Dear All
Happy New Year!
With Haddin and Smith once again tonking England's bowling attack to all corners overnight, to cheer you up on this dreary wet and windy day, I bring you happier news on the 2014 tour so that you can think of the good times ahead in the sunshine this summer. Here are some of the tour FAQs for you to mull over for a couple of seconds and then sign up immediately...
When is it?
Midday Friday 4th July – Midday Sunday 6th July
Why then?
Early July gives us the evening light (not acheived in Littlebredy), a good chance of decent weather (fingers crossed) and it is before the school holidays when Dad's dissapear to strange places like France and Bulgaria.
Who are we playing?
Friday evening we have a T20 match v Emsworth Cricket Club. All queries relating to Emsworth CC should be directed at our Emsworth liaison officer Matt Pitts who is an ex-player.
Saturday we are playing in a 6’s tournament at East Meon CC. We will play a minimum of 3 matches unless we progress to the semi-finals.
What is the plan?
We will be departing early afternoon Friday 4th July to Portsmouth. Before the match we all know preparation is key. No stone will be left unturned to achieve maximum performance. Therefore, a net session in one of Emsworth’s finest drinking facilities will be booked allowing for all the necessary dietary requirements to line the stomach. It will be a great chance to get your eye in before we hit Portsmouth later that evening with the Navy boys. No heavy petting please.
On Saturday after the tournament we will head back into Portsmouth for an evening with the Navy boys. No public indecency or nudity please.
A more detailed itinerary will be made available closer to the time. Should England reach the dizzy heights of a World Cup Quarter Final in Brazil we will accommodate this into the itinerary as much as is possible.
Is there a beer tent at the 6s tournament?
Yes Lewis there is.
How many can go?
We need a minimum of 12 people. There is no maximum but the first 14 signed up will be on the bus and in the hotel. Late additions will need to organise their own transport to and from Portsmouth and accommodation.
How Much?
£170 or…
£130 – reduced rate for volunteer drivers. We need 3 volunteers to pick up the minibus, drop off the minibus and drive the minibus. You need Category D1 on your licence, aged 25-70 and have a UK driving licence for over 2 years. Pick up and drop off will likely be Shaftesbury, Gillingham or Wincanton.
What does that include?
Accommodation x2, Breakfast x2, Dinner x2, Match fees x2, Minibus hire, chauffer services, initial contribution to the kitty. Very reasonable...
Where are we staying?
In a hotel in central Portsmouth. On good authority its near to the pubs.
Do I have to share a room with Charlie White?
Not if you don’t want to Jason.
How do I sign up?
By paying a minimum of £50 to Bryan or myself you will secure your spot on tour. It will be first come first served so put your deposit down as soon as possible. Everyone will need to pay Bryan or myself a total of £100 by midnight 11th May. Everyone will need to pay the final £70 (£30 for drivers) by midnight 8th June. Please feel free to make smaller instalments starting as early as you like.
The earlier you can pay the better. There are always rewards for early payers. There are always forfeits for late payers. Word of warning, don’t be the last to pay. Phrases such as “you know I’m good for it” and “don’t worry you’ll get the money” really don’t help especially when paying deposits in advance and will be noted in any fines session.
Will there be a chance for a spa appointment on tour?
No Mr.Chairman there won’t be.
When will my partner and children join me on tour?
They won’t be. Tour management will be following Fabio Capello’s best seller ‘My 2010 World Cup Regime’ when it comes to tour discipline.
That’s all for now. Bryan and myself look forward to receiving first instalments at the AGM, or winter nets…
Best,
Skipper & Social Sec.