Noticeboard

More from the Grapevine. (Dec. 2005)
The main pillar in the lounge has been declared dry, although there is still concern about its stability. Decorating is now scheduled for the new year. Re-upholstering of the main bar area has been completed.
It has been decided to remove the cigarette machine and stock a small selection behind the bar. Reducing receipts from gaming machines have raised the possibility of removing one machine.
We plan to use the Tiffin pavilion for storage, by converting the unused kitchen area for this purpose. The Clubforce event, when we repainted the pavilions, will occur again this year and ideas are needed as to how we might take advantage this time.
Contract negotiations with our Caterer are now complete and signed.
It is suggested that we might improve our relationship with the local residents’ association by having a representative on the association committee.
The squash section is considering a suggestion not to heat squash courts when use is not anticipated, for example weekday mornings, in order to reduce the cost of heating.
We are eligible for a reduced Sky subscription as members of England and Wales Cricket Board, and will apply with evidence of our affiliation. Cost should be approximately halved.

New Club licence granted. (Dec.2005)
Our licence application (the new Club Premises Certificate) has now been granted. The main stipulations are that guests must be signed in, and that all major club events must be ticketed. Also 18th birthday parties (which the club has voluntarily declined in the past) are officially not permitted. There are a few other admin issues and rule changes for the club to attend to, but the fire authority were supportive, and neighbours' representations were not upheld.

Running Repairs update. (Oct. 2005)
The cause of damp in the pillar in the lounge remains unresolved and is under further investigation. However the damp in the ladies loo will be corrected. Upholstery on the main bar is also to be repaired.
On a different point, Vodafone's planning appeal has been rejected, and the matter of their wishing to erect a phone mast on our land is now closed.

Northern honours Three of its Finest. (Oct.2005)
The sporting achievements of three of the club's most outstanding figures were celebrated at a Sporting Legends dinner in their honour.
Northern Club legends Andrew Beeston, John Winter, Peter Fogden
Andrew Beeston (above left) has so far clocked up over 50 years of squash with the club. Beside him is Dr John Winter, whose 1423 runs in season 1955 remain an all-time record in Liverpool Competition cricket. Peter Fogden was capped 141 times playing hockey for Lancashire, and remains a key figure in our club's hockey development today. They are joined by Geoff Davies (right), who conceived and organised the event.
Andrew Beeston is pictured responding to the president Mike Bishop, who described a Northern career reaching back to 1955, and still going strong in league squash. 'The Beast' has been club champion on nine occasions, and was a member of the Northern team who were Division 1 champions three years out of four. Andrew has also served the sport off court, having been Lancashire County secretary, and is the current chairman of the Merseyside County SRA.
Peter Fogden responds to the praises of his former club and county colleague David Cheetham. 'Foggy' is an adopted Merseysider, having moved in 1964, in search of gainful employment after graduation, from his native Surrey. The move may have hindered his strong claims for international recognition, but was Northern's gain. Only 3 players in the history of Lancashire Hockey have won more county caps. Peter also made around 40 appearances for North of England, and twice represented England B. These days Peter brings his enthusiasm to the Beavers development team, who benefit from his umpiring and coaching.
Tom Costigan is pictured relating the remarkable achievements of John Winter, who first played for the club in 1937. Apart from holding the LDCC record for runs in a season, John topped the Competition batting averages in 8 seasons out of 11. In one other he was second, and in the other two was playing for Somerset 2nd.XI ! He scored a total of 30 first team centuries for the club, despite a career interrupted by the war, simply a unique achievement beyond any other in the club's long history.
Top table (above left) and a few distinguished faces (right). Below, two generations of hockey (plus the ever-green Jake who slipped in with the young lads).
Our three legends chat with Phil Cooper and Carl Hey, captain and vice-captain of our cricket champions, and admire the silverware.

October News update. (Oct. 2005)
The Astroturf pitch has been rejuvenated. The cost is being shared with MTS, plus an additional contribution via sponsorship, and should give several more years of service.
A date for the diary. Geoff Davies is organising a black-tie dinner with speakers in honour of John Winter, Andrew Beeston and Peter Fogden to be held on 28th October.
The Bowls Section report that a grant cheque had been received in respect of the School of Excellence, planned for season 2006.
Our licence application to Sefton Council, to convert to a Club Premises Certificate, is proceeding but has been delayed. No objections were received from police, fire service, neighbours etc. But a reapplication is needed with a more detailed premises plan.
A number of members have asked for clarification of catering issues. It is hoped that bar snacks will restart on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from around 5.00pm to 8.30pm, but will be monitored subject to demand. The Caterer will be publishing a notice.

Northern crowned as Cricket Champions. (Sep.2005)
Congratulations to Northern's cricketers, who now proudly fly the winners' pennant and hold the John Tristram Trophy, as 2005 champions of the Liverpool ECB Premier League.
Ken Jones, President of the Liverpool & District Cricket Competition, is pictured making the presentation of the trophy to Northern 1st.XI skipper Phil Cooper, prior to the final fixture.

August Snippets. (Aug. 2005)
Marquee week proved to be very well supported and successful. Next year we are considering a change of format for the Sunday, which is currently hard work to stage, so let us know any thoughts.
The lounge is due to be redecorated, and this is intended over three days at a convenient time in early October.
A licence application has been made to Sefton council to convert the existing Club Registration Certificate to a Club Premises Certificate under the Licensing Act 2003. Notices have been posted on both car park entrances and Moor Park Residents informed. We are obliged to maintain the visitors book conscientiously, so please ensure that guests are signed in.
Wendy is participating on our behalf in the 'Pathfinder Project', in which we are the Merseyside example of a multi-sports club, We need the squash and bowls sections to have full accreditation, and both sections are making good progress in this respect. Hockey and cricket already have Clubmark status.
The Caterer will publish times for bar snacks shortly, on his return from holiday.
Apologies to Mike Greenhalgh, who was missed from the 40 year Long Service Awards at the AGM, and will be receiving his badge shortly along with others who have not yet collected theirs.

Rare Sighting in Southern Ocean. (Aug.2005)
Captain's log, Stardate 18/8 ... We've picked up David Poole on the radar. Located in Tonga, South Pacific. Sends a 'Well done so far, keep going' to the cricket lads. Reckons he'll be home for the bank holiday weekend.