The 75th Waverley Cricket Club Annual General Meeting was held remotely on 18th February 2026 at 19.30 hours. Present were Marcus Carmichael (“MC”), Adam Carmichael (“AC”), Scott Upward (“Fagin”), Suzie Brewer (“Mrs B”), Peter Brewer (“Mr B”), Claire Brewer (“CB”), Simon Brewer (“KV”), Wayne Torrey (“Shalford Wayne”), Adrian Day (“Mog”), Toby Elborough (“Mad Max”) and Prav Kaushik (“the Indian Prince”, attending via treadmill).

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved with no matters arising. A review of the club’s finances showed a broadly healthy picture, with the club’s income just about keeping pace with annual expenses. It was noted that the cost of the club’s insurance was likely to increase this year. In addition, ten members paid the membership fee in 2025. Those present agreed that anyone intending to play more than a couple of games for the club should, ideally, become a fully paid member. This will ensure coverage under the club’s insurance policy and also help to cover the full cost of the same. The price of membership fees was discussed later in the meeting.

The election of club officers saw MC elected unopposed to continue as Chairman. With Chris Beanland stepping away from the role of Club Secretary and Treasurer (with the club’s thanks for his work in those roles), CB happily gladly cheerfully volunteered to take on the role of Club Secretary (having been tapped up in advance), before somehow being bounced into the role of Treasurer as well (with Mrs B continuing to collect money with menaces on a match day). Mad Max was elected unopposed to continue his reign as Club Captain, but suggested the role of Vice Captain should be formalised (rather than the floating role of the last couple of seasons). Although Mad Max was happy to continue with the admin side in the event he was not playing (e.g. assembling a team), given the limited number of playing members present at the meeting it was agreed the Vice Captaincy would be determined by committee on an ad hoc basis. Lastly, Fagin was re-elected to the role of Safeguarding Officer.

Regarding the 2026 season, most of the fixtures have renewed from last season with only a couple of gaps to be filled. Again, there will be a two week gap at the end of July/beginning of August to allow for holiday absences (although doubtless we could look to secure a fixture if availability justified it). The season is currently scheduled to begin on 12 April 2026 at Shalford, although resident “spy in the camp” Shalford Wayne expressed doubts about whether the pitch would be ready in view of the very wet start to 2026. A decision will be made by the end of March as to whether the fixture will be able to go ahead. Having been presented at the Awards Night back in October, the winners of last season’s awards were documented for posterity:

Batsman of the Year – James Wright
Bowler of the Year – Adam Carmichael
Player of the Year – Toby Elborough

Discussion then turned to the draft of a new club constitution – having existed for some 75 years without one, the need for a written statement of the club’s aims, objectives and various policies was broadly welcomed. Various suggestions as to minor amendments were made before and during the meeting, with MC resolving to circulate an amended version for approval during the season or ahead of the next AGM.

Regarding memberships, it was agreed to hold the cost of a full membership at £30 for the coming season. As noted above, all players are encouraged to pay the £30 membership fee for insurance purposes. It also entitles you to a reduced match fee, which will remain £8 per game for the coming season. Match fees for non-members will increase to £12 per game. There will also be two new categories of membership fee: Concessionary Member (for full-time students or those under 18), which will be a one-off payment of £5 for the season; and Social Member (for non-playing supporters of the club), which will cost £1 but will be covered by the Chairman. As with a full membership, concessionary and social members will be covered under the club’s policy of insurance.

The 2026 season will also see the club move into the 21st century by adopting an electronic scorebook, via playcricket. Mad Max kindly agreed to lend the club a tablet computer, whilst enquiries are made regarding a permanent arrangement. It is hoped that this will make “doing the book” more accessible on a match day (and perhaps give AC a break from scoring and a chance to trigger Mog whilst umpiring). To that end, if you have not done so already then please sign up on playcricket HERE. This will allow the club to maintain an accurate player database, which opposition teams also use to populate their online scorecards.

Regarding the next AGM, after some discussion it was agreed that the next AGM would take place on 15th October 2026 (location, time and format to be advised nearer the time). This was to ensure a meaningful discussion could take place amongst the members about the season ahead, e.g. fixtures, nets etc. In recent years, the AGM has been in January or February and many of these points have therefore already been settled. Please try and make every effort to attend – only eight playing members were in attendance at this AGM, a fairly low turnout given the number of players the club calls upon regularly each season.

Under any other items of business, Mrs B encouraged everyone to pay their membership fees promptly. Ideally these should be paid in cash, as it will build up a float to pay for teas throughout the season. Mr B will be available to take payment at nets, currently being held at All Hallows School, Weybourne, on Tuesday evenings between 21.00 and 22.00 hours. Alternatively, an online payment into the club's bank account can be made.

With no other items of business, the meeting closed at 20.48 hours.