2026 AGM Minutes

2026 AGM Minutes

SHC AGM 2026

19 June 2026 19:00

Present and Apologies

Sign off minutes from 2025 AGM

Chairperson’s report (Pete)

Treasurer’s report (David)

T44 Update and vote on approving the committee to:

Have the authority to carry out acquisition of the T44 building

To take out the necessary loans to facilitate this

To amend the constitution as necessary to protect members and the club as necessary (guided by EH) in light of points a) and b) above

Election of Officers

AOB (by prior request)

Present:

Georgina Maplethorpe

Pete Wright

David Dorey

Charlotte Morris

Arron Borst

Will Baker

Fred Morris

Sam Maltby

Tim Maltby

Andy Barlow

Ryan Matthews

Steph Wilson

Sam Howitt

Deane Baker

Claire Baker

Matt Pilgrim

Sally Pilgrim

Tim Amess

Martin Perkins

Kevin Sawyer

Mark Rogers

Kate Amess

Vicky Worrall

Jooles Higgins

Lucy McClements

Brian Read

James Morris

Apologies:

Zoe Moore

Callum Fravigar

Rob Callaby

Dave Burrell

Reuben Rogers

Danny Wright

Megan Wright

Minutes from the last AGM

Loaded on members area for last year, no comments made and therefore all happy.

Chair report

Good evening all, thank you to so many of you for attending this evening. It was interesting to note that a much larger club in the East only had six non committee members at their AGM, whilst we would live engagement to be higher it shows that we have a healthy interest in club matters.

I would like to start by thanking players, sponsors, supporters and volunteers for contributing to another successful year for SHC. On the pitch congratulations to Sam and Terri who led the M1 and L3’s to deserved promotions. Ultimately all other teams preserved their places in the league structure and with young squads throughout this bodes well for the new season.

Towards the end of the season, we were given the news that Tonic Health would be giving up the T44 facility at Glen Park. We thank Mike and his team for all their hard work and efforts on the site over the years. We will discuss the implications of that later this evening.

At the end of last season, the committee saw a number of changes, and we spent the year changing the structure within the club and simplifying roles and responsibilities to give more clarity and independence to individuals to simply do what they need to do.

Socials have been well attended this year, with a quiz night, bingo, race night, EoS awards in their new format and then the hugely successful ball, for which we are indebted to Claire Baker for her hard work.

In addition, we have driven sponsorship forward and these numbers are reflected in the accounts which David will present shortly. All we continue to ask is that members ask someone (relative, friend, employer, someone they trade with etc).

Also, a massive congratulations to Sam, Michael and David along with the wider Talk Stick team on the recent award received at the EH awards. Well-deserved recognition for their continued work.

Overall, the club is in a good lace off the pitch, and our sound financial standing will allow us to continue to progress the club and we look forward to another positive year across the teams on the pitch. As always if everyone does something no one has to do everything, there are plenty of roles going tonight, but in addition if you can help in any respect, please let a committee member know.

Once again, my thanks to all that have contributed to the club in anyway this season, it really is and has to be a team effort by all.

Thanks

Pete Wright

Chair

Treasurers report

It has been another positive season financially for the club.

We’ve recorded a surplus of £12,361, increasing our total funds to just over £84,500, up from £72,000 last season. So, while the surplus is slightly down, we remain in a very strong financial position.

Membership income has increased again, which is great to see. Sponsorship has also risen significantly, and I’d particularly like to thank Steph Wilson, who’s worked throughout the season securing team sponsors and supporting player sponsorship.

I’d also like to thank our main sponsors again: ARK ICT Solutions Ltd, TC Bulley Davey, Hub Rural and Hills Furnishings, along with everyone else who continues to support the club.

Social income is slightly lower overall, but the Annual Ball remains a key fundraiser, generating a surplus of around £3,600 after costs. A big thank you to Claire Baker for the huge amount of work that goes into organising the Ball and other events across the season.

Grants and donations are around £1,000 this season, mainly coming from councillor support and cashback funding streams. Last season’s total was higher due to one-off contributions, including the Mary Burgess donation, Duncan & Toplis, and Compare the Market.

On the cost side, expenses are slightly higher. A key part of this is investment in equipment, including the Veo camera system, which we now use to record games. That included a £1,389 one-off hardware cost and an annual subscription of around £1,079, along with more routine purchases like masks, balls, bags and training equipment.

Affiliation fees have also increased this season following England Hockey’s move from a team-based fee model to a player membership structure, which was outside of the club’s control.

Overall, the club remains financially strong, with healthy reserves, which puts us in a good position as we look ahead to taking on responsibility for the T44 building and the financial commitments that will come with that.

Finally, thank you to the committee, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who helps run the club, and a special thanks again to Jooles for reviewing the accounts.

Questions:

In response to a question about the level of net funds held by the club, it was noted that there was no specific strategy, as far as current officers are aware, to build reserves to their present level. The accumulation of funds will be considered further under item 5 of the agenda.

It was suggested that maintaining reserves could have provided a degree of long-term protection should significant expenditure have been required on the pitch. However, the recent pitch inspection report confirmed the pitch is in good condition, with all seams intact, and is expected to remain serviceable for a few more years.

T44 Update & Vote

Background:

Mike provided notice that he would be vacating the clubhouse facility in June.

Following consideration by the committee, it was concluded that the club had little practical alternative but to assume responsibility for the facility. Without access to changing rooms and on-site toilet facilities, the club’s ability to operate effectively would be significantly impacted.

Clubhouse Committee:

To oversee the management and development of the facility, a Clubhouse Committee is being established, consisting of:

Deane Baker

Claire Baker

Dave Burrell

Additional volunteers are welcome to join.

Financial Position:

Initial projections indicate that, based on current levels of hockey-related income, the clubhouse is expected to operate at a loss of approximately £8,000–£10,000 during the first year.

However, the committee believes there are several opportunities to improve the financial performance of the facility, including:

Increasing the number of tournaments hosted by the club.

Expanding match-day and training-night clubhouse usage.

Developing additional social and fundraising events.

Exploring external hire opportunities and community use of the facility.

It should also be noted that the current club surplus of approximately £12,000, as reported by David, includes around £3,000 of food-related costs. The clubhouse committee expects to reduce catering expenditure significantly by introducing more cost-effective options, such as team pizzas at an estimated cost of £10–£12 per team.

The projected clubhouse losses also include provision for a paid member of staff on Saturdays.

In the short term, any operational losses can be supported by surpluses generated elsewhere within the club. The committee is confident that losses can be reduced substantially as clubhouse utilisation increases.

Members should also consider that, without access to this facility, the club would likely incur alternative costs, including:

Payments to local pubs or venues (estimated at approximately £50 per team per week) for post-match hospitality.

The need to source, install or fund alternative changing and toilet facilities.

Purchase Opportunity:

The current annual rent for the facility is £6,000 per annum.

During the past week, an offer to purchase the building for £100,000 has been accepted, presenting a potential long-term opportunity for the club to secure ownership of a key asset.

As previously reported by David, the club currently holds in excess of £80,000 in cash reserves.

Funding Options:

Plan A – England Hockey Facilities Loan

The Club may apply for an England Hockey Facilities Loan of approximately £50,000, enabling the club to complete the purchase while maintaining appropriate cash reserves and working capital.

Plan B – Member Loan Scheme

As an alternative, the club may explore whether members would be willing to provide loans to the club at a competitive interest rate, potentially lower than the rate available through an England Hockey facilities loan.

Questions:

Asset Ownership and Future Value

A question was raised regarding whether the club would benefit financially from ownership of the building.

It was confirmed that the building would become a club asset and could be sold in the future if required, generating funds that could potentially be used towards future facilities developments, including a pitch project.

Relationship with SPARC and Future Pitch Provision

Members asked whether there were any opportunities to collaborate with Spalding Leisure Centre facilities regarding pitch provision.

It was noted that the leisure centre is having a 3G pitch and a three-quarter-sized pitch which are not suitable for hockey. However, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is developing a surface that may be suitable for both hockey and football in the future. Members were advised that the existing hockey pitch is protected from conversion to football use.

A question was raised regarding whether SPARC could provide any formal commitment to maintain the pitch to a standard suitable for hockey.

The meeting was advised that, when the pitch requires replacement, the club had previously offered to secure an England Hockey loan and manage the facility. SPARC considered this proposal at its AGM but elected to continue operating the pitch itself.

The replacement cost is expected to exceed £200,000, with SPARC likely requiring external financing and relying heavily on hockey club usage to support repayments. No formal guarantees regarding future pitch provision are currently in place.

It was further noted that Sport England provides protection for the pitch and may have rights relating to its future use, although the relevant agreement has not been located.

Property Matters

A question was raised regarding whether the property is subject to any restrictive covenants.

It was confirmed that legal documentation had not yet been reviewed in detail, but no restrictive covenants are currently anticipated.

Members also queried whether there was any planning risk associated with the purchase. It was confirmed that no significant planning concerns are currently anticipated.

Risks Associated with the Proposal

Members asked what the principal risks were in taking on ownership and operation of the facility.

The key risks identified were:

Insufficient volunteer support to manage and operate the facility.

Insufficient clubhouse usage to generate sustainable income.

It was also noted that ownership presents an opportunity to re-establish a stronger club identity and provide a long-term home for members.

Membership Fees and Affordability

Discussion took place regarding possible measures to improve the clubhouse’s financial performance.

It was noted that an increase of £1 per match fee would generate approximately £2,000 of additional annual income. However, with a kit replacement programme expected within the next 12 months, the committee felt it was preferable not to introduce additional charges immediately.

Alternative options discussed included:

Introducing a social membership category.

Offering member discounts on clubhouse purchases.

Reviewing subscription and fee structures in future seasons.

Members expressed concern that any increase in fees directly associated with the clubhouse purchase could discourage volunteering and participation, and the committee acknowledged the importance of maintaining affordability while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the club.

Additional Matters Arising

Members were advised that the England Hockey Asset Finance Team is available to provide guidance and financial advice in relation to the proposed acquisition and financing arrangements. The club will also explore whether local solicitors may be willing to provide support or advice where appropriate.

It was confirmed that, while the purchase process is progressed, the club will assume responsibility for the lease of the facility from 1 July to ensure continuity of operations and uninterrupted access to clubhouse, changing and toilet facilities.

A question was raised regarding plans for immediate maintenance and repairs to the building.

The committee advised that no major maintenance programme had yet been scheduled. Any works required will be assessed once a full review of the building has been completed and the club has a clearer understanding of immediate and longer-term maintenance requirements.

Motions for Approval:

Members were asked to approve the Committee having authority to:

Have the authority to carry out acquisition of the T44 building

To take out the necessary loans to facilitate this

To amend the constitution as necessary to protect members and the club as necessary (guided by EH) in light of points a) and b) above

Vote:

Following discussion, the proposal to proceed with the acquisition received majority support from members present.

Election of officers

Role	2025	2026	Proposed	Seconded
President	Fred Morris	Fred Morris	Lucy McClements	Vicky Worrall
Chairperson	Pete Wright	Pete Wright	Matt Pilgrim	Andy Barlow
Vice Chair	Steph Wilson	Steph Wilson	Matt Pilgrim	Andy Barlow
Club Secretary	Georgina Maplethorpe	Georgina Maplethorpe	Matt Pilgrim	Andy Barlow
Treasurer	David Dorey	David Dorey	Matt Pilgrim	Andy Barlow
Head of Playing Committee	Zoe Moore	Zoe Moore	Matt Pilgrim	Andy Barlow
Accounts Reviewer	Jooles Higgins	Jooles Higgins	Pete Wright	David Dorey
Head of Junior Committee	Charlotte Morris	Charlotte Morris	Matt Pilgrim	Andy Barlow
Head of Social committee	Aaron Borst	Claire Baker to support	Matt Pilgrim	Andy Barlow
Fixtures secretary	Mark Fravigar	Andy Barlow	Sally Pilgrim	Claire Baker
Club Sponsors Liaison	Steph Wilson	Steph Wilson	Pete Wright	David Dorey
Kit Manager	Kate Amess	Kate Amess	Matt Pilgrim	Andy Barlow
Umpire Liaison Officer	Matt Pilgrim	Matt Pilgrim	Jooles Higgins	David Dorey
Pitch Liaison Contact	Tim Maltby	Tim Maltby	Pete Wright	David Dorey
Child Welfare Officer	Charlotte Morris	Charlotte Morris	Pete Wright	David Dorey
DBS Administrator	Charlotte Morris	Charlotte Morris	Pete Wright	David Dorey
First Aid Manager	Brian Read	Brian Read	Pete Wright	David Dorey
GMS Liaison	Tim Amess	Tim Amess	Pete Wright	David Dorey
Website Officer	Will Baker	Will Baker	Pete Wright	David Dorey
Head of Selection Committee Men	Zoe Moore	Zoe Moore	Matt Pilgrim	Andy Barlow
Head of Selection Committee Ladies	Zoe Moore	Zoe Moore	Matt Pilgrim	Andy Barlow
Press & Social Media Communications officer	Kelly Tizzano	Sally Pilgrim – match reports TBC – social media	Pete Wright	David Dorey
Mens 1st team Captain	Sam Howitt	Sam Howitt	Deane Baker	Fred Morris
Mens 2nd team Captain	Rob Callaby	Rob Callaby	Deane Baker	Fred Morris
Mens 3rd team Captain	Brian Reed	Brian Reed, Martin Perkins & Tim Amess	Deane Baker	Fred Morris
Mens 4th team Captain	Mark Rogers	Mark Rogers	Deane Baker	Fred Morris
Ladies 1st team Captain	Charlotte Maplethorpe	TBC
Ladies 2nd team Captain	Vicky Worrall & Steph Wilson	TBC
Ladies 3rd team Captain	Teri Bateman	Teri Bateman	Steph Wilson	Georgina Maplethorpe