The summer of 1975 will long be remembered by the general cricketing public for the superb weather, the successful Prudential Cup and the Test Series with Australia, each of which stimulated great and renewed interest in the game. In addition we can look back with some pleasure on the improved performance of the County side, particularly in one day matches.
Along with most of the Counties we have enjoyed increased receipts over last year but as you will see from the Statement of Accounts and the Financial Report these do not meet the escalating cost of cricket at first class level. We are most fortunate that the Development Programme and the Sports Complex have proved so financially rewarding and are able to support the purely cricketing activities of the club but it must be understood that best use of the funds accruing from these sources can only be achieved when the Cricket Account is kept in balance through its own endeavours. We must all be prepared to make a realistic contribution to this end.
I am sure everyone was delighted with the improved playing fortune of Nottinghamshire in 1975 and few will forget the stirring Gillette Cup matches and the high excitement of many of the John Player League games. However, we are well aware that much needs to be done before we reach the consistent level that wins championships and are constantly on the look out for new players with particular emphasis on the encouragement of local born talent.
Michael Smedley is to be congratulated on his first year as captain and we wish him and his team every success in the coming season.
The Committee has been please to award a benefit to Barry Stead in 1976 after 13 years service to the club and we all wish him a most successful year.
The financial consideration association with the first phase of the Development Programme have now been completed and a great vote of thanks is due to Frank Gregory for his outstanding contribution in bringing about this most satisfactory conclusion, we are all most grateful for his continued service to the club.
The first year of the Trent Bridge Squash Rackets and Health Club has been an outstanding success not only is it providing important revenue but giving enjoyment to its many members and ensuring continuous activity at Trent Bridge throughout the year. We congratulate everyone who helped to get this project underway and wish the Club continuing success in 1976.
Once again we are indebted to the Supporters’ Association for their magnificent donation to the Cricket Club. At a time when fund raising is not east it is amazing that Bill Godfrey and his team of helpers have increased their donation by £2,000. The Squash Club Committee are also mindful of the profits accruing from their bar which was run by the Association until the end of September 1975.
At the end of November we had the sad task of saying goodbye to John Gough on his retirement as Secretary of the Supporters Association. He held this position for eight years and there have been few better known faces at Trent Bridge. He worked all hours to build up The Tavern into what it is today and we all hope he will continue to spend many happy days with us in the future.
Our thanks are also due to the Ladies section and the 200 Club for their continued and valued financial assistance to the Club.
The Committee would again like to thank many companies 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 acknowledged at the end of this report.
Many cricket clubs have again made their grounds available for 2nd XI and Under 25 competition matches and we are most grateful for their valuable assistance and the kind reception given to the players. The county team will again look forward to playing to out matches in 1976, a county championship match as Worksop against Yorkshire and a Benson and Hedges Cup match at Newark against Middlesex.
All at Trent Bridge were saddened by the death of Mr. R. J. de C. Barber, a Vice-President and former President of the club who was such as regular and popular visitor to the ground. Also of Mr. Bill Hodgson, our dressing room attendant for many years. They will be missed.
The club has enjoyed an excellent relationship with the local press and radio and we thank them for their co-operation and fair coverage through the year.
Finally, on behalf of the Committee may I thank the General Secretary, the Office and Sports Complex Staff and the groundstaff for their continued support in a very busy year.