Dear all,
Dunmow Cricket Club is announcing that two key members of our Executive
Committee, Chairman Ben Backhouse and Club Secretary Joanna Hayes, will be
stepping down from their roles at the end of the current season.
Both Ben and Jo have given immense time, energy, and passion to the club during a
pivotal period of growth. By sharing this news now, they hope to give the
committee and our wider membership ample time to consider the future leadership
of the club and ensure a smooth transition.
Below are the personal statements from both Ben and Jo regarding their decisions.
Statement from Chairman, Ben Backhouse
"After a great deal of thought, I have decided that I will not be putting myself
forward for re-election as Chairman of Dunmow Cricket Club at the end of this
season.
I wanted to communicate this decision early to allow both the committee and any
other members of the club who may wish to put themselves forward for election
sufficient time to consider the future leadership of the club.
Having served as Vice Chairman for 2024 before taking on the role of Chairman for
the past two years, it has been a privilege to help lead the club during an important
period of growth and development.
I am incredibly proud of what we as a committee and club community have
achieved during my time as Chairman, particularly in developing the social side of
the club, increasing the number and quality of events we now host, and successfully
registering the club as a charity. These improvements have helped strengthen the
club financially, socially, and structurally, and I believe they have created a more
welcoming and sustainable environment for members, families, and supporters
alike.
However, I also believe strongly that for the club to continue progressing to the
next level, we must do more to bring the playing membership and social side of the
club closer together. In my view, the lack of engagement between these areas has
remained one of the club’s biggest challenges.
I have come to realise that, rightly or wrongly, I believe the club would benefit from
having a Chair who is more closely connected to the playing side and is recognised
as an established cricketer within the club. Someone with that level of playing
credibility is, in my view, better placed to build stronger relationships with the
playing membership, encourage greater engagement, and help unite the cricketing
and social sides of the club. While I have always given the role everything I could, I
don't believe I am the right person to lead that next stage of the club's
development.
This is not a criticism of any individual or group, but simply an honest reflection on
what I believe is best for the future of the club.
I would like to thank the committee, volunteers, players, sponsors, supporters, and
everyone else who has contributed their time and effort during my tenure. Running
a cricket club relies entirely on people giving up their time for the benefit of others,
and I have always appreciated the support I have received.
I remain passionate about Dunmow Cricket Club and sincerely hope to see it
continue to grow and succeed in the years ahead."
Statement from Club Secretary, Joanna Hayes
"I just wanted to formally let you know that like Ben, I will be stepping down from
my role as Secretary at the end of the season.
Unfortunately, with work commitments and the requirements of the role changing
significantly over the last three years, I just can't commit to what the club needs to
go forward in the way that I would like to and the club needs.
I will very much still be in and around the club as a player, and as a parent of players,
and I am keen to support as and whenever needed.
This won't take effect until the end
of this season anyway, and I will ensure to be available to provide a comprehensive handover to my replacement.
Like Ben, I would like to thank the committee, volunteers, players, sponsors, supporters, and
everyone who has contributed their time and effort during my tenure.
I remain passionate about Dunmow Cricket Club and look forward to seeing it
continue to grow and succeed in the years ahead."
Looking to the Future
The entire club owes a massive debt of gratitude to both Ben and Jo. Under Ben's
leadership, achieving registered charity status and revitalising our social
calendar has put Dunmow CC on a much more secure and vibrant footing. Similarly,
Jo's tireless work behind the scenes as Secretary over the last three years has been
vital to keeping the club running smoothly through a period of significant
administrative change.
While they will both be sorely missed in their official capacities, we are delighted that Jo will remain a familiar face on the pitch and around the boundary, and that
Ben will continue to support the club he cares so much about.
Next Steps & Vacancies
As both Ben and Jo noted, these changes will not take effect until the end of the
current season. However, the search for our next Chairman and Club Secretary
begins now.
If you are passionate about the future of Dunmow CC, want to help bridge the gap
between our playing and social memberships, or have administrative skills you'd
love to lend to a fantastic community charity, we want to hear from you.
● Interested in putting yourself forward?
● Have a recommendation for either role?
Please reach out to a member of the current committee for an informal chat about
what the roles entail. Let’s work together to build on Ben and Jo's fantastic legacy!
Warm regards
Dunmow Cricket Club Committee