Hello again, here we are just over half way through the cricket season and another football season will be well underway by the time you read this article.

                Pickering Town football club continue to consolidate and make real progress on and off the field, for the third year in a row. Financially they have made a small profit, which I feel is an excellent effort by the Management team. At the time of writing, the first team squad looks really strong again, but it will be up against some very good teams in the league this season. I thought that the strength in depth of the league was the best for many years last season, but I am certain that it will be even stronger this year with the Champions Bridlington not taking promotion, and Farsley rejoining the pyramid after their financial problems last season.  Also, there are a number of other good teams, so we could be in for some really good games at the Mill Lane Ground.

                One other thing I think important to mention, is the acquisition of some more help on the Management Team and my thanks to those people for coming forward.

                We have a good solid bunch of supporters, but a few more through the turnstiles would help and you can add to the support by having a little refreshment at the bar. 

                What else have I tell you - oh yes, a Development Plan update: The plans have been passed, so now the real hard work starts to raise the necessary funds to complete the development. We all realise that it will take a lot of hard work and although some Grant Funding may be available, the bulk of the finance will have to be self – funding - We shall be looking for volunteers to assist with some of the projects, so don’t be shy in coming forward.

                At present we are obtaining some budgetary costs and we will then decide on the next course of action. The plan is to split the development into phases and it is our intention, finance permitting, to make a start on some of the club refurbishment -   possibly later this year, but it will depend on finance and costs, I will keep you  informed of our progress.

                The Recreation Club itself has had  another good year, with the continued  marvellous support from its members and the associated sporting clubs. The proposed development will continue the progress the club has made over the last few years. I believe the club is a wonderful focal meeting place, something for the community to be proud of (but then I would wouldn’t I). That word Community, I always manage to give it a mention, but that is what the Club is for. The Club is an important part of the community.

                The Gala Day will have taken place by the time of publication and hopefully the weather will have stayed fine for us! This year the event will have taken place in conjunction with Yorkshire Day, and the Club and field are being used jointly for some events, so my thanks to Trevor Boag who has helped organise the Gala this year and liaised with the people who organise Yorkshire Day, my thanks to them also.

                Talking about events, the Football Club are holding an Auction Evening at the Club on Friday October 29th, there will be a three course meal, a guest speaker, and cabaret included. Tickets are priced at £25 each and can be obtained from Keith Usher, the football club Secretary, please support it, I am certain it will be good evening.

                Well yes, its prediction time again! In the last couple of years I have not been too successful, but here goes again: I think Everton will continue to be on the fringe of things, they are a club who have always been up there. Let’s hope Liverpool can provide us with a bit of something extra for us to enjoy.

                Speak to you again soon.

 Alan Brenkley.