The 2002 Annual General Meeting of Somerset County Cricket Club that took place on Monday evening in the Centre of Excellence at the County Ground was attended by more that two hundred people.

Richard Parsons the retiring chairman presented the annual report and commenced the meeting by telling those present: "Cricket is our business and it has been a disappointing season for the club."

However despite the poor playing results 231 more members had been recruited than in 2001, which he said was remarkable for a small rural county.

The chairman reported that this was the eleventh consecutive year that the club had reported a profit that he felt was an excellent achievement.

Regarding the three new signings that had been made coach Kevin Shine told the meeting that he felt they would most certainly raise the competition stakes for places in the side.

In response to a question regarding the Head Groundsman, the chairman told the meeting that Phil Frost had verbally told the club that he was resigning and had confirmed this in writing, but at the present time he was still carrying out his duties on the ground.

The Report for 2002 was accepted as were the accounts that were presented by Rory O'Donnell, the Honorary Treasurer.

Agenda item seven, relating to the proposed rule changes, the essence of which were the creation of a single committee to streamline the decision making process, and the appointment of a chairman from outside of the committee prompted several questions, but when a vote was taken the changes were passed by an overwhelming majority.

Club President Michael Hill thanked the retiring chairman for his years of service to the club, and told the meeting that Richard Parsons had been elected an honorary life member of Somerset County Cricket Club.

Before the meeting closed the new chairman elect Giles Clarke, a businessman with a substantial track record, was presented to the meeting and told those present that he was deeply honoured and immensely privileged to be asked to become chairman of Somerset County Cricket Club. He looked forward to doing his best towards helping the club to further great triumphs both on and off the field and to a strong financially independent Somerset.

He also hoped that during his tenure as chairman that he would see the County Championship pennant flying at the club, a sentiment that was greeted warmly by all of those present.

© SOMERSET