As we head towards the end of 2023 and reflect on a brilliant year for the club, I wanted to say a huge thanks to all members and supporters for their efforts and support throughout the year. The National Village Cup Final at Lord’s will of course live long in the memory and, despite the result, everyone can be immensely proud, whether on the pitch or in the stands. The Village Cup run optimised everything this club represents. To see those who followed the side all the way to Norfolk and Truro, to see club legends of days gone by watching their club at the Home of Cricket and of course to see the L&B Barmy Army in full swing in the stands was a reward for the efforts of so many down the years who have given so much to the club.

Our 1st XI won their eighth promotion in 14 years to make it to the Kent Cricket League Championship division. Huge credit to Captain George Davis, Coach Rick Parsons and all of the team for a brilliant achievement. The club is now in the top 20 in Kent and sets up some mouth-watering fixtures next season, including local side The Mote and former ever-present Premier League side Sevenoaks Vine. Congratulations must also go to Martin Holmes and his 3rd XI side for their promotion, with some fine performances from the next generation throughout the season. Nick Prime can also be proud leading the 2nd XI to a mid-table finish after facing a number of 1st XI sides this year.

Our junior section continues to go from strength to strength, with well over 100 boys and girls playing and competitions from the ages of 5-15. Well done to James Ingarfield, Paul Hicks and all those who give so much to the junior section. It’s integral to our future. A big thank you must also go to all members of the committee for their continued hard work. Off the pitch we have made progress with planning permission for a new pavilion and have made good ground on acquiring new sponsors. A special thanks to Peter Bowden for his work as President over the last three years, especially for his part in reconnecting the club with so many older members for the match against the MCC. He will hand over the mantle to Martin McCague who will be sworn in at the AGM in January.

Sadly, we also send our thoughts to the families of Paul Apps and Tom Lazarides who both passed away this year. Paul gave so much to the club, especially during the early promotion years as scorer and Tom was a promising youngster who played for our senior sides at a young age. May they rest in peace.

As we look forward to next season, our Cricket Week will take place from 24th to 30th June and will include a rematch against Iggy’s Fund XI on 28th June. Lots more to come on that in the New Year, but we hope to continue to expand the club's reach as a pillar in the local community. There is lots to do, so if you want to get involved in any way, please let me know.

As a final thought, 2023 has been a brilliant year and one we won’t ever forget. However, we must make sure that the success is not seen as the end but instead a mark of a new beginning. There’s lots more we can achieve together as a club to continue to push it forward, both on and off the pitch. Here’s to another successful year for the club in 2024. Have a great Christmas and see you all next year.

Chris Davis, LBCC Chairman

See below a message from outgoing President, Peter Bowden:

It has been a great privilege to be President of this wonderful club for the last three years. My interest in weekend cricket watching has been reawakened, much to my wife Christine’s annoyance! I have really enjoyed meeting players and parents at all levels, from juniors up to the very talented 1st XI. I am confident that the future for LBCC is extremely bright and am very pleased to announce that my successor will be Martin McCague, about whom I do not need to say anything. The club is lucky to have such a big name (and big character) as its President for the next three years. I shall of course continue to support the club as it goes from strength to strength.

Peter Bowden, LBCC President