Sports have had a mixed year – but that perhaps is normal. 

Cricket continued to struggle at senior level – we went down to one senior team due to limited numbers but the juniors remain a hope for the future with 15 Allstars (ages 5-8) and 18 Fold Flyers (ages 9-14)

Tennis retained good membership & ran two summer teams and one autumn league team.  Good to see that the courts are getting good use at other times too – well supported by some good coaching from John Corrigan

Bowls & Croquet – section was re-established- after much hard work by Bryan Ryding to get the green into shape – several people showed interest & some more regular play occurred. 

Weekly Fitness & Pilates classes have provided activities for members as well as some ad hoc table tennis during the winter evenings (could be an area for development).

Community links are always important to us & have been maintained: The primary school uses the club for outdoor PE lessons; PTFA used the club for a summer fayre & a colour run; and the U3A have become an important user of the club – generating some income and building community relations.

Social events continue to be a strength: Easter bunny Hunt, Coronation Big Picnic, Music Festival, Bonfire night, Carol singing & NYE were all larger events (for us) as well as regular Quiz Nights, arth nights & supper eves.  Some new events were stimulated by the Fundraising group – Willow weaving & Wreath making.  

Again our volunteers must be recognised and thanked.  Many tasks go unnoticed – e.g. with the bar – bar staff are very important volunteers but without someone to sort the stock & ensure it is in place… We are fortunate to have a good number of people who are willing to step forward to help our various teams – bar/ cleaning / grounds – however, each team could always benefit from more help – so if you can get involved – even if it’s only an hour on the bar / pushing a mower …

Financially we continue to be in a healthy position – more of this from the Treasurer – but it is great to have a variety of funding streams.  As always the bar remains important as an income generator and also as a hub for social activities.  This good position means we can invest in our facilities and equipment in the immediate term and to plan for the future.  Outline plans have been produced for the toilet block developments and we are very hopeful to get this done in the next 12 months.

The extra use of the club has forced us to think about accessibility- the current design is not wheelchair friendly – although we have interim measures that mean a wheelchair user can get into the clubhouse & new toilets would include an accessible loo.  

Our current thoughts are to take a 3 phase approach – 1. The toilets 2. Changing rooms 3. The clubhouse.  We are currently looking for funding – grant awards are a possibility but funds can be tight and our location and profile sometimes put us outside the application criteria.

There has been no updated information regarding the developments at Brandwood Farm and our agreement with Primrose Holdings.  This agreement expires at the end of the year unless they take up the option, so I suspect that they will be in touch soon.

We remain optimistic about the future – many of our challenges are due to the increased use of our facilities by members and partners – e.g. the need for an accessible loo.  It is good to report that the range of sporting activities at the club are showing signs for development – and that we have healthy numbers of juniors accessing coaching in tennis and cricket.  We look forward to another positive 12 months.