THC AGM Minutes – Meeting held Tuesday 3rd June 2025
Meeting called to order 19:30
Attendees
Apologies for Absence
Colin Mathews, Thomas Grainger, Rob Brown, Patrick Barr, Luke Sherring Lucas, Ian Ewers, Harry Evans, Ralph Darvill.
The Chairman, Ian Grainger (IG) thanks all present for attending.
Minutes of the last meeting
Proposed: Chris Barnes Seconded: Simon Cobby (SC)

Captain’s reports.

M1
M2
Chairman’s statement
Draft accounts

Proposed: SC Seconded: Chris Powell (CP)

Membership - The initial proposal was for an increase to £375/adults and £250/Juniors.

This suggested increase in membership does not take into account the potential rise in pitch costs due to the planned resurfacing. We will need to call an EGM once we’ve discussed the matter with the Facilities Manager at Tring.

Chris Barnes proposes to apply the extra increase now, noting that fees had been reduced in recent years due to the pitch being unplayable, and a rise is likely inevitable. In response, IG invited input from the group on what the new membership rate should be. There was general agreement that a modest increase might be appropriate at this time. Ian acknowledged the feedback and indicated he would reflect on the suggestions.
SC suggested agreeing a fixed annual cost with Tring School, maybe with payment in advance, which could help with budgeting and planning. IG agreed to reach out to Lee Whippey to explore this idea further, with the aim of keeping future prices as low as possible.
A final decision will be deferred to an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), pending confirmation of the pitch hire costs and EH definitive costs.

IG mentions that Maeve Lasts is now captain of her university 1st team and Finnoula Stainton is playing for County and plays in the University first team.

Greg Edwards mentions that Gemma Marriott is now Northamptonshire County Cricket T20 captain.

SC is stepping down as First Team Captain. Luke Sherring-Lucas has been proposed as his successor by Simon Cobby, with Michelle Sweers seconding the nomination.

There are no other changes to the rest of the Board. Any support, particularly around sponsorship, is welcome.
Richard Sharp (RS) raises the question: What can we offer to a sponsor? CP mentioned that there is space available on Pitchero for sponsorship placements.

IG expresses an interest in reintroducing a youth section to give a future to the club, but funding remains a challenge. Any ideas for securing sponsorship to support this initiative are appreciated. He also asked whether it might be possible to engage with local schools and offer coaching. Do we have a name in mind for the practical delivery of this coaching?
Regarding sponsorships, Huel was suggested. Do we know anyone who could make an approach? Claudia Edwards (CE) might be able to reach out through an ex colleague.
Ian Swift also noted that the rugby club has had to change its name after the sponsorship with Huel and we would be reluctant to want to do that. RS suggested exploring a joint sponsorship effort with the cricket club and recommended a coordinated approach with Gareth Darby. CE will speak to her contact to seek the name of the best person to connect with at Huel.

IG calls the meeting to an end at 20:27