As the season draws to a close, we want to take a moment to recognise and thank three people who have given an enormous amount to the club and are now stepping back from their roles: Jonny Foxbatt (chairman), Alex Foxbatt (secretary) and Martyn “MD” Dancer (captain).

As chairman, Jonny has been instrumental in safeguarding the club and helping secure its future. A player as well as chairman of the committee, he has led important negotiations over our lease, worked tirelessly to secure funding and investment, and helped put the club on a much stronger footing. Much of that work happens quietly behind the scenes, but its importance to WCC cannot be overstated.

Alongside him, Alex has been the driving force behind so much of the club’s activity as secretary. She has somehow combined the demands of the role with studying for her accountancy exams, while also being the founder and driving force behind the WCC Bar. What started as an idea has become a hugely popular part of the club for players, members, families and visitors alike — and an increasingly important part of club life.

Then there is MD.

It is no exaggeration to say that Martyn was one of the people who helped save Whitchurch Cricket Club when it faced the very real prospect of closing. Since then, and as in teh years before, he has given countless hours to WCC: preparing wickets and working on the ground, captaining the side, serving on the committee and doing many of the jobs that simply have to be done to keep a cricket club running.

He has also had the special experience of playing alongside his sons, Sam and Jack — something that sums up much of what WCC is all about. Martyn has decided to step back from cricket, although we very much hope that doesn't mean stepping away from Whitchurch Cricket Club altogether.

Between them, Jonny, Alex and MD have made an exceptional contribution to WCC. They leave a big gap, and their decision to step back is also a reminder that clubs like ours only survive and prosper because people are prepared to step forward, volunteer their time and take responsibility.

Over the coming months, we will need more people to do just that. But that is for another day. For now, on behalf of everyone at Whitchurch Cricket Club, there are just two words that matter. Thank you.

Thank you Jonny.... Thank you Alex.... Thank you MD.

For the time, energy and commitment you have given, and for everything you have done for Whitchurch Cricket Club.