I normally enjoy sitting down at this time of year and writing my ‘Chairman’s Corner’ for the fixturebooklet in anticipation of another splendid summer of cricket. However, the past few months have been anything but normal, and the ongoing virus crisis will affect both our club and our sport in severe ways. As many of you will already be aware, the committees of both the Cheshire County League and the Cheshire League have made the decision to delay the start of the 2020 cricket season. The leagues have stated that whatever happens this season, there will be no promotion and relegation this year. The league set up for 2020 will be taken forward as the basis of fixtures in 2021.

The situation that we find ourselves in is fast-moving and totally unprecedented. It is incumbent upon us all to follow the strong guidance and advice issued by the Government and the ECB in order to try to stop the spread of Covid 19 as best we can. The health and safety of everyone is our priority.

Consequently, all cricketing activities at Christleton CC are suspended indefinitely and will not recommence until the advice from the Government and the ECB gives us the green light to play cricket again. This means that there will be no outdoor or indoor training or practice, no nets and no matches. This applies to all junior and senior teams.

The leagues will monitor the situation and will tell us when we can play cricket again. No one knows when that will be. In the meantime, our job is to keep the club in a state of readiness. The ground looks magnificent and could be played on now. It will be kept in its usual beautiful condition by the people whose care, expertise and pride in what they do remains constant. The clubhouse is newly decorated and also looks magnificent. A similar band of volunteers have been managing a comprehensive restoration of the clubhouse in recent weeks. The results are impressive and it is sad and so frustrating that we cannot yet bring the clubhouse back to life.

Above all, we need our members to show personal readiness, and real pride in their club. For now, not only are there no cricketing activities, there is also no income. At the point when we are able to play cricket and hold social functions, hopefully later in the summer, we need to see our members throw themselves into what remains of the season with positive energy and enthusiasm to help our club and the sport to bounce back.

When updates are available, they will be sent on to you.

I normally close ‘Chairman’s Corner’ by hoping to meet members and supporters old and new on our lovely ground at the start of the season. I very much hope that this year it won’t be too long before Ihave that pleasure. In the meantime, please stay healthy, and ready to play cricket again.

Best wishes Mike Hollindale