You will have noticed that I am a bit behind on my blog.  So it is time for a bit of a catch up.  I have been scribbling down bits and pieces in my diary for the elusive spare moment.  I will be trying to catch up this week.

Perhaps I have discovered my first New Year’s resolution…….

Charlotte Edwards came into the KCB office yesterday.  We started to plot the defence of the County Championship.

Before the County Championship though there is the small matter of the Ashes for Lottie.  She is off to Oz in the New Year and is training hard at the moment.

There is no doubting Lottie’s focus and desire to see Kent Women left the trophy again though.  A winter coaching programme is being pulled together and Alan Duncan has agreed to coach the side for another year.

Yesterday evening I attended a meeting in Thanet with Clair Gould.  Sad news to report:

Graham Gayton, Thanet’s long serving District Development Officer is to leave Kent. Graham has been a very loyal member of the KCB Development Team and I will be really sorry to see him go. As somebody who grew up in Thanet I know just what a difference he has made over the last 10+ years developing the game. Most crucially his tireless work introducing the game to children who otherwise would not have played cricket.

Graham doesn’t leave just yet but I wish him all the very best for the future.

The KCB CA Coaches Conference was run yesterday at the St Lawrence Ground.  A very well organised day and a credit to the KCB CA.

The day covered many different aspects of coach from schools groups to our most talented young players and everything in between.  All coaches will have learned something no matter where or who they coach.

It was good to catch up with many of the 100 or so coaches that came.  It is just a shame that I only get to see some once a year.  Thanks to all for giving up their Sunday to enhance their coaching skills.

Big thanks to Clair Gould as well - great job with all the elements you organised including the first-rate lunch!

Just finished an intense couple of days with the new Development Team.  It was a good opportunity to get to know each other and understand the ways in which we will work.  Such opportunities do not readily present themselves when team’s are up and running so it was vital time.

We got a great deal done.  Establishing team values, understanding work programmes and setting our short term priorities.

There was a great feel to the meetings we held and I am sure we have a team in place to make a real difference to cricket in the county.  Watch this space!