A summary of this year's Annual General Meeting held at Broadhalfpenny Down.
Item 5; Appointments
The Royal Navy saying of “the Captain is the Ship and the Ship is the Captain” was used to thank Nick Harris for his 10 years plus service as Club Chairman.
New Committee is Gerry Northwood (Chairman), Richie Hay (Hon Secretary), Neil Wood (Hon Treasurer), Harry Bates (Ground Member), Guy Ladenburg (Hon Fixture Secretary), and David Henderson (Ex-Officio). Review of the Club and its relationship with the Charitable Trust to be carried out by Adam Jay during the course of 2022.
Item 6; Fixtures
The Royal Household is keen to invite the Club to Windsor to play a match next season.
Fixtures are largely in place for 2023. A tour is being investigated.
Item 7; Ground
Chris Westbrook (ECB Pitch Advisor Hampshire) visited Broadhalfpenny Down in early April when he considered the condition of the square (post-renovation) and the outfield to be excellent. He advised that the height of the grass should be slightly increased and accordingly adjusted the cutters on the mowers.
The badger issue had been resolved by loud noise; a strategically placed radio with BBC Radio 1 blaring had been the solution. The Club had suffered vandalism to the nets and marquee; information has been passed to the police and the Trust had raised an insurance claim.
Item 8; Treasurer
There will be modest increases to the match fees and playing membership next year. Match fees rise to £14 per game for adults and £7 per game for others, Annual Subscriptions rise to £72 per year (£6 per month standing order). Opposition teams are charged £150 per game. Friends memberships are to be held at £15 per season.
Item 9; Communications
The end of the quarterly newsletter now that website is operational and popular; thanks to Clive Barnett for the sterling work over the years.
An additional 7,000 people visited the website this year and more than 50,000 people engaged with content on our social media accounts. 85% of the traffic is from the UK, India is the largest overseas location of visitors, and the majority access the website via mobile phone. Popular days are Saturday (directions) and Monday (match reports).
This year we announced new sponsorships with Land Rover, Yorkshire Tea, Sticky Wicket and the Barmy Army, and Fuller’s brewed a special 1772 beer. A merchandise shop launched.
Item 10; Trust
This has been a great season not just for the great commemorative matches (visually impaired cricket, women and girls cricket, Hambledon Thirds and Colts, a reenactment match, and a visit of the Commonwealth Games Queen’s baton and more) but the relationship with Hampshire CCC, Winchester College, and MCC has strengthened immeasurably. We continue to work hard at nurturing Fullers and other local businesses too.
Looking for a new Events Manager, and plan to continue offering the ground as a wedding venue. The stones project is something to work on over the Winter. Priorities for the ground are water and roof. Mike Beardall is to step down as Chairman of the Trust at next year's AGM.
Item 11 and 12; Secretary & Any Other Business
The Club’s membership had grown by 10%.
Nick Harris to be made a Life Vice President, for his service to the club, and Rod Price be made an Honorary Member of the Brigands, for his service to the club through his work at the ground.
Running of the "Umpires Union" to Clive Barnett for next season. Ray Holyer is planning to run a Scorers allocation system in parallel with that of the Umpires.
In 1992, when HMS Mercury closed, we became an independent Club. Since when we have had a few ups and downs, but 30 years on we are well and truly on the cricketing map and from our achievements this year there is growing confidence within the Club that bodes well for our future and that we are up for the challenges that lie ahead.
Before and after the handing over of the Chairman role from Nick Harris to Gerry Northwood.
The above is an abridged version of the minutes. The full approved minutes shall take precedence in the event of any inconsistency,