Wychavon Parish Games Association
AGM 2nd February 2026
Chairmans Report
Introduction
The Parish Games have continued to enjoy widespread popularity throughout the year. We were particularly pleased to welcome back Parishes that had previously taken part in the competition, with Bredon and Peopleton making notable returns this year. Additionally, Crowle demonstrated increased engagement, further contributing to the spirit of the event.
Our ongoing aim is to encourage even more Parishes and Town Wards to participate in future competitions. Achieving this goal will require time and, most importantly, the willingness of individuals to contribute by helping organise the various teams. When the responsibility falls on just one or two people, it can become a challenging task. Therefore, we strongly encourage members of the community to volunteer their time and support their Parish Contacts in making the Games a success.
Throughout the year, the committee has actively discussed the potential appointment of a paid Clerk to assist with the administrative responsibilities of the organisation. Although there is consensus that employing a Clerk would be a beneficial long-term objective, progress towards this goal is contingent upon securing adequate financial resources to support the associated costs. Current estimates suggest that the annual expenditure required for a paid Clerk would be in the region of £750 to £1,000.
Recognising the financial implications, the AGM should also consider an alternative approach, on an interim basis for 12 months. Instead of appointing a paid Clerk, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) could approve a scheme whereby the secretary is awarded an annual honorarium, which would be determined at each Annual General Meeting in the future. This would serve as a token of appreciation for the time and commitment that the individual dedicates to the organisation’s work and hopefully encourage someone to get involved with this role. Should members wish to explore the possibility of honouring officers in this manner, it can be raised for discussion under ‘Any Other Business’ at the AGM.
The Future
Committee Involvement.
Each year, we consistently appeal for new members to join the committee. This is vital to ensure that fresh faces can gain valuable experience, while still benefitting from the dedication and knowledge of longstanding members who have served the Wychavon Parish Games Association for many years. Despite these appeals, we have yet to receive the level of response that would give us full confidence in the long-term sustainability of the Parish Games.
Once again. this year we renew our call for individuals to come forward and assist us in building upon the considerable effort invested over the years—particularly by Sue, Joan, Denis, Nigel, and other past committee members. While those currently serving may be happy to continue, it is important to recognise that this should not deter others from becoming involved. The recent year has seen health issues affect the organisation, highlighting more than ever the need for additional help and support.
We urge members of the community to consider joining the committee, so that the hard work of past and present members can be carried forward and the future of the Parish Games can be secured.
Review of Awards.
It is crucial for the Organisation to continually review all matters, ensuring that, while unnecessary change and disruption are avoided, issues are addressed effectively. The Committee strives to manage these concerns thoughtfully and is committed to gathering the opinions of members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
A recent matter identified by the Committee relates to the qualification criteria for the Small Parish Award. At present, only two Parishes meet the requirements to compete for this particular award prompting the need for further discussion on its future.
The existing qualification for both the Small and Medium Parish Awards is determined by the number of residents listed on the electoral roll. Specifically, a Small Parish is defined as having between 1 and 500 residents, while a Medium Parish includes those with 501 to 1,000 residents.
To provide clarity on this matter, the latest information supplied by the Wychavon District Council (WDC) Election Department regarding the size of each Parish and Ward has been attached to this report. For the purposes of this review, only the data relating to Parishes currently participating in the competition have been included, though complete details for all 84 Parishes and Wards are available if required.
The criteria for the Award of Merit also require careful consideration. At present, the Award of Merit is granted by the Committee to a Parish that has participated in all fifteen events but has not succeeded in winning any individual event. This approach, while well-intentioned, is notably restrictive. If, in any given year, no Parish meets all the stipulated conditions, the Committee is left without the flexibility to present the award to any deserving Parish.
There has already been some discussion on this matter, with a general view that the award should serve a broader purpose. The intention is to use the Award of Merit as a means of encouraging greater participation in the Games, recognise the substantial efforts that Parishes invest in the competition, and acknowledge instances of exemplary sportsmanship. By reviewing and potentially adjusting the criteria, the Committee can ensure that the Award of Merit continues to inspire involvement and appropriately recognises positive contributions to the Parish Games.
As the full committee have not had the opportunity to fully discuss this and make any recommendations, l would suggest that we discuss this so that the new committee can make a decision on the two awards.
Succession Planning and Committee Roles
As someone relatively new to the committee, I am conscious of the importance of ensuring continuity within the organisation. It is essential to avoid a scenario where I am required to step down as Chairman, and no one is willing or ready to assume the role, so with this in mind, if I am elected this year, I would like to see an additional person elected to take on the position of Vice Chairman. This would provide an opportunity for them to gain first-hand experience of what the role entails and, hopefully, prepare them to take on the responsibility in the future.
The same approach should be considered for the positions of Secretary and Treasurer. By encouraging individuals to step into these supporting roles, we can offer them valuable insight into the work involved and promote a smoother transition, should it become necessary. This strategy will help safeguard the future of the Parish Games and ensure that key roles within the committee are always filled by capable and willing volunteers.
It has been a pleasure to act as the Chairman for 2025, and as always, l am now required to stand down from my formal position following the election of the new committee.
Doug langdon
January 2026