Report of the 2008 season

The resignation of the appointed Curator in February meant an added load on the remaining volunteers and in the circumstances it is pleasing to report an increase in visitor numbers of 18% throughout what passed for a summer.

Promotion to Division 1 definitely helped as followers of Yorkshire, Kent, Sussex and Lancashire were notable attendees. A three-day Tourist Match always makes a tremendous difference and this year's game v South Africa enticed 379 visitors. Seasonal numbers for Friends Provident (50 overs) and Nat West Pro 40 were marginally down but Twenty20 increased by over 100%.

This form of cricket brings additional problems as an increasing number of children prefer playing ball-games to watching the match. As a result of damage to our property the Trustees have regretfully banned these games in our car-park. The same problem occurs to a lesser degree in Championship games but it is easier to control during the day. The one distressing occurence of the season was the theft of the donation jar during a match. This was the first instance in our nineteen year history.

We have again hosted visits from the School of Excellence in conjunction with their Playing for Success scheme. The staff have produced their own questionnaire highlighting various objects by photographs and inviting the children to provide the answers.

Although technically we close at the end of October, it is possible to accept groups during the Winter providing it does not coincide with major changes to displays. We are co-operating with the Catering Department of Somerset County Cricket Club who include a visit to us in their luncheon package if it is of interest to the participants.

Visitors to the website will know of the Robson family memorabilia and we have also received items from the England Womens Cricket Association which will be on display next season.

Finally a word of thanks to those volunteers who helped out during the year. There is always room for additional assistance and no one should be shy of ringing 01823 275893 or e-mailing somersetcricket.museumREMOVE@btinternet.com to offer their services!