I know it is not quite the $64,000 question but it's a lot of money in most people's books!

The subject of the net facilities at MCC is one which raises passions amongst many people.

We are in the process of obtaining quotes (by the end of February) to replace the bases of both nets, the netting itself is in an acceptable condition, whereas the surfaces are not.  We envisage that the cost to replace both bases and have them resurfaced is in the region of £15,000; based on investigations to date.

As a committee we have a duty to ensure that the nets are fit for purpose.  We also have a duty to ensure that the club funds are used responsibly and in such a way so as to ensure the club's long term financial viability.  Hence our conundrum.

The club have two options:

• Attempt to get an ECB grant, which can be up to 50% of the total project (depending on circumstances)
  • the advantage of this is that the financial outlay by MCC would be less
  • the disadvantage is that the grant application process can take several months (and would not be completed in time for this season)          
• Provide the funds through a mixture of the use of some capital, raising money through sponsorship/donations and finding non-ECB grants
  • the advantage of this is that we could possibly have the nets resurfaced for the start of this season (contractor availability permitting)
  • the disadvantage is that the financial outlay by the club is bigger

The current thinking is to go down the route of the second option.  We would like to fund this in the following way:

• 1/3 from club funds
• 1/3 from money raised specifically for the nets
• 1/3 from non-ECB grants and donations

Having nets benefits every playing member of MCC; youth, ladies and senior men.  So now as a club we all need to pull together and channel that passion towards raising the necessary funds.  How can you get involved?  You may have good ideas about fund raising opportunities; you may enjoy taking the lead and organising fund raising events; you may know someone with a business who may want to make a donation - naming rights or advertising could be discussed depending on circumstances.

This will require a concerted effort from the club as a whole, hopefully the passion that was evident at the players meeting will galvanise members, friends, parents and players to help us achieve our goal.

If you have any ideas or know of anyone who may be interested in funding, please feel free to contact Andy Youngs (Facilities Sub-Committee), Mark Thurston (Treasurer) or myself at your earliest convenience.

Cheers

Lou