The Chalke Valley Sports Centre

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting-16th June 2026 at 7.00pm

Present:

Michaela Johns, Edward Fry, Tim Moss, John Dutson, Terry Jolly, Chris Rothwell,                         Emma Richter (for the solar project update).

Apologies:

Damon Johns, Thomas Scard, David Cooper, Clerk Broad Chalke PC

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the AGM. 

1. Minutes of the 3 June 2025 AGM

These had been circulated in advance and accepted as a true record.

2. Election of Officers

There being no persons coming forward to accept roles on the Executive, Chris Rothwell agreed to accept the post of Chairman/Secretary, Michaela as Treasurer and Tim on Website. Edward wished to continue being involved in an informal capacity supporting the Executive. Terry interested in contributing, but not at the present time.

The Chairman thanked the Executive for their willingness to continue. 

Affiliated Clubs will need to consider how they support the Executive and some succession planning in the next couple of years,.

3. Chairman’s Annual Report

This had been circulated in advance. See full report attached.

4. Finance Report

This had been circulated by Michaela in advance. A summary is attached to these Minutes.

The 2025-26 Accounts that had been prepared on a cash basis and had been externally audited by Nick Limb. We choose to do this to ensure transparency on financial matters, but it is not a requirement. Our thanks to Nick and for undertaking the review at no charge.

5. Clubs Report

a. Table Tennis.

Report from Tom Scard attached.

b. Petanque and Short mat bowls

Reports from Damon Johns attached.

c. Tennis. Report from John Dutson attached.

There were no other reports received.

6. Social Media Report

Tim reported that website imagery to be updated. Clubs to provide Tim with photos.

There was also discussion on use of QR codes which Tim can set up for Clubs.

7. Appointment of Auditors. The meeting agreed to seekreappointment of Nick Limb. MJ to action.

8. AOB. None.

The meeting closed at 7.45pm

There then followed a short CVSC Management Committee Meeting

1. Solar Project. Emma Richter briefed the Committee on the work being done and grants being investigated by the Parish Council.

2. Budget. Healthy position but with the Water Services Project and building getting older repairs and replacements will need to be funded.  

3. Projects: Water Services Project. Grant applications submitted totalling £11,000. Likely costs in excess of £23,000.

4. Membership. Agreed to put it to the Affiliated Clubs that there be a £1 increase from September. There was no increase for this current year.

5. Hire Charges. No uplift proposed at this stage.

6. Fundraising. Tim happy to look at organising a Quiz Night.

7. Wessex Internet. CR has been negotiating a connection into the centre and at a low cost Community rate. Agreement in principle.

8. Grounds Maintenance. Contract with Idverde still not signed off and no invoice received for last year.

Attachments:

The Centre remains in a healthy financial position and the contribution to income from our regular hirers and one-off private hires is up £1000 on last year, following simplification of our hire charge structure. This income now nearly matches the income from affiliated Clubs which, overall has risen slightly. Income from Table Tennis is lower and this is an area which should be looked at in view of the number of sessions that table tennis make use of.

We have also had a successful fundraising social with the second Race Night back in April, and this helped bring in £2000 (though strictly speaking this is the 26/27 income year!).

It has been great to see football back at the Sports Centre with Hotspire Football Club’s adult team hiring the football pitch and changing rooms last season on an initial discounted rate. They have approached the Centre for next season, and to extend into use for matches by their junior sides. A decision and hire rate need to be agreed.

As in recent years, managing the facilities has continued with various challenges; and these resting with a small committee. This is something that has to be addressed so the pressure is released a little, and the next succession of committee members start to take some of the responsibility. Without this, the Sports Centre, like other community facilities in the Valley, could have an uncertain future.

A fundamental change to grounds maintenance arrangements occurred in the year. With Nigel Hayes retiring, the Executive looked at a way to ensure ongoing and good quality grounds maintenance but at an affordable cost that would not demand additional equipment maintenance and storage. This led to a partnership with Broad Chalke and Bishopstone parish councils and the appointment of Idverde on a maintenance specification. Whilst costs are higher, there is no additional cost for equipment, and we have a sustainable arrangement. It has not been without teething problems but, hopefully, these are now largely ironed out.

It’s good to see to see our regular hirers of Pilates, Yoga and Zumba continue to be popular and the Cricket Club now firmly established at Broad Chalke and doing well with the most recent addition of Little Badgers cricket coaching on Tuesday evenings over the summer though a partnership with District Sports.

Summer Petanque also goes from strength to strength with the popular Friday evening social as well as three Teams playing competitive league pétanque.

Tennis continues to be the largest club affiliated to the Centre, and they have again organised some excellent coaching classes that have seen both new members join, and existing members improve, and the establishment of more opportunities for players of all standards to enjoy social as well as competitive tennis.

Indoor bowls have also added extra opportunities for new and existing player to have a go.

FACILITY DEVELOPMENTS

The Multi Use Games Area – This has been in situ coming up two years and underwent its first contractor clean which we delayed from last autumn to this spring so that the winter detritus could be cleaned away. The courts play well and continue to be very well received and better used with more Club sessions and new coaching activities delivered by FAR Sports. As a reminder, we took the decision to line only with tennis courts as there was no demand from netball nor pickleball. However, it does not rule out additional lines for other sports in the future should there be the demand.

Clean Up Morning- Our annual Saturday morning maintenance and clean up was well attended as always and great work done by all the volunteers investing nearly a week’s worth of labour in just a couple of hours back in October.

YOUR SPORTS CENTRE NEEDS YOU.

With each year that passes the tasks associated with running the Centre do not get easier. The small Executive Committee of 3 continue to ensure that the facilities remain open, that funds are secured, maintenance is undertaken, the grass is cutand that club bookings, special events and private hires are managed efficiently. My thanks to Michaela and Tim for all the work they do, quietly, effectively, and with little drama, so that the members of our Affiliated Clubs can just turn up and enjoy their sports. 

A thank you, as always, to Caroline Mouland for keeping the Centre clean and tidy. Very often this work goes on unnoticed behind the scenes and so flexibly, with little or no impact on Club sessions and use by hirers. Without it we would not have the wonderful facilities that we do.

Also, to Phil and Ali Jones, who have taken up being the eyes and ears on daily circuits around the Centre, and any problems reported.

Looking ahead. As I mentioned last year, there continue to be many challenges for the Centre to tackle. We need to remain viable, both in terms of a functioning committee with the energy to manage and administer the Centre, but clearly also financially through keeping costs under tight rein; increasing membership numbers; and continuing to seek grants. We are not funded like many local authority facilities and so all these aspects are vital if we are to remain open and accessible. We can only do so with volunteer support and the partnership with our Clubs.

I would like to thank Broad Chalke, Bishopstone, Ebbesbourne Wake and Bowerchalke parish councils for their continued financial support. It is very much appreciated.

On behalf of the CVSC Executive Committee.

Chris Rothwell

Chairman

SPORTS SCENE – August 2026

Facilities for all the Chalke Valley

With the summer in full swing, it is a busy time for all our outdoor sports clubs. Weekend cricket on Saturdays and midweek games on Wednesday evenings. Tennis club nights on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and onSunday mornings.

Social Pétanque on Friday evenings and Wednesday mornings.

Table Tennis on Sunday evenings and Short Mat Bowlson Monday evenings continue to take place all year round.

If you are interested in joining one of the clubs or taking up a new sport, just come along. You will be made most welcome.

We are also delighted to welcome Hotspire Football Club’s junior team to the Sports Centre. FromSeptember, their home base will be Chalke Valley Sports Centre. The club are looking for new players.

Summer Sports Schools. These will take place in August with FAR Sports and District Sports providing a range of fun and sports activities. Please see details on website.

Wessex Internet. We are currently working with Wessex Internet to bring fibre to the Sports Centre that will enable us to host more meetings and events.

Chalke Valley Fete and Produce Show – On August 15, the Centre hosts the Chalke Valley Fete and Produce Show, with many activities to try for just 50p, as well as music, dog show and stalls to browse together with popular barbecue, teas and cakes and bar, and many classic and vintage vehicles. Entry is free and it is a great Valley event for all ages with ample parking.

The hall is available for private hire so if you have a family celebration in the coming weeks, why not see what we can offer?

All our sports activities are promoted through the website, see below.

Chalke Valley Sports Centre Contacts:

Chairman:  chris.rothwell@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk  Tel 07552159369

Treasurer: Michaela.johns@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk Tel: 01722 780915

Deputy Chairman: Vacant

Secretary: Vacant

Social Media:Tim.moss@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk

Broad Chalke Parish Council Rep. John Fry.

Sports Centre general email: Info@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk

Our website is www.chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chalke-Valley-Sports-Centre-110944004548798

SPORTS SCENE – July 2026

Facilities for all the Chalke Valley

Sports Centre AGM. Michaela Johns, Tim Moss and Chris Rothwell agreed to stand again for a further term of office. The Chairman’s report and the Centre’s accounts have been published on the Centre’s website. 

Renewables Energy Project. In partnership with the Parish Council, funding for the installation of solar panels and battery storage is being investigated. The project will help reduce running costs and enable electricity export to generate funds. Many thanks to the Parish Council Team for putting the project and funding bids together. The project is only affordable with grant support.

Little Badgers Cricket. Tuesday evenings 5.15pm-6.30pm- boys and girls cricket coaching at the sports centre. Ages 4-8 and 8-13. Just £5 per session. Contact Tom on email: admin@districtsportssouth.com

Water Services Project. We are hoping to hear the outcome of two grant applications in early July for funding towards refurbishment of showers and replacement of water services which are at the end of their economic life. The project will cost in excess of £20,000.

Replacement chairs. These are being replaced at a cost of around £600 and funding is being sought. Donations gratefully accepted to the Sports Centre’s bank account. Lloyds Bank. Sort Code 30-97-42. Account 01351926                                                 

Petanque. The popular Friday evening social Pétanque is running throughout the summer and is open to everyone on a pay and play basis, just £2. Bar open.

Tennis Coaching. A varied midweek programme for both junior and adult players. See the Sports Centre website for more information or email info@farsports.co.uk

Summer Holiday Children’s Sports Sessions. We are organising a couple of ‘Sports Schools’ with District Sports and FAR Sports in July and August. Poster and Facebook information will be published once final details have been sorted.

The hall is available for private hire so if you have a family celebration in the coming weeks, why not see what we can offer?

All our sports activities are promoted through the website, see below.

Chalke Valley Sports Centre Contacts:

Chairman:  chris.rothwell@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk  Tel 07552159369

Treasurer: Michaela.johns@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk Tel: 01722 780915

Deputy Chairman: Vacant

Secretary: Vacant

Social Media: Tim Moss

Parish Council Rep. John Fry.

Sports Centre general email: Info@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk

Our website is www.chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chalke-Valley-Sports-Centre-110944004548798

SPORTS SCENE – June 2026

Facilities for all the Chalke Valley

Sports Centre AGM. Tuesday 16 June – 7.00pm open to All Members

Renewables Energy Project. In partnership with the Parish Council funding for the installation of solar panels and battery storage is being investigated. The project will help reduce centre running costs and enable electricity export to generate funds.   Many thanks to the Parish Council Team for putting the project and funding bid together. The project is only affordable with grant support.

Little Badgers Cricket. An exciting new initiative together with the Broad Chalke Cricket Club and with District Sports, Tuesday evenings 5.15pm-6.30pm- boys and girls cricket coaching at the sports centre. Ages 4-8 and 8-13. Just £5 per session. Contact Tom on email: admin@districtsportssouth.com

Children’s Portable Football Posts. Many thanks to those that have very kindly donated funds towards the £400 replacement costs of new goal posts. 

Water Services Project. Two grant applications have been submitted for funding towards refurbishment of showers and replacement of water services which are at the end of their economic life. The Race night generated £2,000 towards the project which will cost in excess of£20,000.

Replacement chairs. A new project is to seek funding to replace the Sports Centre chairs. We need around £600 to do so and will be looking at further grant applications and donations to try and fund. Donations gratefully accepted to the Sports Centre’s bank account. Lloyds Bank. Sort Code 30-97-42. Account 01351926                            

Petanque. The popular Friday evening social Pétanque is running throughout the summer and is open to everyone on a pay and play basis, just £2. Bar open.

Tennis Coaching. A varied midweek programme for both junior and adult players. See the Sports Centre website for more information or email info@farsports.co.uk

The hall is available for private hire so if you have a family celebration in the coming weeks, why not see what we can offer?

All our sports activities are promoted through the website, see below.

Chalke Valley Sports Centre Contacts:

Chairman:  chris.rothwell@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk  Tel 07552159369

Treasurer: Michaela.johns@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk Tel: 01722 780915

Deputy Chairman: Vacant

Secretary: Vacant

Social Media: Tim Moss

Parish Council Rep. John Fry.

Sports Centre general email: Info@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk

Our website is www.chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chalke-Valley-Sports-Centre-110944004548798

SPORTS SCENE – May 2026

Facilities for all the Chalke Valley

Children’s Portable Football Posts. Many thanks to those that have very kindly donated funds towards the £400 replacement costs of new goal posts. The fund is still open, and donations gratefully accepted to the Sports Centre’s bank account.             

Lloyds Bank.

Sort Code 30-97-42.

Account 01351926                                              

Race Night. A packed hall of ‘punters’ enjoyed an evening of horse racing over great conversations, a glass or two and supper. The evening raised over £2000 towards refurbishment of the water services that have reached the end of their economic life and will cost around £20,000 to undertake!

Petanque. The popular Friday evening social Pétanque start again in May.    Everyone welcome, all ages and abilities.

Tennis Update. The Chalke Valley Tennis Club hasentered a new coaching and tennis development programme with local business, FAR Sports and Rory Smith.

Rory and his Team have developed a varied midweek programme for both junior and adult players. See the Sports Centre website for more information or email info@farsports.co.uk

The hall is available for private hire so if you have a family celebration in the coming weeks, why not see what we can offer?

All our sports activities are promoted through the website, see below.

Sports Centre AGM: Wednesday 16 June at 7.00pm at the Centre

Chalke Valley Sports Centre Contacts:

Chairman:  chris.rothwell@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk  Tel 07552159369

Treasurer: Michaela.johns@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk Tel: 01722 780915

Deputy Chairman: Vacant

Secretary: Vacant

Social Media: Tim Moss

Parish Council Rep. John Fry.

Sports Centre general email: Info@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk

Our website is www.chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chalke-Valley-Sports-Centre-110944004548798

SPORTS SCENE – April 2026

Facilities for all the Chalke Valley

With the lighter nights now here, we are looking forward to a busy season of sport and activity at the Centre.

First though, an appeal. Our children’s portable football posts have broken beyond repair and we are replacing them. Costs are £300-£400 depending on whether we just replace one and which type we go for. We want to replace ASAP so they are available for children for the longer evenings. We are seeking small donations that can be made direct to the Sports Centre’s bank account:

Lloyds Bank.

Sort Code 30-97-42.

Account 01351926                                              

Help would be greatly appreciated.

Race Night. See the poster advert. Tickets are selling fast – 18 April £18 including food.

Bar and Raffle.

Donations for the Raffle also being sought. Funds will go towards the refurbishment of the showers and water services.

Multi Use Games Area: Last month we had the scheduled annual professional clean of the ‘new’ courts. This cost nearly £900 but is money we need to invest in the facility to help maintain drainage and keep the area safe to play on.

Tennis Update. The Chalke Valley Tennis Club hasentered a new coaching and tennis development programme with local business, FAR Sports and Rory Smith.

Rory and his Team have developed a varied midweek programme for both junior and adult players. See the advert elsewhere in the newsletter. The programme is set to begin after the Easter break. Email: info@farsports.co.uk

The hall is available for private hire so if you have a family celebration in the coming weeks, why not see what we can offer?

All our sports activities are promoted through the website, see below.

Chalke Valley Sports Centre Contacts:

Chairman:  chris.rothwell@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk  Tel 07552159369

Treasurer: Michaela.johns@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk Tel: 01722 780915

Deputy Chairman: Vacant

Secretary: Vacant

Social Media: Tim Moss

Parish Council Rep. John Fry.

Sports Centre general email: Info@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk

Our website is 

www.chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk.

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/Chalke-Valley-Sports-Centre-110944004548798

SPORTS SCENE – March 2026

Facilities for all the Chalke Valley

Just a few more weeks until the clocks ‘spring’ forward and we can look forward to longer days and, hopefully, better weather, so we can enjoy both our indoor and outdoor sports. The constant rainfall through 2026 has made it virtually impossible to carry out pitch maintenance and several football games have been cancelled…and with the cricket season ahead in May we keep our fingers crossed that all fixtures can be squeezed in.

The work carried out on the Multi Use Games Area 18 months ago has really been tested by the rain…and has performed extremely well, draining and drying out very quickly to enable courts to be used.

A big thank you to Mat Cook and Warm Response for promptly attending to the Centre’s boiler failure at the end of January…and apologies again to our regular users for the couple of days we were without heating and hot water.  

TENNIS UPDATE

The Chalke Valley Tennis Club have entered a new coaching and tennis development programme with local business, FAR Sports and Rory Smith.

Rory and his Team are developing a varied midweek programme for both junior and adult players, with a range of daytime and evening sessions to suit all schedules. They will be introducing cardio tennis, doubles mornings, matchplay sessions, children’s holiday camps and more. In addition to group sessions, 1:1 and small group private lessons will be available. The programme is set to begin after the Easter break, with details of some exciting taster sessions coming very soon. E:  info@farsports.co.uk

OUR NEXT CHALLENGE!

We highlighted last month the next major project being the replacement of water services and showers that are now 22 years old. We are applying for grants and seeking to raise around £15,000 to achieve this in 2026. Any help is welcomed.

RACE NIGHT- SATURDAY 18 APRIL- 7.00pm

TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE CHANGING ROOM AND WATER SERVICES WORKS

Tickets on sail from the Village Shop or scan the QR code on the Race Night Poster or email Michaela. £18 including meal. Bar, Raffle and prizes.

If you can’t attend but wish to support the Sports Centre, we would welcome donated raffle prizes to help raise funds on the night.

The hall is available for private hire so if you have a family celebration in the coming weeks, why not see what we can offer?

All our sports activities are promoted through the website, see below.

Chalke Valley Sports Centre Contacts:

Chairman:  chris.rothwell@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk  Tel 07552159369

Treasurer: Michaela.johns@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk Tel: 01722 780915

Deputy Chairman: Vacant

Secretary: Vacant

Social Media: Tim Moss

Parish Council Rep. John Fry.

Sports Centre general email: Info@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk

Our website is www.chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chalke-Valley-Sports-Centre-110944004548798

Why not gallop over to the Chalke Valley Sports Centre on Saturday 18th April 2026? Doors open at 6:30pm with the first race at 7pm. Why not have a sneaky flutter on the winner of each race! Details below.

SPORTS SCENE – February 2026

Facilities for all the Chalke Valley

Do you have a couple of hours a month that you could spare to help with the running of the sports centre, showing potential hirers around, helping on a fundraising activity or putting together a grant application. The Centre is managed by a small Team of three people who could really do with a few more on the Team to assist. Contact any of the Committee if interested!

OUR NEXT CHALLENGE!

The Sports Centre has been fortunate to have received a lot of investment over the last five years through the hard work of the Clubs and Committees. These have included a new cricket practice net, new artificial cricket wicket, resurfaced tennis courts, new floodlights, new kitchen and a new Pétanque area. Our next challenge is replacement of water services and showers that are now 22 years old and have reached the end of their working life. We are applying for grants and seeking to raise around £15,000 to achieve this in 2026. Any help is welcomed.

RACE NIGHT- SATURDAY 18 APRIL- 7.00pm

TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE CHANGING ROOM AND WATER SERVICES WORKS

Tickets on sail from the Village Shop or scan the QR code on the Race Night Poster or email Michaela. £18 including meal. Bar, Raffle and prizes.

If you can’t attend but wish to support the Sports Centre, we would welcome donated raffle prizes to help raise funds on the night.

CLUBS NEWS

Tennis on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings.

Saturday morning-Ladies Tennis.

Table Tennis Sunday evenings

Pétanque. Sunday mornings check the website for dates.

Short Mat Indoor Bowls. Monday evenings

Pilates. Monday morning and afternoon

Yoga. Tuesday afternoons

Zumba. Wednesday Morning

Tennis Coaching: If you are interested, please contact the Tennis Club via our website contact. 

Cricket Club News. The new season starts in April.

Football Club. Hotspire FC have matches on Saturday afternoons in February.

The hall is available for private hire so if you have a family celebration in the coming weeks, why not see what we can offer?

All our sports activities are promoted through the website, see below.

Chalke Valley Sports Centre Contacts:

Chairman:  chris.rothwell@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk  

Tel 07552159369

Treasurer: Michaela.johns@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk 

Tel: 01722 780915

Deputy Chairman: Vacant

Secretary: Vacant

Social Media: Tim Moss

Parish Council Rep. John Fry.

Sports Centre general email: Info@chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk

Our website is www.chalkevalleysportscentre.co.uk.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chalke-Valley-Sports-Centre-110944004548798