I hope you all had a very enjoyable Christmas and I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. As we look ahead, I am hugely excited about the 2026 season and honoured to be stepping into the role of Club Chair.

I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to our outgoing Chair, Rob Field, for all his hard work and dedication. Rob leaves the club in an excellent position, and we are extremely grateful for the time and effort he has put in to help Barby Cricket Club reach where it is today. I am very much looking forward to building on the strong foundations he has created.

Our ground is already looking in great shape thanks to Rob, Jim Mead, and the ever-reliable Wednesday gang. We owe you all a huge amount of thanks for the work you continue to do in helping make Barby one of the best clubs in the local area.

On the playing front, we have plenty to be excited about. Our 1st XI have been promoted to Northamptonshire Cricket League Division 1, a fantastic achievement, and one we will look to build upon. I am also delighted to confirm that our overseas player, Will Hamilton, will be returning to Barby from New Zealand for the coming season.

Our 2nd, 3rd and 4th XIs will be looking to consolidate on last season’s progress, with all teams aiming to push on and challenge for promotion.

Our junior section continues to go from strength to strength under the excellent leadership of Simon Devaney, with junior nets starting in January. We will also be building on the success of our girls’ section following a very positive season under the guidance of Lucy Shay.

I am pleased to announce our new Vice Presidents: Lucy Shay and Richard Thompson for their work with our junior sections, and Loz Mead for his continued support of the club from Australia.

The 100 Club continues to provide vital financial support, and I would like to thank Janet Lester for running it so efficiently. There are still spaces available at just £5 per month, and I would encourage members to get involved if they can.

Cricket teas will once again be provided by Barby, and a huge thank you goes to our amazing team of tea ladies and gents for their continued support.

As always, I would kindly ask members to please get membership subscriptions paid as soon as possible, as this greatly helps club finances over the winter months.

Club sponsorship remains vital to the ongoing success of Barby Cricket Club, so if you know of any potential sponsors, please do spread the word. We are also keen to secure individual player sponsors, so don’t be shy in promoting yourselves.

Thank you all for your continued support. I am really looking forward to the season ahead and working together to make 2026 another successful year for Barby Cricket Club.

Best wishes,
Kerry Norton
Club Chair
Barby Cricket Club