Trent Bridge Annual Report 2018

MINUTES OF THE 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 9 One of the advantages of bringing any amendments to the members a year later than originally planned, he stated, was that by then not only would the changes to the ECB Constitution be known, but the Club would also be able to use the experience and knowledge of other Counties that have gone through the same process. Members would be consulted during the year to ensure everyone was fully aware of the implications and reasons for such change. Mr Tennant reported that the Heritage group continued to add value to the Club, ensuring the preservation of its growing collection of memorabilia and artefacts, utilising them for the benefit of members and visitors to Trent Bridge. History and heritage were very important, he went on, pointing out a few anniversaries: In 1818, 200 years ago, a Notting- hamshire XXII beat an England XI on the Forest. In 1868, 150 years ago, the Australian Aborigine side visited Trent Bridge where, as well as the cricket match, spectators could enjoy an exhibition of spear and boomerang throwing! But the one more members would relate to, or indeed remember, was Gary Sobers hitting six sixes 50 years ago in 1968. It would be wonderful, he remarked, if the Club could set another memorable event in 2018 so that in 50, 100 or, indeed, 200 years’ time, someone at the AGM would be able to recount the deed! In discussing Heritage, Mr Tennant stated that it was a good time to pay tribute to the Club President, who finished his terms of office in 2018. A wonderful President, his words of wisdom had been a great source of help and his endless source of stories about Notts and Notts cricketers had come in useful when entertaining the Club’s guests! However, he would not be lost to Trent Bridge and would be found, head down in the Library concen- trating on his next great work. Another person stepping down from office in 2018 was Bill Taylor who had served on the Committee since 2009. During that time he had made a significant contribution to the Club, especially in his role as Chairman of Cricket, a post he had occupied since 2010. Mr Tennant also thanked Vice- Chairman Stuart Foster for his support and guidance during the year, and to the rest of the Committee for their hard work on behalf of the Club, and finally to Lisa Pursehouse, the executive team and, of course, to the members for their continued support of the Club. It was proposed by Mr D J Bicknell, seconded by Mr J A Gillott and unanimously approved by those present that the Chairman’s Report be adopted. 5. ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS Club Treasurer, Mr P J Ellis directed members to the accounts of the Club for the year ended 30 September 2017, which were set out on pages 31-45 in the Annual Report, as well as his written report on pages 29 and 30. Part of the Accounts was the Auditors’ Report which showed that Smith Cooper had stated that in their opinion the financial statements gave a true and fair view of the state of the Club’s affairs at 30 September 2017 and that its profit for the year ended had been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. It was confirmed that they had been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Co-operative and Community Benefits Act 2014. Mr Ellis then reported on some key areas. He emphasised the positive impact to the finances of International cricket returning to Trent Bridge in 2018 which helped increase cricket income by 61% and commercial income by 27%. The 6% reduction in grants and donations was primarily down to the release of Council grant income over five years that came to an end in the previous year. Overall income was up 28% year-on-year, which equated to an increase of £2.4m. Professional Cricket and Academy costs were largely held at the same level compared with the previous year. Although Community and Development showed a reduction in cost to the Club, this did not mean that less money was employed in this area. As a consequence of the Trent Bridge Community Trust becoming more self-sufficient and generating its own income, the Club saw a reduction in the required contribution. Ground Facilities and Match Expenditure showed an expected increase, the costs relating to the International matches being hosted that were not present in the previous year. Overall costs were up 14% year-on- year or £1.3m in monetary terms. The year ending 30 September 2017 produced income in excess of £10.8m and therefore aligned itself more closely to the 2014 income figure of £11.1m - the Club’s most successful recent year, excluding those containing an Ashes Test. Mr Ellis used a slide to illustrate the impact that International cricket had on Club financial results. He remarked that in many ways 2017 was a return to normality. 2015 reported an exceptional surplus and 2016 then reported an PeterWynne-Thomas concluded his term as President