The last issue of CommunityAd brought you the news that Andy Lion was to be the new Chairman of Frimley Cricket Club and there’s not a better person to be in the chair.
Having first played for Frimley as a thirteen-year-old, Andy has been a mainstay at the club for over twenty years and claims cricket is in his blood. Reminiscing Andy shares “… One of my fondest memories was going to the games with my dad and brother every week, with the hope that someone would not be able to play so I could step in! Eventually that did happen and I got picked… and well, the rest, as they say, is history”.
CommunityAd had the pleasure of a chat with the Chairman about the upcoming season and 200 years of local cricket.
It seems like a community orientated, friendly and inclusive club to be a part of, is that the case?
Absolutely! Listening to our members is crucial to running a community orientated club. We run four teams on a Saturday, and one on a Sunday, with several junior teams and I’m proud to say we have a women’s team too! We pride ourselves on being very open to any ability level and welcome people from many different cultures and backgrounds.
As the new Chairman how’s it been and what do you enjoy most about the role so far?
Having the opportunity to run and lead your boyhood cricket club is a true honour and a privilege. My leadership philosophy is ‘member first and the rest will follow’ and ‘what we permit we promote’! It’s been a crazy couple of months with a newish committee in place and the challenges still of a COVID-led world, it’s been hard to plan and organise the upcoming season.
However, we have achieved so much in a short space of time. Developed a 4XI, a women’s team and started work on improving the clubhouse. The toilets, changing rooms are all being re-vamped whilst we can’t go inside the building. Once the COVID restrictions have been fully lifted, it will tie in quite nicely with the developments that are due to be completed! And hopefully a big party awaits to celebrate our very special 200-year anniversary!
The club has a proud heritage, 200 years not out is not bad, is it? What has been the key to such longevity here in Frimley, do you think?
Incredible achievement. So many sporting clubs fall away due to so many factors. So to say that we have being going for 200 years gives me and our members so much joy and pride. I honestly put this achievement down to our members and the love for this club, and, well, of course, cricket! Over the years there have been many hurdles to overcome, but as the saying goes, ‘if there is a will there is a way’! And well there is so much ‘will’ to make Frimley Cricket Club a fun and happy place to be!
Why should readers consider getting involved?
I hope the readers can see the passion I have when describing our great and historic club! We are always open to welcoming new members from any ability level who are keen to play what I believe is the best sport in the world. And typically, in a ‘new normal’ world offer plenty of social events to bring a community even closer together!
Outside of the cricket club what makes the community of Frimley such a pleasant one to be a part of?
I have lived in Frimley pretty much all my life and can honestly say it’s not just the cricket club members but the overall community is a welcoming and a supportive place to be a part of and live. During these difficult times I have seen so much support in the community to others, I think it brings the best out of people and not the worst.