The role of a cricket club Chairman is not specifically defined - there is no written procedure that goes with the position, so the job is what you make it – or what others let you, or coerce you, to make it!

Obviously chairmen run the committee meetings, add words of wisdom where necessary and give casting votes when needed. A good relationship with the secretary also helps.

Over and above these prerequisites it is a matter for the individual incumbent to decide how much he gets involved with the day to day running of the club.

Most casual observers (and players!) of the local cricket scene won’t be aware of the great number of issues that arise over a season. Things such as club politics, selection, finance, ground, buildings, league matters, youth management, player discipline, personnel, vandalism, kit, diplomacy, sponsorship, Annual Dinner organiser - you name it - and it falls at the feet of our chairman.

At Wollaston we are very fortunate to have Andrew Silsby as our Chairman. Andrew was originally drafted into the position on a temporary basis 6 or 7 years ago. At the time we could not get anyone on the committee to take the job on permanently, so each of the selected band did a month each to share the responsibility. It was not an ideal situation but it worked at a limited level.

Andrew was not keen to “do his month” but reluctantly agreed. However after his first stint he agreed to do another – and another, and the rest is history. At the next AGM he was elected as the Club’s chairman. And since then he has really “grown” into the job, flourished and become the absolute ideal chairman. If anything needs sorting you will hear, “have a word with Sils”.

He doesn’t shirk from any responsibility and as matters arise he deals with them in a calm, logical and understanding manner. He is not scared of giving his opinion and making decisions when necessary. He has an excellent working relationship with our secretary John Pike and between them they keep the club on an even keel. His DIY skills are legendary, as is his slog-sweep to cow corner!

And last season, whilst Rex was on work-duty painting caravans in a nudist camp (don’t ask!) Andrew donned the wicket keeping gloves for several games (it was a big nudist camp—either that, or Rex hung the job out) and filled the breach.

I know he will be embarrassed by this appraisal of his contribution, but if anyone deserves the Club to be successful, and if anyone deserves to be the first Wollaston Cricket Club chairman in the very top tier of Northamptonshire cricket it is Andrew.