ALL change! There’s been lots going on at Braunton during the winter as the club prepare for another season in the C Division East.
Andy Jones is the new chairman at Kelsey, taking over from long-serving Mark Johnson.
After a staggering 26 years on the committee, the last three of them as chairman. Johnson is taking a break. Dean Davies is the new vice-chairman.
Jones was second team skipper last season, a job he has handed over to Tim Bird. He will be assisted by Ed Holmes.
Dan Brierley will carry on as 1st XI captain with Bobby Paterson as his right-hand man.
Braunton have had a tough time in recent seasons on and off the field.
On the field they have dropped down the divisions from the A Division in 2012 to the C Division West.
It is a far cry from the 1994 season when Braunton, then skippered by Steve Moore, were Premier Division runners-up behind champions Exmouth.
Off the field there were financial problems associated with running the clubhouse, which reached crisis proportions in 2017.
Brierley said the club is back on an even keel now and starting to look at ways of climbing the league ladder again.
“We put volunteers in to run the club and started looking at ways to get rid of the £43,000 debt we had accrued,” said Brierley.
“In less than a year we have turned things round completely. The bar has been refurbished, largely by volunteer labour but with paid trades when needed.
“We have been fortunate to win some grants towards the work we have done and have had fantastic support from people in Braunton.
“The local community has really backed us, booking the club for their parties, functions and family events. It has all helped.
“Now we are running properly again with paid staff and can think about investing in the playing side again.
“It has been a while since we have had an overseas player, but it is something we may investigate again.”
