Newsletter - October 2018
National Recognition for Our Hard Work
In August the club succeeded in becoming recognised for its community engagement work when it received the Cricket Scotland’s Strongest Community Engagement Award.
This award recognised the work that we have been doing over the past two or three years to build our links with other organisations in the town. We believe that this is critical to our long term success. If we are to thrive in the future, we need to prove our value to the town by providing excellent cricket experiences and using our facilities for wider benefit.
In the course of 2018, the club has looked to enact this commitment in a number of ways. It has:
- Incorporated commitments to engagement, partnership and social outcomes in its strategic plan for the next three years (see below)
- Become a founder member of Forfar Sports Hub, working to promote collaboration between local sports organisations
- Been an active member of Forfar Action Network (FAN), an umbrella organisation which promotes local events and activities. This involved the club in participating in Forfar Gala Week by staging a family cricket event, participating in “Fun Around the Loch” and participating in Forfar Gala day, staging a cricket game in the main arena. This raised profile with over 2000 people who attended and direct engagement with several hundred members of the public
- Provided cricket taster and coaching activities to two local Cub groups and Guide Units – a total of 80 children and young people
- Contributed £2000 to the Partnership with CS and cricket clubs in the area to employ a Cricket Development Officer for Dundee and Angus. While this is clearly linked directly to promoting participation, the post has enabled a cricket contribution to wider educational goals through the delivery of professional learning activities for teachers in Forfar primary schools.
- Provided coaching and taster activities in 13 local schools. A new development this year was to provide a “Transition Day”, in partnership with Strathmore Rugby Club, Angus Council Active Schools and six primary schools. This event created an opportunity for 240 P7 pupils from the schools in Forfar and Kirriemuir to meet with their peers in a social setting prior to their move to secondary school
- Established a regular activity programme for a group of adults with learning disabilities, who live in The Gables Care Home.
- Hosted a Summer School for a local Youth Theatre Group. In addition to providing accommodation at an affordable rate, which made the school viable, the club contributed cricket sessions.
- Contributed to the delivery of a Rugby Academy run by Strathmore Community Sports Trust.
- Provided a venue for fund-raising events for 4 local community organisations or charities.
- Staged three Women’s Softball events. This activity is partly about developing cricket participation, but it also provides an opportunity to bring new people to our club and provide a point of engagement with a wider public.
At the time of writing, the club is working with a number of local organisations, with a view to developing activities aimed at reducing social isolation and promoting mental health and well-being.
So, we have had a lot going on. And we know that we need to sustain and develop this work in the year to come.
But for the moment – it’s a time for reflection and a bit of celebration. We have achieved a great deal and thanks are due to all those who have made a contribution.
Representative Cricket
Our season ended with two “finals days” at the beginning of September.
On Saturday 8 September we hosted a Regional Play-off for Last Man Standing. This is a new format designed for social cricketers. It’s eight-a-side and the last man bats on until dismissed.
There was a good day of cricket – three 20:20 fixtures – and lots of fun.
It was an interesting day and a format well worth considering for the future; is this something that we might want to be involved in from 2019.
On Sunday 9 September we were delighted to host the national Under 15 Cup Final.
The day began with a semi-final between Falkland and Aberdeenshire, with the Fife team going on to meet Grange in the Final. The Edinburgh side came out on top.
There were some excellent young cricketers on show and we were delighted to provide them with a fabulous location for their big day. Let’s hope that we can host some more representative cricket in 2019 and beyond.
Junior Cricket
After a couple of months off, junior cricket starts up again this Friday night (2nd Nov). Sessions will run throughout the winter on a monthly basis at the Forfar Community Campus with a cost of £2 per session.
Indoor Cricket
The Clubsport Indoor 6's league starts up in a couple of weeks time - our first matches will take place on the 21st of November.
Hogmanay @ Strathmore
Last chance to get your early bird tickets for Hogmanay! Tickets go up from £12 to the full price of £15 as of tomorrow (1st Nov). Tickets are available at the bar or online here.
Annual Smoker
This year’s Smoker will take place Friday 23 November 2018. The evening will comprise of a 3-course meal, presentation of prizes and entertainment provided by comedian Wray Thomson. Book your tickets by contacting Mark Stewart or adding your name to the list in the bar.