Chairmans Message 2026 - One Year on!

One Year On - Message from the Chair of Little Bardfield Village Cricket Club

To all of our members, supporters, sponsors, and friends,

Twelve months on from our decision to begin the club's new chapter in the Herts and Essex Border League, I am delighted to say that it has proven to be a resounding success for Little Bardfield Village Cricket Club.

When we made the move, our hope was simple: to bring a local focus back to our cricket, to reduce the strain that had been placed on a small club competing at a demanding level, and to create the space for the club to grow again. I'm proud to say that we have achieved exactly that.

In 2025, we welcomed a number of new members to the club. Some have returned to cricket after time away from the game; others have picked up a bat or ball for the very first time. The shift to more local fixtures has made a real difference — shorter travel, familiar opposition, and stronger local connections have allowed us to focus our time and energy where it matters most: within our own community.

Just as importantly, the atmosphere around the club has flourished. Saturdays are once again about more than just results. They are about shared effort, laughter, and the simple enjoyment of club cricket. With a healthier playing pool and renewed enthusiasm, we've been able to build greater continuity in selection, strengthen our junior pathway, and ensure that cricket at Little Bardfield is sustainable for the long term.

None of this would have been possible without the commitment of our players, volunteers, and supporters. Your willingness to embrace change and invest in the club's future has paid dividends.

That said, our door remains as open as ever.

If you are an experienced cricketer looking for competitive but enjoyable cricket, we would love to hear from you. If you are new to the game, returning after years away, or simply curious about getting involved, there is absolutely a place for you here. Ability and experience are far less important than enthusiasm and a willingness to be part of a team.

And you do not have to be a player to be part of Little Bardfield Village Cricket Club. We warmly welcome social members who simply want to support the club, enjoy matchdays, and be part of our growing community. We are also always grateful for volunteers willing to lend a hand — whether that's helping to maintain the ground, assisting with teas, scoring, supporting our junior section, organising events, or helping behind the scenes to keep the club running smoothly. Grassroots cricket depends on people giving what time they can, and every contribution makes a genuine difference.

We continue to train on Wednesday evenings and welcome players of all ages and standards. Whether you want to play every week, the occasional game, support socially, or help in a voluntary capacity, you will be warmly received.

This past year has reaffirmed what village cricket is all about: community, inclusivity, and pride in representing the place we call home. The move has allowed us not just to stabilise, but to grow — and the future of Little Bardfield Village Cricket Club looks brighter for it.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming familiar faces and many new ones in the seasons ahead.

Yours sincerely,
Will Slemmings
Chair
Little Bardfield Village Cricket Club