Before then there are winter nets for those that enjoy / need / require them. This year we have two net sessions, which are both open to all new and existing Club members. The first nets will be held at Woolwich Poly School, SE28 on February 23rd, March 2nd, 9th, and 16th. The sessions are from 6,30 - 8pm. The second group of winter nets will be held at the Oval on March 14th & 21st and April 4th & 11th. The sessions run from 8-9 pm. Bring £3 to cover the cost. Enjoy the sessions, and say hello to old friends and new teammates.

The pre-season schedule has been finalised. On the 23rd April the 1's & 2's play Bexley, the 3's travel to Essex to play Theydon Bois and the 3A and 4th XI will hold a trial match at Sam Montague. Given the proximity of these fixtures I would imagine there would be a post match gathering in the Crown at early evening. The following Sunday is a National Knockout Cup match at Linden Park. The skipper will be Mel Ragnauth, and I know he would appreciate early indications of availability and also as many spectators to rally the Blackheath cause.

The 30th April is the first league weekend for the 3's ~ away to Bromley Town (2nd last year) ~ and 4's ~ away to Beckenham and Sydenham, with the 1st XI at Surrey Premier League team Spencer and the 2nd XI away at Middlesex Premier team Winchmore Hill. The 3A travel into Essex to play Essex Premier League team South Woodford. There are some cracking fixtures, which will really examine our early strength. On the Sunday (1st May) the 1st XI are playing at Bickley (who pipped us to promotion in 2004), while Simon Wright is arranging a inter-club match with a view to playing some tough cricket, equalled to some tough drinking later.

The league season starts for the 1st XI at the County Ground in Maidstone vs The Mote, with the 2's at home to rivals Bexley (remember we completed the "double" over them last year). The 3A will play the enigma that is The Wanderers.
Kit: Blackheath kit is available this year - see the website for prices and information. Get your orders and cash in early to avoid disappointment.

Subscriptions: Set up a standing order and you will not notice it going from your account
I have included the standing order form at the bottom of this piece. If you fill in, sign and send the standing order form to Laurie Baker this month you can spread the cost over 8 months so that means £17, £11 or £6 a month - which really is unbelievable value. Full subs this year are £135, new members fees £85 and students £45. If you want to send post-dated cheques that is also fine - and of course if you wish to pay the whole sum now with your Christmas bonus, Laurie and the Club will be more than happy to accept it. (If your circumstances change through the year - we always make the necessary adjustments)

House and Grounds: The wickets at the Rectory & Sam Montague have received some excellent winter preparation. Tony Bratton and Gary Terry have put the hours in to scarify (using new top range equipment), dress, tine and prep the square. It is looking good enough to play on already. The outfield appears to have wintered well, for the first time ever it has been worked on through the winter and there are plans for top-dressing during seeding in April. The Sam Montague ground has been worked on and given the most extensive preparation ever. This year will have use of an additional ground at the Woolwich Barracks. The ground has good changing facilities, a bar, covers, sightscreens and an electronic scoreboard. As an Army facility it is safe to assume decent facilities.

There is a committee meeting at the Club on the 28th February, so if I have missed anything and you want it raised, let me know and we can discuss it. Also, any thoughts, feedback or comments are welcome. Finally remember to keep inviting people to the Club to play, administer, score, umpire, drink etc. The bigger the Club the more enjoyable.