By Chairman, Jim Ward, 1984

I am indeed pleased to be able to report much better playing results for the 1984 season. As everyone knows we finished second in both the Britannic Assurance County Championship and the John Player Special League and missed the Championship title in the last match at Taunton by just four runs.

It was cruel luck for Clive Rice and his team who had played so well throughout a long hard season and had provided excellent entertainment for the club’s supporters. Nevertheless the players and officials can look back with pride on last season’s achievements and they brought credit to the county of Nottinghamshire.

Many of our players had outstanding performances and it is not easy to record so many but, mention must be made of Richard Hadlee in achieving the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets for the first time in first class cricket since 1967.

Two of our players Chris broad and Derek Randall, were honoured by being selected to play for England against the West Indies last season. Moreover we were delighted when Tim Robinson and Bruce French were chosen to tour India with the England touring team and congratulations go to Tim on his first England cap. The tour has been beset by severe difficulties and by the time this report is read I hope that there is a calmer atmosphere.

On the financial side I forecast last year that 1984 was going to be difficult because of the absence of a Test Match at Trent Bridge.

In the event we only made a surplus of £7,212 after bringing in £30,010 from the Trent Bridge ’84 appeal. This latter amount is being kept separate in the Balance Sheet and is earmarked for future ground repairs and improvements in line with the objectives of the appeal. Future payments from the fund will be reported to members.

Last year comparative receipts increased by 320,257; improvements were shown in match receipts of £11,308 and receipts from the TCCB increased to £208,10. However in the absence of a Test Match receipts from ground advertising decreased from £103,301 to £80,832 and sponsorship etc. was down from 439,778 to £44,472. There is also a steady decline in the squash income where increasing competition is having its effect.

On the expenditure side there was an increase of 352,098, which was accounted for by the increased cost of players and officials wages and match expenses (including stewards and police).

Financial viability is of supreme importance to the club and if the club is to maintain its progress and success of commercial activities will be vital to the club’s future. Consequently more money will have to be spent on marketing and this section of the club has been strengthened under David Seward.

Of equal importance is the maintenance of Trent Bridge as a Test Mach ground. Undoubtedly more permanent stands are needed on a long term basis, and although the Trent Bridge ’84 appeal will help with minor repair and improvements, the building of stands these days is a very costly proposition.

However as a Test Match ground a new stand on the site of the old Hound Road stand has for some time been an urgent requirement. The Committee was therefore delighted that building work started last November on such a stand and the aim is to complete the building in time for the Test Match against Australia in July next.

The building of this stand has been made possible through the generosity of the Home Brewery Company who are providing the necessary funds. This assistance is of immense value to the club and we are all indeed grateful to the Home Brewery. We look forward to many years of happy association and co-operating with them.

We propose to name the new stand the Larwood and Voce Stand and it will comprise a stand of approximately 1000 seats with the new Tavern bar and facilities and much improved groundsmen’s accommodation. The last mentioned improvement is, of course, essential for a Test Match ground.

Our coaching links under John Cope continue to strengthen and represent the future prosperity of cricket throughout the county. Our links with the Notts Cricket association are very strong and we maintain a very good relationship with them.

All our players are remaining with us and additionally we shall be welcoming three new young players to our playing staff viz. Andy Afford, David Fraser-Darling and Russell Evans.

It is with immense sorrow that I have to record the death during the year of Dick Tennant who was the Vice-Chairman of the club. Dick was a great friend and his death was a sad loss to us all. The year was also marked with the death of Bill Voce who was one of the most famous players ever to have played for Notts. and who will always be remembered in cricket history. He will be greatly missed in cricketing circles.

I am heartened by the obvious goodwill that is shown throughout the County towards the club and this was particularly apparent as a result of events organised under the Trent Bridge ’84 Appeal. I would therefore like to express my thanks to all the many people who have helped towards making the Trent bridge ’84 Appeal a success.

My thanks also go to our Sponsors and Supporters’ Association and as always our ladies Committee who have worked so hard. Furthermore I am most grateful for the splendid efforts of all our staff including the players, ground and maintenance staff and administration and commercial staff. I send my best wishes to all our members and I hope that they enjoyed the 1984 season and I look forward to their continuing support.

After filling the post with distinction for three years John Cochrane will be retiring as President at the Annual General Meeting. As all members will know John has been an outstanding President and has helped the club in a great variety of ways. He is a real cricket lover and has involved himself deeply in all our affairs and has been am ambassador who has enhanced the reputation of the club in many spheres.

On behalf of the members, the Committee would like to record our most grateful thanks for all he has done for us over the past three years and there will always be a welcome for him at Trent Bridge.