Essex Outfielder : The Unofficial Essex CCC Forum
Cricket => Official Q&A => Topic started by: bwildered on February 11, 2014, 05:02:22 PM
-
Meteor way dates have just been released, notice these do not include LVCC Wednesdays (last days) is this because they do not expect four day games to last that long, or this a administrive error ?
-
More a happy coincidence I'd say.
-
I seem to recall Essex have a restricted number of days for Meteor Way (29 I think?), last year the last day usually Friday or Saturday it wasn't usually available either.
-
They still talk about the walk along the river to the rear car park of the ground. Is there not building work supposed to be taking place in the car park, or is that just a dream.
-
Has Nat rightly pointed out on the Q&A's , before the release of the dates, Meteor Way would be better for weekdays rather than weekends, has free parking is ( or was ) available on Saturdays and Sundays on the hard standing , perhaps the club can re-apply to the council to move from Sundays to Wednsdays .
Can anyone confirm that no cashless payment policy in the surrounding car parks ??
-
Thanks for post
We had a huge amount of feedback from Members asking for the Sunday dates to be added as it was felt that day four is typically the lowest attended day (not always) and Sunday would offer higher attendances.
The car park capacity in Chelmsford on Sundays is not as high as one might hope. We have worked very hard with the Council to get as many days as possible whilst keeping some days back for any quarter or semi final games. We also hope this will help attract more Members to attend and to attend as a family. As part if our Felsted Family Sundays we are aiming to make them real family occasions.
Thanks, Danny Macklin, Commercial Director
-
Thanks for post
... We also hope this will help attract more Members to attend and to attend as a family. As part if our Felsted Family Sundays we are aiming to make them real family occasions.
Thanks, Danny Macklin, Commercial Director
Whistling in the wind I'm afraid. Families will not attend 4 day cricket is any significant numbers. Time has moved on. 40 over cricket starting at 2pm on a Sunday was/still is the way to go.
-
We can but try
-
If the dates released, included Wednesdays rather than Sundays , ALL members then had the choice for free car parking for the duration of LVCC games ( four days) and now only have three , has the last day is now not included. Over five days lost of free parking, hardly a benefit to its parking members
Oh dear, and thought that the club made a concerted effort to listen to the members.
-
Thanks for post, we listened to initial feedback from Members to get as many days parking as possible at Meteor Way
Thanks, Danny
-
I was at the County Ground yesterday, and when Meteor Way is not available, eg for the upcoming friendlies, it looks unlikely that there will be any members parking available.
The much reduced space behind the Graham Gooch Centre is likely to be taken by officials and staff etc, whilst the former Chelmsford Council Car Park (Pay and Display)situated next to the County Ground entrance in New Writtle Street is being dug up, and various plant machinery is operating in there.
So it looks like if Meteor Way is unavailable, parking for members will be very difficult, and if the train is an option, it may be worth taking it.
Is that how you see it Danny?
-
Good afternoon,
with the exception of approx. 10 disabled Members spaces there will not be any Members / public parking available at the ground for the friendlies games.
Initial works are taking place in the former council car park.
Thanks, appreciate not ideal. Danny
-
Danny-can we take it that the car park sale deal has now been completed-so that once the current work has been done, it will be available for members as promised last year?
-
Thanks for post, a number of tasks and elements have got to be completed before we can park in the new car park. Rest assured once more is known with the schedule a full communication will be made.
Thanks, enjoy the season ahead
-
So, from the announcement on the club site re parking for the Derbyshire match can we assume that the ex-Council car park is not going to be available yet? (I asked a steward at one of the friendlies when it might be ready, and he smiled a smile that suggested he thought me harmlessly insane). And if not yet, when?
-
Thanks for post, expect that to be for next game. Enabling works are near completion
Thanks
-
Thanks for clarifying that.
-
Thanks for post, expect that to be for next game. Enabling works are near completion
Thanks
Danny,
In view of the above, I phoned the information line to ascertain if Meteor Way was open to members this morning. The audio message implied it WAS but to seek confirmation, I also phoned the membership line & after being repeatedly cut off, ascertained that you didn't start answering calls until 10.00am! This is yet another example where us members are getting a second rate service and not the first class you've promised!
-
Thanks for post
I will look into why info line was not updated, we open phone lines at 10am so we can better service Members and public face to face. The information line was updated to state Meteor way car park was not available. Thanks for bringing to mine and ours attention
Thanks Danny
-
Must have been a huge amount of members phoning due to feedback who wondered where to park on Wednesdays. Still trying to find a member who gave feedback to the change.
So in a freedom of information act , who was asked and how many replied ?
-
It has been clear for sometime, the dates Meteor way is available this year, I printed off the list and keep it in my cricket bag.
Wednesdays are not available, but many games may be over in 3 days so it may ot be a big problem.
-
Just as well that Meteor Way is available when it is, because although we were told at the AGM that the New Writtle St (ex Council) car park will be available for members for the next CC match, it's not as big as it was due to the space needed for the access to the development, and if it's got to replace the whole of the present space behind the cricket school, that means that it's also got to house the seemingly ever increasing number of folk who get privileged spaces on match days (isn't it interesting how the smaller crowds get for CC cricket, the more of these folk there are?) , plus the contract parkers. I think it's going to be Meteor Way as first port of call from now on.
-
It still makes no sense to me to have Meteor Way open on Sundays when you can park almost anywhere on surrounding streets on that day whereas on Wednesdays it will always be problematic to park and more so when the development crawls on apace.
-
Thanks for post, we wanted to ensure we made use of the most days possible hence the selection of the Sundays. Chelmsford is becoming busier and busier on Sundays in the City Centre.
We are also encouraging all Members and supporters to make best use of the park and ride scheme. Thanks
-
Will meteor way still be available as an alternative when the new car park is done. I always prefer to park there than even attempt to park at the ground.
As mentioned i can always park in the pay car park near the Meteor way on a sunday so seems pointless having Meteor Way then. I actually didn't go on Wednesday due to no Free Meteor Way car parking. Sorry but i am not messing about with park and ride
-
Thanks, assume you mean new car park rather than the new (longer term multi storey)? If so then yes is the answer.
We had a number of Members thank us for having the Sunday's included, appreciate it will not suit all. The park and ride is a very good service.
thanks
-
I agree that it was a good idea to get Meteor Way for Sundays, especially as the Park and Ride doesn't operate then, or on Bank Holidays (which feature in the Leics and Surrey CC fixtures in May). To those who are not sure about the P&R, it runs every 10 minutes, and it's a much shorter walk from where it stops near the iron bridge than the new elongated walk from Meteor Way via the back of the gymn and back into New Writtle Street. And it's free for us ancients with bus passes......
-
Please note, access by the cricket school is now not available due to building work , so either after passing under viaduct turn right by gym and follow path onto Writtle St and access ground via drive OR after passing under viaduct turn left over river bridge then right and follow river , go under Parkway road bridge turn left just after up on Parkway and enter ground by river /town entrance.
-
Please note, access by the cricket school is now not available due to building work , so either after passing under viaduct turn right by gym and follow path onto Writtle St and access ground via drive OR after passing under viaduct turn left over river bridge then right and follow river , go under Parkway road bridge turn left just after up on Parkway and enter ground by river /town entrance.
Will (your?) mobile scooters be able to navigate the alternative routes? ;D
-
Wriitle St journey is accessible via mobile scooter.
-
This club is beginning to drive me up the wall. Arriving at 10.45 today I thought, with a small crowd in the offing, I would try to park in the 'new car park'. Despite there obviously being a large number of spaces available ( 21 at 11.15) I was told the car park was full for members and was turned away. Sad case that I am, I monitored the spaces in the car park throughout the day and there was never less than 20 spaces available sometimes nearer thirty. Who were these empty spaces allocated too? Why didn't they turn up ? If it is supposed to be on a first come first served basis and I arrived first why should some other so and so who couldn't be bothered to be there at the start or at all, be given priority?
And while I am in ranting mode - the catering this year after a significant improvement last, is simply appalling. The healthiest options seem to be hamburger ( with a roll so tough I nearly broke my tooth on it) crisps, chips or chocolate or a fried breakfast. No fruit,no home made cake as last year, and if you are lucky to acquire a sandwich(one left in the entire ground today at 1.00pm) that hasn't been frozen for the full four days you are fortunate. The likes of Leicester, Derby and Worcester can all produce a wide range of really good food at a competitive price why can't we?
-
Thanks for post
Regarding comment re catering, I will pass your comments onto our catering team
We have had some very good feedback from the food options available within the Pavilion, we have new dishes of the day eg lasagne for a very competitive price
We have tried healthy options eg baguettes and salads in areas and sold approx 3! However we are here to listen to feedback, we want to offer a range people want
Thanks for feedback
-
we want to offer a range people want
Except where beer is concerned.
-
This club is beginning to drive me up the wall. Arriving at 10.45 today I thought, with a small crowd in the offing, I would try to park in the 'new car park'. Despite there obviously being a large number of spaces available ( 21 at 11.15) I was told the car park was full for members and was turned away. Sad case that I am, I monitored the spaces in the car park throughout the day and there was never less than 20 spaces available sometimes nearer thirty. Who were these empty spaces allocated too? Why didn't they turn up ? If it is supposed to be on a first come first served basis and I arrived first why should some other so and so who couldn't be bothered to be there at the start or at all, be given priority?
And while I am in ranting mode - the catering this year after a significant improvement last, is simply appalling. The healthiest options seem to be hamburger ( with a roll so tough I nearly broke my tooth on it) crisps, chips or chocolate or a fried breakfast. No fruit,no home made cake as last year, and if you are lucky to acquire a sandwich(one left in the entire ground today at 1.00pm) that hasn't been frozen for the full four days you are fortunate. The likes of Leicester, Derby and Worcester can all produce a wide range of really good food at a competitive price why can't we?
Similar situation for me only I was there much earlier and was told the ten spaces allocated for members had been taken. After parking a way away and returning on foot it was clear the car park was still far from full and that was still the case before the lunch interval and again after the lunch interval. The was a small army of stewards keeping members from using these empty spaces.
Why is this Danny ?
-
This club is beginning to drive me up the wall. Arriving at 10.45 today I thought, with a small crowd in the offing, I would try to park in the 'new car park'. Despite there obviously being a large number of spaces available ( 21 at 11.15) I was told the car park was full for members and was turned away. Sad case that I am, I monitored the spaces in the car park throughout the day and there was never less than 20 spaces available sometimes nearer thirty. Who were these empty spaces allocated too? Why didn't they turn up ? If it is supposed to be on a first come first served basis and I arrived first why should some other so and so who couldn't be bothered to be there at the start or at all, be given priority?
And while I am in ranting mode - the catering this year after a significant improvement last, is simply appalling. The healthiest options seem to be hamburger ( with a roll so tough I nearly broke my tooth on it) crisps, chips or chocolate or a fried breakfast. No fruit,no home made cake as last year, and if you are lucky to acquire a sandwich(one left in the entire ground today at 1.00pm) that hasn't been frozen for the full four days you are fortunate. The likes of Leicester, Derby and Worcester can all produce a wide range of really good food at a competitive price why can't we?
Similar situation for me only I was there much earlier and was told the ten spaces allocated for members had been taken. After parking a way away and returning on foot it was clear the car park was still far from full and that was still the case before the lunch interval and again after the lunch interval. The was a small army of stewards keeping members from using these empty spaces.
Why is this Danny ?
I share your frustration. I was at the match on Tuesday and parked in Meteor Way. Walking to the ground around 1100, I saw the empty spaces and checked with the gate staff that indeed this was the new "members'" car park. I was told that the empty spaces were reserved for people attending a meeting. I was also informed that the few spaces available to members were usually full by 0730!
It occurred to me that membership of Essex CCC equals a very cheap car parking facility for a commuter, since it costs £1,000+ pa to park at Chelmsford station.
It really isn't cricket.
-
This club is beginning to drive me up the wall. Arriving at 10.45 today I thought, with a small crowd in the offing, I would try to park in the 'new car park'. Despite there obviously being a large number of spaces available ( 21 at 11.15) I was told the car park was full for members and was turned away. Sad case that I am, I monitored the spaces in the car park throughout the day and there was never less than 20 spaces available sometimes nearer thirty. Who were these empty spaces allocated too? Why didn't they turn up ? If it is supposed to be on a first come first served basis and I arrived first why should some other so and so who couldn't be bothered to be there at the start or at all, be given priority?
And while I am in ranting mode - the catering this year after a significant improvement last, is simply appalling. The healthiest options seem to be hamburger ( with a roll so tough I nearly broke my tooth on it) crisps, chips or chocolate or a fried breakfast. No fruit,no home made cake as last year, and if you are lucky to acquire a sandwich(one left in the entire ground today at 1.00pm) that hasn't been frozen for the full four days you are fortunate. The likes of Leicester, Derby and Worcester can all produce a wide range of really good food at a competitive price why can't we?
Similar situation for me only I was there much earlier and was told the ten spaces allocated for members had been taken. After parking a way away and returning on foot it was clear the car park was still far from full and that was still the case before the lunch interval and again after the lunch interval. The was a small army of stewards keeping members from using these empty spaces.
Why is this Danny ?
I share your frustration. I was at the match on Tuesday and parked in Meteor Way. Walking to the ground around 1100, I saw the empty spaces and checked with the gate staff that indeed this was the new "members'" car park. I was told that the empty spaces were reserved for people attending a meeting. I was also informed that the few spaces available to members were usually full by 0730!
It occurred to me that membership of Essex CCC equals a very cheap car parking facility for a commuter, since it costs £1,000+ pa to park at Chelmsford station.
It really isn't cricket.
Blimey do they drive and park at 0730, get the bus and train home, then arrive back on bus/train at 11am and drive home?? Or do they camp in the Weatherspoons for breakfast??
-
This club is beginning to drive me up the wall. Arriving at 10.45 today I thought, with a small crowd in the offing, I would try to park in the 'new car park'. Despite there obviously being a large number of spaces available ( 21 at 11.15) I was told the car park was full for members and was turned away. Sad case that I am, I monitored the spaces in the car park throughout the day and there was never less than 20 spaces available sometimes nearer thirty. Who were these empty spaces allocated too? Why didn't they turn up ? If it is supposed to be on a first come first served basis and I arrived first why should some other so and so who couldn't be bothered to be there at the start or at all, be given priority?
And while I am in ranting mode - the catering this year after a significant improvement last, is simply appalling. The healthiest options seem to be hamburger ( with a roll so tough I nearly broke my tooth on it) crisps, chips or chocolate or a fried breakfast. No fruit,no home made cake as last year, and if you are lucky to acquire a sandwich(one left in the entire ground today at 1.00pm) that hasn't been frozen for the full four days you are fortunate. The likes of Leicester, Derby and Worcester can all produce a wide range of really good food at a competitive price why can't we?
Similar situation for me only I was there much earlier and was told the ten spaces allocated for members had been taken. After parking a way away and returning on foot it was clear the car park was still far from full and that was still the case before the lunch interval and again after the lunch interval. The was a small army of stewards keeping members from using these empty spaces.
Why is this Danny ?
Typical politicians answer from Starfish - totally dodged that question and talked about catering only!!
-
This club is beginning to drive me up the wall. Arriving at 10.45 today I thought, with a small crowd in the offing, I would try to park in the 'new car park'. Despite there obviously being a large number of spaces available ( 21 at 11.15) I was told the car park was full for members and was turned away. Sad case that I am, I monitored the spaces in the car park throughout the day and there was never less than 20 spaces available sometimes nearer thirty. Who were these empty spaces allocated too? Why didn't they turn up ? If it is supposed to be on a first come first served basis and I arrived first why should some other so and so who couldn't be bothered to be there at the start or at all, be given priority?
And while I am in ranting mode - the catering this year after a significant improvement last, is simply appalling. The healthiest options seem to be hamburger ( with a roll so tough I nearly broke my tooth on it) crisps, chips or chocolate or a fried breakfast. No fruit,no home made cake as last year, and if you are lucky to acquire a sandwich(one left in the entire ground today at 1.00pm) that hasn't been frozen for the full four days you are fortunate. The likes of Leicester, Derby and Worcester can all produce a wide range of really good food at a competitive price why can't we?
The teams you mention I believe all do the catering themselves which is not only a cheaper option for the club to operate but thus offer good fresh food with a smile - of course you can bet that the club have never thought of doing this ourselves :o
-
Thanks, I can now respond regarding the parking. I did not answer that part at 3am like I did the catering matters as I needed to gather the facts.
We do need to make it clearer with regard car parking at the ground going forward and I will ensure we do this. Parking is limited, there is no getting away from that.
We have to allow spaces for a magnitude of reasons including:
- Premier Suite Members
- Disabled Members and guests
- Staff
- Players
- Officials
- Catering staff
- Committee
- Visiting Committee and officials
- ECB officials
- Media
- Player's families
- Contractors
- Visitors to the shop, reception or Essex Auto Group Graham Gooch Cricket Centre
- Visitors to offices
Please do let me know if we can offer anymore guidance on this. We obviously have Meteor Way available as much as possible. We continue to push the council for additional days but this would then require perm planning permission and the need to change from grass to tarmac at a very expensive cost.
Thanks, Danny
-
Thanks, I can now respond regarding the parking. I did not answer that part at 3am like I did the catering matters as I needed to gather the facts.
We do need to make it clearer with regard car parking at the ground going forward and I will ensure we do this. Parking is limited, there is no getting away from that.
We have to allow spaces for a magnitude of reasons including:
- Premier Suite Members
- Disabled Members and guests
- Staff
- Players
- Officials
- Catering staff
- Committee
- Visiting Committee and officials
- ECB officials
- Media
- Player's families
- Contractors
- Visitors to the shop, reception or Essex Auto Group Graham Gooch Cricket Centre
- Visitors to offices
Please do let me know if we can offer anymore guidance on this. We obviously have Meteor Way available as much as possible. We continue to push the council for additional days but this would then require perm planning permission and the need to change from grass to tarmac at a very expensive cost.
Thanks, Danny
I think people realise that space is limited but it is particularly irksome, especially to those less able to walk distances, to see large numbers of spaces remain empty all day !!
Perhaps I should say I'm visiting the shop next time?
Perhaps all those categories rated above members (i.e. just about everybody) could be required to apply for their places in advance; that way you'd know how many you have left for members.
If they apply and don't turn up without notification, they forfeit future spaces.
Not sure why an extra 8 days parking should suddenly require tarmac or, for that matter, planning permission.
-
The likes of Leicester, Derby and Worcester can all produce a wide range of really good food at a competitive price why can't we?
How can you say its not competitive. Had a very cheap sausage roll from one of the catering shops. £3.80 for it, outrageous!
-
In a few years time when, or indeed if the vanity project is ever delivered per its original 2008 plan, you will look back on the current parking situation with fond reminiscence.
The future at the County Ground may involve vying with each of the three hundred odd 'apartment' dwellers, with their two cars per household for a space in the proposed multi-storey car park, on a first-come first served basis. Imagine the scene, during a T20 evening for example. Those with what they believed was a guaranteed space will arrive home from work to find it full of ECCC members' vehicles, who will in turn have undoubtedly been surcharged for the privilege.
Perhaps it would be beneficial for the Club to review their stewarding levels to marshal the inevitable confrontations when these two groups clash.......just saying. It should add an extra ingredient to the "Fortress Chelmsford" Friday night experience.
Oh, New Writtle Street is unlikely to be gridlocked either.. ::)
-
In a few years time when, or indeed if the vanity project is ever delivered per its original 2008 plan, you will look back on the current parking situation with fond reminiscence.
The future at the County Ground may involve vying with each of the three hundred odd 'apartment' dwellers, with their two cars per household for a space in the proposed multi-storey car park, on a first-come first served basis. Imagine the scene, during a T20 evening for example. Those with what they believed was a guaranteed space will arrive home from work to find it full of ECCC members' vehicles, who will in turn have undoubtedly been surcharged for the privilege.
Perhaps it would be beneficial for the Club to review their stewarding levels to marshal the inevitable confrontations when these two groups clash.......just saying. It should add an extra ingredient to the "Fortress Chelmsford" Friday night experience.
Oh, New Writtle Street is unlikely to be gridlocked either.. ::)
By then, perhaps, the club will either have moved or gone bust.
-
It should add an extra ingredient to the "Fortress Chelmsford" Friday night experience.
It would also make that ridiculous term valid for a change.
-
My advice is to travel to the ground by public transport, bring your own beer and don't bother with T20 games
-
My advice is to travel to the ground by public transport, bring your own beer and don't bother with T20 games
Amen.
-
The trouble being the times of last trains and buses to get me home, now that the overs have gone up to 50.
-
The trouble being the times of last trains and buses to get me home, now that the overs have gone up to 50.
Perhaps the club could facilitate a car sharing/lifts 'club' ...serious point (for once).
-
Simples . Car share with a committee member. How often do they come ?
-
Don't bring your own beer to the tour game. Can't bring glass containers in!
-
Don't bring your own beer to the tour game. Can't bring glass containers in!
Decant into plastic bottles, easy answer. Then you can have your favourite brew at better prices than the Kent brewery can offer in Essex.
-
Don't bring your own beer to the tour game. Can't bring glass containers in!
Decant into plastic bottles, easy answer. Then you can have your favourite brew at better prices than the Kent brewery can offer in Essex.
Or drink it before you go in, belch loudly at the stewards, who might then mistake you for our new overseas and point you towards the home dressing room.
-
I'm very concerned about parking. I don't live in Essex anymore and often travel alone to matches.
One of the benefits I valued as a female was parking in the ground so I did not have to walk alone in places I'm unfamiliar with.
I am very disappointed that this seems impossible these days ....
-
Danny,
According to the OS, Meteor Way car park was open for members at 7.00am today? If this was the case was it manned by Stewards to stop any abuse by non members, especially commuters?
-
Thanks for post, yes it was
-
Couldn't they have just kept the gate locked, save on stewards wages, and opened it at 2pm?
-
We open it to allow members who work or want to pop into the city centre to do so. We also park staff, catering staff and others there. Thanks
-
Couldn't they have just kept the gate locked, save on stewards wages, and opened it at 2pm?
Useful for commuter members. Park first thing, head off to work. Leave work a bit early and, Later Anglia permitting, straight to the ground.
Given any number of things that could be considered less than perfect with the club, it seems churlish in the extreme to complain about opening the car park "too early".
-
Useful for commuter members. Park first thing, head off to work. Leave work a bit early and, Later Anglia permitting, straight to the ground.
Given any number of things that could be considered less than perfect with the club, it seems churlish in the extreme to complain about opening the car park "too early".
As you say its a good thing, not sure if any supporters used it that early, but there was plenty of space in there and nowhere near full
-
We open it to allow members who work or want to pop into the city centre to do so. We also park staff, catering staff and others there. Thanks
Blimey, I had no idea...I must look into this. Assume this is match days only Dan?
-
We open it to allow members who work or want to pop into the city centre to do so. We also park staff, catering staff and others there. Thanks
Blimey, I had no idea...I must look into this. Assume this is match days only Dan?
Bearing in mind they don't get quite enough Meteor Way days from the Council to even cover all the match days, I doubt they'll open up just for you on a non match day. ;)
Whether you could get into the VIPs, hangers on and cronies car park on a non match day is another matter.
-
IS METEOR WAY CAR PARK OPEN FOR WARKS GAME ?
-
IS METEOR WAY CAR PARK OPEN FOR WARKS GAME ?
Yes, Steve. From 8 am onwards ! For members.
-
Danny, this is one for you.
I understand that the arrangement with the council is that for a fixed number of days each summer, Meteor Way is available for Essex members. I am assuming that if we had reached the semi-finals of the One-Day Cup last week and been drawn at home, then Meteor Way would have been available, as it was in the QF.
With us now eliminated, I am assuming that this extra available day can now be given to one of the 2 remaining Fridays that we have in the championship, either the 12th or 26th of September.
If not, why not?
-
Thanks
We have to request additional days from the council, I will check but I believe we are at our allocation
Thanks