'Friends of Bath Cricket Festival' set to welcome new Somerset chairman Giles Clarke at their A.G.M.

The Friends of Bath Cricket Festival are already busy planning their campaign in preparation for the 2003 season, that sees Worcestershire visiting the Recreation Ground on June 4th for a 4 day County Championship match, followed by Northamptonshire in the National Cricket League on June 8th.

In his letter to all `Friends' ahead of the Annual General Meeting that will be held at Bath Cricket Club on March 25th at 7.45pm, Chairman Bob Holder says: "2002 was a `mixed blessing' as far as the cricket was concerned at Bath, but for the `Friends' and the Area Committee a very successful year was enjoyed. The `Friends' fund raising was the best yet with tombola raising well over £1,000, and the contribution to Area funds is £2,500. Corporate hospitality proceeds have boomed since the Area began working closely with local business through the Chamber of Commerce, and the Club annual report shows an excellent return from our Festival for the second consecutive year. The `Friends of Bath' play a strong role in this success."

Mr Holder continues: "2003 sees significant changes at the top of the Somerset Club, and I am very pleased that we can welcome our new Chairman, Giles Clarke, to our 2003 AGM on March 25th."

The `Friends' chairman also pays tribute to the retiring chairman and says: "I wrote to Richard Parsons after the 2002 season to express our huge appreciation and thanks for his 13 years as Chairman, with special reference to his support for the Bath Festival and the `Friends of Bath'. He will be a hard act to follow," before concluding, " I am sure we will have a bumper attendance at the AGM to hear from our new County Chairman and his aspirations for the future."

The `Friends' have arranged several social events during the Bath Cricket Festival the first of which is a quiz that will be held on Wednesday June 4th, followed on Thursday by a Cheese and Wine party in the marquee.

On Friday June 6th the Festival Dinner will take place at Bath Cricket Club whilst on the Saturday evening a Barbeque will take place on the Recreation Ground at the close of play.

Details of how to join the Friends of Bath Cricket Festival or regarding any of the social events can be obtained by contacting Heather Clewley on Bath (01225) 313568.