From the playing point of view 1957 cricket season was a rather depressing one for Nottinghamshire. The Captain was injured before the season started and several other injuries to players in the early part of the season tended to undermine the confidence of the team.

Midway through the season your Committee after very careful deliberation decided to adopt a youth policy; no spectacular results were produced but several young players were given experience of first class cricket and some of them would appear to be settling down as regular members of the side.

In the absence of Mr. Simpson from many of the matches Arthur Jepson took over the Captaincy and his example and encouragement were without a doubt a great help to these young players.

The ground fielding improved no doubt party because of the introduction of younger players, but catches were still dropped at times and this caused the loss of a number of points.

Bruce Dooland whose last season it was with the Club had the distinction of being the first player in the country to reach the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets and your Committee would like to express their appreciation of all that he has done for the Club and to wish him well for the future. It need hardly be said that your Committee made every possible effort to retain the services of this brilliant all-rounder who altogether took over 800 wickets and scored more than 5,000 runs during his five years’ service with the Club.

Of the other bowlers Arthur Jepson bowled with his usual enthusiasm and Mr. G. Goonesena took 49 wickets in the few matches in which he was available after a very successful season as Captain of Cambridge University. Michael Morgan played in several matches and it is hoped that with further experience he will be able to get a regular place in the side.

The batting of the side, particularly that of the young members, gave considerable promise for the future. The two Hills did very well (Maurice scoring over 1,000 runs in his first full season) and with Springall and Winfield should provide a good nucleus of young players.

Geoffrey Millman as the new wicket-keeper had a splendid season and showed encouraging form as a batsman in almost any position in the batting order while Rowe proved an efficient deputy when Millman was unable to play. Of the older players Cyril Poole had a good season.

The Second Eleven had quite a good season in the Minor Counties Competition and was the most part Captained by Peter Harvey. Norman Hill finished top of the Minor Counties Averages and has been awarded the ‘Wilfred Rhodes’ Trophy which will be presented to him at the Annual Meeting. Cotton and Taylor both showed good promise as opening bowlers. Jim Parks again discharged his duties as Coach in a most satisfactory manner.

As for the future every effort is being made by your Committee to develop all players at present on the Staff as well as to obtain new players. Frank Shipston has been appointed Assistant Coach to the Club and he has been coaching the younger members of the Staff throughout the winter.

Jack Kelly has left the Staff. F.W. Stocks who has been a valued member of the Staff for 11 years has accepted a business appointment and your Committee would like to express their appreciation of his great services to the Club

Your Committee record with regret the deaths of two former members of the Staff – T.L. Richmond who played for England and G.V. Gunn.

Your President, Major J.K. Lane, has intimated that he will not seek re-election to the Committee. His great services to the Club both as player and Captain of the 2nd XI for many years and as a member of the Committee since 1934, are very deeply appreciated.

The Notts. County Supporters’ Association has again given very valuable help to the Club and your Committee desire to express to give them their grateful thanks. This financial assistance coupled with a reduction in ground Expenses has resulted in a surplus for the year.

Finally, your Committee would once again like to express their thanks to the Secretary and all members of the Staff for the way in which they have carried out their duties during the year.