The following served on the Members’ Committee during the year 2011-2012:

Chairman: Mr S J Mann

Elected Members: Mrs C Evers, Mr R Levin, Mr S J Mann and Mr E Stephens

Appointed Members: Mr G Clark, Mr A Kilburn and Mr R W Stott

In Attendance: Mr R Kaye,Sales and Marketing Director; Mr R Smith, Board Director

There were seven full Committee meetings during the year. A full minute of each meeting was presented to the Board of the Club, and a summary appears on this website. Four Members' Forums were held during the season in the East Stand Long Room prior to the start of play.

There was one change to the list of attendees at Committee meetings. Mr Richard Kaye, who held executive responsibility for sales and marketing, attended each meeting. Mr Richard Levin was re-elected at the March Annual General Meeting to continue for a further four years as an elected member.

Member Forums continue to play a key role. The attendance of executives enables members to hear background explanations to policy decisions, and provides a platform for objective feedback and comment to the Club. If these gatherings are to continue to be productive there is a need for attendees to ensure that comment is constructive and questions are of substance.

Each meeting in 2011 attracted over 70 members. Possibly the highlight was the final forum of the season in early September when the Club captain answered a range of questions on playing issues. Given the disappointments in the season it says much of the calibre of the captain that he was prepared to talk to the membership in such a frank and honest manner.

Fixtures and venues continue to be a subject of debate each year. In 2011, as in previous years, there was a detailed dialogue with the Club on the following season’s programme. The Committee have supported the Club’s view that a more balanced schedule is required so that there is First Class cricket at Headingley Carnegie in each month of the season.

The fixtures for 2012 show that yet again it has been impossible for the ECB to respond to what appears a simple and not unreasonable request. The committee will continue to pursue a balanced approach to  scheduling.

While First Class fixtures are firmly committed to Headingley Carnegie and Scarborough, there is an annual request to take second-team games around the county as much as possible. It was very much appreciated that the Club agreed to a play a fixture at Harrogate in 2011 to coincide with the opening of the new pavilion.

Lengthy discussions took place on membership numbers and the costs of attending both Yorkshire matches and Tests. While there has been a small decline in membership the general level has remained steady for the last few years.

Efforts should be made to entice former members back and to make membership a more worthwhile commodity. A basic principle is to ensure that the cost of attending is not a barrier. County cricket, and Yorkshire in particular, should not price people out of going.

A number of marketing topics were raised, particularly the shop. The Club were asked to review its activities, opening hours, layout and merchandise. It was not felt unreasonable to ask for the shop to be open on all match days and throughout the time spectators are there.

My sincere thanks to the membership for making the role of Chairman so enjoyable. Yorkshire may not have the largest membership, but they do have a membership that supports the various teams at home and away in far greater numbers than any other county. Long may that be the case.

Finally, best wishes and sincere a thank you for his inclusive style to Richard Kaye, who left at the end of the year to take up a role with the ECB. I would also like to thank all my Committee colleagues for their support and work throughout the year.

 STEPHEN MANN,
 Chairman,
 Members’ Committee
 Yorkshire County Cricket Club