Brigands AGM 2026
The Broadhalfpenny Brigands Cricket Club AGM took place on 4th October 2026 in the pavilion.
The Chairman described how more than 70 teams played at Broadhalfpenny Down across the season, representing hundreds of players of all ages and abilities.
He outlined the investment made in the ground, including sight screens, car parking, a boiler replacement and roof repairs. He also reported that a generous donation had enabled the removal of the dangerous artificial pitch, which is part of the plan to restore the ground to a more traditional look and feel.
The Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) status is now allowing the club to reclaim Gift Aid, with £2,000 reclaimed in 2026.
Neil Wood is stepping down as Treasurer after ten years, and Rupert Preece was elected in his place.
The ground team is performing wonderfully and is benefiting from the irrigation system installed two years ago.
The pavilion received a 5/5 hygiene rating from Winchester City Council, thanks to the dedication of Tracey Murley. The tea room opened Mondays from 10am to 5:30pm through the summer. The clientele is growing, but it is not yet materially profitable. Weddings and birthday parties are the largest single source of revenue, and two events are already booked for the 2027 season.
Subscription and fee increases were approved for 2027. Playing membership will be £80, non-playing, youth and student membership £15, and member match fees £16 (£8 for students and youth, unchanged). Opposition match fees will be £190.
A recurring problem is opposition teams arriving without umpires and/or scorers. Two sides have been placed "on the naughty step".
Website visitors rose 25% in 2026, driven by match reports and more photography. Four photographers took around 2,500 photos, and match reports were emailed to opposition captains the next day. The club's cricket has also been covered in the Telegraph, The Cricketer, the Portsmouth Evening News and the Meon Valley Times.
Thirty-nine years of results have now been consolidated into a single database for the first time.
Away fixtures for 2027 are under discussion, including Winchester Legends at Winchester College and the Honourable Artillery Company in London. Nairobi Nomads stepped in at short notice for the midsummer fixture and have been rewarded with a 2027 slot.
Graham Peach, Rupert Preece (treasurer) and Paul Whittle were elected to the committee. The existing committee of Gerry, Richie, Dave, Guy, Tracey and Mark was re-elected en bloc. Roles for the new members will be communicated to membership alongside the re-election notice.
Richie is seeking permission to explore separating the annual dinner from the AGM, and the committee is supportive in principle.
A legacy scheme is to be developed, and one enquiry has already come in through the CASC registration.
Mike Beardall will write the Peter Tuke Memorial over the winter. The Broadhalfpenny Down Preservation Trust is winding down, and Mike will resolve the remaining loose ends before Christmas.
A fuller update from the AGM will be sent to members.
Comments