Open letter from Dame Sarah Storey to launch Red Rose Review
Letter from Dame Sarah Storey to launch Red Rose Review
Dear Member,
Some of my fondest memories growing up were watching the Red Rose with my parents, and of course the long hours playing cricket in the garden.
That is why it was an incredible honour to be asked to take on the role of Interim Chair last year, especially at such an exciting time.
Our women's team and U18s girls both took home two trophies each, whilst the men narrowly missed out at Blast Finals Day at Edgbaston last summer.
And of course, we hosted the fourth Test Match between England and India as well as our first women’s international fixture at Emirates Old Trafford in over a decade.
But what has inspired me the most is seeing all generations coming to watch cricket in Lancashire, and how the Club is spreading cricket throughout the region.
It is incredible to think the Club has engaged with over 45,000 children in the past two months alone, encouraging many to pick up a bat and ball for the very first time.
However, as exciting as our progress is, we are a member-led Club, and I wanted the membership to have their say in this journey.
We asked you directly via a member engagement survey to request feedback on three key areas: Cricket, Member Services, and Governance.
In the coming weeks, we will update members with these results, but there is one area I want to focus on today – Governance.
Our member engagement survey found 55% of members think our Club rules are confusing. I’m not surprised.
I’ve inherited Club rules dating back to before we even had a women’s team – let alone a trophy winning one! That is why I am launching The Red Rose Review.
This will be a detailed review of our rules and governance, carried out by an independent body, and with members playing a key part.
Our Red Rose Review must ensure the Club works for all members.
We are a growing Club welcoming more fans every day – but we cannot be constrained by confusing rules.
I’ve listened to feedback that we need to get moving faster on fixing our governance issues – which is why I have decided to accelerate the process.
The Red Rose Review will start after the AGM next week and conclude by the end of this year. I have spoken to the ECB who are supportive of this.
In the coming weeks, the Club will be sharing more details about the Red Rose Review – including how members will be involved in the process.
Let me be clear – Members are critical to the Red Rose Review process.
Next week, we will meet at our AGM and vote on several rule changes.
I am asking members to vote against any rule changes at the AGM.
Not because they don't matter, but because the members deserve a proper, independent process rather than a patchwork fix in the middle of an AGM.
You can vote online here for the AGM.
Many thanks,
Dame Sarah
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