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As a curtain raiser to the World Test Championship between India and Australia, Brigands took on the Old Boys of Winchester College on a scorching Sunday. Other than Adam Jay who turned up with one shoe, Brigands started well putting on 32 for the first wicket. Bowling line and length proved the right tactic as three wickets then fell in quick succession LBW and two clean bowled. Henderson (25) and Turner (15) got the score to 80 before more wickets fell requiring Guy Ladenburg (57) to dig deep with his first half-century of the season, with solid support from Blackburn and Wood. Brigands declared on 181 but lost the initiative after tea with a drop first ball of the innings and conceding boundaries, byes, and wides galore in the opening spell. The match had attracted a bumper crop of spectators, some local like Roy Newman and Pete Tomkins, some from as far away as Bristol and Lancashire; one observed "you need a miracle to win this" at 66-0 off 8 overs with the Maclay Brothers playing with freedom. Not quite a miracle, but Ali got a run out from mid-one then a wicket in his second over, and Beardall a wicket in his first; but Brigands were always behind with further drops in the field and the Old Wykehamists reached the target in the 29th over. Brigands 181-7 declared, lost by 4 wickets to Old Wykehamists 183-6 Photos by Friend of Broadhalfpenny Down, Simon Arnold, and Dave Henderson

Unlike in 1929, 2000, and 2022 ... there is no New Year's Day cricket at Broadhalfpenny Down in 2024 but we would like to wish all members and supporters a very Happy New Year full of friendly cricket and good cheer.

Commemorative postage stamps have long been used to celebrate sporting events, including cricket, to provide a unique visual narrative of historical moments. These miniature works of art have captured the essence of legendary players, iconic venues, and milestone events, including those at Broadhalfpenny Down, where the early laws and traditions of the sport took root. Stamps depicting The Bat and Ball and the impact of Richard Nyren were issued in 2008 and, before that, the cricketing heritage of Hambledon was recognised as part of the Centenary of County Cricket in 1973. One of the most notable instances of cricket on postage stamps is the 2005 Ashes series. England's gripping victory over Australia in that historic contest, marked by unforgettable performances and nail-biting moments, inspired a series of commemorative stamps. Mid-Eighteenth Century cricket being played (possibly at Broadhalfpenny Down) was featured on a postage stamp was issued in Tonga, together with an image of Fuller Pilch, who in 1827 was in  great demand playing in the England games against Sussex and amassing runs with his inventive "Pilcher's Poke" shot. Sir Garfield Sober's, a Broadhalfpenny Down patron, has featured on stamps in Barbados whilst mint 1973 3p WG Grace stamps with a "missing Queen's head due to a printing error" can fetch more than £5,000 each. Hambledon was featured in Australian-issued first-day covers for its Bicentenary celebration stamps too. Cricket postage stamps serve as time capsules, encapsulating the sport's journey through iconic moments and hallowed grounds, from the gripping Ashes battles to the roots of cricket in Hambledon, ensuring that these tales are preserved for generations to come.

There are lots of jobs to do in order to get Broadhalfpenny Down ready for the season. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the ground on Saturday 6th April at 10am. Please liaise with Gerry Northwood if you can lend a hand. The Marquee will be erected on Sunday 12th May, meet at 10am, followed by a season full of cricket and a summer full of sunshine. The ground will be closed on Saturday 14th September followed by an end of season barbecue. The Annual Dinner at The Bat and Ball on Saturday 5th October, meeting at 6.30pm, and the Annual General Meeting on Sunday 6th October 2024. The Club only works if everyone pitches in and does some of the important work to set up, maintain, and close down the ground, and many hands make light work.

Scottish explorer Susan Calman visited Broadhalfpenny Down as part of her Grand Days Out series on Channel 5. She was given a quick history of the ground before playing a few shots on the outfield with some of the Hambledon Under 14 girls team. At the time of writing, the show (Series 6, Episode 2) is available to watch on the My5 app.

The last match of the season ended, fittingly, in a last-over finish. After the traditional Chairman's welcome, Brigands batted first with debutant Chris Russell stroking an elegant 40 supported by Wood with 13. Batting wasn't easy as Cornwall bowled very straight (no wides in the innings!) and one of the Brigands Umpires was Cornish! The Jays were in next and Father and Son put on 13 more for the third wicket before Henderson hit a quick 50; with big boundaries there were 4 all-run fours. Woolvine, with pad rash having got padded up in the first over, played like Botham-of-old and hit the best shot of the day using his feet to smote one down to long on. The innings ended on 187 when Harry Bates hit the ball straight to cover, ran, and got run-out. Richie Hay opened the bowling in his lucky-walking-boots and only got hit for one scoring shot in his first 24 balls; the first three wickets came from other sources as Woolvine and Henderson getting dismissals from full tosses. Two more debutants shone; Rob (with gloves) and Harry Walton (with pace). Zeb Jay took a smart catch, his Dad picked up three more as the Brigands lived up to their claim to be "the best fielding side in Hampshire". There were three wicket-maidens and at 50-5 the chase looked unlikely, but some lofted drives and paddles to leg from the Cornwall skipper saw them get back in contention needing 36 off the last 6 overs with 3 wickets in hand. More wickets fell in the chase so it was down to Adam Jay to bowl the last over of the season down the hill and needing just one wicket, with men all around the bat and a Hambledon sunset to the West.

A heartfelt thank-you to the ground team that put up the marquee in the sweltering heat in the morning, and to Andy Reed for scoring, Clive Barnett for Umpiring, and Graham Inglis for tea and Match Management; it’s acts of volunteering like this that make cricket clubs operate successfully. At the other end of the scale, a no-show meant a last-minute scramble for an eleventh player Leon Gray which meant that the Brigands team fielded two married gay men for the first time; fitting, at the end of Pride month. Brigands were in a benevolent mood, giving Hambledon early runs as they raced to a 50-run opening stand in only the 7th over with misfields and boundaries galore. The spin of Bath and Ali slowed things down, the bounce was hard to play, and wickets began to fall with good catches behind the wicket and on the boundary. Tom Ladenburg bowled 3 tight overs as Henderson rotated bowlers to support Bath in particular, who bagged another stunning 6 wicket haul. Hambledon all out for 185 and Brigand’s chase faltered as Guy Ladernburg was caught behind and was later seen walking around the boundary seeking advice from his son. Jay (13) and Henderson (38) built a partnership but Brigands fell from 57-2 to 58-6 in the blink of an eye with ducks to slip catches for Northwood, Ali and Bath. Lee Gray hit 36 at the end as Hambledon opened up the bowling, but there was no way back from the middle-order collapse and an easy victory for the neighbours by 70 runs.

Since becoming Chairman of the Broadhalfpenny Brigands, Gerry Northwood had sold more raffle tickets than scored runs so it was pleasing he enjoyed the pace bowling of the University of St Andrews alumni to reach his first half-century of the season; he had to work hard on a slow outfield that saw him scamper two all-run fours. Waktare (22) played fluently but was run out at the non-striker's end by a superb pick-up and throw. The injured Ali (21) was promoted to three and scored elegantly before he, Morris, Henderson Junior, and Turner fell in quick succession. Hands swept his first boundary into The Monument and Henderson (28*) played hit and run at the end to declare on 175-6 after 40 overs. Wood got a wicket with his first ball and Hands bagged a caught and bowled off an early bouncer; game on. The Seagullians attacked anything short, but one cut shot too many and the dangerous Baird hit the ball straight to Hands at point. The new batsmen lofted his first shot over the head of Turner at short mid-off who turned, chased, and held onto a fine catch above his head in a show of athleticism suited more to the Wimbledon men’s final at Wimbledon than at Broadhalfpenny Down. With 75 needed from 17 overs and 5 wickets in hand, the match turned on an arm ball from Ali that went through the defence of Kneale. Beardall utilised the strong wind and picked up a wicket with excellent flight, and with 30 or so still to get the Brigands fielders got excitable at the arrival of a number 10 with a top-of-the-range unblemished Keeley bat. Dougie Henderson wickets are as hard to come by as Taylor Swift tickets but he was inducted into the all-rounders club thanks to a long-hop that was despatched to Ed Hands who made a full-length forward diving catch on the Hambledon boundary to end the match. Brigands 175-6 declared beat Old Seagullians 142 all out, by 33 runs. Northwood 63*, Henderson 28*; Wood 3-43, Hands 3-23. Ali 2-17.

At Hambledon, upon this spot, high up on Hampshire’s chalk, A million, trillion years ago, the dinosaurs did walk. The great Gattingosauruses – short-legged with thick necks That fearsome giant carnivore, Bothamosaurus Rex. Across this very turf they strode – one short and fat, one tall – And came across an ancient pub they call the Bat and Ball. Declared Gattingosaurus – ‘There’s a field and a pub, It’s the Ice Age and it’s raining – we should start a cricket club’ So it all began at Hambledon, a billion years ago – Brian Johnston saw it, and Brian ought to know. Bothamosaurus Rex then found a Pterodactyl’s egg, And rubbed it on his scaly tail, so it would swing to leg. He went and pulled three trees up from a nearby Hampshire thicket And cried ‘Look Gatt – the wheel’ Gatt said ‘Rubbish that’s a wicket’ And then Gattingosaurus found a club of slate so vast, So long and wide from side to side no ball could get past. Bothamosaurus Rex then took the obvious revenge, And made the wickets bigger – which is how we get Stonehenge. Yes it all took place at Hambledon, as the world began to wake, And Brian Johnston watched while eating prehistoric cake. They batted through the Stone Age, the score became colossal Boycottodon was in so long he turned into a fossil. They said ‘If only we had Hickthyosaurus in the side, But he hasn’t been here long enough, and isn’t qualified’ Eventually the dinosaurs of Hambledon got sent A letter postmarked London (which was forwarded from Kent) ‘The Mammoth Cricket Club (that is the MCC to you) Is happy to inform you that your membership’s come through.’ And so the dinosaurs marched off to London in their hordes They’re not extinct at all – they’re alive and well at Lord’s. They sleep in the pavilion, dreaming Neolithic dreams And ev’ry now and then wake up and pick the England team. But it all began at Hambledon – it did – I do declare – Brian Johnston told me, and knows, ‘cos he was there.

The Brigands have had a tradition of fathers and sons playing for the Club since its inception in 1959, and that continues to this day. But three generations on the Down together is probably a record. Well, not all playing, as Bryan Burns, our senior club umpire, was standing in the match against the Worcestershire Police on 1st September 2024, 55 years after he played his first Brigands match. Burns was a regular player, opening the bowling from the “bottom” end, touring to Devon and Hereford until he hung up his boots after a final match in 2004. Then Umpiring for the Southern League, Royal Navy and Visually Impaired cricket, coaching juniors at Hampshire County Cricket Club, and Vice- Chairman of the charity at Broadhalfpenny Down. Up from Devon for the weekend were his son Andrew and grandson Samuel. Andrew first played Brigands cricket in the 1980s and he was also a regular and prolific run scorer, both at Broadhalfpenny Down and on the Tours to Devon and Hereford. His return to the Down after many years showed he is still nimble in the field and handy with bat. Andrew has resurrected his cricket playing career recently with occasional matches for his home club Yelverton Bohemians and the Royal Navy Legends team. The cricket gene has passed down to Samuel and this was his first experience of playing the Down since some Kwik-kricket on the outfield aged 4. At 17 he plays for Plymouth CC at the Brigands old Devon tour venue of Mount Wise. But his 6 overs from the bottom end, following in his grandfather’s footsteps, were notable only for Brigands fielders failing to take two catches off his bowling! He showed them how to do it with a great catch himself. However, this was just a warm up for, as a member of the Devon U18 team, he was in Leicester on Sunday 8th for the finals of the national county U18 T20 championships. Beating both Oxfordshire and Berkshire on the day, Devon were crowned national county champions. And yes, they are on the Father Time wall at Lord’s.

The sun was shining and the sky was blue as Brigands welcomed Stragglers of Asia to the Down in their 99th year as a travelling side. This was a game of 4 quarters as the afternoon unfolded where both teams had their moments. The visitors won the toss and put the home side into bat. New skipper Ladenburg sent in Whittle and Turner to get the innings off to a quick start but the instructions were misunderstood as Turner fell in the 4th over with the score on 5. Whittle was joined by Jay but scoring was hard with tidy bowling and interesting field positions. Jay followed back to the pavilion with 25 on the board setting the scene for skipper Ladenburg to take centre stage. After 20 overs Brigands were 52-2 meaning the visitors took the first quarter. The second quarter belonged to Brigands and their skipper who hit a very stylish ton with some exquisite shots and thumping boundaries. The skipper lost partners on the way as Whittle fell after scoring 18 in 28 overs and was followed by Blackburn(5), Wyld(6) and Peach(8). As the skipper retired on 103 Ali was joined at the wicket by Hands with 3 overs remaining. Hands quickly departed leaving Ali and Wood to add 25 runs in the final 11 balls meaning Brigands scored 152-6 in the second set of 20 overs meaning the visitors had to chase 204 to win the game. As the third quarter began Brigands looked for early wickets but Wood and Hands both struggled for line and length enabling the opening batsmen scored runs too easily. The skipper turned to himself and Ali to bowl some spin but the third quarter belonged to the visitors having scored 100-1 after 19 overs. As the final 20 overs (and 4th quarter) commenced Brigands needed wickets. Ladenburg picked up his second wicket with a ball that failed to get over ankle height as runs became hard to come by. Ali picked up the third wicket to fall with a catch behind by Peach who had taken over the gloves at tea. A fourth wicket followed as Ali switched to pace and clipped the top the of off stump with his first delivery. With 4 overs left Brigands needed 6 wickets and the visitors needed 32 runs but Turner quickly picked up the 5th wicket as Brigands smelled blood and an unlikely victory. Stearn came onto bowl and picked up the 6th wicket. 2 overs left and 4 wickets needed. The skipper again turned to himself but could only concede a single. One over for Ali to take 4 wickets but it was a maiden as the Stragglers held on for a draw. Brigands had taken the final quarter seeing the opposition at 77-5 but overall the match was drawn. Excellent effort from all concerned.

It's subscription time for Brigands and Friends of Broadhalfpenny Down (for anyone who hasn't yet paid up for 2023). Annual playing members subs are now £72, discounted to £15 for youths and full-time students. Match fees are £14 per match or £7 for youths and students. Non-playing Friends of Broadhalfpenny Down subscriptions are £15 for the year. The club’s account for payments is: Broadhalfpenny Brigands CC Sort Code 77 50 12 Account Number 31225668 Brigands, and cricket lovers, can support Broadhalfpenny Down by buying from the new online shop or making a donation (with gift aid available) via the website. We are trying to raise £1,000 to fund new sight screens and fix the clock on the pavilion, and any donations are much appreciated.

In 1908, following the erection of the Monument to the Glory of Cricket, W R Weir published The Cradle of Cricket; a Hambledon Souvenir. It tells the stories of the Hambledon Club greats including William Bedlam ("Silver Billie") who played in all great matches over 35 years. We particularly enjoyed the description of the best fielder, Edward Aburrow, who was nick-named "Curry" because of his fiery disposition, but beloved by all!

One of our aims at Broadhalfpenny Down is to bring the story of cricket to new audiences, and we are delighted to announce that LEGO has agreed to create their first-ever cricket set based on the ground at Broadhalfpenny Down. The multi-year licensing deal was orchestrated between the Broadhalfpenny Brigands Committee and Lego spokesperson Meget Godtroende. The team at LEGO, based in Denmark, admitted they had yet to watch a cricket match in person, but the photographs and videos of Broadhalfpenny Down matched exactly what they were looking for, and they were hoping the cricket set would inspire kids of all ages and abilities to be more active. Two Broadhalfpenny Brigands players, and One Umpire, will be chosen as models (nominations welcome by email to gerry.northwood@mail.com ) with final designs agreed upon before the end of May. Hopefully, production will begin soon after, and sets will be available to buy in time for Christmas 2025.

A band of volunteers turned up on "Ground Day" to help prepare Broadhalfpenny Down for the cricket season ahead. Hedgerows were cleared, sight screens made up, rope laid, covers covered, clocks fixed, dressing rooms painted, squares sprinkled, and pitches rolled. Gery Northwood, the Broadhalfpenny Brigands Chairman, was in attendance and thanked everyone for their effort and good spirits; "the ground is looking splendid" he said. A special thank you to Mark, Peter, Paul, and the brilliant Charlotte for all the hard work over the winter, and Nigel for the extra rolling.

Many thanks to all those who have paid their annual subscriptions, or have arranged or continue to pay via direct debit. Playing at one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in England, where the original First Class match took place, and being a member of the Brigands is a privilege and some might say money can't buy. But it can! Membership fees are just: £75 per annum for playing members £15 per annum for youth/students and ‘Non-Playing Members’ Match fees are now £15 for adults & £7 for youth/students. The club’s account for payments is: Account Broadhalfpenny Brigands CC, Sort Code 77 50 12, Account Number 31225668 It would help with the pre-season ground preparations to get subscriptions early.

From Australia to Norway, Spain to Canada, Mexico to The Maldives, and Greece to Malta; from Test Matches and Taylor Swift concerts to Baseball games; and from the Olympics to the Royal Navy ships... Broadhalfpenny Down and Brigands Cricket merchandise has traveled worldwide this year. Thank you to everyone who has sent in photos and we are looking forward to more postcards in 2025. Don't forget to stock up for the season by looking at the online shop.

In 1951, Henty & Constable published a book about The Hambledon Club and The Bat & Ball Inn written by Dianna Rait Kerr. It described how; The competitive spirit which had developed by the beginning of the 18th century made it essential to regulate the game. Articles of agreement had to be drawn up and signed and witnessed when matches were arranged, and this procedure led to the formation in 1744 of the code of laws.   A present-day spectator in 1750 would notice variations from modern cricket. Bowling was underarm and the wicket of two stumps only was smaller than it is today for a measured only 22 inches high and six inches apart. Such conditions when the ball bumped along the ground kicking off every unevenness in the rough and ready pitch did not call for straight bat play but for sweeping strokes with a curved bat and long handle which resembled its ancestor, the shepherds crook.   The dress of the players follow the fashion of the day for this was before the adoption of special cricketing wear. Players wore full sleeved shirts, knee breaches of various shades and buckled shoes.  Umpires would cut notches into a stick to record runs.   These were the games which, at what may be called the “Hambledon era” and attracted many leading members of London Society.   By 1770 Hambledon was established as the leading Cricket Club in England supported by the most eminent patrons and acknowledged as the chief authority for enforcing the laws of “grand matches”. At Hambledon the more important changes of the 18th century originated and became law.   In 1771 ‘Shock’ White of Reigate appeared with a bat as broad as the wicket, not only was the offending weapon seized from him and arbitrarily cut down to reasonable dimensions, but lest any future batsman should have the temerity to repeat the experiment a minute of Hambledon players forthwith limited the width of the bat to four and quarter inches which remains the regulation size to this day.   In 1775, in a single wicket match between Hampshire and Kent with fourteen runs to win and one wicket in hand, Lumpy Stevens best balls passed between the sumps without disturbing the bail. Public sympathy with te bowler was such that even the visitors agreed to experiment with a third stump, which, within a few years, was universally accepted.   Each year the players gathered at Broadhalfpenny on the first Tuesday in May and at close of play would repair to the inn where there would be “high feasting”. When all had eaten plentifully and were mellow with al there would be music, with old John Small or his son to play the violin and duet of tenor and counter-tenor by Tom Sueter the wicket-keeper and his long stop, George Leer.   It was perhaps inevitable that when the leading patrons of cricket transferred their affections from Hambledon to the new headquarters in London they should have drawn with them the great cricketers of Hampshire. But the Hambledon men, already established as local celebrities, were to become famous as the fathers of the national game.   The graduation of cricket for its nursery at Hambledon was the first step in a missionary development which gave birth. To the great touring Elevens of the eighteen-forties and culminated in the inauguration of international cricket.

An Extraordinary General Meeting will take place to discuss the move to Community Amateur Sports Club Status, on 17 February 2025 and all current Members of the Club are invited to attend. The meeting will take place on Zoom and details can be obtained from the Secretary. The Agenda for the meeting will be as follows: 1. Welcome by the Chairman 2. Apologies for Absence 3. Presentation of HMRC-required amendments to the Club Constitution in pursuance of CASC-status including Membership rates, Appeal and Choice of signatories 4. Member’s vote on proposed amendments to Club Constitution Brigands Chairman, Gerry Northwood, presiding over the last AGM The current Club Constitution is below 1. Title The Club shall be named the Broadhalfpenny Brigands Cricket Club, abbreviated to “Brigands Cricket”. 2. Objectives The objectives of Brigands Cricket shall be: a. The main purpose of the club is to provide facilities for and to promote participation in the amateur sport of cricket in Hambledon and the surrounding area. b. to preserve the traditions of the game of cricket in both its play and in related social gatherings at the Bat and Ball Inn, Hambledon, Hampshire. c. to ensure women’s, disabled, ethnic minority group and youth cricket teams can access BHD for the purpose of playing cricket and engaging in related activities. d. to remain affiliated to England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sponsored bodies as the Committee consider appropriate in order to carry out the objectives of the Club. e. to ensure a duty of care to all members of the Club by adopting and implementing the ECB “Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children” and any future versions of the Policy f. to ensure a duty of care to all members of the Club by adopting and implementing the ECB Club Inclusivity and Diversity Policy and any future versions of the Policy g. to acknowledge and adopt Sport England definition of Sports Equality. h. to continue to maintain close relations with Royal Navy cricket. 3. Membership a. Membership shall be open to anyone who shares in the values and objectives of the Club as set out in paragraph 2 regardless of sex, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or other beliefs, except as a necessary consequence of the requirements of cricket. The club may have different classes of membership and subscription on a non-discriminatory and fair basis. The club will keep subscriptions at levels that will not pose a significant obstacle to people participating. However, limitation of membership according to available facilities is allowable on a non-discriminatory basis. Children under the age of 16 attending any Club activity must be accompanied by their parent or guardian who shall be entirely responsible for them. For young people aged 16 or 17, a parent or guardian is to be entirely responsible for their attendance at all Club activities. The club committee may refuse membership, or remove it, only for good cause such as conduct or character likely to bring the club or the sport into disrepute. Appeal against refusal or removal may be made to members. Note, no member previously involved in the decision to refuse or remove membership may be part of any Appeal Committee. b. The club will continue to maintain a close relationship to the Royal Navy and will continue to welcome members drawn from all three armed services. c. There are 3 categories of membership: i. Playing member – adult ii. Playing member – junior U18 / full-time education iii. Non-playing member. d. All applications for membership are to be submitted to the Secretary who shall put them to the Committee for consideration. The Secretary shall maintain a list of current members. Playing members will be accepted into the Club on payment of their subscription, and this event will be marked with the award of a Club Cap. e. The Club and its members shall ensure that members, playing and non-playing, abide by the ECB Code of Conduct which incorporates the Spirit of Cricket, and by the Laws of Cricket. f. Honorary Vice Presidencies shall be awarded to Club members who have given long and distinguished service as officers of the Club, and to notable benefactors. Individuals will be proposed by the Management Committee to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the members. g. The President of the club shall be a distinguished member, invited by the Management Committee to assume the title. The President shall serve for a period of no more than three years or such time as the committee might decide. h. Any member wishing to resign from the Club must do so in writing or by email to the Secretary before the 1st April, failing which, they may be liable for the ensuing year’s subscription. Resignations will not be accepted if the member is financially indebted to the Club, i.e. has not paid their subscription for the current year. In this case, acceptance of the resignation will be withheld until the debt has been discharged. i. The Management Committee shall have the power to suspend or exclude any member for contravention of this Constitution or any published codes of conduct that may exist at that time. They are to be given at least 21 days’ notice of the meeting at which this expulsion is to be considered or such longer notice as is considered fair and sufficient to respond to the proposal. Appeal against refusal of or removal from membership may be made to members of the club. 4. Subscriptions a. Members may be playing or non-playing and shall be required to pay an annual subscription by 1st April. Where a subscription has not been paid by 1st May, that member may be deemed to have forfeited their membership. b. Subscription rates shall be decided by the members at the AGM, following a recommendation from the Management Committee. c. The annual combined cost of membership fees and match fees will not exceed the stipulated maximum mandated by HMRC under the rules for CASC. d. For Brigands Cricket games, a Match Fee will be charged to each participating player. Junior / Student members will be charged at a reduced rate. 5. Club Colours and Badge The emblem of Brigands Cricket shall be an old-time wicket, a bat and ball, a foaming tankard on either side, coloured dark green on a white background. The Club colours shall be navy blue and dark green. 6. Management Committee a. The affairs of the Club shall be managed by the Management Committee (hereafter ‘the Committee’). Until amended by agreement at an AGM, the Committee shall consist of the following positions: The Chairman The Honorary Secretary The Honorary Treasurer The Honorary Ground Manager The Honorary Facilities Manager The Honorary Fixture Secretary The Honorary Member for Partnerships The Honorary Member for Communications The Honorary Fundraising and Events Manager Club Safeguarding Officer (normally the Secretary) b. Each member of the Committee shall be elected by the AGM of the Club for a period of one year and the post shall be subject to re-election after that period has expired, unless after a shorter period, he offers himself for re-election, or offers his resignation. c. A quorum shall consist of The Chair, or their nominated representative, plus three other elected Committee members. d. Committee posts shall normally be restricted to those who are, or have been, playing members of the Club for a period of at least three years prior to their nomination. e. At least three of the Committee must be unrelated to each other and not co habiting. f. The Committee members shall consider the skills needed to effectively contribute to managing the Club as well as ensuring maximum diversity within its make-up. g. Each Committee member shall normally serve for a one year term. At the end of that term, the vacancy will be notified in the AGM calling notice sent out to all members as stated in para 8. Nominations for any Committee post must be received by the Secretary at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the AGM. h. If any Committee member wishes to resign from their post prior to the end of their one-year term, they shall, where practical, continue in role until the next AGM as well as make every effort to find an individual to replace them in the intervening time. If they are unable to continue in role, the Committee may appoint such person as it thinks fit to fill the post until the next AGM. i. A Committee member may only be removed from their post by a resolution of the members at an AGM or EGM. In such cases, they are to be provided notice as is set out in paragraph 8 and 9. j. Where, due to resignation or expulsion, the Committee becomes inquorate, the remaining members shall have the power to make such temporary appointments as are required. Where no such members remain, then that power shall fall to the President of the Club. k. The Committee shall have power to co-opt other members, as it considers necessary. Any such co-opted member shall not be entitled to vote in Committee on Club issues. l. The Committee shall also have the power to establish any sub-Committee deemed appropriate to assist in meeting the objectives of the Club, and to delegate to these sub-Committees such duties as may be considered appropriate. m. The Committee shall have the power to appoint individuals to perform specific duties on behalf of the Committee, and to delegate to those individuals such duties as they consider appropriate. n. Complying with para a, the Committee shall appoint a Safeguarding Officer to ensure compliance with Safeguarding legislation and the ECB Safe Hands policy. The Club Safeguarding Officer shall be a Committee Member, usually the Honorary Secretary, and report to relevant Committee meetings. The reports, together with any action taken, must be minuted. 7. Conduct of Committee Meetings a. The Committee shall meet at least four times each year. b. The meeting shall be run via an agenda that has been distributed ahead of the meeting and include, but not limited to, reports from all Club Officers, review of outstanding actions on Committee Members and agreement on date of next meeting. c. Whenever a Committee member has a personal interest in a matter to be discussed he/she must declare it, withdraw from that part of the meeting (unless asked to stay), not be counted in the quorum for that agenda item and withdraw during the vote and have no vote on the matter concerned. Conflicts of Interest must be recorded and minuted. 8. Annual General Meeting a. The AGM will be on a convenient Sunday post-season. The date and venue shall be published in the fixture card and in the Calling Notice. The Calling Notice shall contain the agenda and be sent to each member at least 21 days prior to the date of the meeting. It shall consist of the following: i. Statements by each member of the Committee on his area of responsibility. ii. The election of officials as required. iii. Any other business which members may from time to time raise. b. A quorum for the AGM shall be 10 members including Committee members. c. All members shall have an equal vote on any resolution. d. Proposals put to the members shall be determined by ordinary resolution of those present, i.e. a simple majority of those present, unless otherwise specified in the Constitution. e. The following matters shall be determined by special resolution, i.e. a majority of seventy-five per cent of the members present: i. Any proposed change to the Club Constitution. ii. Any motion or proposal to dissolve the Club. 9. Extra-Ordinary General Meeting a. An EGM may be called by the Committee on its own authority. Additionally, an EGM must be called following the Committee’s receipt of a written requisition from at least 10 members. The EGM will be held to deal with important issue(s) that require a resolution of the members, and which cannot be postponed until the AGM. The period of notice required shall be 21 clear days. b. The notice shall contain the date, venue, purpose of the meeting and names of the members calling the EGM, where it is not being called by the Committee. c. Where the members require an EGM to be called, they shall give written notice, containing their signatures, to the Secretary and to the members. d. A quorum shall be 10 Club members. e. All members shall have an equal vote on any resolution. f. Proposals put to the members shall be determined by ordinary resolution of those present, i.e. a simple majority of those present, unless otherwise specified in the Constitution. g. The following matters shall be determined by special resolution, i.e. a majority of seventy-five per cent of the members present: i. Any proposed change to the Club Constitution. ii. Any motion or proposal to dissolve the Club. 10. Finance a. The financial year of the Club shall end on 31st December. b. Any Bank Account in which any part of the Club’s funds are deposited shall be operated by the Committee and shall be held in the name of the Club. Unless regulations state otherwise, all cheques and orders for payment of money from such accounts must be signed by at least two people authorised by the Committee, including at least one Committee member. c. Expenditure above agreed budget levels may only be authorised at a Committee meeting 11. Property and Funds a. The property and funds of the Club cannot be used for the direct or indirect private benefit of members other than as reasonably allowed by the Constitution. All surplus income or profits are reinvested in the Club. No surpluses or assets will be distributed to members or third parties. b. The Club may provide sporting and related social facilities, sporting equipment, coaching, courses, insurance cover, medical treatment, travel expenses and other ordinary benefits of Community Amateur Sports Clubs as provided for in the Finance Act 2002. c. The Club may also in connection with the sports purposes of the Club: i Sell and supply food, drink and related sports clothing and equipment. ii. Employ members and remunerate them for providing goods and services, on fair terms set by the Committee without the person concerned being present. iii Pay for reasonable hospitality for visiting guests. d. Indemnify the Committee and members acting properly in the course of the running of the Club against any liability incurred in the proper running of the Club (but only to the extent of its assets). 12. Winding Up a. Dissolution of the Club shall only take effect by special resolution of the members at either the AGM or at an EGM. b. In the event of the Club being dissolved, the Committee will then be responsible for the orderly winding up of the Club’s affairs. c. Upon dissolution of the club any remaining assets shall be given or transferred to another registered CASC, a registered charity or the sport’s governing body for use by them in related community sports. 13. Alterations to the Constitution The Constitution may be altered but only by a resolution passed by two-thirds of those present and voting at an AGM or an EGM called for that purpose. 14. Priority Interpretation of all the above rules must be consistent with the statutory requirements for CASCs (which means Community Amateur Sports Clubs as first provided for by the Finance Act 2002). 15. Review This constitution should be reviewed on a bi-annual basis and changes approved by the management committee and ratified by the membership at the AGM.

As a prelude to the World Cup tournament being held in England in 2019, Indian journalist Harit Joshi visited Broadhalfpenny Down for the Mumbai newspaper, Mid Day. His excellent article is shared here.