Dear Member(s),
Following cordial negotiations with the Trustees of Horsford CC over recent weeks it is with very heavy hearts that the Norfolk CCC executive committee has made the difficult decision to leave Manor Park which has been the counties base for the last 24 years.
The two clubs have been unable to find a mutually agreeable financial package that suits the needs of both parties. Norfolk CCC had made a very generous offer to Horsford CC that was not accepted and therefore we had no alternative but to look for a new home. After Norfolk CCC advised Horsford CC they were leaving and had reached an agreement to play at another host club, Horsford came back to say Norfolk CCC could have free cricket in 2025. This offer was too late as Norfolk CCC had already agreed a package with the new host club.
The executive committee of Norfolk CCC has extended their sincere thanks to everyone at Horsford CC for their help and support over the 24 years and have wished Horsford CC “all the best” for the future.
Norfolk CCC has entered into a long-term arrangement with Sprowston CC where we will play our two home NCCA championship matches and stage the showcase games. There are also three white-ball fixtures scheduled for Sprowston CCC in 2025. Please see the attached revised fixture list for further details.
The Norfolk Cricket Festival which has been a focal part of Norfolk CCC’s heritage since the 1890’s will continue in the same format with the members tents and marquee hospitality in place as normal. This year the Norfolk Cricket Festival will also include the showcase game against Kent CCC on Monday 4th August.
Those of you that visited Sprowston CC last year will know it is a well-appointed ground with excellent facilities and an ideal venue to stage the festival. There is plenty of onsite parking with spaces available for tent holders directly behind each tent. There will be some temporary facilities for the 2025 season with plans already in place to make these permanent by 2026. We are confident these will not affect your experience.
The Norfolk CCC executive committee would like to place on record their wholehearted thanks to Sprowston CC for their considerable efforts to make this happen and we look forward to a mutually satisfactory relationship over many years.
Because the negotiations with Horsford CC have only just concluded it will unfortunately mean there will be a delay to the printing of the members handbook as we need be certain it will contain the up to date details. We will endeavour to make sure you have this by mid-April.
If anybody has any questions, then please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards,
Mike Hanby – Chair, Norfolk CCC
