There can be no doubt that 1974 proved a most disappointing season for all concerned with cricket at Trent Bridge and disappointment must be joined by alarm when the financial aspects of the game are taken into consideration.

The Committee is well aware that there is no easy solution to our problems but equally determined that the standards of cricket will improve and be maintained at Trent Bridge. We recognise that this can only be achieved through a concerted effort on the part of everyone who has the interests of cricket at heart and call upon all members to give their wholehearted support and encouragement during the coming season.

When Jack Bond was appointed Captain/Manager at the beginning of the year he did warn that 1974 would be transitional period for the Club. He firmly believes that the Club has a nucleus of young players who have the potential to make their mark in County Cricket and as their experience increases so will the playing fortunes of the Club improve. At the same time the Club must have a backing of seasoned professionals and I hope that as you read this report at least one major signing will have been announced.

In August we were able to celebrate an important milestone in the history of Trent Bridge with the opening of the New Sports Complex which has been named The Trent Bridge Squash Rackets and Health Club. The completion of this building must be regarded as a great tribute to our president, Mr. F. E. Gregory, who over a number of years has selflessly applied himself to the task of putting the financial affairs of the Club on a sound basis through the development of the Ground. But for his drive, energy and guidance we would almost certainly have been faced with the prospect of losing Trent Bridge altogether.

The Sports Complex is only a beginning and as you are all aware further development is now taking shape. Fortunately Frank Gregory will remain a guiding force, but on medical advice he will have to restrict his future commitments and will now be able to serve a further year as President of the Club.

During his four years as President, Frank and his wife Brenda have been the most generous hosts to many visits and have proved outstanding ambassadors for the Club. As an expression of our gratitude the Committee were unanimous in their wish that Frank should become a Vice-President of the Club and I am delighted to say he was been pleased to accept our invitation.

We are also losing two members of the Committee, Mr C.W. Dennis who retires in rotation and does not seek re-election because of increasing business commitments, has indicated his willingness to serve in an advisory capacity. Mr. W. Godfrey ha resigned because of ill-health but will continue to represent the Supporters Association on the General Committee. The Committee are most grateful to both for their work on behalf of the Club in past years and it is reassuring to know that their help and advice will be available in the future.

Towards the end of the season Garry Sobers informed the Club that he no longer felt fit enough to continue to rigours of seven day a week cricket and as a result would not be playing for Nottinghamshire in 1975. He joined the Club in 1968 and in his first season lifted the team to fifth place in the Championship Table; it was our great misfortune that a succession of events, beyond the control of both Garry and the Club, prevented him from giving us his undivided attention during the next six years. Nevertheless, everyone connected with Trent Bridge can be grateful for the opportunity to watch this fine cricketer in action and in thanking Garry for some memorable performances we wish him and his family every happiness in the future.

The Committee also thank David Pullan for his services to the Club and on his retirement from full-time first-class cricket wish him every success in his position in Local Government.

All at Trent Bridge were saddened by the death of Mr. Geo. H. Spencer, a Vice-President and former President of the Club. Also of Captain H.A. Brown our former Secretary over many years, who will be remembered with affection and respect by all. They will be missed.

The Committee would again like to thank all who have given most welcome financial support in the form of donations and sponsorship. This generous assistance represents a most important contribution to the Club and is duly acknowledge at the end of this report.

The County is fortunate to have an increasing number of Cricket Clubs who are prepared to make their grounds available for Club & Ground matches and we are most grateful for the kind of welcome given to the players. The County team will again look forward to playing two out matches in 1975, a County Championship match at Worksop against Northants and a Benson & Hedges Cup Match at Newark against Minor Counties North.

The Club has been well served by the local press and radio and we can all be grateful for the excellent relationship and fair coverage we enjoy.

The Committee has been pleased to award a benefit to M.J. Smedley in 1975 after 12 years service to the Club and we wish all him a most successful year.

Finally, on behalf of the Committee I would like to thank the General Secretary, the Office Staff and the Groundstaff for their work and support during the past year.