The County Ground is a busy place to be as the new season approaches

The County Ground at Taunton was a busy place to be on a bright but breezy Wednesday morning.

With the first practice match against Glamorgan scheduled to start on April 2nd, exactly three weeks away, Somerset head groundsman Phil Frost was out on the pitch getting on with the pre season preparations, whilst other members of the groundstaff were continuing painting around the ground.

Over in the corner of the ground between the Supporters Club Stand and the Coal Orchard workmen were putting the finishing touches to the new Riverside Entrance that will contain a new turnstile and swipe card terminal, and will replace the old entrance that was situated behind the Colin Atkinson Pavilion.

Inside the pavilion the staff in the main office were kept busy with the scores of new membership applications that are continuing to arrive, along with dealing with a steady stream of personal applicants who were queuing up to have their swipe card photographs taken.

Membership secretary Joanne Arnold told me: "It's been really hectic here over the last few days dealing with all of the new members who have been joining the club which is very good news for everybody."

To cope with the demand the deadline for membership at the discounted price has been extended by three weeks this year. However all potential new members are warned that this period runs out on Friday March 14th, so anyone intending to join at the special rates needs to act quickly.

Details of membership can be obtained by telephoning Jo Arnold at the County Ground on 01823 272946.