DES Campbell is the new chairman of Wellington Cricket Club following his election at the club’s annual meeting, writes David Derrick.

He takes over from Mark Salter who has stood down after being in the post for the past decade.

Among other roles, Mr Campbell was the club’s groundsman last season; in the past he has been an Under 15s team manager, captain and vice captain of the 3rd XI; indeed he founded this side back in 2012.

Mr Salter had announced pre-meeting that he could no longer devote the time and commitment he had to the role since taking it up in 2017 but, pleasingly, he would remain on the club's management committee in the vital strategic role of club safeguarding officer and will continue to play.

David Derrick, entering his 20th and final season in this role, reviewed the 2026 season as having been ‘a decent one’ as the 1st XI secured runners up spot in the West of England Premier League's Somerset Division and won the inaugural Four Regions T20 Cup for WEPL Tier Three sides.

It has been a tough season for the 2nd XI following a series of successive promotions; the team had ended bottom of Division One of the Somerset League and will be relegated.

The 3rd XI had achieved much in Division Seven South of the Somerset League and were just short of promotion.

Junior section cricket at Under 11 and Under 15 levels had been on offer with the ECB's All Stars and Dynamos strands supporting these teams.

Action for female players had been available at both indoor and outdoor throughout 2025-2026.

Mr Derrick confirmed 2026-2027 would be his last as secretary, a role he had held since 2008-2009.

Treasurer Danielle Campbell noted that bar spend had reduced since the 2024-2025 due to the withdrawal of the Wellington Reds football team from playing and relatively disappointingly attended social events on some occasions.

Playing receipts had increased year on year and sponsorship income had performed in a similar manner, but fundraising was down.

On the debit side cricket expenses had increased markedly, a review of the Club' insurance cover had resulted in a more effective portfolio, but at an increased cost for this increased level of cover.

Rental charges had ramped massively and this was an area that was to be fully analysed at the earliest opportunity.

Depreciation of assets contributed to a material loss for the reporting period as is the case in any year, but Miss Campbell was content with the financial wellbeing of the club.

Election of officers included: President - Bernie Burnett; Chairman - Des Campbell; Vice Chairman - Rob Moysey; Secretary - David Derrick; Treasurer - Danielle Campbell; Financial Verification Officer - Trevor Brooks; Club Safeguarding Officer - Mark Salter; Groundsman - Arron Campbell; Membership Secretary - Nick Roberts; Bar and Clubhouse Managers - Ali Campbell and Amanda Moysey; Management Committee Members - Alex Derbidge and Shellie Jarman.

Team officials: 1st XI Captain - Jacob Hurry; 1st XI Vice Captain - Toby Stirzaker; 2nd XI Captain - Thom Trott; 2nd XI Vice-Captain - Aks Latifi; 3rd XI Captain - Tyler Fyfe; 3rd XI Vice-Captain - Tony Hutchings; Ladies and Girls Team Manager - Isla Hendy.

Junior section: Secretary - Tony Hutchings; Safeguarding - Mark Salter; Coach - Toby Stirzaker; Under 11s Team Manager - Iain Clanachan; Under 13s Team Manager - Natalie Anderson; Under 15s Team Manager - Jay Jadeja; All Stars and Dynamos - Sheena Grinter; All Stars and Dynamos - Isla Hendy.