Another very positive season for Wellington AFC, both on and off the pitch, was reported by chairman Mike Hall at the recent annual meeting.
Mike thanked all the officers, committee members, managers, and coaches for their work together with volunteers undertaking match day support, bar work and catering along with the support for youth teams. Particular thanks were also owing to the club’s sponsors.
Without all of this support, he added, the club would not be able to function.
Club secretary Jane Brown said that, once again, the weather had an adverse effect on the season leading to the postponement of games and a backlog of fixtures at all levels.
Fortunately, the club’s teams were able to complete their fixtures in reasonable time with thanks to the cricket club for allowing an extension of use at the Playing Field.
The First Team had finished in 15th position in the Jewson Western League Premier Division and reached the semi-final of the Les Phillips Cup.
The Reserves enjoyed a very competitive season in the Premier Division of the Stitch2Print Devon & Exeter League, finishing the season in third place.
Unfortunately, the Premier Division of the West Country Drainage Services Taunton Saturday League proved too much of a challenge for the A Team and they struggled for most of the season.
In the First Division of the Somerset County Women’s League, the Wildcats finished in a creditable mid-table position.
Meanwhile, the Under 18s finished fourth in their league with a number of their players playing for the First Team, Reserves and A Team.
In the youth section, there were some outstanding performances.
Jane said that special mention must go to the Under 11 Wanderers – Fair Play Award; the Under 14s – Division 1 runners-up; Under 12 Wildcats – League Cup runners-up; Under 13 Wildcats – League winners; Under 15 Wildcats – League Cup winners; and U16 Wildcats – League runners-up and Sheild finalists. Congratulations to all of the teams for the way they have represented the club in all of their games.
She added that, having gone through a period of change, the Abilities Counts section was now thriving.
Jane said that such a large diversity of teams required an army of helpers and thanks must be given to all those who have worked hard to ensure such a large number of adults and young people are able to enjoy the game.
“We have over 400 players from under sevens to under 18s attached to the club, supported by some 40 managers and coaches and their many volunteers.
“At the end of the season, we said goodbye to a number of managers, coaches and volunteers across all sections.
“We thank them for their contribution to the club and wish them all every success in the future.”
Jane explained that the replacement of the six old floodlight columns with four new columns with LED lights had been completed in early September.
These columns are permanent and will not have to be taken down and put back up each season to allow the cricket club to play their games.
The installation of the new floodlights enabled the footpath/hardstanding in front of the clubhouse to be replaced, and a new pitch surround erected. Thanks were due to Jeff Brown for the work he had done on leading the projects.
Under the new sponsorship arrangements with Carly Press, the ground has been renamed as the Carly Press Ground at Wellington Playing Field and new signage is in place together with new ground boards for other sponsors.
“I’m sure all of you will agree that this work enhances the look of the ground and is something that we should be proud of.”
Thanks, were also given to Ken Bird for managing media coverage provided through the website, Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram accounts all of which continue to promote and attract a large number of followers.
Jamie Webber presented the annual accounts which showed an adjusted deficit of £16,657 for the financial year following significant investment to comply with the Western League Premier Division’s ground grading requirements.
“Club running costs have also increased with a tough economic environment and when coupled with poor winter weather postponing many Saturday home games, it added further pressure on the club’s resources.
“The club worked diligently to reorganise fixtures and maximise game day revenue in April and by generating income from other events.
“Bank reserves decreased by £9,469 over the year, so it will be important over the coming season to consolidate and improve on this.
“A thank you needs to go the volunteers and committee members who help run the bars, daytime lettings and keep the club running to offer football and events for the community.”
Officers elected: President, Alan Shire; Chairman, Mike Hall; Vice-Chairman, Graham Aspin; Secretary, Jane Brown; Treasurer, Jamie Webber; Club Welfare Officer, Yvette Waygood; Bar Manager, Michael Owen; Bookings Officer, Jeanette Bird; Media Manager, Ken Bird.
Committee members: Officers plus Stephen Bird and Mike Bull along with senior team managers plus John Norman (boys’ representative) and Georgia Purdy (girls’ representative),
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