Annual report from Wiltshire Cricket Chair, Lee Ward

Chair’s Report – Wiltshire Cricket Limited AGM 2026

Lee Ward, Chair

I find this time of year always gives us a chance to pause and take stock – to look back honestly at what we’ve all collectively achieved and where we’re heading next.

This has been the first full year of delivering our new strategy, Beyond Boundaries. Last year, we set out our ambition and what we wanted to build. This year, we have focused on putting those commitments into action and can look back with pride on the progress made. At the same time, this is only the start of building strong foundations for the years ahead. We know there is still more to do, and more challenges and opportunities to come.

The recognition we received from the ECB earlier this year reflects the progress we have made. Winning the Operational Excellence Award is something the whole organisation should be proud of. The ECB highlighted our work to build a modern, sustainable foundation, with culture and people at the centre. That recognition reflects the effort and commitment shown over the last few years by Pete, the team and the wider cricket community.

On the pitch, there’s been plenty to celebrate as well.

Our Women’s 1st XI winning T20 Finals Day last year was a fantastic achievement and shows how quickly the women’s game is growing in Wiltshire. It has also been encouraging to relaunch the senior women’s team more widely, giving more players the opportunity to take part and compete.

Our Men’s 1st XI have also started this season strongly, finishing top of their group and securing a home quarter-final against Oxfordshire in the NCCA 50-over competition this weekend. Their performance reflects the strength of the talent pathway and the commitment of both players and support staff.

Beyond representative cricket, it has also been encouraging to see growth across the wider game. More people are playing, more teams are taking part, and more opportunities are being created across different formats. A significant step forward for junior cricket is Wiltshire Cricket taking on responsibility for the Wiltshire Youth League. We are inheriting a strong foundation built through 25 years of tireless work by Chris Sykes, Paul Rowson and Andrew Short, who grew the competition from just six clubs to more than 32. We thank all three for their contribution, and their legacy lives on in the many players who have come through the league and continued their involvement in the game.

I have always believed that the people make Wiltshire Cricket what it is, and that includes both those joining us and those stepping away.

This year, we have welcomed Lisa Farr as Leagues and Competitions Development Officer, and Isla Thompson as Club EDI Development Officer and Girls Activation Officer. These roles will play an important part in supporting clubs and communities and in shaping the future of the game.

We have also welcomed Hugh, Fiona and Dominique as new Non-Executive Directors. They bring valuable experience and fresh perspective that will help us continue to develop and improve.

At the same time, Chris Ladd and Yogi Deogan have completed their terms as Directors. We thank them for the time, energy and care they have given to the organisation and for the contribution they made during their time on the Board.

Finally, I want to recognise someone who made a lasting contribution to cricket in Wiltshire.

We were deeply saddened by the death of our former Chair, Chris Sheppard, last year. Chris served Wiltshire Cricket for around 40 years, including as Chair from the organisation’s formation in 2010 to 2021. He also spent many of those years as Secretary of Wiltshire CCC and was widely respected across the cricket community.

Chris gave a huge amount to cricket in this county. He supported countless people, championed Wiltshire nationally, and helped shape the organisation we are today. On behalf of everyone at Wiltshire Cricket, we owe him a great deal and our thoughts remain with his family and friends.

To close, thank you to everyone who makes cricket happen in Wiltshire - our clubs, volunteers, officials, players and the team behind the scenes. The progress we have made this year is because of your hard work.

As the ECB recognised, we are building a modern and sustainable foundation for the future, with people and experience at its heart. That gives us a strong platform to keep working together to make cricket the most accessible and enjoyed sport in Wiltshire.