2015-16 Chairman’s annual report

The Club continues to progress positively and develop in line with our ongoing vision for the future. I must again reiterate to Members that the work done by our wonderful volunteers across all our sections, and the professionalism shown in finance, bar management, business planning, grant aid, estate management and commercial activities is saving the club tens of thousands in unavoidable costs. Without this contribution the club would be simply treading water. Their contribution alone means the club can continue with its development options which are currently being pulled together in a comprehensive business plan which will complete and be available to Members by the end of April 2017.

Putting the above into context, we have again been the beneficiary of ca £100k in grants from Sport England and the ECB within this period and of course £24k in an interest free loan from the LTA in the 2016/7 accounts. For this to happen successfully we need to evidence our regulatory controls and future sustainability to the funding agencies. The new business plan called Project XTRASPACE is a major part of this process and is highlighting and targeting future club developments for the next ten years.

All this of course needs succession planning across the volunteer roles and this process has started in the Cricket section with several younger volunteers coming to the fore in key roles. I know all the sections are keenly looking at this over the next few years as it is a key component to our sustainability in the future.

Finally, I would like to add my thanks to the massive contribution being made by our Sponsors which of course is highlighted in the Annual Accounts. Their support is quite brilliant.

Brian Lorenzini – January 2017