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Trent Bridge

Financial Results Are Cause For Anxiety

By Chairman John Heatly, 1982

It was a proud day for all concerned when the season began with our President leading the representation to Buckingham Palace to receive the Lord’s Taverners Trophy from HRH Prince Philip. The same applied when we paid our first visit to Lord’s for a major one-day final and although the occasion proved too much for us, I am sure the players learned form the experience.

To finish fourth in the Schweppes Championship was highly commendable, especially in view of the injury problems, and the performances of the youngsters when they were pressed into service augurs well for our future.

Our financial results for the year are cause for considerable anxiety and were worsened by the insolvency of our ground advertisers who were unable to pay the balance of our contract with them – approximately £30,000. A similar experience was suffered by other counties.

In addition fund-raising proved disappointing, as did the support for our Championship-winning team from the public through the gate and these setbacks were the major cause for us recording a loss for the year.

We have examined our finances very carefully and trust that the tight budget we have set for the current year will go some way towards restoring our position.

Philip Carling has left the club after five years as chief executive to join Glamorgan. I wish him well and I am sure that treasurers of this club will pencil income into budgets as a result of his schemes for many years to come.

In his place, Brian Robson has been appointed secretary and the administration of day to day affairs at Trent Bridge is in capable hands.

The club was honoured by the selection of Derek Randall and Eddie Hemmings by England last summer, and for the tour of Australia. Incidentally, the committee have awarded Derek a benefit season this year and as one of the most popular players in the history of Nottinghamshire cricket, I am sure he will be immensely successful.

One of our less publicised achievements of 1982 was the strengthening of our working relationship with the Notts Cricket Association and the umpires and coaching organisations. No other county can claim to have such a close link with their local associations and our Cricket Development Officer, John Cope, is to be congratulated for his efforts.

In conclusion, I should point out that my five-year term of office as club chairman comes to an end in March. It has been an honour and a privilege to have served in the position and my sincere thanks go to the President, committee, members, players and all the staff for the support I have received.

It is my duty now to support the next chairman as my predecessor Jack Baddiley supported me.

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