Despite the freezing weather, Rye Cricket Club are already thinking of the summer. On Sunday 25 January at 7pm, Rye Cricket Club is holding its Annual General Meeting at the Rye cricket pavilion.
The club has been busy since September in preparation for 2026. The club has produced its Five Year Development Plan, which has three themes:
Players: The club aims to attract and develop players. Adult nets start on Friday 13 February at Claremont School in Bodiam from 7pm to 8.30pm.
Junior sessions start on 5 March at Rye Sports Centre from 6pm to 8pm. There will be both softball and hardball sessions. Thanks to joint funding between Rye Sports Centre, Rye Cricket Club and Rye Old Scholars Association, the indoor nets have been repaired.
The pre-season starts on18 April with 1st Xl v Tenterden at home. The 2nd Xl get under way on April 25th v Crowhurst Park, away.
The junior section will be fielding two Under 11 teams, an Under 13 team and an Under 16 team in the Ashford and District Junior Cricket League.
The Club starts delivering cricket in PE lessons at Rye Primary School from 12 January, giving the opportunity for the students to get a taste of cricket and get involved with Rye Cricket Club in the summer.
Facilities: The club took over responsibility for the care of the Rye Cricket Salts square and outfield in 2025. Despite the challenges for volunteers to take on the job, the Salts is looking good and a success was that one of our volunteers developed his skills, and has obtained a role with Fulham FC as part of the groundsmen team.
The club is now preparing for the new season with training for volunteers to be undertaken. We are grateful for the support given to us to carry out this work from the Rye Fund and from the Rother Community Fund.
The Rye Pavilion is an asset the club would like to offer for hire. At present we are used by Rye Runners and the charity F.A.I.R and in addition we have bookings for wedding receptions. We welcome enquiries for the use of the pavilion. The funds are all used to invest back into the Rye Cricket Salts.
Funding: To sustain the offer of providing cricket by one of the world’s oldest cricket clubs, we are seeking sponsorship. We are grateful to our sponsors, who over the last few seasons have made cricket possible for young and old to play in Rye. We have a number of opportunities available for 2026, including naming of the pavilion and branding on our large welcome sign. Both of these offer visibility throughout the year.
To get involved with Rye Cricket Club please contact Martin Blincow on blincsfamily@aol.com, 07535482006 or attend the AGM on Sunday 25 January at 7pm at the Rye cricket pavilion on Fishmarket Road.
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .