During a well attended AGM last Tuesday night, our Chairman Stuart Maher made the foillowing comments in his report to members:
Ladies and gentlemen, members of the Great Harwood Cricket Club, I reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future. I will keep my remarks brief, as I wish to hear from you, our valued members, and respond to your questions.
In summary, we have made significant progress, but we also acknowledge that there is work to be done. We have made mistakes, but we have achieved a governance restructure that will serve us better for generations to come. The transition to our new charitable structure on 1st November 2025 was a monumental task, and I am proud of what we have accomplished.
Cricketing Activities
Our junior cricket continues to thrive, and I extend my gratitude to Paul Newton, Hawks Academy Manager, and our junior team managers and coaches for their tireless efforts. We are also indebted to our Main Academy Sponsors, Wayne Fitzharris, and Aspire Globally, as well as our individual team sponsors. Our ladies’ cricket team has excelled, winning both leagues they entered, and I congratulate Kelly, Lou, and the ladies themselves on their outstanding achievement. While our men’s cricket had a disappointing season, we have learned from our mistakes and will work to improve in 2026. I appreciate Thikshila, our professional player, and John Seedle, our head coach, for their hard work across all sections of our cricket activities.
Off-Field Activities
Our clubhouse and function room have faced challenges, and our financial performance has suffered as a result. We have work to do to improve our commercial operations, including bar sales, functions, sponsorship, and marketing. I thank Liz and her team for their dedication to keeping our clubhouse running smoothly. We have made significant investments in our ground and facilities, including almost £20,000 in the seating area and cricket square mower, and I appreciate the volunteers who have contributed to these improvements.
Administrative
I extend my gratitude to our committee members, who work tirelessly as volunteers, taking on significant responsibilities without remuneration. Their dedication is a testament to their love for the club.
Future Plans
We are excited about the opportunities presented by our new charitable status, and we have submitted grant applications to extend our lower clubhouse, improve shelter for our bowling green, and upgrade our kitchen. We have also adjusted our 100 Club to raise more funds for facility development. A new coaching strategy is being developed, and we hope to provide coaching and mentoring for all players. However, we need more volunteers to help drive our initiatives forward.
Challenges Ahead
As we move forward, we face challenges, but we will address them head-on, as we always have. I thank Thomas, who is stepping down as Treasurer, Director, and Trustee due to personal commitments. We are currently without a treasurer, and I welcome suggestions for this role.
In conclusion, I am proud of what we have achieved, and I am confident that together, we will overcome our challenges and continue to thrive. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and questions.