Winter nets had been really well attended and we had quite a few new players join the club. A small group of Club Members had decided to take on a project to update the Howard Marshall Pavillion- and what a fantastic job they did. Volunteering their time to improve the Club facilities for the benefit of all.

The season started really well with all 3 league sides being competitive. There was also Sunday Cricket back on the Green which was absolutely brilliant.

Congratulations to Rob and the entire 1st team squad for winning the Division 1 title. Matt Bowles took over the 2nd team Captaincy and did a really good job. We were competitive in every game and finished mid table in a strong league. The 3rd team had struggled for players over the last few years but this year really felt different. Lloyd had a really good mix of youth and experience in the team and there were lots of encouraging performances.
Most people connected to Reed will know that the Village Cup is what gets asked about most. We had a decent run this year and quite a few home ties which was great for bar takings! Congratulations to our neighbours Foxton Granta who won the competition this year. Hopefully we can have another good run next year.

It was in 2016 that John Heslam decided to step down as Club Chairman. I was 33 at the time and still playing regularly in the 1st team. It took me a while to decide if the time was right but I am so glad that I took on the role. The last 8 years have flown by with lots of fantastic memories but I feel now is the right time for someone else to take over.

I joined Reed back in 1992 and the Club has given me so much. Whilst I think it is the right time to step down I still want to play an active role in the club. I plan to stand for another role at the AGM and I'm still going to play as much as possible in 2025. Whoever takes over as Club Chairman will have my full support.

I have had quite a few people tell me that I have done a good job and I really appreciate the kind words. In truth, there are a lot of people at the Club that do a lot more than I do and they are the ones that deserve the credit. So to everyone that has supported me and helped me, thank you very much. I know you know who you are. Reed is a great Club and that is because of all the hard work put in by volunteers.

I was on the train recently reflecting on what have been my favourite memories of the last 8 years. The 2017 and 2019 Village Cup wins are clearly stand outs. I feel so lucky to have played at Lords. The 2017 and 2019 semi finals at Reed were arguably the 2 biggest games ever held at Reed and I am pretty sure they had the most spectators.

Watching us win promotion to the Herts Premier League was a really special day. For a club the size of Reed to get to the highest level of Club cricket is an incredible achievement. Another highlight was watching our 3rd team win at Freeman College in a game which
meant they avoided relegation. The 1st and 2nd team games had both finished early and there were loads of people watching the 3rd team get the vital win.

Reed has always been built on a strong youth section with most adult playing members having played in the youth teams. 10 out of the 11 players that won the Village Cup in 2012 played youth Cricket for Reed. My niece is in the youth section and I see how much she enjoys playing. It is great to see the latest youth team graduates now playing in the senior teams and doing really well.

The problems with our ground made the 2023 season a real challenge. However, when times were tough, the club pulled together and we came out the other side in a strong position. Thanks to the local Clubs that supported us by letting us use their grounds. I will not forget the support of these Clubs. Sometimes people can take certain things for granted and as tough as 2023 was at times, it has made me realise how lucky I am to have Reed as my home ground. Playing at Reed is always special but certainly this year was extra special.

As we move into the festive season, I wish you and all your families a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to a successful 2025 season.

Stuart