the coach but also for inspiring young players in the greatest of games. "Many thanks for the hospitality and honour." Middlebrook, who has always acknowledged the massive contribution that the Asian community have made to cricket in the Bradford area, was a wise choice as guest speaker at Saltaire Cricket Club's annual prize-presentation at Ambala Chowdreys on Great Horton Road. For example, he watched overseas player Rana Naveed's progress over four years at Pudsey Congs, and is adamant that he should have been picked up by Yorkshire rather than going to Sussex. Middlebrook, who covered the Bradford League for many years for Radio Leeds, said: "Some 35 to 40 per cent of players in the Bradford League are of Asian descent and we should have one Bradford League dinner every three years where no alcohol is served."
As for players going out of the Bradford League to wealthy clubs such as Wrenthorpe in the Central Yorkshire League for what amounts to half of some club's annual budget, Middlebrook said: "I don't blame the players for going but I do blame the clubs for paying them. "We want enough left for a new mower, for example!"
Congs receive the prestigious Clubmark Certificate
From left to right - Barry Wilson, Steve Raistrick, Tony Bowry YCB, MB Knight, Derrick Reason, Ralph Middlebrook
Congs receive the ECB’s prestigious Clubmark accreditation
On Thursday 30th March Pudsey Congs Cricket Club were awarded the ECB’s prestigious Clubmark accreditation.
Club Mark has been developed with Sport England to set down a set of criteria and a support process for clubs to work through that will enable them to establish a professional management and coaching structure expected in the 21st century.
Clubs are expected to fullfil specific criteria based around the following areas:
Duty of care and child welfare
Coaching and competition
Sports equity and ethics
Club Management
Having 5 junior teams and a junior ladies team alongside our 4 senior teams we have always been a child friendly club.
The Management Committee would like to thank Steve Raistrick, the Club Secretary, and Barry Wilson, the Juniors Secretary, for their hard work and commitment over the past year which ensured the club received this well deserved award.
"Last of the the Summer Wine" Monday Morning Crew
Back Row from Left: Tony Booth and Ken Illingworth
Front Row from Left: Sam Miller, Geoff Sutcliffe, Ralph Middlebrook and Alan Glover
Many Thanks to these fine gentleman who turn up at the ground every Monday to clean up. They donate their time for general clean up, cutting the hedges, maintaining the grass surrounding the pitch and any necessary general repairs. Last Spring they were largely responsible for building the balcony extension in front of the Century Suite.
