The club is in a great place, and we have had a fabulous season across all sections on and off the field. However, we do need to recognise that here will be significant changes to the leadership and management of our Club next year. There will be several vacancies to fill.

Ben Osborne, Ann Glinn and Dave Smith have all indicated that they will not be standing for re-election for their current roles at the AGM. Will Mellor has yet to decide whether to offer his service to the club for a fifth successive year.

All will continue to be involved in the club in various ways, but their decisions mean that the Club will certainly need a new Chairperson, a new Safeguarding Officer and a new Club Secretary. The club may also need a new Treasurer.

We are already operating with some roles not being covered. We currently have no one with a responsibility for social events, for the maintenance of the clubhouse and we are always looking for people who can coach and run teams.

Clearly, the club will not develop, flourish and thrive unless it has good people to lead and manage it. Equally clearly, we cannot expect people to continue in posts forever. We must accept and plan for change.

So please don’t assume that that everything will miraculously come together on the night of the Club Annual General Meeting. Talk to each other, ask me – Dave - or Ben about what different roles might entail and let’s make sure we go into the 2027 season in good shape.

Dave Smith

Honorary Club Secretary

September 2026