At last year’s Get Set Weekend, Derby-based Mickleover CC attracted more than 50 volunteers to help prepare the ground for the new season. Collectively, they tackled everything from cleaning patios and children’s play areas through to overhauling rollers and mowers, putting out sponsors’ banners, and cutting hedges.
It was a true community effort, bringing together members from every part of the club – young and old, male and female. And after a long off-season where cricket activity is confined to indoor nets, Adrian says Get Set Weekend marks an important part of the club’s rebirth each year.
“It’s like a fire extinguisher going off,” he says. “You hit it and suddenly things come back into life. Everybody’s together. You’re one club. And everybody just gets on with all the things that need doing. Then we head for a drink afterwards.”
With Toyota being the title partner of Get Set Weekend and supporting clubs across the country, a representative from Toyota Derby also attended Mickleover’s Station Road ground to help out and get involved. To thank them for their time and effort, Adrian presented both the Toyota representative and the general manager of Toyota Derby with certificates of appreciation.
Some tasks, like adjusting the scorebox to provide Duckworth-Lewis-Stern information, are relatively quick. Others, like cleaning out ditches and drains, and ensuring the square is in perfect condition, can take longer.
Adrian says: “It doesn’t matter how long people can give you, because whatever capacity they have is just so valuable. Some people might only be able to give an hour very early on a Saturday morning, but they can still get a lot done.”
The key to success, says Adrian, is in planning. Creating an extensive task list is a move that can pay huge dividends.
“Before you start anything, brainstorm what you need to do,” he says. “Take time to write down every single job that needs to be done. For us, the whiteboard the ECB provided has proved invaluable. We get everything listed on there. That way, when people arrive, they’re not wasting time trying to work out what might need doing: they can see it all clearly and easily.
“As well as having the whiteboard set up, make sure you’ve got some tea and coffee on the go. And keep reminding your membership that Get Set Weekend is coming. Communication is key to any club. We use WhatsApp groups and we’re regularly reminding people about our events.
“Finally, make sure you’ve got all the equipment ready that people might need, or tell your members what to bring if you don’t have it at the club. Rakes, spades, paintbrushes: these are the kind of things you want plenty of for Get Set Weekend.”
And as Mickleover CC gears up for next week, they’ll be part of a nationwide effort. With over 1,700 clubs registered to take part, Get Set Weekend will once again help power the grassroots game into a new season.
There’s still time for clubs to register – sign up here to get involved.