The MCC Vote
William Turrell
28 September 1998
Monday 28th September: The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has
voted to allow women members for the first time in its 211-year
history. 69.8 percent were in favour of the decision, just
enough to meet the two thirds majority needed to change the
rules.
In favour: 69.8% (9,394 votes) Against: 30.2% (4,072 votes)
13,482 of the 17,250 members voted, 16 spoiled ballot papers
Vice-captain of the England women's team, Barbera Daniels, was
``highly-delighted'', saying; ``we all now carry on, and get on with
promoting the game.''
Despite many recent controversial changes in cricket, including
the introduction of coloured clothing and third umpires, the MCC
has up to now remained an exclusively male club and has been
regarded by some as 'out of touch'. A vote in January on the
issue produced 56% of members wanting to allow women to join but not the two thirds majority required.
The lack of female members was one of five major reasons the MCC
was recently denied a lottery grant to assist in the construction
of new buildings at Lord's. The proposals distributed to members
during August suggested that up to 70 women should be allowed to
become playing members of the club within the next two years, with
the waiting list unaffected. It was also proposed to reserve one
of the bars in the pavillion for men only.
Currently there are nearly 18,000 members and a waiting list to
join the club of around 18 years. However the Committee has the
right to appoint honourary and honourary life members. Those who
play 10 games of cricket for MCC have their waiting time reduced
to two years.
Source: CricInfo
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