WELLINGTON Cricket Club is preparing to undergo a number of changes in personnel and although it is still five months until another ball is bowled outdoors the club is looking to deal with these changes now.

It is being managed under the title ‘An Agenda for Change’ and has been prompted by the decision of some current post holders to not seek re-election for the 2017 season.

Among them is popular chairman insurance broker Duncan Short, 68, who has overseen a number of changes within the club in recent years.

Secretary and club spokesman David Derrick said: “After 16 years at the helm Duncan Short advised the committee in October he would be standing down at the AGM in January, 2017, and this and other changes within the club will be overseen by the Club’s Management Group and General Committee.

“Duncan has given a great deal to the club over many years including those before he became chairman when he held roles such as vice chairman, Sunday 2nd XI captain and youth team manager at each of Under 11s, 13s, 15s and 17s levels and externally to the club he was secretary to the Taunton and District Youth League for 19 seasons.

“But it was his accession to the Wellington Chair in 2001 that has seen a great deal achieved, both on and off the field of play, such as promotion to the West of England Premier League for the second time at the end of the 2012 season and its subsequent retention over a four year period. The effective and robust management of a dedicated clubhouse for the first time in the club’s history and the implementation of a programme of work to improve the playing surface on offer are other examples of this work; these and many others are legacy items that have been delivered on Duncan’s watch and were, are and will be maintained with the support and hard work of many dedicated persons who have and continue to serve the club.’

“It is pleasing to know that Duncan has confirmed he remains available and willing to work for and offer support to the Club after he has stepped down as chairman; his experience and wise counsel will prove invaluable going forward.”

The club will also be looking to replace Steve Symons and Kevin Crout who are stepping down as fixture secretary and membership secretary respectively.

The club spokesman added: ‘Both Steve and Kevin have brought much to the club in their stints in these roles – their inputs are best recognised in that the club has been and currently is able to maintain a full programme of Sunday non-league fixtures at a time when many clubs play little or no Sunday cricket whatsoever and such matches take in some of the best and most picturesque grounds in the area. It makes making them a real social occasion as well as joy to play in.”

The changes will be managed at the Club’s AGM for 2017 which takes place on Tuesday, January 17, 7.00pm.