Membership Refunds .

[Slogger]

Thanks Leeds. A shame Essex aren't taking a game on the road.

[vim]

Any capacity will be reduced slightly as the indoor parts, the pavillion and the premier and corporate facilities will be shut.If 50% is around 2750 then that will be around 60 or 70% of the membership. One problem is that with no public the whole ground will be members and some people attending will be shunted out to the public side.

There is also the issue of anyone sitting in a shut off seat will lead to arguements between members and also the stewards. It will not be a great atmosphere with all that going on.

[nat]

Any capacity will be reduced slightly as the indoor parts, the pavillion and the premier and corporate facilities will be shut.If 50% is around 2750 then that will be around 60 or 70% of the membership. One problem is that with no public the whole ground will be members and some people attending will be shunted out to the public side.

There is also the issue of anyone sitting in a shut off seat will lead to arguements between members and also the stewards. It will not be a great atmosphere with all that going on.

Probably won't be able to get out of seat, walk around and get a beer. Think I'll give it a miss.

[Andy]

I think that we have to be realistic.  Despite our leader's 'roadmap' we know last year how there was a 'spike' in cases that stymied (wrong sport) the intention to have some spectators at county matches, so any opportunity to have a match with 'real' spectators must be good. 

I remember reading a comment from the BBC local radio guy at those experimental warm up matches who said just the sound of a ripple of applause as the players walked out that first morning made him feel very emotional.  I doubt we'll have 'proper' crowds this summer so it could be 2022 before we get to experience a normal sized crowd again.

[mawallace]

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/county-cricket-2021-lateral-flow-tests-vaccine-passports-under-consideration-in-bid-to-get-cricket-crowds-back-1252805

interesting story on what Lancs are looking at

[Slogger]

An extract from the government website on outdoor events from 17 May (at the earliest)

Spectators will be allowed at elite sporting events and performance events. Attendance at these events will be restricted to 50% of capacity up to 1,000 people for indoor events, and 50% of capacity up to 4,000 people for outdoor events. For outdoor events taking place in venues with seated capacity of over 16,000, event organisers may apply a 25% capacity cap, up to a maximum of 10,000 seated people. Large business events will also be able to go ahead, subject to the same capacity requirements.

So I guess up to 50% outside capacity at Chelmsford (and maybe similar indoors?)- subject to social distancing I assume? Maybe we'll learn more this evening at the member's forum?

[Perov]

I have been speaking to the Essex membership office.
It appears that in the early days of allowing spectators back,we will be allowed 1,000 into the ground. Average Championship attendance is 1100 so a lottery system may need to be used.
Entry to the ground will be by some form of timed appointment,  you will need to undergo rapid testing  and entry only after the result is negative.
You will have an allocated seat, but not sure if you can request a preference.
You will have to put your hand up if you need the loo (OK I made that bit up!), But strict rules will be in place.
We may hear more from the Chairman's forum tonight.
Hopefully, if no further virus spikes, things will be easier after  21st June.

[vim]

If what Perov says turns out to be the final position. They can stick their membership. Are they going to throw in a bag search as well as the testing?

I am sure that they wish this crisis would go on and on, it is making some peoples day.

[pablo]

In a moment of madness I renewed this afternoon. What was I thinking of ? Bowden may have gone but I'm sure his health and safety commissariat will have a field day. Thanks very much for paying hundreds of pounds to see no cricket last year or much , if any, this, and, even if there is, prepare not to be able to park ,to get body searched ( essential given the record of terrorism at county championship games) and a enforced COVID test - even if most of your audience will have been vaccinated twice by then. Oh! and don't even think that we'll give you seat anywhere where there is a decent view. And bring your own sandwiches and drinks ( but not in a bottle).

[vim]

As predicted the Premier Suite will be shut.

So no free meal in there if you are in that category. No mention of the members restaurant, will that be closed too?

So for your membership you get for the price.

Two Championship games you might or might not get a ticket for. If attending it will not be a good atmosphere.

A nothing game against India.

Four One day cup games with a weakened Essex team who may be playing even more weakened opponents.

Two Championship games that depending on results earlier in the season may have no value whatsover.

[nat]

It's a farce. By taking the ECB's £1.3m (presumably in addition to the usual ECB handout) the club is in total hock and has 'assumed the position' regarding the ECB.

[nat]

In a moment of madness I renewed this afternoon. What was I thinking of ? Bowden may have gone but I'm sure his health and safety commissariat will have a field day. Thanks very much for paying hundreds of pounds to see no cricket last year or much , if any, this, and, even if there is, prepare not to be able to park ,to get body searched ( essential given the record of terrorism at county championship games) and a enforced COVID test - even if most of your audience will have been vaccinated twice by then. Oh! and don't even think that we'll give you seat anywhere where there is a decent view. And bring your own sandwiches and drinks ( but not in a bottle).

A moment of madness on your part? Not a good deal is it? A cynic might think they don't care because we have the great cash cow 'The H*ndred' coming along.

I couldn't possibly comment.

[JasonP]

As predicted the Premier Suite will be shut.

So no free meal in there if you are in that category. No mention of the members restaurant, will that be closed too?

So for your membership you get for the price.

Two Championship games you might or might not get a ticket for. If attending it will not be a good atmosphere.

A nothing game against India.

Four One day cup games with a weakened Essex team who may be playing even more weakened opponents.

Two Championship games that depending on results earlier in the season may have no value whatsover.

Not great value.  At this stage though it's only Lawrence that is off to the Hundred so no reason why it should be a weakned team for the One Day Cup.

[essexfan548]

My personal view, if I was not a Life Member already, would be to support the club. I'd become a Life Member or renew - it's never been about getting 'value for money' for me it's been about supporting my team. I've not lived in Essex since 1975 but have continued to support them wherever I've lived.

I appreciate that is not everyone's point of view but a day in 2019 like day 4 at Taunton or Day 3 at Canterbury was worth every penny. Over the years I've seen some amazing matches ... and here's to my 51st season as a member

[pablo]

Yes I was happy to support the club I've been a member of for 45 years and I have done so again. What goes against the grain is the way those that have done so have been considered by the club. I know we've got a badge and a coin but obviously something like a free yearbook in exchange for £265 over two years was too much to ask for or even an exclusive streaming service but no all we are being offered is very little jam at some long distance and ill defined  tomorrow.