Easter is here so season’s greetings to all those celebrating and enjoy the long weekend!

Although Easter is relatively early this year, it heralds the start of the season proper. Spring is springing, indoor training is now finished, we head outside for training from Wednesday, 10 April and the first pre-season fixtures are fast approaching.

I’m delighted that another date is imminent… Tuesday, 2 April will see the start of the work to demolish the remains of the pavilion. At last we will start to see tangible results from all the hard work that the Pavilion Rebuild Board have undertaken since 7 September last year.

Particular big shout out and thanks to Simon Coles, Emma Beavan and Ben Houghton for this achievement. This is the result of their hard work with the Royal Parks management team, Richmond Council and the appointed contractors to reach this milestone.

Our target is to complete the demolition and remove the rubble before the Adult league season starts. More info will follow during the demolition works because vehicle access and parking will be compromised during the demolition.

Work also continues in the background to establish the temporary facilities ahead of the season. This will be a challenge whilst the demolition is in progress. Our target is to have a combination of portacabin type structures and a semi-permanent marquee in place as soon as possible. Watch this space for regular progress updates.

I am also delighted to let you know about a couple of other arrivals…

Firstly, James Chapple, a wicket-keeper / batsman from the state of Victoria, Australia will be at the Wick for the 2024 season. James had a successful season playing in the Bradford league in Yorkshire in 2023 and he will be back in the UK with us from mid-April. We are looking for paid accommodation for James for the season. If you can help out please let us know.

Last, but definitely not least, many congrats to Andrae and Ushea McDonald on the arrival of their beautiful baby daughter Ariella who was born on 16 March.