BEDOUINS AGM 2019

HELD 5th NOVEMBER 2019 20:00HRS

Chairman, Brian Susman

In attendance: A Susman, A Hill, R Spratley, J Branch, L Bywater, P Lippitt, M George and J Stanier

BS opened the meeting thanking everyone for attending.

1. APOLOGIES

Apologies received from J Hill, J Howells, A Gregory and A Hancock

2. FIXTURES

BS went through the 2019 fixture list gathering a general consensus as to whether the fixtures would be renewed in 2020.

BS in full agreement with those in attendance suggested the following fixtures for 2020:

Wednesday Fixtures

Kinlet

Oldswinford (H/A)

Beacon (H/A)

Enville

A Gregory XI

Belbroughton

Sunday Fixtures

Fossils (H/A)

Kinlet

Ashby Albion

3. Treasurers Report

A copy of the Treasurers report was distributed to those present. Club funds are currently healthy but there was a significant loss for the year of £432.94. Total balance at present is £1772.46.

As AH is unavailable at the meeting, the Treasurers report will be deferred for discussion at the Duck Supper.

BS also suggested that regardless of a return fixture, all teams playing at Enville should be asked for a contribution towards tea. All present agreed.

4. SUBSCRIPTIONS

JS suggested a small rise in subscriptions in order to replenish club funds. All present agreed that a £5 increase in annual membership (Adults) would be appropriate.

5. OFFICERS

All current Officers are happy to continue in their roles.

Chairman BS proposed by A Hill, seconded by M George

Vice Chairman MG proposed by A Hill, seconded by JB

Captain LB proposed by A Hill, seconded M George

Secretary LB proposed by A Hill, seconded M George

Treasurer TH proposed by A Hill, seconded M George

Head of Comms AS proposed by A Hill, seconded by M George

6. DUCK SUPPER

LB confirmed that the annual Duck Supper would take place on 29^th November 2019, meeting at 1915hrs ready to sit at 2000hrs. The Enville pavilion will host the supper this year.

LB will contact the remaining Bedouins yet to clarify their attendance and gather remaining menu choices.

BS to update Trevor Spiers with the choice in wine.

7. NETS

PL offered to check availability and arrange nets for the Bedouins this winter.

Crestwood School to be contacted by PL

JS also offered to contact Mr Spooner at Oldswinford.

8. NEXT AGM

The next Bedouins AGM will be held on Tuesday 3^rd November 2020.

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cricket Teas

BS to contact Sam to check her availability to provide Wednesday night teas.

AH and AS confirmed Jo and Nicky happy to continue to assist with Sunday teas.

LB also confirmed Claire happy to assist when required for Sunday Fixtures.

New Recruits

LB Confirmed Craig Aston has indicated he would like to join the club formally next season.

Golf Day

BS confirmed that he would approach J Davidson about arranging the Bedouins Golf day 2020.

Multiple venues were suggested, including Chesterton, Ombersley and Cleobury Mortimer.

BS stated he would ask JD to source a suitable location with competitive rate.

Barry Cottle Trophy

AH indicated that the trophy will be ready for the first awarding at the Duck Supper.

BS suggested that the award should be a discussion on the night of the Duck Supper and should be for the ‘most memorable’ moment of the season in the spirit of Barry. Votes will be taken from the membership to decide the winner.

No other business raised; BS closed the meeting at 21:15hrs.

Minutes L Bywater

July 3^rd 2019 – Bedouins won by 6 wickets

Just as the Bedouins were keeping an eye on the score from Chester-le-Street as England took on New Zealand for a place in the World Cup semi-finals, so the England players were being regularly updated on the Bedouins’ performance against Pedmore at Enville. They will not have been surprised to learn that it was yet another winning night for the Beds – just as it was a winning day for England.

The Bedouins’ undefeated run now goes on to four games, as the home side beat Pedmore by 6 wickets with more than two overs to spare. All right, that sequence contains one “no-result” as the rain came down in a Sunday game against Oldswinford, but we only had to beat a score of 190-plus for 1 to register a victory on that occasion when rain stopped play!

On a beautiful June evening, Enville was looking at its verdant and colourful best, with beech trees swaying in the breeze and the outfield well trimmed and looking very fast. The picture on the field of play, though, was very much black and white, as the visitors turned up in their “away strip” of basically black shirts and trousers – all of which brought a “hrmpph” or two from the scorer’s table and the occasional “wasn’t like this in my day”.

In fast-scoring conditions, the Bedouins bowlers all did well to restrict the Pedmore batsmen to a 20-over score of 119 for 5. And this was in spite of the Beds’ apparent desire to establish some kind of club record for most catches dropped in a season. A few relatively easy chances were spilled, prompting a suggestion that the dropped catches habit was catching – or not, as the case might be.

Austin Gregroy had the best bowling return – 2 for 25 – and one of his two mates (yes, he does have two of them) who helped us out for the evening, Rich Hall, had 1 for 18. Adrian Susman took 1 for 20, but Martyn Smith took the bowling honours, as he recorded a clean-bowled wicket with the first ball of his two-over spell.

Paul Lippitt set the tone for the Bedouins reply, with two boundaries in the first over – remarkably neither of them with the Lippo Dab. He continued his hot scoring streak (hot Lips?) with 30 retired. Beefy Bywater included two sixes in his 22 and Austin Gregory completed a good all-round performance with 19.

The Beds finally ran out winners by 6 wickets in the 18^th over and retired joyfully to the bar to yet another of “Sam ‘n Sarah’s super suppers”.

Pedmore 119 for 5 (Gregory 2 for 25, M. Smith 1 for 12, Hall 1 for 18, Susman 1 for 20)

Bedouins 120 for 4 (Lippitt 30, Bywater 22, Gregory 19, Hall 18 not out)

BEDOUINS AGM 2018

HELD 6th NOVEMBER 2018 2000HRS

Chair Brian Susman (BS)

In attendance: A Susman (AS), A Hill (AH), R Spratley (RS), A Gregory (AG), J Branch (JB), L Bywater (LB), Neil Smith (NS), Mike George (MG), and Jon Stanier (JS).

BS opened the meeting thanking everyone for attending.

1. APOLOGIES

Apologies received from J Hill, J Howells, T Hancock (TH) and P Lippitt

2. FIXTURES

BS went through the 2017 fixture list gathering a general consensus as to whether the fixtures would be renewed in 2018.

Wednesday Fixtures

Kinlet (A)

Oldswinford (H/A)

Beacon (H/A)

Enville (H)

A Gregory XI (H)

Belbroughton (H/A)

Sunday Fixtures

Fossils (H/A)

Oldbury Old Boys (H)

Ashby Albion (H)

Kinlet (H)

All in attendance agreed that all fixtures will be attempted to be arranged 2019 as per Enville’s availability.

3. Treasurers Report

A copy of the Treasurers report was distributed to those present. Club funds are currently healthy showing a loss for the year of £416.25 Total balance at present is £2205.40

As TH was unable to attend, further information on this item was deferred to the ‘Duck Supper’.

4. SUBSCRIPTIONS

BS and MG indicated that as the club was financially healthy, subscriptions should be maintained at the current rate of £40 per year. All in attendance agreed.

5. OFFICERS

JB announced that he was standing down as Bedouins Captain due to ongoing issues related to fitness.

BS thanked JB for his service and all in attendance agreed that JB had done a fantastic job throughout his tenure.

BS invited those willing to stand for the Bedouins Captaincy to declare their interest.

LB indicated he would be honored to stand.

JB Nominated LB. MG Seconded. None opposed.

LB named as new Bedouins Captain.

BS asked LB for his thoughts on the now vacant Vice Captain position. LB requested that the decision be deferred to the Duck Supper as some of the candidates could not make the AGM. All agreed.

All other officers agreed to stand again for their posts. None opposed.

6. DUCK SUPPER

LB confirmed that the annual Duck Supper would take place on 30^th November 2018, meeting at 1915hrs ready to sit at 2000hrs.

LB will contact the remaining Bedouins yet to clarify their attendance and gather remaining menu choices.

LB also requested clarification of the number of ladies attending the supper. To be confirmed outside of the meeting.

7. NETS

BS asked MG for an update on the availability of winter nets.

MG stated that the nets at King Edward VI college were not available for 2019 as the College was moving in a new community-based approach to out of hours use of their facilities.

LB suggested Crestwood School as a possible venue.

NS suggested Kinver High as a new venue as he still had some contacts at the school. All agreed that this would provide a good central location for all.

NS to contact Kinver to check availability and cost and provide update to the committee.

8. NEXT AGM

The next Bedouins AGM will be held on Tuesday 5th November 2019.

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cricket Teas

LB asked BS if Sam was available this year to provide the Cricket teas. BS stated that Sam is available to continue for next season.

Bedouins Tour

This item was discussed again following first proposal at 2017 AGM. However, there was insufficient interest to carry forward.

New Recruits

BS asked if there were any suggestions from the meeting for new members. Although none raised at the meeting all agreed to continue to monitor interest.

Cricket Balls

JB will continue to supply the cricket balls via Enville.

JB to order a dozen balls for the new season.

RS was reminded about the trial of a Pink Cricket ball for low light conditions. RS stated that he will look into this ready for the new season.

Scoring

BS indicated that he will continue to score matches for the 2019 season.

Golf Day

BS to contact John Davidson about arranging 2019 Bedouins Golf Day.

Several potential locations discussed. Bewdley, Sapey and Cleobury discussed.

BS suggested that JD could look for the best deal. All agreed to allow JD to research.

Barry Cottle

AH suggested that the Bedouins should arrange an appropriate memorial for the Clubs Founder and only President Barry Cottle. AH suggested a ‘Champagne Moment’ trophy. All agreed that this would be a fitting tribute to Barry.

AH to source a suitable trophy.

No other business raised, BS closed the meeting at 21:25hrs.

Minutes L Bywater

Bedouins v Beacon at Enville, May 23^rd

Bedouins lost by 7 wickets

Consistency is a valuable commodity in any team game. The trouble, at the moment, is that the Bedouins appear to have forgotten that consistently losing is not quite as valuable. With a batting display that, in some of the more erudite national dailies, might be described as “lack-lustre” but in more down-to-earth West Midlands parlance would be seen as “pretty bloody awful”, the Bedouins continued their early-season poor form with a seven-wicket defeat by Beacon.

A late change to the Bedouins line-up was necessitated by the skipper’s sudden lameness. But it’s an ill wind that blows no-one any good, and at least the elderly gent in the scorebox had a welcome companion for the evening in John Branch. On the field, it was big Lee who took on the responsibility of leading the side.

Batting first again, the Bedouins unveiled a new opening batsman. Spratters had some instruction on the boundary edge about the correct way to hold the bat (“ … the flat side faces the bowler”) before going to the middle to display a fair bit of ability before being bowled for eight.

The innings had got off to a poor start, with the home side losing Ian Woodhouse before he had the chance to let off any of his customary Woody fireworks. From there, it went from bad to worse as, with an unpredictable wicket playing a part and Beacon fielders holding all the catches that came their way, wickets went down with alarming regularity to give the home side the unenviable 10-over score of 29 for 5. It wasn’t until the ninth over that the Beds managed their first boundary – surely some kind of record?

The only stand of any substance was between Jon Stanier, who made 15, and Adrian Susman, whose 20 was ended when a Bedouin umpire, who shall remain nameless, gave him out LBW. Our beloved treasurer Tony Hancock weighed in with two boundaries in his nine runs, but the final score of 68 for 9 was unlikely to trouble the visitors.

Opening with a left-handed batsman who had clearly played the game before and proceeded untroubled to a retirement 30, Beacon were at least made to work a bit for their winning score. It wasn’t until the 16^th over that they reached a winning 69 for 3, the wickets going to Stanier, (1 for 4 in 4 overs), Lemm and Spratley.

Champagne moment of the evening – and probably many other Bedouins cricket evenings – was Tony Hancock’s catch. Matching his ability to juggle the Beds’ finances with his ability to juggle a cricket ball, he appeared to complete about four catches in one, as he finally held on to a skier in the deep field. His unbridled joy at finally completing the catch was a sight to behold – as was the batsman’s sporting handshake as he left the field.

So the Beds continue to look for the first win of their 2018 season. Someone is going to take a terrible hammering from them one of these days – but please can it be sooner rather than later, lads?

Bedouins 68 for 9 (Susman 20, Stanier 15)

Beacon 69 for 3 (Stanier 1 for 4, Spratley 1 for 9, Lemm 1 for 15)

Bedouins v Kinlet at Kinlet, May 16^th

Bedouins lost by 5 wickets

When the Bedouins rattled up 158 for the loss of just two wickets against Kinlet on the Moffats School ground at Kinlet, the talk in the dressing room (AKA the wooden shed at the back of the pavilion) was to the effect that it “ … ought to be enough”. But on a ground like Kinlet’s, with batsmen retiring at 25 and everyone being obliged to bowl two overs (aargh!), it would prove to be some way short of the required figure.

Having said that, it is unusual, in Bedouin terms, for a Wednesday evening 20-over-a-side game, to produce a total of more than 300 runs. Still, it was enjoyable for the crowd, even though by far the majority of them (in fact, come to think of it, all of them) were of the ovine (look it up!) persuasion. The ground does lend itself to high scoring, having an extremely short boundary on one side and a moderately short boundary on the other.

Once again, the Beds’ innings got off to a good start, with skipper John Branch continuing where he left off the previous week, hitting a succession of boundaries, plus the odd hobbled single, before reaching the somewhat meagre retirement point of 25. His opening partner, John Howells, also reached that point, but not before the pair had had the record keepers scurrying around to see if this was indeed a record combined age for a Bedouin opening partnership – decision pending.

Adrian Susman and Lee Bywater also reached the retirement score, both having included a six in their innings. Jon Stanier made 22, and Ray Bate 10 not out from the two balls he faced, bringing the final total to 158 for 2.

The Beds also made a good start to the home side’s innings. Spratters, who had earned himself copious Brownie points by being the scorer’s right-hand man throughout the Bedouins innings, when no-one else appeared to want to do it, took a wicket in each of his two overs, plus a painful blow to his foot which, no doubt, later had him wondering if it was really wise to get the toes in the way of that one.

Josh Lemm was also doing a good containing job at the other end, conceding only eight runs. But then the runs started to flow, with Kinlet benefitting from the batting abilities of a couple of guests (AKA ringers). There was a wicket apiece for Susman and Branch, but Kinlet reached their challenging target with a couple of overs to spare.

Then it was all back to the Eagle & Serpent for a couple of drinks at the “baa-baa”, where the Beds were looking a bit “sheepish” after their beating. The evening concluded somewhat better, however, for head of comms Adrian, who won a tenner on the Kinlet sweep; no doubt most of it will go on buying his old man a beer at the weekend!

Bedouins 158 for 2 (Branch 26, Howells 25, Stanier 22, Susman 28, Bywater 27, Bate 10 not out)

Kinlet 159 for 5 (Spratley 2 for 19, Susman 1 for 9, Branch 1 for 13)

Another raucous night was enjoyed at the Cat at Enville to mark the Bedouins end of season festivities. Those present numbered 15, or was it 17. I can’t remember, it’s all a bit of a blur. Mr Chairman had thankfully shrugged off his poor health and seemed to be in fine fettle as he recounted various goings on from the season, giving us the lowdown on what turned out to be the most exciting for many a year, with several games going down to the wire.

There was the usual picture quiz, which this year seemed to be fiendishly hard. A tie between team Hancock/Susman and team Lemm required a tie breaker, with the former snatching a lucky victory among shouts of “fix”.

The averages were closely fought again this season with Stanier winning the batting and Susman winning the bowling (full averages will be put on the website soon). Then the big award of the night, The John Warner Trophy, deservedly went to Jon Hill, for some superb performances with the bat, the usual exuberance of youth in the field and an almost unblemished attendance record for the season.

All in all another great night, no doubt to be repeated in 2018. If you didn’t make it this year, put a note in your diary. We’ll be looking at Friday 30th November for next year’s shindig.

BEDOUINS AGM 2017

HELD 7th NOVEMBER 2017 20.00 HRS

Chair Lee Bywater

In attendance: Adrian Susman (AS), Andy Hill (AH), Richard Spratley (RS), Austin Gregory (AG), John Branch (JB), Lee Bywater (LB), Neil Smith (NS), Mike George (MG), Mejdi Mabrouk (MM) and Jon Stanier (JS).

LB opened the meeting thanking everyone for attending.

1.  APOLOGIES

Apologies received from B Susman, V Currie, N Moxon, P Barnsley, J Howells, R Morgan, I Woodhouse, T Hancock (TH), J Hill (JH), and P Lippitt

2.  FIXTURES

LB went through the 2017 fixture list gathering a general consensus as to whether the fixtures would be renewed in 2017.

During the course of discussions, all in attendance agreed that the Chancers team was exceptionally strong over the last couple of years and that perhaps this year a new fixture should be sought with a team of similar standard to the Bedouins.

AH indicated that J Hill would like to arrange a new Sunday fixture with Ashby Albion. AH indicated that although the team does not have access to their own ground, they are willing to travel to Enville.

LB reminded all those present that putting together a team for Sunday fixtures has been difficult in the past.

AS suggested that the club considers a new Sunday fixture to replace the Halifax SSP. This could be a ‘tour’ fixture around early August that has proved popular with Bedouins in the past. NS suggested a September tour as more teams would have availability. AS and AH agreed to investigate the option further.

LB in full agreement with those in attendance suggested the following fixtures for 2018:

Wednesday Fixtures

Kinlet (A)

Belbroughton (H/A)

Oldswinford (H/A)

Beacon (H/A)

Open GI (H)

Enville (H)

A Gregory XI (H)

Sunday Fixtures

Fossils (H/A)

Oldbury Old Boys (H)

Ashby Albion (H)

Kinlet (H)

‘New Tour’ Fixture (A) TBC

3.  Treasurers Report

A copy of the Treasurers report was distributed to those present. Club funds are currently healthy showing a small profit for the year of £206.99 Total balance at present is £2621.65

As TH was unable to attend, further information on this item was deferred to the ‘Duck Supper’.

4.  SUBSCRIPTIONS

JB and NS indicated that as the club was financially healthy, subscriptions should be maintained at the current rate of £40 per year. All in attendance agreed.

JS suggested that new players should be given a limit on appearances until a subscription is paid. JS suggested that after three fixtures we should be requesting a subscription fee.

All in attendance were in agreement as long as our ability to field a team was not affected.

5.  OFFICERS

All current Officers are happy to continue in their roles and were unopposed.

LB reminded the meeting that BS has suggested that Bedouins appoint a Vice Chairman. This would be to cover very rare instances such as tonight where BS was unavailable.

JB suggested that AS was a worthy appointment. AS indicated that his Team Secretary and Communications Officer roles were keeping him sufficiently occupied and asked if another suitable candidate could be found.

MG volunteered for the role. AH proposed, LB seconded and none opposed.

MG is the new Bedouins Vice Chairman.

RS has agreed to continue as a match day contact point.

6.  DUCK SUPPER

LB confirmed that the annual Duck Supper would take place on 24^th November 2017, meeting at 1915hrs ready to sit at 2000hrs.

LB will contact the remaining Bedouins yet to clarify their attendance and gather remaining menu choices.

LB also requested clarification of the number of ladies attending the supper. LB will book a table for six.

7.  NETS

LB asked MG for an update on the availability of winter nets.

MG advised that although his contact at King Ed’s had left her role, he now had a new contact point and was hopeful of securing the same weeks as last year.

AS pointed out that the shorter format of the nets this year had proved more successful and in fact gave us a small profit.

JS suggested that Oldswinford would be available for outdoor nets should Bedouins require any further practice.

8. NEXT AGM

The next Bedouins AGM will be held on Tuesday 6th November 2018.

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Bedouins Tour

Covered in ‘Item 2’ fixtures

Cricket Teas

JB indicated that he was unsure if Sam was available to provide teas this season. AS agreed to contact to seek clarification.

New Recruits

JS suggested Mick Robertson and Martin Watts as potential new Bedouins.

JB also had a prospective new recruit.

MM indicated he would contact Keith to investigate his availability this season.

LB asked that all contact details be passed to AS.

Club Shirts/Hats

LB asked AS if we still had sufficient stock for the next season. AS stated that there was no need to order more shirts/hats at this point.

Cricket Balls

JB will continue to supply the cricket balls via Enville.

AS/LB stated that we were short of cricket balls for the new season.

JB stated that he will order a dozen balls.

LB asked RS about the trial of pink cricket balls for low light. RS said that he would purchase two pink cricket balls for the new season.

Golf Day

LB confirmed that he would approach J Davidson about arranging the Bedouins Golf day 2018.

All agreed that Sapey was the chosen venue.

AH indicated that the Sapey Golf club has new owners.

No other business raised, LB closed the meeting at 2125hrs.

Minutes L Bywater

Whilst posting the two latest match reports, I notice that they say “buy Kiddybee” (my alter ego) at the top. I wish to make it clear that it is Mr Chairman who concocts these reports, not I. There was a time when I did and believe it or not, that played a part in getting me the job I’m presently in. So thanks to Mr Chairman who has been doing a sterling job for the past several seasons (how long is it Mr C?). He always provides impeccable copy, apostrophes and all (and some in the right places) unlike the time Spratters did the job and sent his copy in nothing but cap letters.

Bedouins can now look forward to kicking off their 2017 season with a home fixture against Beacon on Wednesday May 10. Not long then for our creaky old squad to limber-up, strap-up and try and eradicate all those little strains, pains and knocks. With 15 fixtures confirmed against some tough opposition, the Beds will need to be at full fitness. Find the full list of fixtures here.

Happy New Year Beds. Bit late, I know. Thought it was time for a quick round-up of Beds happenings over the last couple of months.

Duck Supper

Firstly, the Duck Supper back in November was a raging success again. Good food and plenty of banter. Lee walked away with the Warner Trophy for Bedouin of the Year, and some of the cutlery. Prizes were presented to the winners of the averages (which can be seen here). Plus, there were the usual reports from Mr Chairman and the Skipper.

Winter nets

Due to circumstances beyond our control, winter nets will start later in the year than usual. King Ed’s have rather unsportingly decided they want to use their own sports hall, so our nets will run from 6th April to 11th May with one week missed for Easter.

Golf Day

Spratters, grab your clubs and your anorak, it’s nearly time for the Bedouins Golf Day for 2017. Always a lively event, we welcome golfers and novices alike. Details will be emailed out soon, but for your diary, the date will be Thursday March 23rd. So get to the driving range pronto and start swinging.

Hitched

Finally, congratulations to Austin and Deborah who got married the other week. Austin, any chance you work on extending our youth policy?