Vivvo CMS v4.6 http://www.lancashirecricket.co.uk/ http://www.lancashirecricket.co.uk/files.php?file=Icons/feed_icon_28x28_638584543.png http://www.lancashirecricket.co.uk/index.php/ http://www.lancashirecricket.co.uk/index.php/news/blogs/john-heaton-blog/3870.html John Heaton Blog Fri, 08 Feb 2013 22:49:00 +0000 John Heaton Blog Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:42:28 +0000
I am also now able to complete my diary with dates of relevant events and plan my cricketing season.

I wonder how many people actually appreciate all the many hours of hard work that goes on behind the scenes during the winter months, the planning, the telephone calls, travelling to meetings, etc so that things can go as smoothly as possible during the cricket season. Its not magic nor does it just appear.

Again, well done everyone, and thank you John for your very informative blog which takes the chill of winter days.]]> John Heaton Blog Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:24:43 +0000
The youngsters today are so very lucky to have the full support of LCB and their staff to organise and support their cricket season. Every level is catered for, boys and girls, and no one can say that they are not given a decent chance to shine and make the grade.

It doesnt happen overnight and nothing is done without the full support of all the mums and dads who have to constantly take their budding cricketers all over the county and country. The 2013 season has already started for many youngsters with netting and coaching in the LCCC indoor school.

In my day, early 1950's I was lucky enough to be invited to the indoor cricket school at Clarendon Street Bolton, a far cry from the facility now at Old Trafford, but it was a place where we learnt our skills and enjoyed rare time once a week during the winter months.

I think its absolutely marvellous that the better youngsters are able to go to cricket festivals held at some of our best private schools, play on decent pitches and show their talent. The ones who are making it to the top of the class within their age group are playing every day of the week, usually in an organised game, be it at their club, district, county, or representative.

As you know John I have been in cricket a very long time and I have always enjoyed umpiring any game of cricket at whatever level but my rent appointment as Secretary of the RYCL has given me a new life, being involved at the roots of the game, seeing a youngster come into the game at a very early age, (we have a thriving under 9's league) is the real pleasure, especially when you see that child develope and go onto play for his county, either youth or at senior level. I have been very lucky to see quite a few go on to play for England and when I sit down on cold winter nights and think about my life in cricket its warming to bring these names to reality.

I have always been grateful to LCA/LCB and LSCA for the many opportunities I have been given and now I am giving something back, herein lies the pleasure for me.

Lets hope that 2013 brings us some glorious weather and that lots of young players begin to blossom.

Ted Holden]]> Lancashire Cricket Board