Note attachments are available on request and are not included here. Apologies for the delay in publication.
Minutes from Abingdon & District Aunt Sally Association AGM held on 26th January 2026
At The Croft Bar, Abingdon
Present: Committee – P. Stone (Chairperson), R. Nichols (Treasurer), T. Woolloff (General), G. Lee (General) and C. Foster (Secretary)
Teams Represented (22 Teams) – See attachment 1
Registration & Welcome
P.Stone welcomed everyone and thanked all for attending.
1. Minutes of AGM 2025
Agreed and proposed by D. Harris and seconded by E. Reisener
2. Chair’s Report
2026 has been a good year for the league as far as the sections go as we managed 60 teams making us the biggest league in the county, and as some might say, the world!
We still have challenges with venues still having a difficult time, we are aware of a couple with issues that will affect next season, but we also know that the teams affected are looking for new locations so are keen to keep playing which is excellent news.
We are also aware of a few new teams and venues that want to take part so we may be in the position of having to instigate some byes this season. As we are a 10-team section league if we step over 60 teams we really need to leap to 66+ to avoid multiple byes in sections. Of course, many of our venues with a single pitch can support two teams so do encourage others to think about having another team. And a slight plea to think about the number of players registered – we don’t set a limit but having 16+ players registered seems a bit daft when you could probably have two teams.
As far as performances go Dave Dix who was again 1 short of the maximum in Week 16, he did total 6 sixes in the season but that was equalled with Phil Adams who also missed the maximum by one doll in Week 12! Both missing dolls in the first leg. Surely, we should be getting a max this season.
I can’t mention all the other 24 sixers here, but it was great to see both our Honorary President John Simmons get one in Week 14, nice to see him getting some form back, and our sponsor, John Pownceby got one in Week 8.
Sadly, I need to mention another sixer Andy Shipman from Harwellian B who we lost over Christmas. He was their best player (he scored 6-5-4 in Week 9) and will be sadly missed by the team and his family.
With every player that puts down their sticks, as it were, we, like a lot of pastimes, need to encourage a younger element to take up the game. There’s a lot to be said to drag some away from their screens and outside into a social gathering both for mental health and social skills. This is not without risks as we’ve seen this year with 2 incidents with behaviour which have been dealt with and for the first time in my history of the Summer League has led one player to a rest-of-season+1 ban. We are all conscious that a mix of alcohol and strong opinions can lead to heightened emotions and it’s up to teammates, and Captains, to ensure everyone’s behaviour is sensible. Two incidents out of 540 games isn’t much but any incident is shocking.
For the avoidance of doubt this league will not accept anti-social or threatening behaviour.
Which brings me on to the people that support us in the League not that they are anti-social or threatening!
Thanks to the efforts of the committee, we have the 60 teams to give us a strong league both in financial and playing terms. Roger Nichols of course puts in a great deal of effort to get us going and keep us going in the season and for Competitions, Presentation Night and of course this AGM as Treasurer.
Roger didn’t do all this on his own and Claire, Geoff & Tosh – your committee, helped us along the way.
Once again, we were grateful for John Pownceby of Thames Cable for sponsoring the League and for the new lower section pairs competitions. For which the one for the D/E/F sections was very popular in the summer with a great turnout at The Harwellian.
We’ve still not increased our fees and as we know almost everything else has gone up. We don’t intend increasing this year but there will come a time when we need to look at our income vs expenditure.
I’ve mentioned the lower section competition, and we did manage to get enough entries to run most of the competitions this year, but it was a hard slog, and Roger did his upmost to cajole and strong-arm teams to enter to get the bare 8 we need for a decent start. Unfortunately, some of those teams dropped out meaning that competition didn’t happen.
I believe the competitions are the best way to hone your match nerves and of course your skills as a player and would hope more teams will take part this year. Singles is always well supported, I’d just encourage you to take part in the other events.
So, I think we are looking forward to another successful year of Aunt Sally.
3. Financial Report – see attachment 3 & 3A
Proposed by M. Crook and seconded by M. Samways
A query was raised on trophies and names. It was explained that some trophies had gone missing/destroyed etc during COVID. Teams to let committee know what trophies are incorrect.
4. Rule Change/Amendments.
Suggestion – could players fill in if another team is short at the same club? It would mean all players would need to sign on for 2 teams for entering scorecards??? Best option is to try and get another team?
5. Sponsorship
Thames Cable have sponsored us again and have also donated £200.00 to lower league competitions which was very much appreciated.
6. Competitions
A big dilemma – which days to hold them, are there too many etc
8’s – handicap is 2 per section at present. Is this fair? Suggestion to use players handicaps instead.
5’s – no handicap at present. Should handicap be introduced?
From the floor – Suggestion of staggering the comps, starting with the lower leagues?
Wednesday for competitions
AGREED – To leave to committee to decide handicaps
Other competitions and start of season:
22nd April will be first round of 8’s competitions
League will run from 29th April until 26th August
3’s, 4’s & 5’scompetitions will be take place on 2nd and 9th September
Captain’s and Secretary’s to stay as individual competitions but if not enough entries, this will be combined – AGREED
7. Election of Officers
The existing committee was willing to stand for another year with no new members.
Chairman – Paul Stone
Treasurer – Roger Nichols
Secretary – Claire Foster
General – Tosh Woolloff and Geoff Lee
All nominated by J. Pownceby and seconded by P. Soden.
8. Dates
16th March – Registration Night @ Ab Con Club from 7.30pm
16th September – Final’s Night @ Ab United
23rd October – Presentation Night @ Ab United
9. Recruitment
Hopefully there will be the same number of teams in the League this year as the ideal number is 60 teams. We understand pubs/clubs change hands and circumstances do change but we always welcome new teams/venues.
10. A.O.B.
- Scorecards – it is not necessary for each player to sign but the captains must sign to agree scores and players.
- All handicaps will be published and put into welcome packs.
The meeting closed at 9.15pm.
No comments yet.