The AGM elected a new General Committee, and it was particularly pleasing to see some new faces come forward to volunteer their time. Some posts that had hitherto been unfilled now have representation most notably the Assistant Treasurer (James Walder) and the Ground Secretary (Max Williamson).
On March 16th the General Committee will meet to elect three sub-Committees with the remit to oversee policy Finance, House and Social and Cricket and Ground in 2026 – 27. The Board that manages day to day operations will also be confirmed. I wish all concerned well with their endeavours and thank them for their support of BHCC.
At the meeting it was brought to the attention of Members is that the Club recently received a generous legacy from one of our legendary players NCD Craig who died in 2025. For BHCC this was rather unusual but extremely welcome. Perhaps others may follow suit in the future. Such contributions certainly make a difference.
The cricket season is bounding towards us and maybe we can wish for another glorious summer? The cricket will be competitive but there is nothing to fear. The key is to enjoy the challenge.
I will close there as Joe Moore tells me I go on too long.
Simon Lunn
Chairman`s Report for members attending the 2026 Annual General Meeting on Monday February 23 2026.
The following represents my 10th such submission to the Membership – it reflects a positive year both on and off the Cricket Field.
I will start by providing a list of work carried out over the last 12 months to invest in the Club House and in the Ground. It is not exhaustive as the work is never ending but it carries the main areas of expenditure:
- New Carpet in the Upstairs room
- New Pavilion Steps
- Improvements to the former tennis courts (ongoing)
- New Coffee Machine Courtesy of Keith Whitfield)
- New Club Sign (courtesy of the Craig Family)
- A new Outfield Slitter
- New Cooler for the Bar
- New Ice Machine for the Bar
- Additional work on the Roof at the front of the Club House and above the office.
- New furniture in the bar
- A big screen in the Bar courtesy of the Social Committee
- A new Sightscreen
Soon the plan is to improve the area in the front of the Club House, to overseed the Tennis Courts with the aim of enhancing our Practice Facilities and to further improve the Club House.
At this juncture I would want to record the grateful thanks of the Board and General Committee for the generous support of Members and other stakeholders in the Club. We are indeed fortunate to have two wonderful main Sponsors in N.B.M.S. Building Maintenance and Multiconnect Communication Services Ltd together with many other sponsors who support our endeavours. We also maintain a positive business relationship with Heineken and Coors our main Brewery suppliers.
On the cricket field I am delighted to report that after a one-year hiatus the Club will play in the top Division of the North East Premier League in 2026 – this is the highest standard of Cricket in the North East and extremely competitive. My congratulations to all those involved in the 2025 campaign both on and off the pitch – it was a real team effort.
The other cricket aspects of the Club – Seconds, Thirds, Women, Juniors – had varying degrees of success but we are in as robust a state of health as I can recall which is no mean feat considering the social and economic pressures of modern-day living.
The Squash Section continues to operate successfully with a thriving membership of c.60 and a competitive team in the League. We will be investing further in the Court in 2026 as it is an important part of the Club.
Benwell Hill Cricket Club is run by a mixture of Amateur and Professional individuals who give selflessly of their time for the greater good. On the Professional front we employ exceptional bar staff and outstanding groundsmen who strive to produce a Club that maintains the highest possible standards. Thank You!
Equally my colleagues on the Board and on the General Committee also fully deserve the gratitude of the Membership. Benwell Hill CC is a special place – is there anywhere better on a sunlight night in the Summer – and an oasis in the West End of the City. Again, thank you to all concerned.
I must report that The Deputy Chairman of BHCC Hugh Dyson a.k.a. the Veteran is standing down at the AGM as a Member of the General Committee and of the Board after making a massive contribution to the Club that extends to well over 60 years. I am delighted and not a little relieved that Hugh`s sage advice and steadfast support will not be lost to the organisation any time soon. Hugh could not have been a better ally to me.
Finally, in 2026 the Club will celebrate 100 years of cricket being played on Denton Bank. The organisation was founded in 1883 but found its current home 43 years later. We will celebrate this with a President`s Day game in the Summer hosted by the current incumbent Tom Williamson who denies he played in the first fixture.
