Noticeboard Photo Finish for Race Night. (Apr.2008) Maybe we need to introduce another membership category of Equestrianism because after the success of the Grand National day hosted by the squash section, the cricket section got their whips out and ran a tremendously well supported Race Night. There were 8 races planned, although there were eventually 9, and our thanks go to each of the race sponsors and their partners, Over the previous couple of weeks, horses had been ‘sold’ to owners and had been allocated jockeys, one or two carrying a pound overweight! Again massive thanks to those who bought horses as owners or jockeys. Congratulations to all the winning owners and for those who enjoyed an astute bet on the evening. Special mention to Karl Twin who was the only person to back the aptly named ‘One of These Nights’and collected at odds of 33:1!!! The real mention should be to ‘Lins’ because it was really her choice! The night ran very smoothly thanks to John Nelson and his expertise, Chrissy and her staff who provided a terrific curry and chilli and Gordon, Emily and Jen behind the bar. The cricket section would also like to take the opportunity to wish Jen all the best as she moves on to her forthcoming big event. Finally, a very special mention and thanks to the ladies from the hockey section, Rachel, Rachael, Nikki and Jo who ran the Tote to perfection. Mind you they kept to the horse race meeting maxim of having a drink between each race!! The event overall raised just under £800, with the Tote raising over £350 and the auction races over £150. As the event was deemed a great success, LBE (Lucan and Blert Enterprises) plan to host something similar in October or November. Weighed In!! Sunday Morning with the Bishop. (Apr.2008) There will be a Car Treasure Hunt on Sunday 11th.May, an event which hasn't been run for many years. Starting at 10:30am at The Club, as many as you like in a Car for £10 (keeping it legal of course!), for a drive of a couple of hours answering clues and collecting goodies. Cost includes a Bacon or Sausage buttie before departure, and there will be prizes for good and bad teams! There will be an optional Roast Dinner in the Pavilion afterwards. Fun for all sections and all the family! Please enter your team on the notice board in the lounge (from this Saturday onwards). Mike Bishop Fletch pops the Questions. (Feb.2008) Participants pondered a broad range of subjects, from the longevity of an HB pencil to the origins of the panama hat, as the club's newest quizmaster Steve Fletcher asked the questions. Members of the winning team Neil Scott, Dave Harrison and Kev Stevenson are pictured collecting their prize from club president Phil Sloan. Many thanks to Steve (left) for organising the evening. New Vice President for 2008. (Jan.2008) We are pleased to announce that Andrew Davies has accepted the nomination for Vice President at the forthcoming AGM of 2008. Andy rose through the junior cricket ranks to establish himself as a first team regular in the early 80s. Over several years, he was renowned for his substantial investment in the Northern, although the gaming machine receipts have since diminished as Andy's contributions to club life have diversified. Andy is currently chairman of the cricket section, and is also captain of the cricket second eleven. He will take over the reigns in time for the summer of 2009, when we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the foundation of our original Northern Cricket Club in 1859. Our best wishes go to Andy and Lorna, and their two daughters Jessica and Beth, for an enjoyable and successful term. Andrew’s nomination interrupts a laudable succession of six consecutive blue-nose presidents. Despite this unfortunate red influx, a spokesman for the club has confirmed that there are no plans to take the Northern into American ownership. Bish adds Merseyside volunteer award. (Nov.2007) More congratulations to Mike Bishop, who has added the Merseyside Sports Volunteer of the Year award for 2007 to the corresponding Sefton award that he claimed earlier in the year. The Merseyside Finals presentation evening was held at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool on Friday 26 October. As Mike was on tour in Barbados, Wendy McDowall (who received the same award in 2004) collected on his behalf amidst great cheers from the Cricket Development Table. A great honour for the club, and thank you and well done to Bish! Tickets going fast for New Year's Eve. (Sep.2007) Good news on the Entertainments front, where Anne Sheils reports that tickets are selling very fast for this year's New Year’s Eve, as we already have 2 group bookings for birthday celebrations. We have asked Mike Powell, who entertained us at the 200 Club night, to return for New Year’s Eve. Great singer and enjoyed by everyone who attended. Should be a great night ! Tickets will be £30 per person, including hot and cold buffet. Please see the notice board in main lounge for the ticket request sheet. Full entertainment for the evening, including disco through till 1am. Black & White Dress preferred but no compulsory. The Robbie Williams tribute night on Friday 19th October is already a sell out. Watch the notice board for forthcoming events in February 2008. Colin scoops 200 Club Jackpot. (Sep.2007) The top four winners were all on hand to collect their prizes at this year's 200 Club Grand Draw. The top prize of £5000 went to Colin Blanchard, seen here (right) collecting his cheque from 200 Club organiser Phil Williams. Tommy Johnson (below) seems to have acquired some sort of superhuman powers as a result of his £1000 win, although Mike Powell, compere and entertainer for the evening, seems suitably unimpressed. Steve Nieman also collected a £1000 cheque, while Emily Parr was delighted with her prize, next rung down the ladder at £500. Steve and Emily are pictured below with the president's first lady Jane Sloan. Mike Powell, a former winner of TV's Stars in their Eyes, put on a superb show, to provide the entertainment. Thanks to Phil Williams for the evening, and for his organisation of the 200 Club (anyone wishing to join the monthly draw please get in touch with Phil, either direct or via the website). President Phil has his Day. (Sep.2007) President's Day was blessed with good weather, fine cuisine, and a plentiful supply of refreshments for its thirsty players and guests. Sloans of various shapes and sizes were joined both on and off the cricket pitch by a full attendance of family, friends, and club members past and present. Thanks to Phil, Jane and the lads for an excellent day. Following recent problems with damage to stump cameras, the match afforded an opportunity to experiment with the latest technology, producing some interesting angles from a newly designed camera located in the umpire's forehead.