After 9 years as the figurehead of the Avorians, at this year’s AGM, Ashley Golder will pass the Presidency on to former Chaiman of Cricket, Matt Ellis.
To make the occasion, Ashley made the following statement:
My advanced apologies for not being able to attend the AGM (this Friday - 28th Feb in the Clubhouse), and thus for writing rather than speaking this message.
At the AGM, Matt Ellis will formally take the reigns as Club President. Matt has been the ideal candidate for the job for some time, so I couldn’t be more chuffed that he’s accepted the position. From playing for the club, Matt became our successful Chaiman of Cricket for some years prior to Brett taking the role, and has been “a constant” at the club not just in cricket matters, but is also an ever-present supporter socially. I’m sure that he will be the “figurehead” that the A’s deserve.
My first spell for the A’s was in the mid / late 1970’s as an under 15 and did make a couple of appearances in the senior sides. Although I had a decade away from the club, primarily at Byfleet, I have been back at Convent Lane since 1988. It’s a second home, and I hope it remains so. You’ll certainly continue to see me in the 2 o’clock club and at as many matches as the busy diary allows, not to mention club functions.
Before my exit, I must thank our outgoing Chairman of Cricket, Brett, who has been magnificent during his term in that role, regularly going well beyond any usual boundaries of the club position and being found umpiring, scoring and in the kitchen doing teas. Aman Ghei takes over in this demanding and often thankless position. We’ll all be behind you Aman.
I must also mention James, our Saturday 2’s skipper. I doubt we’ve ever had such a talented, enthusiastic, and driven man at the helm. What an act to follow. Rob Lowe, supported by Avi Fernando as VC, will, I’m sure, bring a different brand of experienced leadership to the side, but hopefully no less successful.
High bars have been set. Good luck to Aman, Rob and Avi, and also to our new Aussie Zac!
Ours is a wonderful club that has diversified and grown immensely over recent decades, is now in great shape and in very good hands. I’m confident that Matt, along with our strong and immensely hard working committee, will lead from the front, enhance our progression and will always have my full support.
Good luck Matt.
Ashley

On behalf of everyone at the club, we thank Ash and his partner Sarah for everything they have done over the last 9 years and more, and look forward to continuing to welcome them to the club in a more social capacity for many years to come.