Chairman's Midsummer Update

We are now almost mid-way through the 2026 "Third Stump" season, with nine Sunday afternoon games played on Broadhalfpenny Down; three won, four lost, two drawn. It has been a testing summer with one game played in extreme heat, others shortened by the rain. The ground, however, has come through in excellent condition.

Credit for that belongs to our ground team. Led by Mark Smith as the Ground Committee member, with Dennis as head groundsman, Cyril on the square and Gail on the outfield, they have produced fine pitches for Brigands fixtures, Hambledon League games and the junior programme. The condition reflects both their hard work and the investment made at the end of last season in fertilising, scarifying and reseeding the square and outfield. Later in the year, work is planned to remove the artificial wicket and restore an all-grass outfield. It is scheduled for September, while the ground is still firm, both to protect the surface and to give the new grass time to establish before winter.

You may have seen that the pavilion has had significant attention over the last twelve months. Updated electrics and a new hot water system are in; no more cold showers after a game. We have replaced one of the oak veranda beams and work to lay a new waterproof surface on the balcony is going ahead. Tracy Murley, our pavilion and events manager, made excellent progress over the winter on the interior: the long room, changing rooms, toilets and kitchen have all been refurbished to a standard that would satisfy even the most particular visiting side.

Tracy has secured two events this summer, a wedding in August and a private hire by St Tropez CC. Two further weddings are already booked for 2027, and off-season pavilion hirings are expected this winter. These events directly support the cost of maintaining the ground and pavilion. A welcome addition, too: picnic tables donated by the Bat and Ball following their recent refurbishment.

Other improvements this season include a new sight screen, and new stumps that have been designed and kindly donated by Lee Gray. A commemorative set has been made for the "Third Stump" match against Chertsey on 6 September 2026.

That game marks the 250th anniversary of the introduction of the third stump and is the marquee fixture of the summer. If you are not playing, please make every effort to be on the ground that day. Bring family and friends, as there will be a BBQ and tea for spectators.

Finally, Mike Beardall continues to work on closing down the Trust and transferring the ground lease and pavilion ownership to the Brigands.

A solid start to the season, and many visible improvements to show for it. None of it happens without the committee and our Match Managers, but there are always jobs to

be done, including a touch of paint on the pavilion exterior. Do not be shy about offering a hand.