Club Overview
- Financial Stability: The club remains financially stable but requires continued support from members and efforts to increase revenue streams.
- Playing Performance: Last season was disappointing due to challenges with player availability and team cohesion.
- Youth Participation: The club aims to encourage youth involvement and is exploring the possibility of merging with another local club in the future.
- Committee Elections: Roles and captains for the upcoming season have been finalized.
Financial Review
- Total Income: Approximately £70,000 (significant increase from £29,000 in the previous year).
- Net Profit: £3,397.
- Key Revenue Sources:
- Grants/Donations: £32,000.
- Bar Revenue: £25,000 (up by £6,000 compared to the previous year).
- Event Revenue: ~£1,500 per event.
- Ground Hire Fees: Increased from £175 to £250, with plans for further hikes.
- Future Financial Outlook: Similar income forecasted for the upcoming year, targeting a £19,000 bank balance by season end.
Playing Performance & Team Management
- Team Struggles: Both teams had a challenging season due to inconsistent availability and an average club age of 42 years (second team average: 54 years).
- Division Challenges: The club may consider moving to lower divisions to improve competitiveness.
- Captain Appointments:
- 1st Team Captain: Wasim Minhas-Shaikh.
- 2nd Team Captain: Del Baird.
Ground & Facilities
- Ground Condition: Praised as the best it's ever been.
- High Demand: Increased Sunday ground hire requests.
- Youth Use: Exploring opportunities for Brentwood Cricket Club youth teams to utilise the facilities.
- Security Improvements: Cameras installed to monitor ground hirer behavior.
Membership & Recruitment
- Membership Status: Numbers are stable, but member commitment is inconsistent.
- Recruitment Focus: Emphasis on attracting younger players.
- Future Planning: Proposal to develop a 5-year plan for club growth and sustainability.
League & Match Format Changes
- Match Format: A close vote resulted in keeping Division 6/7 matches at 45 overs, rather than reducing to 40 overs.
- Teas Update: Providing teas is no longer mandatory; clubs are only required to offer drinks at the innings break.
- Social Impact: Concerns raised about the potential impact on the social aspects of matches.
Committee Elections
- Chairman: Phil Lee (re-elected).
- President: Richard Perry (continuing).
- Secretary: Rob Harvey (newly elected, replacing Graham Forrest, who remains League Representative).
- Team Captains:
- Wasim Minhas-Shaikh (1st Team).
- Derek Baird (2nd Team).
- Other Roles:
- Ian Wood: Head Groundsman.
- Ryan Chapman: Facilities Manager.
- John Paul Heppel: Fixture Secretary.
- Victoria Baird: Safeguarding Officer.
- Shoaib Naqvi: Social Media Manager.
- Fran: Stepping down as Membership Secretary, becomes Life Vice President.
- Pete Savatore: Stepped down as Social Secretary.
Financial Proposals for 2025
- Fees:
- Match Fees: £15 (£10 for no-tea matches).
- Annual Membership: £50.
- Social Membership: £30.
- New Fees for Under-18s: £5 match fee and £20 annual membership.
Next Steps
- Develop a detailed 5-year plan for club growth and sustainability.
- Explore potential mergers with other local clubs to secure the club's future.
- Increase focus on youth recruitment and development programs.
- Improve the display and recognition of club awards and trophies.
This summary highlights the key points discussed during the AGM. The club remains optimistic about the future, and member engagement will play a vital role in ensuring Brookweald Cricket Club continues to thrive.
