THE YORKSHIRE GENTLEMEN’S CRICKET CLUB
(Founded 1863)
MESSAGE FROM THE CLUB - 25 March 2020
The country is facing an unprecedented challenge in trying to deal with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Rarely has the Club faced a cricket season with such uncertainty. Indeed we even face the possibility that there might be no season at all.
As we write, the UK, along with many other countries globally, has been placed in a situation whereby everyone (less key-workers) is required to stay at home. Unfortunately the definition of key-worker does not extend to those who wish to play cricket! The Club, however does take this situation very seriously and we will of course follow government advice, and that of the ECB, who have recently issued this statement:
ECB Statement on the Recreational Game
“Following the Government’s latest advice around social distancing, it is with sadness and reluctance that we recommend that all forms of recreational cricket are for now suspended. This extends to training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity.
Sport plays an absolutely vital role in the nation’s mental and physical wellbeing, and it helps people find meaning where there is fear and uncertainty, so one of our goals in the coming weeks will be to explore ways that we can support some levels of physical activity in communities - particularly at junior levels.
Using our cricket community to support others could be one of the most important services we can offer during the difficult next few months.
It will be critical that any decisions we do make are medically-led. And we will continue to work with Government and their advisors to ensure we are informed by science in our decision making.”
On 20th March, the ECB Board agreed that no professional cricket will be played in England and Wales until at least 28 May due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Club will follow this example by cancelling all fixtures until that date, though it is difficult to see how soon thereafter we will be playing. Our fixture list is published and if we are able to salvage anything from it, we will let you know.
We are particularly saddened that the schools will be missing out on their cricket. The school season is already short and for those in their final year not to enjoy a final season is especially disappointing. We wish them all well and hope that things can return to normal as quickly as possible.
Historically of course, the Club has endured wholesale cancelled fixtures, notably during both World Wars. In WW1 the Club was struggling financially because of this. There was an attempt made in 1917 to rent the ground (at that time in York) to the Army Pay Department. Lord Hawke wrote to all members in 1917 about arrears of subscriptions and the difficulty and cost of keeping the Club going during the war. The question in 1919 was whether a club of amateurs could carry on after the war. At a Committee meeting held on 30 November 1939 the Club’s tenancy of the ground (now Escrick) was suspended. No AGM was held until April 1946 but the Club emerged with £250 in the bank.
It would seem that the message is that we can survive this current problem and still have something to build on, whenever we resume. Michael Atherton, writing in The Times, suggests there will be an upside:
“Membership of anything – political parties, county cricket clubs, local clubs and societies – has been declining in the increasingly atomised world we inhabit, but, post-coronavirus, as we realise that atomisation is not to be recommended, these community-based associations may see an uplift and become stronger again.” We sincerely hope so.
2020 will be difficult for many people, for things far more serious than Club cricket. To our oppositions, members and friends, I hope you and your families will all keep well in the coming weeks. As and when we have more (good) news to pass on, we will do so.
Stay safe.
John M E Skinner
Chairman
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