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.
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.
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.
The Committee of the Chalke Valley Sports Centre extend its best wishes to residents of the Chalke Valley for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2026.
With Christmas and New Year festivities behind us and thoughts and plans being made for the year ahead, all our sports clubs’ welcome new members so why not try a new activity or start playing some sport again. There is something to accommodate most ages and abilities. Check out the website for all the details.
In 2025, after a few years without football at the Sports Centre, we were delighted to welcome Hotspire Football Club for their home matches. We are hopeful that this can be a long-term partnership and will encourage players from the Chalke Valley to join.
Some improvements and updating to the Sports Centre website have been undertake. Many thanks to Martin Altham.
The Petanque Club had another successful year and ended 2025 with a new winter league initiative…very much a social league on a Sunday morning and open to everyone, whether you have played before or not.
In 2026 we are hoping to secure grants to help fund refurbishment of the changing room showers and replacement water services.
Our next fundraiser, the popular Race Night has been moved to April. More details next month.
We are also looking forward to hosting the Chalke Valley Fete on 15 August 2026, and we hope to see the Chalke Valley Challenge based at the Centre again in the spring. We are also in discussions with a national events company, Questar, about hosting a new orienteering style event on 14 November 2026.
If you have a family celebration in 2026 then our indoor hall, upgraded kitchen and outdoor space, make a perfect venue.
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 on Sunday mornings. Social pétanque on Friday evenings.
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 senior team to the Sports Centre. FromSeptember, their home base will be Chalke Valley Sports Centre. The club are looking for new players-please see the advert in this month Broadsheet.
At the sports Centre AGM the Committee of Michaela Johns, Tim Moss and Chris Rothwell agreed to stand for a further year. As ever, new volunteers would be very welcome to help in the running of the sports Centre.
Chalke Valley Fete and Produce Show –On August 16, the Centre hosts the Chalke Valley Fete and Produce Show, with many activities to try for just 50p, as well as music, a 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.
Annual General Meeting. This will take place on 3 June 2025 7.00pm at the Sports Centre
Climbing Wall Event. This takes place on Sunday 1June 12.00-4.00. It’s a free event for young people aged 12-18 organised by Broad Chalke Parish Council in conjunction with Bishopstone and Fovant parish councils. Booking is via Eventbrite and opens on 1 May on a first come first served basis. It is limited to young people from the three villages.
Tennis Coaching. Adult and Junior coaching is now taking place on Tuesdays. Further details from the Tennis Club.
Petanque. The Friday evening sessions have started again. 6.00-8.00pm. All welcome. £2 per session.
Chalke Valley Challenge. We will have hosted this event on 27 April in conjunction with The Friends of Broad Chalke School.
Chase and Chalke Walking Festival. At the time of writing this is being planned for Sunday 8 June with walks and activities starting from the Sports Centre.
Chalke Valley Fete and Produce Show. This takes place at the Sports Centre on Saturday 16 August 2025 from 1.00pm-4.00pm. Volunteers required!
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.
RACE NIGHT FUNDRAISER- This took place last month. It was our first Race Night, and it was a sell-out with 70 people enjoying the racing, bar, supper and a fantastic raffle, with many prizes donated locally. The evening raised nearly £2,000. These funds will help complete the kitchen refit and help towards the grant raising efforts on other projects. We hope this will become a regular feature early each year in our fundraising calendar. If you would like to help organise fundraising events, please do get in touch with one of the Committee.
At the time of writing, we are also about to host anotherStar Gazing Evening on 28 February with The Friends of Broad Chalke School. This is another initiative that we hope can feature annually in our calendar.
Sports Centre Management – The Centre is managed by a small committee of volunteers. Over the coming months, the Committee, along with other facilities in Broad Chalke, together with Broad Chalke Parish Council, will be having discussions about the future of our community facilities. Simply put, some facilities may have to close as the pool of volunteers that runs them gets smaller and smaller. If you feel you might have a few hours that you could give to help keep facilities open, please get in touch with one of the committee or a committee member of the Village Hall.
Maintenance – At the Sports Centre, the first major change to arrangements is the likely outsourcing of the sports field maintenance. Nigel has undertaken this task for many years and would continue but for the costs of buying and maintaining suitable equipment to do so!The Committee have looked at options and, at the time of writing, are investigating joint arrangements using Broad Chalke School’s external maintenance contractor and/or with Bishopstone Parish Council, as they are in a similar position, needing to find a new way to maintain their Recreation Field. If this comes about, we hope that the partnership approach will secure some economies of scale. However, moving from a largely voluntary arrangement to a commercial one is not likely to come without cost implications!
Chalke Valley Fete and Produce Show – This takes place at the Sports Centre on Saturday 16 August 2025 from 1.00pm-4.00pm.
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.
Why not gallop over to the Chalke Valley Sports Centre on Saturday 8th February 2025 at 7pm and have a sneaky flutter on the winner of each race! Details below
Michaela Johns, Edward Fry, Chris Rothwell, Tim Moss, John Dutson,
Apologies:
David Cooper, Nigel Hayes, Damon Johns. Tom Scard
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the AGM. The meeting was not quorate (7 members required).
1. Minutes of the 19th of June 2023 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 but to step down from his role as Vice Chairman.
The meeting thanked Edward for his commitment to CVSC over more that 21 years and for his willingness to stay involved informally. The Sports Centre has much to thank Edward for not least its initial building and funding.
The Chairman thanked the Executive for their willingness to continue. He observed that the work of the Executive is often unnoticed by most members, perhaps as evidenced by the poor AGM attendance, but the Sports Centre would not operate without this work and would be very much missed if the voluntary input they commit was no longer available. This is a very real challenge for the Centre (and other community buildings in the village) and one that will have to be addressed if facilities are to be maintained.
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 and discussed by the Executive ahead of its submission to Auditor.
The 2023-24 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.
The Centre is in a healthy financial position currently, but there are significant areas of expenditure in the coming year including: Resurfacing the MUGA; Kitchen Refurbishment; Roof works; Water hygiene works.
5. Clubs Report
a. Cricket
Report from David Cooper attached.
b. Petanque
Report from Damon Johns attached.
c. Tennis
Report from John Dutson attached.
6. Social Media Report
Tim reported that website imagery to be updated. Preference is with pictures of our own activities. Liason with john Fry and Martin Altham.
7. Appointment of Auditors. The meeting agreed to seekreappointment of Nick Limb. MJ to action.
8. AOB
None.
The meeting closed at 7.50pm
There then followed a short CVSC Management Committee Meeting
1. Budget. Funds on deposit were noted from the accounts and Michaela advised of current interest rates. It was also noted that significant expenditure imminent on capital works.
2. Membership. The Executive had proposed a £1 increase to both adult and junior membership. This will be advised to the Clubs and introduced from September 2024.
3. Hire Charges. The Executive had reviewed these in line with inflation and will be introduced from September 2024.
4. Fundraising. The Executive are planning a Race Night in the Autumn. Date TBA once the equipment had been identified.
5. MUGA Replacement. This is still on programme for main works w/c 19 August 2024 but with some advance weed control a month before. Funding was discussed and request made to the CVTC that their funding be increased from £4,000 to £5,000 as CVSC were having to find another £4,000-£5,000 following National lottery declining to support.
6. Football Pitch Hire
Discussion on the approach by a non-Chalke Valley Team to hire pitch and relocate 14 teams to the Centre. The income that might be generated would be positive, but concern over impact on the pitch, how the hire would be managed and grounds maintenance, pitch preparation and cleaning supplied. Also, with the hope that football will recommence with Chalke Valley Teams, there was concern as to how this might then be managed. It was concluded that, regrettably, this scale and type of use would not be in the best interests of the Centre and should be declined.
ATTACHMENTS
TREASURER SUMMARY
See attached
Chairmans Report
Chairman’s Report 2023-2024
The Chalke Valley Sports Centre has been successfully providing sports and recreational facilities for over 21 years now and, during these 21 years, many people have committed time voluntarily to ensure the Centre is well managed, clean, and properly maintained, that the grass is cut, and sports areas are prepared ready for use by the many sports players and visitors that enjoy the use of them.
With each year that passes these tasks seem to get more difficult, with more regulation, increasing costs, greater effort required to raise funds and fewer people available to lend a hand. So, I start with a huge thankyou to the small Executive Committee, and to the committees of the affiliated sports clubs, and to Nigel for his work on the grounds and Caroline for keeping the Centre clean and tidy. Very often this work goes on quietly, unnoticed behind the scenes, but without it we would not have the wonderful facilities that we do. And so, I follow swiftly with a plea,
YOUR SPORTS CENTRE NEEDS YOU.
If we don’t get more help, there is a very real risk that what we enjoy now will be lost…and it will be very difficult to get back again should this position be reached. It only needs a few people to offer a few hours a year to make a real difference by spreading the load.
I commented last year on how well the green spaces, and sports pitches were looking, and this continues to be the case this year. They are used by members and casual users alike and are a great asset for the Valley, but obviously cost money to keep this way. This is why the Executive have made the decision to make a small increase in the membership fees again in September, and to increase the cost of hire.
We have continued to build on the facility improvements delivered over recent years (new floodlights, cricket nets, basketball net, Petanque area), and this last year saw the replacement of the artificial cricket wicket with grant funding from South-West Wiltshire Area Board and the Cricket Club. We have also been investigating and applying for funds for the resurfacing of the Multi Use Games Area and for further improvements to the Petanque facilities and the Kitchen. These are projects that we hope to see come to fruition in the coming 12 months, subject to funding.
It has been great to see the new Zumba class on a Wednesday morning get established. This is open to all and has seen new people start to use the Centre. The Petanque has gone from strength to strength and is a real summer feature in village and valley life now, often with 30-40 people enjoying a Friday evening get together.
Tennis continues to be the largest club affiliated to the Centre and they have organised some excellent coaching classes that have seen both new members join, and existing members improve their game and establish new club sessions for members to take part in. It has also been great to see cricket consolidate their return with Saturday and mid-week matches now regular fixtures in the calendar. Table Tennis continues to provide opportunities across the age groups for competitive and coaching opportunities and the indoor bowls club, a longstanding Club enjoyed mainly for its gentler pursuits, but no less competitive in league matches! All ages are welcome.
We have missed football this last year and hope very much that interest can be rekindled and even to find parents interested in starting boys’ and girls’ football.
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 reign; 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. Fundraising and grants are critical to the Centre’s future. I would like to thank Broad Chalke, Bishopstone and Bowerchalke parish councils for their continued financial support. It is very much appreciated.
Ahead of us we are planning the Kitchen refurbishment; resurfacing of the MUGA, and there is a need for roof works as well as significant water hygiene works to old pipework. We have applied for grants for some of this and have been setting some funds aside in readiness. These costs have to be put alongside the day-to-day maintenance of buildings, grounds, boilers, and equipment which requires investment of considerable time and, of course, money. The Executive are diligent in their approach to this and my thanks on behalf of all Affiliated Clubs to Michaela, Edward, and Tim without whom the Sports Centre doors would not be open.
If you would like to know more about what is on at the Sports Centre, follow us on Facebook or check out the website. If you would like to get involved in running the Centre or have an idea for a new activity then please contact any of the Committee.
On behalf of the CVSC Executive Committee.
Chris Rothwell
Chairman
Chalke Valley Tennis Club 2024 – Chairman’s Report
JD gave an update on the resurfacing of the courts. After a thorough review it was agreed that the court surface would be Macadam. The cost is approx. £25k. An Astro surface would have cost approx. £50k.
The Tennis Club has agreed to contribute funds towards the overall cost of the resurfacing and we will be paying between £4-£5K. It will only have tennis lines unless a new club, wanting to play a different sport, approaches the Sports Centre. We are also looking at long term maintenance plans to keep the courts in good repair.
The dates for resurfacing are from the 19th August to 28th September, however these dates will be weather dependent.
JD also reiterated that it is the 21st anniversary for the Sports Centre and we are very fortunate to have this facility and dedicated volunteers to keep it running. Everyone was encouraged to donate £21 to help towards the future of the Centre.
The reserves stand at £20,813.
Membership: for last year 74 adults, 20 Juniors and 9 Children. 66 people are yet to renew for this year but we anticipate numbers will be similar.
Cricket Club
CRICKET REPORT
2023 was a successful year for Broad Chalke Cricket Club on and off the field. We managed to play 23 matches out of a possible 29 securing victory in 13 games.
In the Hampshire League Division 5 North West, Broad Chalke came a respectable 7th out of 18 teams. In the Salisbury District Wednesday league, we were an impressive 2nd. The Club also reached the Plate Final for the second successive year, unfortunately losing. Maybe third time lucky? Our team captains were able to call on an ever-dependable group of players and we should feel very proud that we were able to field a full team every match.
Off the pitch, the Committee had been very busy securing various grants matched by funds raised by the Club resulting in a NEW artificial playing strip installed in November at the ground for the 2024 season. This complements the artificial practice strip and mobile cage which was installed two years ago. We now have a first-class ground with matching facilities.
Currently the Club are enjoying their best ever start to the cricket season. They are sitting TOP of the table in both leagues, only losing one game out of twelve! The new artificial strip has also performed well with a consistent bounce!
Petanque Club
CLUB REPORT 2024
The Petanque Club continues to be a success throughout the summer with outdoor events throughout the year and league participation ongoing. We have a core of regular players, but we’ve been joined by family or friends visiting and walk-ins from other petanque clubs who have heard of us. Generally Friday night social is attended by 20-30 people, but this does depend on the unpredictable summer weather.
There is a dedicated group who set up the piste and run the sports bar Friday evenings allowing for tasks to spread around rather than relying on any one person.
The club continues to play in a pub league against pub and sports East Dorset and South Wiltshire. The league is sponsored by Stone Daisy Brewery and runs from May to September. We have entered two teams in the league this year and look forward to visiting various hostelries and clubs in the coming months.
This year saw the plan to improve the facilities at the club take a big step forward with the connection of electricity to the shed. The supply cabling was installed by Ted Barnes and the electrics finished by Paul Lanham. We have a dedicated meter in the boiler room and will pay the sports centre for the energy we use through the summer.
The shed will be lined out internally and have a new roof added in the coming months, the majority of the works being paid for by a generous grant from a local resident. Team captain Steve Garsden has generously donated a wine cooler and fridge to the club for use in running the sports bar through the summer.
The Treasures account currently stands at a little over £4000 however half of this is earmarked for the continued upgrades proposed. The revenue from the bar and the pay to play charges continue to be used to stock the bar and keep the club running.
Please feel free to come a join us any Friday to learn more about the club or email
FRIDAY SUMMER EVENING SOCIAL PETANQUE EVERY FRIDAY FROM MAY 6-8PM ADJACENT CAR PARK AT SPORTS CENTRE – All equipment provided with sports bar for refreshments (cash and cards taken)
