A few weeks we were underwater and under siege from Storm Chandra, today the ground team have squared the square (a chance to use Pythagoras theorem apparently) have done the first cuts of grass and pre-season rolling is in progress. Inside the clubhouse the legends team have completed a marathon effort of painting and a refresh of the changing room area.

The big news is, we can confirm that after a long period of service and potential to be listed as a World Heritage site, the showers are no more. With the support of the Somerset Cricket Foundation and the HPC community fund we now have showers for the 21st century, with 3 separated shower cubicles and a separate toilet area. Thanks to all who have worked hard to make this happen, come check them out at the fist training nights in April.

Indoor nets are in full flow, lots of new faces (and a few old ones…Ed Warren is back in action!). Sam Burgess and Ben have been busy getting some sponsors on your shiny new shirts, and Mark Norman has been overwhelmed with spreadsheets and requests for the number 10.

Looks like outdoor training will start on April 22 and the promised new portable outdoor nets will be ready for action

This weekend will be your chance to help get ready, so please pop along to the Deane for an hour or two on March 28/29 between 9-4, we need cleaners, painters, carpenters, shifters and most importantly someone who can make a good brew. Also a good chance to check out the clubhouse improvements and mark your spot in the changing area.

Martyn Salt.