PRE-SEASON MEMBERS UPDATE

2023 PRE-SEASON MEMBERS UPDATE

We can’t wait to welcome all our members and supporters back to New Road in just a few weeks’ time for our opening home fixture of the season against Gloucestershire starting Thursday, 20 April. It’s been a while since we were all together, and we’re excited to feel the buzz of the crowd and cheer on our team once again.

In addition to this, we are pleased to share with you a range of exciting updates and benefits exclusively for our members.

This update includes information on all of the following:

• AGM & Annual Report
• Membership Cards
• Members Forums
• New Road Club Shop & Cafe
• Members Benefits
• Facilities Update
• Refer a Friend Scheme

AGM & ANNUAL REPORT

The AGM will occur at some point in April. We apologise for the delay, which is due to factors outside of our control (illness at our auditors).  The detailed Annual Report will be published soon alongside confirmation of the AGM date. 

The Annual Report will detail activity, including consolidated accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022. Head of Finance & Company Secretary Sarah Gluyas will comment further in the Annual Report and at the AGM. The key points, subject to confirmation, are as follows:

• Members increased to 2,459, resulting in the income from subscriptions increasing in 2022 by 20%
• Income received from match tickets of £287,816, catering of £956,213, and sponsorship and advertising of £310,975 have significantly increased in 2022. We have not yet bounced back to the levels recorded in 2019
• Expenditure on cricket has increased in 2022 by £205,506. The playing squad size has increased; there was also additional support staff, ground staff and match day stewards
• Significant price pressure from suppliers has been relentless, with UK inflation at record high levels, particularly for food ingredients. Utility costs increased 49% to £118,663 despite a long-term electric contract sheltering the Club from the extreme volatility of the energy market. We have absorbed these costs at current membership and ticketing prices
• Wages made up 54% of all expenditure to the Club in 2022 and it continues to be a challenge to balance remunerating our dedicated employees with containing costs
• Total debt was reduced by £173,891 in 2022
• Our first financial loss since 2019, in the order of £200,000
• The plans for 2023 are laser focused on tight cost control whilst maximising all commercial opportunities to increase profitability

MEMBERSHIP CARDS

Our Membership team is currently hard at work collating your membership card packs, which will soon be making their way to your doorstep in good time before our first home fixture.

Each pack includes a pocket-sized fixture card that you can carry with you wherever you go, ensuring that you never miss a match.

We anticipate that all membership packs will be dispatched week commencing 27 March, and we expect them to arrive within five working days.

So keep an eye out for your membership card pack, and get ready for an incredible season filled with unforgettable moments and memories.

We are always here to help. Contact us at membership@wccc.co.uk or by calling 01905 337921.

MEMBERS FORUMS

The Club has exciting plans to enhance the member forum experience beyond the recent tradition of hosting pre-play forums before LV=Insurance County Championship fixtures at New Road. While the forums are valuable, the Club recognises that not every member can attend in the morning of the first day of play. Hence, the Club is determined to broaden the range of opportunities for all members to interact with players, coaches, and other key personnel, both in person and online.

In 2023 the Club aims to provide plentiful opportunities for members to interact with players, coaching staff and key staff to ask questions, provide feedback, and learn about the club through multiple interactions. These efforts intend to ensure that all members can engage with the Club, regardless of their schedules or preferences.

The Club is passionate about fostering a community that values member involvement and is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. As such, the Club is excited to embark on this new journey of increased member engagement and encourage all members to take advantage of these opportunities.

2023 PROVISIONAL MEMBERS FORUMS CALENDAR 

*Please note that the event timetable is subject to change depending on Staff, Player and Coach availability throughout the year. Member events will always be publicised in advance on the official club website and social media channels.

NEW ROAD CLUB SHOP & CAFE

Our Official Club Shop & Cafe will be ready to re-open its doors from Friday 31st March, just in time for the start of the new season. Get ready to indulge in some tasty treats and delicious beverages, as the cafe will be open on all matchdays for your convenience.

On non-Match days, the cafe will be open to the general public from Monday to Friday, between 9am to 4pm. So, if you’re looking for a cosy spot to catch up with friends, have a business meeting or just relax and enjoy a cup of barista coffee, this is the perfect place for you!

We can’t wait to welcome you back to our Official Club Shop & Cafe and hope to see you there soon!

MEMBERS BENEFITS

In addition to entry to at least 35 days of Worcestershire first team cricket, 2023 memberships come with a range of other cricketing benefits:

• Free access to all Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire and Gloucestershire LV=Insurance County Championship home fixtures when Worcestershire aren’t the opposition
• Free access to all three Central Sparks fixtures at New Road
• Free Access to all four days of England Men Under-19s against Australia from September 8
• Premium members will also get access to a T20 Doubleheader with Central Sparks playing before Worcestershire Rapids on Monday, 29 May
• 10% discount in the Club Cafe
• 10% in Worcestershire County Cricket Club Food and Beverage kiosks on matchday 
  
  Not a member already? You can sign up today and start making the most of all the benefits!

FACILITIES UPDATE

Since the conclusion of the 2022 season, the facilities team has been diligently enhancing the infrastructure around New Road. One of the major projects includes expanding the Car Park on the Severn Bridge side of the ground, which will provide 94 general car parking spaces and six blue badge holder spaces.

Furthermore, a new scorers box has been constructed to incorporate the Foster and Perks suite, enhancing accessible access. The Club has also installed a new pitch irrigation system in January 2023, which will allow ground staff to automate the process of watering multiple areas of the playing surface simultaneously.

The quality of the playing surfaces will be further improved following the purchase of new ground sheets and wheel covers, thanks to the support of the Worcestershire County Cricket Supporters Association. The turnstile area, which is the first point of entry into New Road, will also undergo significant renovations to improve the overall spectator experience.

The Club has now secured planning permission to construct a new Changing Places room underneath the family stand. This will provide a comfortable area for anyone with additional needs and their carers.

Finally, we are proud to announce the appointment of Stephen Manfield as our new Head Groundsperson. Stephen, has over 15 years of experience at first class grounds, the last ten years at Essex and previously at Sussex and Glamorgan. He will join the Facilities Department in mid-April.

Get Set Sunday – Sunday 16 April 2022

To mark the start of the 2023 season, we are excited to announce #GetSetSunday on 16 April.  Allowing members and supporters to come together before the season starts to help with final preparations of New Road for what promises to be an exciting season.

We’re asking our valued members and supporters to join a number of staff to lend a hand, including washing seats and wiping down fencing, to give our ground a spring clean.

If you’re available from 10am – 1pm on Sunday 16 April, we would appreciate your support. Please click here to fill out short form if you can attend.

As a token of our gratitude, you’ll be offered hot drinks on arrival, and after the clean-up session has finished at 1pm, hot jacket potatoes will be available with a selection of fillings.

By joining forces, we can make a difference and get our ground ready for the upcoming season. Thank you in advance for your support!

REFER A FRIEND SCHEME

As a valued member of our Worcestershire community, we want to offer you an exclusive opportunity to earn Club rewards. Simply recommend someone to take out a 2023 adult membership, and you will receive a £50 Club voucher as a token of our appreciation!

The best part? You can use this voucher towards any future membership and ticketing products that suit you. 

We understand the importance of having a strong community, and that’s why we’re thrilled to offer this special reward to our members. Don’t miss out on this chance to share the Club’s excitement with your friends and family.

For more information on this incredible offer, click here. Let’s build a stronger and more vibrant Worcestershire community together!

We look forward to welcoming all members and supporters back to New Road shortly, for an exciting season of cricket, in the mean time if there’s anything our Membership Department can help with, please get in touch with us via email at membership@wccc.co.uk or by calling 01905 337921.