Annual Report & Accounts

PRINCIPAL OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

CLUB GOVERNANCE

MCC COMMITTEE 2023-24

M.C.J. Nicholas 2/2

CLUB CHAIR B.N. Carnegie-Brown

CHIEF EXECUTIVE & SECRETARY

CHAIRS OF PRINCIPAL COMMITTEES

C.C.B. Rogers

G.W. Lavender

Johnston

Rogers

MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

Retiring on 30 September 2025

Retiring on 30 September 2025

Retiring on 30 September 2025

A. Akram

C.M. McCallum

M.G.A. McLintock 10/12

TRUSTEES

Retiring on 30 September 2024

Retiring on 30 September 2025

Retiring on 30 September 2026

J.S. Varley

M.V. Fleming

D.J.C. Faber

In accordance with Rule 18 5, one of the Trustees nominated by them from time to time shall be entitled to attend and speak at meetings of the MCC Committee but not to vote One Trustee was in attendance at each of the 12 MCC Committee meetings held in 2023

SECRETARIAT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE & SECRETARY

ASST. SEC. (COMMERCIAL)

ASST. SEC. (CRICKET & OPERATIONS)

ASST. SEC. (ESTATES & GROUND DEVELOPMENT)

ASST. SEC. (FINANCE)

ASST. SEC. (LEGAL)

ASST. SEC. (MEMBERSHIP)

G.W. Lavender

A.N. Muggleton

J. Cox

R.J. Ebdon

A.D. Cameron

H.A-M. Roper-Curzon

M.H. Choudhury

HONORARY LIFE VICE-PRESIDENTS

The Hon Sir Oliver Popplewell, A.R. Lewis, M.O.C. Sturt, C.A. Fry, M.G. Griffith, O.H.J. Stocken, R.S. Leigh

In accordance with Rule 2 3, Honorary Life Vice-Presidents have all the general privileges and status of members of the MCC Committee other than the right to attend its meetings unless they are members of the MCC Committee

The following MCC Committee members completed their respective terms of office on 30 September 2023:

As President, S.J. Fry (6/10); and as Treasurer, A.B. Elgood (10/10). M.W. Gatting retired as Chair of World Cricket on 30 September 2023 but the World Cricket committee was represented by K.C. Sangakkara throughout 2023

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRESIDENT

In accordance with Rule 8 1, S.J. Fry retired as President on 30 September 2023. At the Annual General Meeting held on 3 May 2023, he nominated M.C.J. Nicholas as his successor. In accordance with Rule 8 4. M.C.J. Nicholas became a member of the MCC Committee as President on 1 October 2023

TREASURER

In accordance with Rule 10 1 A.B. Elgood retired as Treasurer on 30 September 2023 and C.C.B. Rogers was appointed in the role for a period of three years with effect from 1 October 2023

This appointment was approved by Members on 3 May 2023

PRINCIPAL COMMITTEES

In accordance with Rule 16 2, A.B. Elgood retired as Chair of Finance on 30 September 2023 and C.C.B. Rogers was appointed in the role with effect from 1 October 2023 for a period of three years. M.W. Gatting retired as Chair of World Cricket on 30 September 2023 and K.C. Sangakkara was appointed in the role for a period of three years with effect from 1 October 2023

These appointments were approved by Members on 3 May 2023

TRUSTEE

In accordance with Rule 18 2, R.S. Leigh retired as a Trustee on 30 September 2023. The MCC Committee appointed D.J.C. Faber for a period of three years with effect from 1 October 2023

This appointment was approved by Members on 3 May 2023

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

In accordance with transitional Rule 33 4(iv), J.T.C. Kendall retired as an elected member of the Nominations committee on 30 September 2023. There were six nominations to fill the vacancy. Consequently, a ballot was held and, in accordance with Rule 16 6, J.T.C. Kendall was re-elected to serve for a period of three years with effect from 1 October 2023

CUSTODIAN TRUSTEE

In accordance with Rule 19 1, the MCC Committee has appointed The Royal Bank of Scotland plc as Custodian Trustee of the Club.

PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT

This is amongst my favourite photographs. It was taken at the 1997 Cricketer Cup final, which was won by the Bradfield Waifs. Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie presented us with the Cup. The moment captures much of what I love about cricket and, more particularly in this case, about “Ingleby”. He pretty much was the spirit of the game and his smile, the joie de vivre. There was something elemental about him, like the wind, rain or sun, and in his case it was the endless rays of sunshine he brought into our lives that made him special.

I have followed him as captain of Hampshire and now do so as President of MCC. They are big shoes to fill. For various reasons this has been a challenging year for the Club but as Summer approaches we can reflect not upon what has gone but rather anticipate what is to come, and do so while searching for a little bit of Ingleby in us all. On 10 July, we welcome West Indies to Lord’s for the first Test of the season. West Indies were England’s opponents in the first Test match I saw live, back in 1973 Garry Sobers made an unbeaten 150; Rohan Kanhai 157, Bernard Julien 121. It seems barely believable that I saw them in full cry. To a young boy, these were figures from another world of newspapers, books and television screens. This was the Test of the bomb scare, when the Ground was cleared and Dickie Bird sat on the covers guarding the pitch, an umpire possessed. Yorkshiremen take their cricket seriously.

through to stumps only two wickets down. It wasn’t to be. Kanhai took a while to reposition the leg-trap before Boyce steamed in from the Pavilion End to bowl a predictable bouncer at the incensed Boycott. Incredibly, he hooked up and straight into the hands of Alvin Kallicharan at deep square leg. Hundreds of West Indies fans invaded the pitch in frenzied delight. Boycott left the pitch in high dudgeon and understandably took a dim view of the buffeting he received en route to the Pavilion. As I say, Yorkshiremen take their cricket seriously. The excitement of all this left an indelible mark on a young fan.

That evening, England – following on – had a short time left to bat before the close of play. In the last over of the day, Brian Luckhurst turned down a single that Geoffrey Boycott thought he should have taken. This left Geoffrey to face Keith Boyce and see England

Sir Geoffrey will be our guest at Lord’s this year, along with many other wonderful cricketers from across the ages. If Sir Garry is well enough to make the journey, no one will be more excited than I. We also look forward to seeing many old friends from Sri Lanka and are thrilled to be hosting Heather Knight’s fine England team for a T20I against the Kiwis before welcoming back the Australians for a men’s ODI in late – very late! – September.

But before all this, on 5 July, MCC is staging World Cricket Connects – a symposium at which 100 of the game’s most influential

voices will gather at Lord’s to share thoughts on the future of international cricket; the game’s economy; its growth opportunity and the myriad options available to the modern players. At the dinner in the evening, Stephen Fry will give us his take on AI and the impact it could have on cricket.

People ask me about MCC’s relevance in the global game. Of course, it has waned, with India the new centre of power. But that’s fine, India does great things for world cricket and this is no power grab by MCC. In general, I hope we can quietly influence thinking and the aim here is to achieve some common ground amongst the cricket world’s disparate forces, to encourage “the haves” to further look after “the have-nots”. The international game could do with a little more pastoral care and our role in this can be to orchestrate a sense of community and shared purpose among our guests.

Moving on, we should first do so by winding back and loudly applauding Sir Andrew Strauss for his thought-provoking Cowdrey Lecture early in 2023. I further commend Charlie Cowdrey, grandson of Colin, whose brilliant idea it was to change the gears this year by bringing in the Tailenders team. Among their number is Jimmy Anderson and what a privilege it was to hear him share stories with our guests of honour, Stuart Broad, his compadre of so many days in the field of play, and Isa Guha. It was a night that reminded us of all that is great about MCC.

Sir Andrew will be once more front and centre at this year’s West Indies Test, raising funds via the #RedforRuth day. While on the subject of charities, I can’t help but mention the amazing work done by Dr. Sarah Fane and her MCC Foundation team. As we look to align more with Chance to Shine — the charity so close to my own heart — and other important cricketing causes, we can proudly say our role

in the development of young cricketers really means something.

Soon after the AGM, the rollercoaster begins for me on the west coast of Ireland, to where I have been invited for the 150th anniversary of the splendid Cork CC. Irish cricket has long appealed, ever since I toured with MCC alongside the hugely engaging and talented Dermot Monteith. We saw a bit of him at Lord’s during his brief sojourns with Middlesex under Mike Brearley’s captaincy and the anecdotes live on.

Our cricketers will have smelt that freshly mown grass, oiled their bats and whitewashed their pads and boots (I jest!) and our golfers, some of them recently back from Oman, are ready for another year of attractive fixtures at many of the country’s finest courses.

On the subject of fixtures, a word here to encourage our younger Members to push themselves forward to play on field or green and for Match Managers to let them in the door of what some can see as a closed shop, especially to those who are new Members.

For my part, there is simply an amazement at where I find myself. My father brought me first to Lord’s for the 1967 Gillette Cup Final. I sat on the grass with two pals, both still Members to this day. A year later, the three of us gravitated to the Warner Stand and, for the one and only time, I saw Ted Dexter bat in the flesh. Oh my days! A week later my father died and our games in the back garden were put on hold. But not for long. Cricket wrapped its arms around me and is still there, brightening the lives of so many.

If I achieve anything in my time, I hope it is to find unity among our Members and a shared appreciation of the extraordinary gift we have all been given: membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club and of a cricket ground founded in 1787 by Thomas Lord for a common love of the greatest game.

Two men’s Test matches, a men’s ODI and a women’s international match are to be staged at Lord’s every year up to and including 2031. ECB’s announcement, in June, of our future international match allocation anchors cricket of exceptional quality at our Ground for many years to come.

This was one of many highlights — and a handful of challenges — in a very busy year for MCC. Following a review of the Club’s mediumterm strategy (set in 2018), our activities are framed against four strategic pillars: Finest Cricket Club; Greatest Ground; Working for the Good of the Game; and Financial Strength.

The most significant components of our definition of the Finest Cricket Club are the quality of matches we host at Lord’s; the quality of the Member and visitor experience (see page 32); and the strength of the OutMatch programme (see pages 26 to 29). ECB’s announcement of our future match allocation was an important milestone, as was the staging of an Ashes summer — always a highlight for Members.

The Australia Men’s Test match ran through to the final session on the fifth day and, although England lost the match, the day will be remembered for Ben Stokes’ extraordinary 155 and the very regrettable incident in the Pavilion at Lunch. In a single day we experienced the highs and lows of the season and the rewards and responsibilities that go with membership of the finest cricket club.

MCC teams played a record number of Out-Matches in 2023. It’s good to see so many Members playing for MCC, ensuring we thrive as a cricket club. To succeed, we must also be attractive and relevant to all who love the game. The change to the Membership Nominations process, introduced in October 2022, has resulted in 17% of applications coming from women, a significant uplift

on previous years. Work is ongoing to try to make sure our membership increasingly reflects growing female participation in cricket.

Our strategic objective to remain as the Greatest Ground is clear: we want to make Lord’s the definitive cricket destination. Half a million spectators came to Lord’s during the 2023 season. We had record numbers for Tours of Lord’s and our successful Museum exhibitions explore the wide reach of our sport. These elements speak to the centrality of MCC in the development of cricket over more than 200 years.

We approved investment to refurbish the Nursery Ground and the Nursery Pavilion. Improvements to the playing surface and the drainage should enable us to host more young cricketers’ fixtures in 2024 and beyond, supporting our ambition to make both cricket and Lord’s more accessible to new talent.

Members have always had a strong interest in MCC’s influence on the development of cricket in the UK and worldwide. We consider this as Working for the Good of the Game

Our engagement with ECB continues to be an important part of the work of the Committee and the Executive. MCC is represented on ECB’s Professional Game Committee, which has responsibility for making recommendations on, amongst other things, the future of The Hundred, the development of the women’s professional game and the very complex issue of the domestic schedule.

MCC has also been working together with the first-class counties to assist ECB with its response to the Independent Commission on Equity in Cricket (ICEC) report, published the day before the Australia Men’s Test match at Lord’s. A core component of ECB’s response has been to partner with the MCC Foundation (MCCF) as one of its key delivery vehicles for supporting state-school cricket in England and Wales. With the financial support of an additional £1m over the next two years from MCC and ECB, MCCF will scale up the programme from 77 to 150 Hubs, with the aim of increasing the pipeline of talent into the professional game and delivering on ECB’s goal of making cricket the most inclusive sport in the country. A report of MCCF’s activities may be found on page 83

Much of what you will read in this year’s Annual Report provides greater detail on our progress in many of the areas highlighted by the ICEC report. However, and as was made clear in our formal response to the report, issued in September, we will continue to host the Eton v. Harrow and Oxford v. Cambridge fixtures at Lord’s, in accordance with Members’ wishes, with a review to be undertaken in 2027. ICEC’s recommendation regarding these matches suggested that Lord’s should host finals open to all schools and to all universities and we are delighted to confirm that four such matches (for girls and boys and for male and female students) are

on the fixture list for the 2024 season.

The Financial Strength of the Club’s revenues and balance sheet underpin all the Club’s other aspirations. The economic backdrop has been challenging with high inflation impacting our energy and employment costs. We have also tried to respond to the cost-of-living challenges by offering Members an instalment plan on their membership subscriptions. We hope Members agree that the Committee has responded sensitively to these pressures, with subscriptions held flat in both 2021 and 2022 and with an increase of 8% for 2023 against a CPI inflation rate of 10 4% in February 2023

We continue to evaluate the potential to own and manage a Hundred franchise based at Lord’s. It is anticipated that ECB wants to put in place a new ownership model from the start of the 2025 season and, subject to more detail on the structure and economics of the tournament, we believe owning a Hundred franchise could have a positive impact on all four of the Club’s strategic objectives. MCC has a role to play in shaping the future of cricket and will benefit enormously from engaging with all formats of the game at both professional and recreational levels.

On 1 October, the Club welcomed a new President, Mark Nicholas, and a new Treasurer, Chris Rogers, both of whom have made strong contributions to the run rate during their three months at the crease. We said goodbye to Stephen Fry as President and Tony Elgood as Treasurer. Each made an immense and valuable contribution to the Club during their respective tenures. The Committee wishes to thank them on behalf of all Members, and also to thank the executive team, led by Guy Lavender, and all the staff at MCC who work so hard to make our experience as Members so enjoyable.

GROUND DEVELOPMENT

The project to redevelop the Tavern and Allen stands really took shape in 2023 Consultation with Members during the 2022 season provided helpful feedback (particularly regarding the Pavilion link bridge and a desire to maintain the character of the Allen Stand) that informed the architect’s brief for the design competition. WilkinsonEyre was announced as architect for the project in the Spring. Following their appointment, the designers and wider project team consultants were assembled to undertake feasibility design work.

By June, concept designs had been produced to inform fresh consultation with Members. Plans were exhibited during the Ireland and Australia Test matches and a further iteration was included in a document sent to all Members in July. This was followed by an online meeting to hear Members’ views. Further consultation events were held with Middlesex members and the local community.

We recorded visits from 1,200 Members at our consultation events and over 5,700 Members clicked through to look at the document detailing our emerging plans. In addition to the comments and questions

fielded in person by the project team, we received 205 completed feedback forms from MCC Members, and a further 64 forms from Middlesex members and the local community. In all, we were able to identify and analyse over 1,000 individual items of feedback.

The vast majority of responses were very positive and supportive of the Club’s plans. Of particular interest were the new Pavilion link bridge; the provision of lifts and improved access for those with mobility issues; and the ability to circulate from one stand to the other without having to access the ground level concourse.

Specific comments received were almost universally constructive in nature. The emerging plans circulated to Members in July were already reflective of design changes to respond to Members’ comments about protection from wind and concerns over ground circulation. We made further adjustments as outlined below.

In the main, feedback was focused on the external appearance of the rear of the new stands. The design for the vertical brise soleil fins on the Tavern Stand was honed accordingly and the Allen Stand design

altered to better reflect the separation and distinctiveness of the two structures.

The replacement of the boundary wall on St. John’s Wood Road with railings was met with widespread approval. However, a few concerns were expressed about the transition from the solid Grace Gate structure to the permeable railing structure. In addition, a handful of Members felt that more should be done to ensure the appearance of the rear of the Tavern Stand reflected more closely characteristics of the rear of the Mound Stand, further east along St. John’s Wood Road.

The designs included in the Planning Application to Westminster City Council, which was submitted in December, take account of both these considerations, with the railings now poised to sit above a brick base and structured so as to echo the undercroft of the Mound Stand. A modest area of walling is now proposed between the Grace Gates and the railings, to provide a more gradual transition.

As may be expected, some Members asked whether it might be possible to increase further the number of additional seats in the new stands. The project team has worked hard to maximise the height and depth of the design within the overall site constraints and it has been possible to accommodate just over 1,100 additional seats, thereby increasing the current capacity of the stands by 28%. This has been achieved without compromising the Club’s requirements for pitch-facing bars on every level in each stand and for 900mm seat row depths.

Middlesex members also appreciated being consulted and we are working with the County to ensure Lord’s, as their home ground, maintains a strong Middlesex presence in the Allen Stand.

The stands are designed to be as sustainable and energy-saving as possible and we expect to achieve BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Model) “Excellent” status. By retaining the existing steel frame of the Tavern Stand and extending it, the Club will save 614 tonnes of carbon. Westminster City Council has also stated that this approach is very much supported by them and will be a material consideration when determining the Planning Application.

The proposals will also enable MCC to meet its published objective of achieving Net Zero Carbon from MCC operations (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2030. This will be aided by solar panels which are to be placed on the flat roof of the Thomas Lord Building, which will contribute to 28% of the new stands’ total renewable electricity consumption. The project will improve energy efficiency and make carbon savings in the Tavern and Allen stands that are 35% above current Building Regulations requirements.

The Committee authorised progression to RIBA Stage 3 detailed design in August. A Planning Application was submitted in December, at which point the project team was authorised to proceed with RIBA Stage 4 Technical Design.

The Club’s proposals have received broad support from Westminster Planning Officers, Historic England, the St John’s Wood Society and Westminster’s inaugural Design Review Panel. We await determination from Westminster City Council and a formal proposal will be put to the 2024 AGM, seeking Members’ approval. On the current timetable, we expect the new stands to be open for the first major match of the 2027 season.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE & SECRETARY’S REPORT

Writing this report in the depths of winter, the 2023 season seems a distant memory in many respects but what a year it was, with the full gamut of domestic and international cricket, for both men and women, including of course the second Test match of a truly enthralling Men’s Ashes series.

It was a busy year, not least in staging many other matches, including 12 minor match days across the summer, which are so important to the Club. For the first time in our recent history, we surpassed half a million spectators in a single season at Lord’s.

The end of the cricket season enables us to review our operational performance, a process we conduct both internally and through external independent analysis. There were some very pleasing conclusions: attendances at major matches were strong; we saw improvements to our white-ball pitches (a critical focus area for the year); customer experience scores saw Lord’s lead on nine of the 13 experience factors amongst the Test Match Grounds. It was particularly heartening to see progress in the areas we had chosen to concentrate on during the year – queuing; food and beverage; and retail and stewarding.

of experience for Members and other visitors to Lord’s remained excellent.

As in recent years, the Annual Report provides an appropriate moment to look back on the Club’s plans and progress over the last two years (2022 and 2023). In December 2021, the Committee approved a two-year set of strategic objectives and associated Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the Executive to deliver over the period.

In December 2023, the Committee assessed progress, or otherwise, against each KPI. The table on page 11 provides a summary, with green signifying good progress, amber items that are in progress and red items not achieved.

In the main, we achieved what we set out to do, with 28 of the 35 KPIs fully realised, but we recognise that there is more work to do in several areas.

Not all was perfect; at the Australia Men’s Test match, the pitch invasion on Day 1 and the incident in the Pavilion on Day 5 were particular low points; and attendances at our T20 Blast matches were not as strong as we had hoped. But in the round, a very good operational year translated into an exceptional financial performance. This was delivered through strong sales and good cost control, whilst ensuring the standard

We spent time towards the end of the year working on plans for World Cricket Connects, a forum for the leading voices in cricket to constructively discuss the health of the game. The event, which was announced in January 2024, will take place in July 2024

Our ongoing review of online systems and processes resulted in changes to the 2024 Members’ Ticket Ballot. These were positively received and the plan is to apply that level

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 2022 AND 2023

THE FINEST GROUND FOR THE GOOD OF CRICKET DRIVING GROWTH

Review options and make recommendations for future ground development.

Map out the Club’s carbon footprint and establish a plan to achieve net zero by 2030

Commence the Mound Stand Suite Refurbishment.

Commence the installation of the new Allen Stand scoreboard.

Deliver improved signage, wayfinding and branding across the Ground.

Ensure the Club’s Heritage and Collections contribute to an inclusive visitor experience.

Deliver highquality pitches and playing experiences for major matches.

Increase the scope and impact of the Club’s Community Programmes.

Review the function of the Nursery Ground and increase its usage for recreational cricket.

Secure the required quantum of major match cricket through the next bidding process.

Deliver a new successful Debenture offer and sale.

Successfully deliver the new premium seating strategy.

Support the Club in increasing the scope and reach of the MCC Foundation. Grow commercial partnerships.

Provide greater opportunities for diverse teams to play at Lord’s.

Deliver and evolve our retail offering.

Expand MCC’s position as an independent, vocal, world leader in cricket. Tender and develop a licensing programme.

Maximise The Hundred as an opportunity to engage new and diverse audiences.

Improve our ticket sales processes, thereby growing attendances across all formats.

of focus across every aspect of the digital experience, for the benefit of Members and customers alike. In doing so, we are mindful of our responsibility to every Member, not just the most technologically able, and our integrated Club Services Department remains core to the service function.

EXCEPTIONAL MEMBER SERVICES

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Undertake membership insight and respond accordingly.

Successfully deliver the Club’s AGM with effective consultation on major issues.

Provide an enhanced service to Members across all touch points.

Take measures to enable a broad range of applicants to enter the membership pathway.

Deliver an effective Member Engagement Plan.

Ensure that the Ground is welcoming and accessible for all.

Reduction of queue times for entry to the Ground and for F&B outlets.

Improve the digital experience for customers and guests.

Evolve the premium hospitality offering.

Continue to evolve the F&B offering across the Ground.

INSPIRING LEADERS, EXCELLENT STAFF

Successfully deliver and improve on the Club’s governance processes.

Secure and train the requisite number of casual staff to meet the Club’s objectives.

Expand our recruitment processes to broaden the diversity of people we attract.

Ensure measures are in place for the training, development and retention of talented staff.

Deliver the Club’s EDI strategy.

Importantly, we must learn the lessons of not consulting effectively with Members during the debate on the retention of Eton v. Harrow and Oxford v. Cambridge.

When we did consult, through the survey conducted in January, we received responses from over 8,900 Members — nearly half the

membership. The views expressed were polarised, with strong feelings on both sides and the compromise reached subsequently was therefore the right outcome.

We must now focus on facing fresh challenges and opportunities together as a Club, with effective governance processes that have the support of Members.

The Committee started the process of developing a new strategic plan in late 2022. Having been discussed and developed over the course of 2023, the new plan was approved in December. There are two component parts which are worth noting. The first is the recently-published “Our Club”, which is a document designed to provide a high-level, public-facing explanation of what MCC is and does. The second is a more detailed internal plan built around four strategic pillars: Finest Cricket Club; Greatest Ground; Working for the Good of the Game; and Financial

Strength. It covers the next three-year period, 2024-26. A summary is set out on page 13

The opportunity for future involvement in franchise cricket, through a new model currently being worked on by ECB for The Hundred competition, currently sits under the Financial Strength heading, but of course it would be a major step for the Club, which would affect other aspects of our strategy.

Other major strategic issues for us to address in the months and years ahead include the redevelopment of the Tavern and Allen stands, growth of the MCC Foundation and ensuring our longterm financial health through our major match programme, new events and commercial partnerships.

We think these KPIs are ambitious but achievable objectives, reflecting the breadth of the Club’s activities, delivered by our enablers – primarily our fantastic people

Continuously improve the membership offer, understanding Members’ views and delivering exceptional experiences.

Simplify all our digital processes to make every purchase or interaction with the Club seamless, intuitive and straightforward.

Ensure MCC attracts a diverse range of cricketloving applicants, with 25% being women and 10% ethnically diverse by the end of 2024.

Increase the number of female MCC Playing Members from 180 to 600 by the end of 2026

STRATEGIC DELIVERY PLAN KPI s (2024-26)

Deliver the Tavern & Allen redevelopment to time, budget and quality.

Ensure the Club is on track to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Ensure the excellence of our pitches for both red- and white-ball cricket, whilst increasing the number of games able to be played per season.

Complete the Nursery Ground refurbishment and deliver a world -class training surface, an increase in the volume of recreational junior cricket matches and availability to host non-cricket events.

Maximise attendances at all major matches, including new audiences whilst delivering excellent customer experiences.

Grow the MCCF Hubs from 77 to 150 by 2025 Concurrently, enable MCCF to expand its work at home and abroad through fundraising and membership support.

Deliver a World Cricket Forum, bringing together 100 cricket minds to debate the future of the game.

Increase scope and reach of the MCC Community programme to deliver cricket to 5 000 school children p.a. and a 50% increase in local residents attending matches and employability and education programmes.

Further build the reputation of MCC through new events to include the Cowdrey Lecture, a Sustainability Summit, and a Women’s Cricket Symposium.

Develop and maintain good relationships with ICC, ECB, Middlesex, WCC and FCC.

Exceed the 2023 LongTerm Plan for surpluses and closing cash by the end of 2026.

Evaluate and, if agreed, own the London Spirit franchise team from 2025 onwards.

Explore and launch a new Lord’s Digital Membership to drive new revenues and fan engagement.

Secure key strategic MCC commercial partnerships that achieve increased revenues for the period to 2031.

Develop and deliver new profitable non-cricket events (e.g. the Home of Food Festival) that will grow year-on-year.

Play one additional MCC-owned cricket fixture per season to generate new revenues (e.g. Legends).

and assets. My intention is to provide an annual summary of progress against these objectives in my report to Members.

I will look back on 2023 with considerable pride for all our Club has achieved. I would like to thank my Executive team, all MCC staff and you, our Members — especially those who serve on the Club’s committees — for your support during a very busy year; it has been greatly appreciated.

COMMERCIAL

With high expectations for an Ashes year and with the hope that there would be fewer operational issues and challenges than in recent years, 2023 was successful both commercially and in the quality of the delivery. There were many highlights and record-breaking achievements across several areas.

Tours of Lord’s had an exceptional year, with consistently positive feedback from 60,000 Tour visitors, surpassing the £1m mark for the first time to finish the 12-month period significantly ahead of budget.

The Retail operation implemented its new strategy, improving systems, shop layouts and product ranges for both

Members and other visitors across the season as well as relaunching our online shop. Not only were customer satisfaction scores at their highest ever but revenues were up significantly against budget and on any previous year, laying the foundations for further growth.

Our Events & Experiences Department ended the year on a high, with the final quarter accounting for 50% of all events across the year. This amounted to a good recovery from a slow start to the year, when opportunities were hampered by reduced availability through the season, to a positive year-end position comfortably in excess of budget. Despite the significant number of events delivered across the last quarter, feedback on the quality of food, drink and customer service was consistently positive.

All this was achieved whilst increasing the number of Club and partner events delivered across the year.

Our Premium Seating Department (Hospitality and Debentures) performed well, surpassing budget, including a betterthan-expected Ireland Men’s Test match. To meet the exceptional demand for the Ashes, we introduced two additional hospitality products. The Ashes Lounge on the Nursery Ground and a second collaboration with The Ivy provided over 1,200 additional covers between them over the Australia Men’s Test match.

Following a significant refurbishment of the Mound Stand hospitality and Debenture levels, we were able to renew and sell all available seasonal suites ahead of the season, as well as introduce new products which performed ahead of budget. These included the Willow Suite, a premium pitch-facing shared hospitality suite accommodating up to 40 people.

However, not all areas and goals were delivered as anticipated. The 2022-23

Debenture sale had a lower-than-expected renewal rate, leading to the budget being missed. There were still positives, with our top tier Debenture products across the Compton, Edrich and Mound stands selling out and many new customers becoming Debenture Holders. Consideration and solutions for future Debenture sales are being reviewed to take into account the increased marketing restrictions around Debenture products that were implemented by the Financial Conduct Authority in both 2022 and 2023

Domestically, The Hundred hospitality interest grew in 2023 but there is further growth opportunity across this tournament, as with the T20 Blast.

Budget was exceeded in our Commercial Partnerships Department, as we welcomed two new Partners during the year. Destination Travel has become the official travel partner to MCC and ReWater is the official water supplier of MCC and Lord’s, providing a sustainable quality product for our Members and other visitors across the Ground. New product lines from Hawes & Curtis proved successful across retail and the announcement of a new Limited Edition Members’ timepiece with Oris, the official timekeeper of Lord’s, was planned for early 2024

Our Members’ benefits programme, MCC Extras, has likewise grown over the last year. It now provides exclusive benefits, access and offers for Members from 30 partners across food and drink, sport, leisure, travel, accommodation, health, well-being and lifestyle. It is also the destination for upcoming Members’ Events, supported by a monthly email to Members, MCC Extras Monthly

Following the Members’ Commercial and Catering survey and feedback in

late 2022, and with increased numbers expected for the 2023 season, our in-house Catering Department undertook a review of its operation, with the aim of improving Ground-wide food and beverage delivery across all restaurants, hospitality, Debenture, events and concession areas to build on our positive existing reputation. Simplification whilst maintaining quality was at the forefront of this review. Numerous changes were implemented across the catering operation, delivering our best season to date by way of commercial performance, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

We also delivered a major non-cricket event (the first of its kind at Lord’s) in September: The Home of Food Festival with Tommy Banks. Over a swelteringly hot weekend, we welcomed more than 5,000 people to enjoy activities, street food, drink and fine dining from Michelin-starred chefs, partners and entertainers, attracting new audiences to Lord’s. Feedback from Members and other attendees was excellent and plans for the next iteration of this event are in development.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

MCC is committed to ensuring that cricket is a game for all, and that Lord’s is a ground where everyone feels welcome. That commitment was reinforced in September with the announcement of a significant increase in our financial support to the MCC Foundation, by £500,000 over two years, which will be matched by ECB.

The MCC Foundation aims to increase the number of Hubs to 150 over the two-year period covered by this additional funding, with active participant numbers rising to 5,000. The current percentage of female participants is 29% and plans are afoot to increase that figure to 40% in the first year, with aims for 50% in the future.

MCC worked in partnership with Middlesex to deliver a 50:50 gender split for its All Stars and Dynamos Cricket Centre bursaries that were delivered across four local sites. MCC’s after-school cricket provision this summer had a 55:45 male to female ratio.

A Membership Diversity Action Plan has been produced, to identify potential projects to improve the diversity of the Club’s membership. The plan has also highlighted the need to address the

environment, culture and behaviours within the Club to ensure that Lord’s is a welcoming and accessible place for all.

Since launching the new online Membership Nominations process, the Club has received 17% female and 10% ethnically diverse applicants. To further support this work, the Club has appointed a Women’s Cricket Recruitment Officer, Emma Marsh. This role has been specifically designed to champion MCC Playing membership within the women’s game, to encourage engagement with the Club and to drive up the number of female Members from 2024 onwards.

The Club is proud to have welcomed a range of people to faith events at Lord’s in 2023. These included the hosting of an Iftar in the Thomas Lord Suite during Ramadan, a Diwali celebration in the Nursery Pavilion in partnership with ECB and a Hannukah event in the MCC Museum (which also celebrated the launch of the first Community Gallery exhibition, Jewish Cricket and Cricketers). Rounding off the year we were delighted to host another wonderful Evening of Carols in the Long Room.

Each year, we survey both Members and other visitors to understand, amongst other things, how welcoming they found their experience during matches at Lord’s. The table below shows the percentages within each group who found their experience positive (either “fairly welcoming” or “very welcoming”) in 2023

MEMBERS PUBLIC

overwhelming. The room has a maximum occupancy of six at a time and is available on a come-and-go/first come, first served basis.

In September, MCC partnered with Out4Cricket to host the second LGBTQ+ Cricket conference. The event served as a platform for discussion, education and the promotion of LGBTQ+ representation within the cricket community. Aligned to this, we hosted a cricket taster session in the Indoor Cricket Centre for the LGBTQ+ community and played an MCC Out-Match against a combined XI of Graces CC and Birmingham Unicorns, the two leading LGBTQ+ cricket clubs in the UK.

On the field, 12 women’s fixtures took place at Lord’s, with the Women’s T20I match as part of the Ashes Series breaking the England Women’s record for the highest attendance for a home bilateral fixture.

We continue to work with international teams who play at Lord’s to ensure players find the Ground a welcoming environment whenever they visit. Utilising our relationships within the local community, the Club is able to provide an imam to host prayers in the Multi-Faith Facility in the Pavilion for players who wish to practise their faith during a match. Members of both the England and Australia men’s teams prayed together before the start of Day 1 of the Australia Test match.

We have introduced a Sensory Room to provide a safe and calming space for spectators with neurodivergent needs who may find the match atmosphere

We have also redoubled our efforts to support MCC staff, who have access to Health & Wellbeing Ambassadors and an upgraded Mental Heath First Aid programme. Specific wellbeing months took place in March and October. In particular, the Club delivers a mental health programme to mark World Mental Health Day each year by delivering all of its Mental Health Programmes throughout the day.

Anti-discrimination training continues to be delivered for all new employees at the Club via Show Racism The Red Card. Members of the Executive Management Board have also taken part in ECB’s Inclusive Leadership Programme.

As of 1 October 2023, diversity of the MCC Committee has remained consistent, in line with the data set out below.

WORLD CRICKET

COMMITTEE

K C Sangakkara (2/2) Chair

S W Bates (1/2) (ex-officio)

C J Connor (2/2)

H D P K Dharmasena (1/2) (ex-officio)

S C Ganguly (2/2)

J N Goswami (1/ 1)

H C Knight (0/ 1)

J L Langer (2/2)

E J G Morgan (1/ 1)

R H Raja (2/2)

R Skerritt (2/2)

G C Smith (1/2)

J Cox Secretary 2022-23

The following individuals retired from the committee in 2023:

M W Gatting (2/2)

B B McCullum (0/2)

Sir Alastair Cook (0/2)

Fair and equitable distribution of funds within a balanced global cricket schedule was the key theme across meetings held in February and June. Our sport has reached an important crossroads and it is the committee’s unanimous view that urgent intervention is required from the game’s leaders to ensure international and franchise cricket can thrive together in harmony.

This recommendation for action is belied by cricket’s status as a major worldwide sport which, in many ways, has never been in a healthier position. There has never been more money circulating through the global cricket economy, the quality of all formats of international cricket continues to thrill, and the number of playing opportunities for both men and women continue to grow.

However, the opportunity to better balance the economics of the game must now be seized so that this current position of strength can help secure the sustainability of the international game for all ICC member nations, for future generations.

The men’s schedule in 2023 was saturated with domestic franchise competitions, which overlay and compete with the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) for bilateral international cricket. There is constant overlap between international and franchise cricket. Of the domestic tournaments, only the Indian Premier League commands anything like a dedicated window, avoiding clashes with international matches. Also notable in the new men’s FTP was an

alarming and growing disparity in the amount of international cricket played by the various cricket-playing nations; a situation which is neither equitable nor sustainable.

In contrast, the first version of the ICC Women’s FTP, which covers the period until 2025, presents no overlapping of international and domestic leagues. The committee urged national boards to work together to find the optimal balance between the two, taking learnings from the congested schedule that now exists in the men’s game. With women’s cricket already seeing a heightened disparity of income in some countries between the franchise leagues and international cricket, some female cricketers are beginning to step away from international cricket. This is a worrying development.

The committee received presentations from the Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA) which highlighted a pleasing increase in the number of female professional cricketers around the world amid the growth of women’s franchise leagues. Strikingly, from the FICA men’s report, it was evident that more of

the game’s finest players are generating a substantially greater proportion of their income hopping between franchise clubs than they are from playing for their country. Increased playing opportunities in both the men’s and women’s game are a welcome development but these cannot be to the detriment of international cricket – the pinnacle and lifeblood of the game. Continued overlap and congestion will lead to an increasing number of players forced to choose between club and country, threatening the “best v. best” status critical to the success and appeal of international cricket.

The men’s FTP is fixed until 2027 but the committee called on ICC to challenge its full member nations to ensure a more equitable spread of international cricket in the next cycle, rewarding hosts and touring nations alike. The goal must be to secure a balanced, meaningful and commercially viable FTP for all: one which prioritises bilateral cricket, finding suitable space for franchise cricket while recognising and supporting the ICC World Test Championship to reach its full potential.

This led to a debate on the role men’s 50-over internationals (ODIs) now play outside of ICC World Cups. The committee recommended the volume of ODI cricket be reduced significantly following the completion of the 2027 Men’s World Cup. The committee believes a scarcity of ODI cricket, achieved by removing bilateral ODIs other than in the year preceding each World Cup, would increase the quality of cricket played, at the same time creating much-needed space in the global cricketing calendar.

Following the June meeting, the committee highlighted the need for ICC to take a democratic and inclusive approach to maximise the generational opportunity

that has been presented to cricket over the next five years, courtesy of the recent record sale of media rights for ICC global events. The current model for distribution of ICC funds heavily favours a minority of nations, thereby widening income disparity. Without intervention, this has the potential to harm the international game.

The committee voiced particular concern for the survival of Test cricket in nations outside of India, Australia and England. Many nations are clearly experiencing a growing financial inability to host men’s Test match cricket but the game lacks quantifiable data. A clearer picture would be presented were ICC to undertake a financial audit of the costs of staging a Test match in each of the Test-playing nations. This audit of operational costs versus commercial return would help ICC identify nations in need of support in order to sustain a Test match programme. This need could subsequently be addressed via a targeted ICC Test fund, established to protect the sanctity of the longest form of the game.

The creation of an additional ICC Strategic Fund – substantial and ringfenced – would enable the allocation of funds, on a needs basis to countries who, amongst other key initiatives, fully commit to their women’s pathway and national team.

The pace of play in men’s Test matches continues to be a topic of regular discussion. Concerns have been raised with ICC, along with detailed suggestions for intervention, but sadly these have yet to result in any permanent changes being implemented by the governing body.

The committee would like to record its particular thanks to Mike Gatting, who stood down in 2023 (as did Sir Alastair Cook and Brendon McCullum), for his outstanding contribution over the past six years as Chair.

CRICKET

COMMITTEE

S C Taylor MBE (4/4) Chair

B J Debenham (3/4)

A Fordham (2/4)

A R C Fraser (3/4)

E K Hubbard (4/4)

A D J Kennedy (4/4)

L K McLeod (4/4)

A Akram (4/4)

I Martin (3/4)

Dr S Pathak (4/4)

M J Semmence (1/ 1)

D J Balcombe (1/ 1)

D Talalla (1/ 1)

J Cox Secretary

2022-23

The following individuals retired from the committee in 2023:

G T E Monkhouse (2/3)

P W G Parker (3/3)

Half a million people came through the gates for matches at Lord’s in 2023 – more than ever before, including MCC Members and other spectators. The on-field action did not disappoint, with two hard-fought Ashes fixtures the undoubted highlight. Anglo-Australian cricket is often perceived as representing the game at its finest and most competitive and the 2023 version will live long in the memory of those who attended.

The MCC Cricket Strategy, launched in 2022, provides much of the framework and focus for the work of the committee. It has been pleasing to see progress in advancing many of the elements under the Cricket Strategy’s four main pillars of global leadership, world-class facilities, cricket for all and MCC Member cricket.

Most prominent was the announcement in September that MCC would contribute a further £ 250,000 per annum, for the next two years, to the MCC Foundation (MCCF) to fund expansion of their National Hub Programme. MCC’s contribution is to be matched by ECB, as part of their response to the report published in June by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC). This increased funding will enable the amazing work of MCCF to continue apace, with the delivery of a minimum of 150 hubs by 2025. The hubs service a fantastic niche of providing free access to cricket coaching and match-play to state school-educated boys and girls throughout the UK and in some overseas locations.

The considerable efforts of Karl McDermott and his groundstaff team achieved consistently strong pitch ranking marks from match referees and commendation at ECB’s grounds manager of the year awards. This was significant as a goal was set for the 2023 season to improve the quality of white-ball pitches at Lord’s. This led to a bold end-of-season pitch

renovation in 2022, which paid dividends, culminating in the delivery of the best ranked white-ball pitches in the country. The groundstaff also presented a pitch for the Australia men’s Test match that enabled it to reach its natural conclusion after Tea on the fifth and final day.

It was also another extremely busy and productive year for the Indoor Cricket Centre, which once again provided formative cricket experiences for thousands of participants of all ages and abilities, fine-tuning their game under the watchful eyes of MCC’s committed coaches. The facility continues to provide a six-figure revenue source for reinvestment back into the game. Refurbishment plans were postponed in 2023 and instead a major works project is currently being scoped with a view to being undertaken in 2025

Another refurbishment did go ahead, as approval was received for a £750,000 project to carry out major civil works on the Nursery Ground – a cornerstone of the Cricket Strategy. This major investment in the training facilities at Lord’s will not only flatten the undulating surface but also incorporate new drainage and irrigation infrastructure, bringing it up to the standard of the Main Ground. Making these changes will assist the maintenance and resilience of this key area for cricket training, fit-for-purpose matches and other activities, including mixed use on major match days. At the time of writing, these

works were freshly and successfully completed, with the first signs of grass germinating. The surface has now been handed back to the groundstaff for ongoing management.

Fixtures for the 2024 season were discussed and agreed, including the addition of two new finals days as the culmination of competitions, male and female, open to all schools and to all universities, respectively. We will also host a day of disability cricket – a first on the Main Ground – featuring two fixtures, a T10 blind cricket exhibition match and a 40-over match against an ECB Chair’s Disability XI including players from England’s Deaf, Learning and Physical Disability squads.

The rise in prominence of disability sport, driven by the Paralympic movement, has led to a greater volume of organised disability cricket at every level. This is an exciting development and we discussed practical ways in which the Club may offer support and opportunities to disabled cricketers. For some years now, MCC has maintained an OutMatch fixture at New College Worcester,

a school which caters for blind and partially-sighted pupils, but we are now considering the potential to field our own team of disabled cricketers. We also discussed criteria for international disability cricketers to be considered for Honorary Life Membership, so that we may recognise their contribution in future.

The committee bade farewell to two members in 2023, with the tenures of Graham Monkhouse and Paul Parker coming to a natural end. We thank them both for very strong contributions and dedicated service to the Club and wish them well. The efforts to replace them attracted exceptional candidates and we welcomed David Balcombe, Mark Semmence and David Talalla, who between them strengthen the committee’s exposure to first-class, club and school cricket, umpiring and junior coaching. Their experience in each of these areas will be of benefit in the execution of the Cricket Strategy in the remaining year of its current cycle but will also, importantly, inform our plans as we come to set fresh challenges for the Club’s cricket-related activities from 2025

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Community Department’s core area of focus is the community closest to Lord’s and its surrounding area within the borough of Westminster. We partner with various organisations, from national mental health charities to local adult education services, creating unique opportunities for people to improve their lives through their connection to the Club.

Our Primary PE programme aims to give every state-educated child in Westminster the opportunity to start playing cricket. We are currently working in 95% of local primary schools and deliver weekly after-school clubs with secondary schools across Westminster. Throughout the year, we delivered cricket coaching to 3,626 children.

The Club works in partnership with Middlesex to deliver a number of cricket programmes, hosting over 3,000 children at County Championship fixtures during the season and delivering multiple All Stars and Dynamos Cricket Centres throughout the borough.

We have been closely supporting various youth clubs in Westminster, including the newly re-developed North Paddington Youth Club. NPYC is an integral part of the community in Maida Vale and offers the chance for young people in the area to take part in cricket sessions. We provide trips to Lord’s and match-day tickets for the

participants and staff, as well as free meals for all participants as part of our holistic approach to engaging with the community.

We launched our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) support programme in the summer. HAF is a Government initiative to provide free activities and food during the school holidays for children aged 4 to 16 who are eligible for free school meals. Providers can choose from coach-led sessions at their venue, a visit to the Ground and/or a cricket or real tennis session.

Helping young people on their journey into employment is a central part of our long-term strategy. Recent research in Westminster showed that 60% of young people identified “getting a job or having a successful career” as a main source of worry for them. MCC continues to deliver multiple employability programmes for 16-18 year olds and offers them a range of opportunities to enhance their employability skills through events, workshops and work experience.

The increase in the number of people suffering with mental health issues continues to be a concerning issue for society. We have partnered with mental health charity Mind to offer a long-term programme of health and wellbeing sessions for people in the local community. After attending our sessions, which focus on physical activity, mental health, social connection and healthy eating, 83% of participants reported an improvement in their physical health and mental wellbeing. We have managed to engage with some of the harder-to-reach people in our local community resulting in the creation of a regular group who see Lord’s as a part of their weekly routine and socially prescribed treatment plan.

“I WANTED TO BE AROUND PEOPLE WHO CAN EMPATHISE WITH WHAT I AM GOING THROUGH AND PEOPLE WHO DON’T JUDGE.

”My fitness is slowly getting better. Certainly, my mind feels better I don’t feel like I am alone. A lot of times in my life I have felt like an outsider, but I don’t feel like that anymore.

MCC continues to support elderly local residents. Walking Cricket, hosted in the Indoor Cricket Centre, provides an opportunity for older people to take part in a more accessible form of the game as well as a platform to come together at Lord’s and remain active. We currently have around 75 participants who are part of the group and on average more than 30 participants attend the session each week. Around 75% of our participants come from a non-cricket background and over 50% are women. Creating a community group for older people in which they are able to stay active both physically and socially was the initial aim of this programme and our feedback and consistent growth has shown this to have been a success.

As one of the leading Walking Cricket providers in the country, we are now looking to expand the programme with increased coaching, competitions and major events. We staged a Walking Cricket demonstration on the Main Ground during a County Championship fixture, as well as multiple competitions with County Boards and offered extra support to the group, such as advice from local mental health services and physical therapists.

Since 2014, we have run reminiscence sessions for local people living with dementia. Our monthly memory cafe event brings together people with dementia and carers for tea, sandwiches and a chat about their shared memories. We also introduced a monthly music session with English National Opera performer and group facilitator Maciek O’Shea.

Both sessions are aimed at increasing social interaction for people living in the local community who have had a diagnosis of a memory loss issue. Social isolation is a major problem and has been found to have a negative impact people who live with the disease. Working with other dementia support providers in the borough, such as Resonate Arts and Age UK, we are able to co-ordinate our activities to be part of a wider schedule of events and activities, ensuring that those living with dementia and their carers can continue to have a fulfilling social life.

LAWS

SUB-COMMITTEE

A Fordham (2/2) Chair

D C Burns (2/2)

Lt- Col D Jukes (2/2)

R C Hampshire (2/2) (ex-officio)

P J McMahon (1/2)

C Polosak (1/2) (ex-officio)

S Shanmugam (2/2) (ex-officio)

S Ravi (2/2) (ex-officio)

S J A Taufel (2/2)

F L Stewart Secretary

Incidents seemed to happen in clusters in what was otherwise expected to be a relatively quiet year for the Laws. A new Edition of the Laws of Cricket was introduced towards the end of 2022 and much of the year was spent monitoring implementation of the resulting Law changes across the world. Happily, most of them were well-received and, just as importantly, well-understood by players, umpires and spectators alike.

Reactive work was created by a number of moments of Laws-based controversy, two of which happened within the first week of the year. On New Year’s Day, Michael Neser took a spectacular boundary catch in Australia’s Big Bash T20 tournament, which saw him parry the ball from in-field, take several steps over the boundary and manage to push the ball back inside the field of play without ever himself being grounded while touching it.

Neser’s catch prompted widespread discussion and a full review of this Law, by both the Laws sub-committee and the World Cricket committee. The Laws around boundary catching have been in place since 2010, and the fact that Neser attempted it, that the commentary team identified it as a fair catch in the moment, and that the umpires agreed with them, suggests that the concept is universally understood. The sub-committee concluded that the odd extreme incident – however strange it may look – was not a good reason to change a Law that remains sound in principle.

Just a few days later, again in the Big Bash, Adam Zampa attempted to run out the nonstriker, Tom Rogers, after completing his bowling action. This was exactly the sort of incident that the Law was written to prevent, but understanding of the Law wasn’t quite as universal as for Neser’s catch. For that reason, MCC decided not only to issue a formal statement, but also to make a minor change to the Laws within a month, to clarify the intention of the Law. At the same time, MCC

published a document about the running out of non-strikers, re-emphasising our long-held position that it is the non-striker’s responsibility to remain in his/her ground until the ball is released.

There were three high-profile incidents during the Men’s Ashes in July. First, the Club clarified the correct decision of the umpires during the Test match at Lord’s, when Australia’s Mitchell Starc thought he had taken a clean catch, only to slide his hand –with the ball facing down – along the turf. “Law 33 3 clearly states that a catch is only completed when the fielder has ‘complete control over the ball and his/her movement’,” MCC confirmed, adding, “The ball cannot touch the ground before then. In this particular incident, Mitchell Starc was still sliding as the ball rubbed the ground, therefore he was not in control of his movement.”

Less than 24 hours later, the Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey’s stumping of Jonny Bairstow in the same match sparked considerable controversy. The Club moved quickly to provide clarity, explaining that the umpires were entirely correct in their interpretation of the Laws.

The Men’s Ashes, arguably the most high-profile Test series in world cricket, will always provoke extra scrutiny, and there was another incident two Tests later, again involving Bairstow. He attempted to run out Steve Smith, only to nudge one bail off with his knee before removing the other with the ball in his wicket-keeping gloves. Again, MCC was on hand to clarify the Law – explaining that even though the act was in one motion, Bairstow was able to fairly break the wicket by removing the second bail, which would have been enough for a Run out had Smith not been able to get back in his ground in that extra split-second.

There were two unusual Hit wicket incidents in County cricket – Middlesex’s Toby Roland-Jones was unfortunate to be given out as he nudged a bail off with his bat some time after clobbering the ball for six against Warwickshire in July, and Lewis Goldsworthy was reprieved only by a front foot No ball, when a piece of his bat flew off and

dislodged a bail in Somerset’s Championship against Kent in September. Both decisions drew clarifications from MCC.

At the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup, Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews became the first man to be Timed out in international cricket. MCC concluded that “given Time had not been called, and that at the time of the appeal more than two minutes had elapsed, the umpires correctly gave Mathews out. In fact, there was no other action for the umpires to take within the Laws of Cricket.” The Club also issued a statement on the incident and the role of the Spirit of Cricket, concluding that “whilst the Laws and Playing Conditions govern the game, much like within legislation which governs society and other sporting codes, there will be frequent shades of grey in interpretation and not all scenarios can be foreseen and specifically codified. In these instances, it is the players who will ultimately determine how their game is to be played.”

Finally, 2023 saw the first meeting of the Research, Development and Innovation Working Group, which has been set up to provide greater scope for projects to improve the global game. This group will work alongside the Laws sub-committee, with the express aim of improving the game of cricket around the world.

SUB-COMMITTEE

B J Debenham (3/3) Chair

R E Arthur (3/3)

O A Dawkins (1/ 1)

T C Drummond (2/3)

N A Gauri (1/ 1)

J E Hindson (2/3)

G D James (2/3)

P J O’Reilly (2/3)

K G Pearson (2/3)

T W W Rash (2/3)

F C A Taylor (1/ 1)

J F G While (1/ 1)

K L E Matheve Secretary

2022-23

The following individuals retired from the sub-committee in 2023:

A N Harris (2/2)

W Hodson (2/2)

E P H Jones (1/2)

G J Rickman (2/2)

NMEN’S PLAYERS AND FIXTURES

ormality returned in 2023. After an extraordinary period in global and MCC history, with a pandemic, record-breaking temperatures and the largest number of MCC games in one season, in many ways it was reassuring to revert to the ordinary.

For the last 13 years, MCC’s “season” has started in Australia, the brainchild of Melbourne-based David Talalla, who now serves on the Cricket committee. We drew our first match, with the newly-formed Victor Trumper XI and won against the SCG XI at Sydney Cricket Ground. The game against I Zingari Australia was abandoned due to rain.

Back on home turf, the annual curtain-raiser at Wisbech Town was abandoned without a ball bowled and, sadly, many games in April and May didn’t fare much better. Fortunately the weather did improve and only 64 matches out of the 496 scheduled were lost to the weather. Matches were lost for other reasons though, including a pitch invasion, when cows escaped and trampled the square at Truro School!

In MCC North v. MCC South at Lord’s in April, rain reduced the match from 50 to 40 overs. MCC South, skippered by Ward Jenner from Jersey, won by 4 wickets, with Steve Reingold top-scoring with 63 not out. Later in the summer, the MCC team to face Melbourne CC at Lord’s included Jonty Jenner (Ward’s son) and Grant Reingold (Steve’s dad), in another match where DLS provided the target.

We played England Over-40s for the first time at Darlington CC and were the fortunate recipients of one of the legendary teas made by Sue Mulholland (mother of MCC’s local Area Representative, Doug). The England team, which included Phil Mustard (Durham) and Andre Nel (South Africa), put together 209 for 8 in 45 overs but MCC’s openers chased down the target

in just over 43 overs (Karl Pearson 93 not out, and Liam Coates 101 not out) with the Club winning by 10 wickets. In 2024, we face the Over-50 World Cup champions, which might prove to be a stiffer challenge.

Our school opponents go from strength to strength. For the first time, four schools (Winchester, Licensed Victuallers’, Wells Cathedral and Sherborne) each had two players taking five wickets or scoring centuries against the Club. In all, 44 boys will be invited to Lord’s to receive their Achievement in School Cricket Award in 2024. Wilf La Fontaine Jackson (Winchester captain) scored 183 not out, earning him the Walter Lawrence Schools Award for the most runs scored against MCC in the season.

Declaration cricket is still the mainstay of the MCC fixture card and this often means that all results are possible going into the last hour. At Oundle School, MCC were bowled out for 196 and the game looked gone when a brilliant partnership by Ford and Hayward took the home side’s score from 40-3 to 167-3. This prompted the decision to hand the ball to two Old Oundelians, Will Street and Tommy Simeons. Wickets duly fell and a tight run-chase concluded with the tenth wicket falling and the school one run short.

MCC helped 22 clubs to celebrate significant milestones in 2023. Regular opponents Rye and High Wycombe each commemorated a bicentennial anniversary but MCC also travelled to new opponents from Sidmouth in Devon to Largo in Fife.

MCC Ireland hosted its first home T20 Round Robin match at Leinster CC – with MCC Scotland and MCC South East travelling across the Irish Sea to take part – and won both their matches to qualify for the Finals Day at Lord’s. However, it was the North, North East team that was victorious once again as they secured their third title.

The MCC Schools v ESCA match returned to Lord’s in 2023 after a hiatus last year.

As usual, MCC’s team was selected from almost 70 players nominated by their schools or MCC Match Managers from Out-Matches played earlier in the year. It was a poignant occasion, as we remembered David English, who died in 2022. The Club hosted many of David’s family and friends, with his son, David Junior, speaking eloquently at the post-match reception about David’s love of the game and for the Club. ESCA’s General Manager, Ken Lake, was presented with a commemorative tankard to thank him for his decades of work for ESCA.

In recent years, MCC teams have suffered from an increasing number of drop-outs.

As one of his first jobs in his new role as Head of Cricket, Fraser Stewart held an online meeting with all MCC Match Managers (it was interesting to put faces to names!) and followed this up with a video message, distributed to all players. He impressed upon them the importance of not dropping out, but if it was completely unavoidable making every effort to find another player. MCC’s Out-Matches are run by an army of volunteer Match Managers and dropping out makes their already time-consuming job much more difficult. The message appears to have worked, with a large reduction in drop-outs in 2023

As well as our own Match Managers, thanks are due to the schools and clubs who so generously host MCC every year. They make MCC’s players and officials feel welcome and treat them with kindness, providing wonderful hospitality. Without them, and the work of the groundstaff, tea ladies and men, umpires and scorers, we would not be able to undertake such a large programme of MCC fixtures, which provide enjoyment to so many every year.

WOMEN’S PLAYERS AND FIXTURES

SUB-COMMITTEE

L K MacLeod (3/3) Chair

A M Ackernley (1/ 1)

J Barden (1/3)

S E Goodden (3/3)

L C S Hawkins (0/ 1)

E K Hubbard (3/3)

J A Kitzinger (3/3)

B Nicholson (2/3)

R J Raval (1/ 1)

M E W Rogers (1/ 1)

E R Barrett-Wild (1/3)

K L E Matheve Secretary

2022-23

The following individual retired from the sub-committee in 2023:

J L Godman (2/2)

With 61 matches scheduled, it was the second busiest year on record for MCC Women, and this was despite having only one mini-trip (rather than two). The matches took place over only 46 days, embracing the shorter formats of the game as well as coloured kit, with 20-over and 100-ball cricket allowing the Club to play against more opponents without spreading our active playing membership too thinly. Local schools took it in turns to host mini-tournaments and MCC played two or three fixtures in a single day. A number of matches against clubs were played as evening 20-over encounters – a popular option for MCC players and hosts alike.

At Felsted and Framlingham it was evident that these formats suit younger legs, with Felsted winning a 60-ball match by 9 wickets and Framlingham hammering the Club by 10 wickets later the same day in the 100-ball format.

On a wet day in the West Country, the Club fared better in a 20-over tournament at Blundell’s School where they faced the hosts in the morning, beating them by 38 runs. At the same time Millfield were playing, and beat, King’s College Taunton. MCC won the resulting afternoon fixture against Millfield, by a margin of 8 runs, with MCC Probationer

Amelie Munday retiring on 50 (at a strike rate of 150) in her first match for the Club.

MCC faced a number of new opponents in 2023, many of which were in the MCC East Anglia region. Brentwood and Forest School were particularly welcome additions, being within striking distance of London. At The Perse School in Cambridgeshire, the Club won the first of two 20-over encounters, in a match that was tighter than the 7-wicket winning margin might suggest. The Perse had the measure of MCC by match two though, winning emphatically by 9 wickets.

In our first foray into Norfolk women’s cricket, we were hosted by Norwich School. In the first game, against Norwich School, the Club won by 56 runs despite an unbeaten 62 from India Fox in the chase. The second game,

against Wymondham College, was a thriller and saw Sameera Mohammed (4 wickets, including 3 in one over) and Alice Brand (an excellent half-century in her last match for the school) each excel to help Wymondham to victory in the final over. MCC relied heavily on guests to fulfil these fixtures, including young players from the MCC Foundation Hub. We are grateful to them for giving up their time to represent MCC and look forward to welcoming them as Probationary Cricket Candidates if they wish to continue their association with the Club when they are a little older.

Not all schools are playing white- or pink-ball cricket against the Club, a notable exception being St. Edward’s School in Oxford, who have relished the opportunity to play timed cricket in whites with a red ball. This year, the MCC team featured players from the women’s regional sides, Sunrisers and Vipers, and all players had a chance to demonstrate their skills in front of Shubhangi Kulkarni, the former India captain. She spoke to both teams and presented the Spirit of Cricket cap to Freya Heath for her outstanding contribution to the school’s team this season.

To help celebrate the 150th anniversary of Chester Boughton Hall CC, MCC Women took on a Cheshire League XI on the front pitch, whilst MCC Men played Chester Boughton Hall next door. The men’s game was rather one-sided, whereas a strong MCC Women’s team were taken down to the wire, with Claire Taylor finally seeing MCC home.

After two well-received mini-tours to both Ireland and Scotland in 2022, it was agreed to visit each nation in alternate years, with Ireland hosting in 2023. Despite the warm welcome and fantastic hospitality from the very generous North West Cricket Ireland, the weather scuppered our plans with only one game being completed (with the help of

DLS), as MCC won a very competitive 50-over match at Eglinton CC.

Sadly a number of other games succumbed to the weather too. Both matches on MCC Women’s Day at Lord’s were abandoned without a ball being bowled. The same fate befell the Club at Wormsley where there was no play against Sir Paul Getty’s Women’s XI. A last-minute game against Italy’s national side, who had travelled to the UK for some match practice on grass ahead of September’s T20 World Cup qualifiers, was also cancelled.

Young players from the previous season were recognised during the Ireland Men’s Test match at Lord’s for their achievements in matches against MCC. The President presented the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for the most promising young female cricketer to Mollie Barbour-Smith, from Cranleigh School, who scored 64 not out and she was joined by Aimee Diab who received an award for her match-winning 54 for St. Edward’s School, Oxford.

The season finished with the biennial Playing Members’ Dinner, which was notable for the large number of female cricketers present — proportionally many more than the men. It was great to see the two sides of the Club’s playing membership coming together.

TOURS

Overseas Tours continue to flourish as an important part of the Club’s playing programme, with MCC working in partnership with countries right across the globe to put together itineraries that help promote the development of the game. Each tour provides different opportunities for our Members, both on and off the field, and the match-play and coaching we are able to offer to our hosts likewise exposes their players to new experiences as well as different cricketing techniques.

Our first men’s tour of the calendar year was to Belize. Managed by Tim Cooper and captained by Steve Reingold. MCC competed and were victorious in the 8th Central American Championships, defeating Mexico in the final.

The tour was particularly well received by our hosts, who took the opportunity to promote cricket around the country, inviting the squad to coach on a number of days at different schools. Jonny Singer (MCC Laws Advisor) acted as umpire on the trip and was delighted to be able to pass his knowledge on to local officials via a number of umpiring lectures.

Group Stage:

MCC beat Belize (2) by 136 runs

MCC beat Belize (1 ) by 6 wickets

MCC beat Mexico by 7 wickets

MCC beat Costa Rica by 174 runs

Final:

MCC beat Mexico by 128 runs

A strong men’s squad travelled to Austria in May, captained by Gareth James and managed by Karl Pearson. The tour was timed to provide our hosts with match-play preparation ahead of their T20 World Cup Europe qualifiers the following month, where they were to participate as one of seven teams having earned their place by winning a sub-regional qualifying competition when they beat Norway in the final.

Each of our six 20-over matches across four days in Vienna was therefore against the full national side, with the series levelled at 3-3 when we won both matches on the last day of the tour. Sadly this losing streak was to follow our hosts to Edinburgh, where they finished at the foot of the table in the international competition which followed.

Match 1

MCC won by 51 runs

Match 2

MCC won by 11 runs

Match 3

Austria won by 14 runs

Match 4

Austria won by 7 wickets

Match 5

MCC won by 20 runs

Match 6

MCC won by 6 wickets

The coaching opportunities were particularly rewarding on the women’s tour to Germany in August. The results of those sessions were plain to see, as those attending had only really been coached by men in the past and responded enthusiastically to receiving tips from fellow female cricketers. A game in which the teams each comprised a combination of MCC’s squad and those from the host nation gave all the German

The four-day visit, based in Dresden, was managed by Sinead Goodden and captained by Hazel Lovegrove. It was an enjoyable experience for all squad members and the standard of players selected meant that everyone could contribute in some way during games. The tour was an excellent advertisement for MCC women’s cricket, being our first such trip to Germany.

Austria

MCC won by 56 runs

Germany

MCC won by 15 runs

MCC Yellow v MCC Red Training match

Germany

Germany won by 20 runs development players an opportunity to take a greater role in games and learn from more experienced teammates.

MCC sent a men’s squad to help celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Hellenic Cricket Federation in September. Those selected were primarily first-time tourists and a number have returned highlighting that the tour was the best moment in their cricketing career. The Club was captained by Fabian Taylor and managed by James Nicholls and all five 20-over matches took place at the beautiful Marine Cricket Ground in Corfu.

Greece

Greece won by 21 runs

Greece

Greece won by 48 runs

Byron CC

MCC won by 9 runs

Corfu XI

Corfu XI won by 10 wickets

Hellenic Cricket Federation

MCC won by 10 wickets

In November, a men’s squad faced a number of select and invitational XIs in Kenya, which were dominated by members of the full national side, using our visit as competition ahead of their next international commitments. Current and former first-class cricketers represented MCC,

including Marcus O’Riordan, Darren Stevens, Harry Came and Alex Evans, with Arfan Akram managing the tour.

Unfortunately, the trip (which took in Nairobi, Nakuru and Mombasa) was hit by unseasonally bad weather, meaning we only managed to complete three matches, of which MCC won two and the third was tied on the last ball of the innings. Outside of playing, the squad delivered three excellent and insightful coaching sessions.

Kenya Kongonis Cricket Club (30 overs) (in memory of Simon Prodger)

Match tied

Kenya XI (50 overs)

Match abandoned

East Africa Cricket Development

Trust XI (30 overs)

MCC won by 9 wickets

Rift Valley Sports Club (20 overs)

Match abandoned

Kenya XI (20 overs)

Match abandoned

Kenya XI (50 overs)

Match abandoned

Coast Cricket Association (20 overs)

Match abandoned

Kenya XI (50 overs)

Match abandoned

MEMBERSHIP AND GENERAL PURPOSES

COMMITTEE

V K Griffiths (5/5) Chair

J B H Geffen (5/5)

C F E Goldie (5/5)

M S C Hickman (5/5)

L G Horitz (5/5)

R L Johnson (3/5)

I N Lovett (5/5)

P D Murphy (3/5)

Y A Patel (5/5)

R J Stevens (2/5)

J D Wilson (5/5)

M H Choudhury Secretary

2022-23

The following individual retired from the committee in 2023:

E M Porter (3/4)

Four areas formed the focus of the committee’s activities in 2023: the new Membership Nominations process; adoption of improved ticketing strategies; initiatives to enhance membership engagement; and membership diversity.

The new Membership Nominations process was launched in late 2022, with the introduction of a new user-friendly online application form. This was followed in 2023 by a structured Endorsers’ interview process, informed by M&GP’s re-evaluation of the criteria for Membership Nominations. Endorsers are asked to ensure that all Candidates demonstrate, above all else, a passion for cricket and an understanding of the Club, its history and its values. Thanks must go to James Geffen, who took a lead role in supporting the development and execution of this new process, and to Head of Membership, Alan Bates, whose tireless efforts to organise interviews has been crucial to the success of the system.

Following wider feedback from Members regarding the 2023 Members’ Ticket Ballot, M&GP gave particular attention to the Club’s ticketing strategy for matches in 2024 Recognising the importance of providing

an enhanced experience for Members and other spectators, we were keen to implement several new initiatives. These included greater transparency in the ballot process; a new Reserved Seat selection tool; and a new Friends & Family function to allow ballot applications to be linked. An upgraded digital ticketing platform also streamlined the purchasing process for Members.

A more dynamic pricing policy, put in place for 2023, allowed the Club not only to maximise attendance but also to offer greater access to spectators at a wider range of matches. This was especially evident at the Australia Women’s T20I, which saw a full Pavilion and a record attendance for a women’s bilateral fixture in the UK.

Senior Head of Club Services, Vivienne Brown, was at the forefront of a number of ticketing enhancements implemented during 2023. She and her Department are already looking ahead to the 2025 Ballot, aided by

continued helpful and constructive feedback from Members.

The Club’s Membership Engagement Plan continues to evolve. Recognising that an active and engaged membership is essential for the long-term success of the Club, various initiatives aim to prioritise quality over quantity. A range of activities were designed to be relevant, informative and engaging for as broad a base of the membership as possible. Highlights included successful M&GP drop-in sessions during the season and a breadth of Members’ events. In addition, members of M&GP continue to monitor ideas and suggestions submitted to the Club via memberquestions@mcc.org.uk, bringing them forward for discussion at M&GP where appropriate. The suggestion of an instalment plan to help Members manage their annual subscription payment was one idea that was enacted at the next opportunity, with further adjustments planned as we continue to monitor its introduction.

We conduct regular post-match surveys to gauge satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement. The insights gathered have been instrumental in shaping future initiatives and refining existing delivery. On average, scores from Members improved across every key metric in comparison to 2022, including our highest-ever scores for Ground Entry and Stewarding (despite record attendances). The score for Atmosphere among Members who attended the Women’s T20I was 9 0 (out of 10), the second highest on record for this metric (after the Men’s World Cup Final in 2019). However, Atmosphere scores at our T20s fell short and we are addressing this by promoting new ticket categories and group discounts for these match days in 2024. Similarly, despite improvements in the scores for Information Announcements (2023: average 6 8; 2022: average 5 9), there were complaints about the

volume of music during limited-overs matches and we have earmarked this as an area for further review.

We look forward to reviewing the results of a much broader study, the Membership Survey carried out in January 2024. There is no doubt the information provided by Members will have a significant bearing on our work over the next year.

Ideas and initiatives to address and improve membership diversity form part of the ongoing work to deliver the Club’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion plan. Discussions with Members on match days and at Winter Dinners consistently highlight this as an area upon which Members would love to see MCC improve. A new Membership Diversity Working Group has been formed to look at specific initiatives. The group has reviewed measures for success, interventions to further improve the Club’s environment, culture and behaviours, as well as an outreach programme focused on encouraging more applications for Playing membership from diverse candidates. Work is still at a nascent stage but there have been real signs of positive action, upon which we will try to build in 2024. Improving our membership diversity is a challenge which the committee encourages all Members to embrace and own; please spread the word far and wide about the joy of being a Member of MCC. Ours really is a club for everyone.

Eloise Porter stood down from M&GP in 2023. We would like to thank Eloise, who has always proved to be a passionate and thoughtful member of the committee.

Finally, although he is mentioned elsewhere in the Annual Report, the committee wishes to place on record its deep sadness at the loss of Sir Ian Magee, the previous Chair of M&GP. Always keen to lend his support and offer his advice, he will be greatly missed by all.

MEMBERSHIP FIGURES

At 31 December 2023, the Club comprised the following Members:

In 2023, 781 vacancies arose: deaths — 243; resignations — 162 ; lapsed membership — 113; and moved to Senior membership — 263

At 31 December 2023, there were 12 ,020 Candidates awaiting election to Full membership. On the same date, Members elected 60 or more years ago were:

1945

The Rt. Hon. the Lord Saye & Sele

1946

J.A. Roth

1951

The Hon. Sir Oliver Popplewell

1952

A.R. Longley, R.W. Partridge

1953

P.T. Lewis

1954

I.R. Eiloart, M.N. Garnett, R.O. Graham, M.D.T. Loup, P.G. Nathan, J.T. Reed, Sir Edward Studd,

G.A. Thomas

1955

G.G.F. Harper, J.W. Lewis, D.C.R. Morris-Marsham, K.P.A. Mathews, Rev. W.B. Norman, R. Subba Row, T.C. Tilden-Smith

1956

The Rt. Hon. the Viscount Bridgeman, R.M.J. Burr, J.K. Divett, C.B.R. Fetherstonhaugh, G. Nolan, A.S. Nunn, R.V.C. Robins, H.W. Russell, T.R. Summers, R.J.A.C. Wallace-Turner

1957

The Rt. Hon. the Viscount Brentford, T.B.H. Brunner, O.J. Colman, C.J. Crewdson, A.M.W. Davis, Sir Evelyn De Rothschild, C.K. Edwards, J.F.W. Elvy, Capt. W.F.E. Forbes, J.A. Fulford, C.C. Giles, Rev. J.V.M. Gordon Clark, T.C. Gore, D.G. Gow, W. Harrison,

Capt. A.B. Henderson, T.M. Jaques, A.A.W. Kimpton, N.F. McCarthy, I.C.H. Moody, J.S. Murdoch, M.P. Murray, A.C.A. Myers, Brig. A.D. Myrtle, R.S. Pease, G.O. Pemberton, D.J.C. Peppercorn, M.L. Phillips, R.M.G. Simpson, J.H.V. Sutcliffe, B.H. Williamson

1958

D.E. Abelson, D.C.K. Allen, The Rt. Hon. the Viscount Ashbrook, J.R. Asprey, A.N.G. Ayling, The Rt. Hon. Sir Scott Baker, R.W. Barber, Col. R.R. St J. Barkshire, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Benjamin Bathurst, G.S. Beccle, J.R. Benson, G.E. Bidlake, T.D. Bishop, J.F. Bone, Sir Euan Bowater, D.W. Bowyer, Cdr. D.M.L. Braybrooke, G.R. Bristowe, J.B. Brow, M.E.C. Brown, G.F.H. Burne,

The Rt. Hon. the Lord Butler of Brockwell, N. Butterworth, A.E. Buxton, Brig. E.D. Cameron, Sir Edward Cazalet, M. Chalcraft, M.J.C. Christopherson, C.S. Clayton, A.M. Collett, P.G. Collett, T.H.C. Combe, D.A.M. Connell, Dr. G.W. Cook, Maj.-Gen. Sir Simon Cooper, J.R. Cope, R.G. Cottam, R.F. Crang, E.P.S. Curtis, Sir William Bromley-Davenport, J.S.V. Davy, D.J. Delaforce, R.H. Dickinson, D.C. Dodd, R.A. Eckersley, P.A.C. Edwardes, P.J. Everington, Capt. C.T.F. Fagan, J.J.S. Farmer, T.M. Farmiloe, D.S.J. Figgis, E.C.M. Fox, J.E.F. Fox, S.A.C. Francis, S.R. Frisby, J.M. Fry, P.H.C. Fuente, J.A.C. Gairdner, J.S. Garlick, J.S. Gilbert, A.H. Gilroy,

R.C. Glossop, N.A. Gold, G.D. Gordon, R.M.N. Green, The Rt. Hon. the Lord Grey of Codnor,

The Rt. Hon. the Lord Hacking, A.F. Heatly, A.D. Hignett, A.J. Hill, R.P.C. Hillyard, Sir Michael Hobbs, J.V. Hose, J.F.C. Hull, H.R.J. Human, C.B.M. Hunt, G.W. Hutton, J.H.H. Illingworth, J.A.T. Johnson, J.H. Jones, R.H. Jones, M.B.J. Kimmins, H. Lang, R.M. Latham, P.R. Le Cras, Brig. C.J. Lee, Sir Michael Leighton, D.J.F. Longrigg, R.C.P. Mayhew, J.R. Morris-Marsham, D.R. McCarthy, C.N. McCorquodale,

The Hon. I.M. McLachlan,

The Hon. C.M. McLaren, Dr. D.A. Melford, Dr. R.T.G. Merry, A.A. Meyer, K.M.H. Millar, J.E.A. Mocatta, M.S.J. Montgomery, J.W. Myring, C.R.B. Neame, Dr. Sir Robin Nicholson, The Rt. Hon. the Lord Norrie, R.H. Nunes, H.J.K. Bagnall-Oakeley, Rev. P.C.K. O’Ferrall, R.J. Parker, K.J.S. Paterson, P.J.M. Patten, A.R. Pattison, R.B.F.L. Penfold, A.F.C. Petch, G.W.G. Philipps, Sir Michael Pickard, C.C.H. Picton, I.A.D. Pilkington, Sir Thomas Pilkington, G.E. Pratt, H.C. Pryor, E.R. Raikes, B.R. Rea, R.C.T. Redmayne, L.C. Reed, R.W. Ridgwell, C.J.A. Robbie, J.F.C. Page-Roberts, R.D. Robertson, E.M. Rose, M.C. Seligman, The Rt. Hon. the Lord Selsdon, C.P. Sharman, N.J.G. Sharp, Prof. I.A.C. Sinclair, M.A.L. Slowe, P.J.C. Smallwood, M.J.K. Smith, N. Durden-Smith, T.F. Villiers-Smith, W.H. Sowerby, D.I.F. Spence,

Sir Beville Stanier, J.A. Stanley, Sir John Starkey, I.M.A. Stewart, T.J. Straker, H.M. Stratford, N.M. Stratford, C.P. Sydenham, B.M. Thornton, M.J.C. Tress, J. Vallins, J. Van der Borgh, G.J. Walker, B.J. Ward, Major Gen. R.W. Ward, N.R. Warwick James, Dr. W.M. Weir, Sir John Kemp-Welch, W.A.S. Wesson, Rev. E.R.W. Whalley, M.J.V. Wilkes, A.S.R. De W. Winlaw, P.F. Worlidge, B.J.R. Wright, Dr. R.C.W. Wynne, J.D.C. Young

1959

J.D. Appleyard, T.J. Armour, Lt.-Col. J.R. Arthur, R.B. Bamford, P.A. Raymond-Barker, Rev. P.T.A. Bassett, F.P.L. Bedwell, N.H. Block, H.C. Blofeld, Capt. D. Boehm, C.M. Brain, T.D. Brickhill, J.B. Brooks, G.J. Chidgey, J.A. Clay, M.H. Cockell, Cdr. J.A. Coleman, G.W. Taunton-Collins, Lt.-Col. A.J. Collyns, J.B. Colquhoun, S.H. Compton, R.J. Cossens, J.D. Cucksey, R.A. Cusins, R.A. Daniell, G. Dimock, J.D. Drysdale, J.N. Brankin-Frisby, C.A. Fry, G.B.L. Gale, P.J.S. Graham, P.W.P. Graham, E.C. Griffith, M.C. Grint, P.H.St.C. Grondona, J.C.T. Harvey, D.B. Hill, R.W. Hurd, N.R. Hyde, J.A.L. James, C.W. Johns, W.B. Johnston, E.J. Lane Fox, Capt. A.J.B. Laybourne, R.N., M.S. Lewis, J.N. Lotery, A. Mackintosh, O.J.D. Marriott, C.N.J. Marston, W.P. Martineau, G. McCorquodale, R.R. McGregor, C.H.W. Michell, R.P. Milligan, T.W. Morkill, A.D. Morrogh, Major T.M. Murari, N.R. Nutting, P.R. Nutting, J.C. Oscroft, The Rt. Hon. the Lord Palumbo, A.D. Pilcher,

The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Portarlington, E. Raw, H.K. Ready, C.N. Reed, W.D. Robertson, R.G.St.J. Rowlandson, R.J.J. Rusher, Rev. Canon A.E.H. Rutter, T.H.S. Seager Berry, G.W. Shepherd, G.F. Sills, C.F. Carney-Smith, J.S. Glanvill-Smith, R.H. Stanton, R.A. Stiby, Sir Thomas Stockdale, P.J.G. Stow, C.A. Strachan, Dr. R.A. Sturge, A.J. Taylor, S.W. Twyman, Col. C.H. Van Der Noot, D.M. Veit, R.M. Voelcker, Cdr. N. Waldemar Brown, R.K. Whiley, J.R. Wicksteed, D.S.A. Anslow-Wilson, M.J. Worth

1960

C.R. Beale, Sir Martyn Evans-Bevan, Rev. Canon S.N.D. Brown, T.G.A. Chappell, B.E. Chesworth, J.G. Cumming, The Rt. Hon. the Viscount Dilhorne, Dr. D.A. Fergusson, M.R. Hill, Dr. C.E. Hoare, G.M. Holt, Col. J.S. Knox, C.M. Mallett, His Hon. T.J. Milligan, T.P.G. Neale, B.V. O’Gorman, N.D. Parks, R.M. Prideaux, B.R.I. Scorer, A.C. Smith, T.C. Stephenson, O.S. Wheatley,

1961

Capt. C.R. Acland,

The Hon. B.J. Alexander, J.P. Alexander, P. Baring, H.C. Baylis, J.J.J. Bell,

The Hon. P.M. Benson, M.G.I. Betts, R.B. Bloomfield,

N.N. Bown, Sir Kenneth Carlisle, R.J. Carr, Dr. P.F. Christy, P. Clark, R.E. Coote, S.P. Courtauld, D.J. Dobbin, I.H. Dunlop, J.E. Goldsmith, J.J. Hall, J.W. Harris, C.T.E. Hayward, The Rt. Hon. the Viscount Head, Major T.W.O. Herbert, A.J. Jamison, C.J.O. King, C.R. Lambourne, P.D.M. Larman, D.W. Lewis, D.J. Mitchell, M.J. Mitton, R.M. Moody, Prof. D.R. Myddelton, M.G. Nash, F.W. Neate, Capt. H.L. Peers, T.C. Pilkington, G.L. Prain, Dr. J.G. Rankin, M.L. Rawes, J.H. Riley, A.J. Robarts, Sir Simon Robertson, N.E.R. Robson, A.J.N. Russell, D.W.T. Shannon, M.K. Shennan, Dr. M.A. Shirley, T.W.A. Smith, D.V. Taylor, Major M.F. Timmis, R.C. Tomkins, J.A.H. Townsend, R.A. Travis, Capt. T.G. Usher, A.J.W. Vine, The Rt. Hon. Sir Mark Waller, M.D. Wigley, W.H.G. Wilks, T.R. Woollatt, I.R. Yates, P.M.H. Young

1962

D.H. Adler, N.S. Agar, The Rt. Hon. the Earl Alexander of Tunis, J.P. Allday, R.G. Allen, R.A. Angier, G. Atkins, A.J. Barclay, C.S. Barton, J.I. Bell, R. Bennett, H.G.C. Boddington, Sir John Bond, D.S. Bousfield, A.V.B. Broke, D.R. Brotherton, C.J. Cadell, M. Cannon Brookes, Brig. D.B.W. Webb-Carter, C.W.L. Cary, P.R. Chamberlain, Lt. Col. P.G. Chamberlin, M.R. Cheyne, M.R.F. Noel-Clarke, D.D.S. Comer, G.V. Cooper, D.C. Copp, P.H. Crocker, D.H.M. Dalrymple, A.F.N. Dew, S.M. De Zoete, Dr. T.F.W. Dilke, C.V. Dinwiddy, D.C.F. Dobbie, J.F. Doubleday, A.D. Dowlen, T.H. Drabble, Dr. R.J. Courtenay-Evans, Dr. D.J.D. Farrow, D.R. Fison, R.C.G. Fortin, I.S.G. Foster, J.J. Gardner, H.T. Gauntlett, D.J.L. Godfray, H.P. Gold, J.D.A. Gordon, Dr. M. Gornall, D.Q. Gurney, D.F. Gwynne, Sir Ronald Hampel, Sir Ewan Harper, J.A.B. Hart, Dr. R.S.W. Hawtrey, P.B. Hay, A.T. Pearce Higgins, M.F. Hodder, G.M. Hoghton, G.W. Horrex, R.C. Howes, R.M. James, T.J. Kendall, D.J.F. Lawrence, Lt.-Col. J.D. Lawrence, E.J.W. Lewis, G.A. Lewis, V.R. Hedley-Lewis, Dr. G.R.G. Lewison, C.C.D. Lindsay, J.H.P. Lister, J.R.M. Lloyd, R.A.G. Luckin, A.A.F. Lumsden,

Sir Simon Bowes Lyon, G.A. Lyons, P.J. Maitland, N.F. Mason, R.F.S. Miles, J.R. Millard, E.C.B. Mocatta, Brig. J.N.B. Mogg, G.A.B. Norman, G.W. Norris,

A.G.H. Nugent, M.L. Pecker, The Rt. Hon. the Lord Penrhyn, P.C.B. Pockney, A.C.A. Quicke, T.S. Rait, Dr. H.A.S. Reid, G.C.H. Robertson, C.B.N. Rome, R.N. Sax, S.W. Schlich, I.D. Scofield, G.J. Sharman, J.J.L.G. Sheffield, S.G. Sheppard, C.E.M. Snell, T.B.N. Spicer, N.M. Stephens, C.L. Stephenson, B.T.J. Stevens, D.A. Tate, P.F. Till, S.P. Tindall, M.H. Titley, T.C. Travers, J.O. Trumper, D.W. Vale, P.A.G. Banes-Walker, M.G. Waller, D.V. Watkins, Rear-Admiral N.J. Wilkinson, R.B. Williams, D.R. Woolley, P.J. Workman

1963 R.D. Agutter, H.J. Bailey, R.M. Bailey, C.R.P. Bakker, R.L. Banks, J.G. Barham, U.D. Barnett, L.E. Bentall, C.M. Biddle, Sir Michael Blake, H.A.C. Boddington, M.J.A. Bond, J.M. Brearley, J.C.L. Broad, Capt. G.F. Burnand, Dr. T.R.G. Carter, M.C.H. Chauffourier, A.J. Clifton Brown, C.H. Collingwood, R.J. Cook, P.G. Crook, J.R. Daniell, P.J.C. Davenport, M.J. de Grey, Dr. A. Diamond, D.J. Dunbar, G.D.S. Dunlop, C.J.W. Durham, J.R. Farrall, Major J. Fawkes, The Rt. Hon. the Lord Fellowes, Dr. I.L.C. Fergusson, C.A. Knowles-Fitton, Lt.-Col. R.J.A. Paterson-Fox, R. Gallannaugh, M.G. Griffith, P.T. Hamlyn, A.J.F. Harris, B.J. Hedges, S.E. Hirsch, Prof. R. Hitchcock, N.J.W.A. Holdsworth, N.R.M. Hollebone, W.D. House, C.J. Hue Williams, R.A. Hutton, R.H. Jackson, R.N. Johnson, R.L. Jowett, Col. C.M.S. Kaye, Major J.S. Ker, Shaharyar M. Khan, R.I.E. Knight, T.J. Lawson, D.S. Linney, R.B. Lockett, A.M.R. Lumby, The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Macclesfield, I.A. McDonald,

The Hon. Sir Lachlan Maclean, J.N. Marshall, P.J. Metcalf, R.C.B. Mole, D.D.C. Monro, M. Moore, H.J. Newton, R.M.C. Nott, A.J. O’Riordan, G.B.M. Palmer, N.R.H. Parker, D.J.R. Pirie, T.J. Plumridge, A.M.R. Pontifex, M.C.T. Prichard, H.M. Priestley, His Hon. J.R. Reid, D.J.M. Roberts, D.I. Russell, C.W.J. Seldon, R.J. Shand, P.A. Shippey, T.M. Sills, Lt.-Gen. Sir Anthony Denison-Smith, J.C. Nowell-Smith, M.P. Stanfield, Sir Michael Strang Steel, S.G. Street, R.N. Thomas, B.C. Thompson, Lt.-Cdr. T.M. Tuke, C.J. Walker, Rev. C.J.A. Walker, M.E.D’A. Walton, J.W.T. Wilcox, C.R. Wilson, F.E.B. Witts, C.F. Woodhouse

TENNIS AND SQUASH

SUB-COMMITTEE

G E Pemberton (4/4) Chair

S W Bishop (4/4)

J P I Douglas (1/4)

K A Evers (3/4)

T P Friend (4/4)

J W E Giddins (2/4) I Harvey (4/4)

G J Marks (4/4)

J B Potter (4/4)

W G Taylor (3/4)

H E Ray Secretary

Our excellent professional team, led by Chris Bray, are to be thanked for ensuring it has been a good year for Tennis and Squash. With the help of new Member evenings and induction sessions, more Members have taken up both sports at Lord’s. Court usage for tennis is at almost full capacity.

Nat Cherry, our trainee via the T&RA Investing in Professionals programme, successfully completed his apprenticeship in July and moved to Canford. We welcomed a new trainee, Alex Hume, in August, and he has settled in very well, already improving his handicap and regularly playing with Members.

In January, the MCC Crickets, consisting of five Members under the leadership of Iain Harvey, travelled to Melbourne to play in the biennial Boomerang Cup. The team proceeded through the league matches but lost in the knockout stage to the Bellators, who went on to win the tournament.

The Club’s annual Tennis Weekend, played from 27-29 January, produced the following winners:

Mason Sharp Cup:

Steven Bishop and Nick Pellew

Osborn/Parker Cup:

Alex Gibson and Nigel Smith

The winners of the finals of the Club’s annual tennis competitions were:

D.P. Henry Cup:

Peter Eckersley beat Ben Martin 6/3 6/3

R. Aird Cup:

Ben Jeffery & Sam Cato beat

Guy Robertson & Tom Hussey 6/4, 6/5

H.D. Johns Cup:

Nigel Smith & Tod Yeomans beat

Fergus Boyd & Scott Morgan 6/0, 6/1

W.H. Ollis Cup:

Paul Wickman beat Graham Findlay 6/4, 6/2

R.G. Paterson Bowl:

George Dickson beat Richard Coughtrie 6/3, 6/5

February saw MCC’s Pol Roger Cup team, captained by Jamie Douglas, lose 2-3 in the final of the tournament to Queen’s Club at RTC Hampton Court. Although the Brodie Cup team did not progress far in last season’s competition, they started the 2023-24 season successfully, under the captaincy of Rufus

Parkes, winning 4-1 at The Oratory (the match being marked under the watchful eye of former world champion Rob Fahey) and then 3-2 at Oxford.

The Generation Competition for the Christie Trophy was won by Giles Stogdon and his son Alex who beat Simon Martin and his son Ben 10/4. We also organised a pennant for younger players (those 35 and under) on Monday evenings throughout the year and 2023 concluded with a Christmas bonanza featuring 24 players.

MCC fielded four National League teams in the 2022-23 season. The Division 8 team of Francis Moore, Fred Pilkington and Rory Turner defeated Holyport in the final held at Lord’s. Team captain, Nick Summerlin, who is now based in the USA, also played in the matches leading up to the final along with Will Boys-Stones. The Division 5 and 9 teams, led by Nick Warner and James Pittaway respectively, reached the semi-finals but lost to Prested Hall and Leamington respectively.

In July, Jamie Douglas, as holder of the MCC Gold Racquet, faced the winner of the Silver Racquet, Rob Shenkman. In a tense fiveset thriller, Jamie Douglas prevailed, winning 6/4, 3/6, 5/6, 6/4, 6/5. Rob will play against Jamie Douglas again in 2024, having retained the Silver Racquet, defeating Jamie Giddins 6/3, 6/2, 6/0

After the Australia Men’s Test, MCC contested the Cowper-Cowdrey Cup against sister club Melbourne. The home side won 6-1. The quality of play was exceptional, with the aforementioned Rob Fahey in the Melbourne team.

Ten Members travelled to the USA in October and visited the courts in Boston, Newport, New York, Tuxedo Park, Philadelphia, and Chicago, along with new courts in Sand Valley, Wisconsin and the relocated Washington court at the Westwood Country

Club in Vienna, Virginia. Steven Bishop led the tour and whilst on-court results were mixed, off-court arrangements and hospitality were a great success.

Ian Harris continues to lead our monthly club nights and skills nights, held twice a year. They provide an excellent way for players of mixed handicaps to meet informally at Lord’s. The winners of the March Skills Night were Tony Friend, Andrew Hinds and Piers Vacher. James Coley, Will Noble and Guy Schanscheiff won the November night.

MCC’s Simon Roach faced former world no. 2 Peter Marshall, of Bath & Racquets

In the Bath Cup for squash, MCC finished seventh in a closely contested Division 1 (Roehampton retained their title). Division 2 was also a close-run affair with Queen’s 2 finishing a single point ahead of last season’s winners Roehampton 2. In the Veterans Division, the RAC team was dominant and they concluded the season six points ahead of MCC, who finished as runners-up.

Under the guidance of Jonathan Potter, the sub-committee was pleased to introduce new squash competitions, open to all Members and Candidates. The response has been most encouraging – 55 entries for the open competition and 16 for the over45s tournament – and the courts are busier than they have been for a long time. Squash leagues will be introduced in 2024

BRIDGE, CHESS AND BACKGAMMON

SUB-COMMITTEE

R P Tenzer (3/3) Chair

S A Alterman (3/3)

P Barua (3/3)

D W Bates (3/3)

R Bourne (2/3)

D H R Flint (3/3)

A R Lezard (3/3)

P B Rust (1/3)

H E Ray Secretary

2022-23

S A Alterman retired as sub-committee chair on 30 September 2023

Marylebone played Melbourne at bridge and cricket matches on the same day at Lord’s on 3 July. The home team won convincingly at the tables, in a match played in good spirits. In our annual teams events, Nigel Clayton, Harvey Laurance, David Alterman and Simon Alterman won the Lord’s Trophy, while in our flagship event, the Mixed Swiss teams, victory went to Joan Murphy, David Killick, Paul Lynch and Steve Lynch.

In our other competitions, David Alterman and Miles Golding narrowly beat Sonel Mehta and Yong Choong in the Rubber Bridge and Mike Alsford won the Master Points Trophy again, finishing ahead of Gary Diamond.

September brought with it the retirement of Simon Alterman as Chair of the subcommittee, which he hands over to Russell Tenzer in a healthy position. We thank Simon for everything he has done. We also said goodbye to one of the Society’s founders — and one of the best players most of us have ever faced — Peter Donovan, who passed away in November (see page 93).

CHESS

MCC was in contention for the HamiltonRussell Cup, with the final fixture against RAC determining the winners. We needed only a draw but, painfully, we were on the wrong side of a 2 5 to 5 5 scoreline and RAC took the Cup for the second year in a row. Our record for the season was six wins, a draw and one loss, a slight improvement on the previous year.

The friendly side achieved a mix of wins and losses in a highly enjoyable season. It was particularly pleasing to see new faces turning out for both friendly games and club nights.

The season ended with Adam Eckersley-Waites, Tom Eckersley-Waites, Gary Senior, Robert Stern, Nick Collacott and Ed Goodall convincingly retaining the annual Sheldon Marshall speed chess tournament with nine wins out of nine against the other

Hamilton-Russell clubs (one of which contained GM Jonathan Speelman).

The 2023-24 season has started well with the Cup side winning its first three fixtures.

BACKGAMMON

We welcomed many new players in 2023 MCC had a good London League season, coming second only to the up-and-coming Union Club, against whom we will be sure to field a strong team next year! So far in the current season, we have one win and one draw to our credit.

Our own 2022-23 tournament was won by Alex Cooper. Tony Lezard was runnerup but triumphed in the ladder competition (John Davies taking second place). Our monthly online league continues, with Richard Olsen topping Division 1 for half the year.

GOLF

Being an Ashes year, the highlight of the 58 matches played in 2023 was against a team from Melbourne Cricket Club — now repeated on every Ashes tour, home and away. Played at Princes and Royal Cinque Ports in June, the home team prevailed 10½ to 5½. The Society also held 37 Golf Days, five tours and its first Regional Competition.

The tour to Kenya was the first such visit by the Society and 25 tourists enjoyed six golf courses, and a cricket match where the golfers played against Kenya Kongonis at Nairobi Club. It was also the Club’s inaugural golf trip to Belgium where, alongside the golf, the participants visited the 1815 Waterloo battlefield site and museum and learnt how to play golf croquet at the Brussels Croquet Club in Genval. MCC golfers also travelled to Ireland, Ayrshire and the South of France. Our thanks, as always, are due to the tour managers, without whom we would not be able to offer such trips.

The Club’s first Regional Competition was held at Coxmoor, The Nottinghamshire and Sherwood Forest. Competing teams represented the North-East, North-West South-East and South-West, with the latter, comprising Dan O’Sullivan (captain), Richard Norton and Anthony Walters, emerging victorious. We hope to travel to Portugal in 2025 for what is planned as a biennial event.

New arrangements for the Golf Final mean that all qualifiers from one year’s Golf Days now participate in the same event. Because of this transition, only 17 players from the latter half of 2022 played in the 26th Final, in May rather than August. Still played on the Old Course at Sunningdale, the weather was delightful and the course in immaculate condition with slick greens. Many found scoring difficult off the back tees (the average Stableford score was 25 points) and with only three players scoring more than 30, the winner on countback was Charlie Macfarlane with a score of 33

The Scratch Competition was also held at Sunningdale, in July, amongst 23 golfers having handicaps ranging from +0 1 to 7 0 Christopher Harrison defended his title, pipping Julian Thompson by two shots.

Combined Golf & Bridge matches had a great season – of the 16 matches played, MCC won 12, lost three and halved one.

The golfing season began and ended with events in the Long Room. The speaker at the Spring Lunch was Tim Dickson, Editor of Golf Quarterly, who was captain of Royal St. George’s when The Open was last held there in 2021. Those attending the Dinner in November were treated to speeches from Ed Chamberlin, who currently heads up ITV’s horse racing coverage and the President, Mark Nicholas.

Playing in the Club’s Golf Society is a wonderful way to meet new people, generating lasting friendships and we look forward to another enjoyable season.

SUB-COMMITTEE

R J Stevens (3/4) Chair

R J Austin (4/4)

M R Dixon (2/4)

H F Gill (4/4)

D F Hill (3/4)

N J Hunt (4/4)

M Laidler (3/4)

S E Lewis (3/4)

W A J Pollock (4/4)

A Rodgers (2/4)

M E Root (4/4)

H E Ray Secretary

2022-23

The following individual retired from the sub-committee in 2023:

H R F Somerset (2/3)

HERITAGE AND COLLECTIONS

COMMITTEE

J O D Orders (4/4) Chair

Dr D G Allen (4/4)

R W Gray (4/4)

Dr J Harris (4/4)

E John (3/4)

C C Lloyd (4/4)

D Peltz (3/4)

R H E Steel (3/4)

J C P Watson (4/4)

T G M Campbell (1/ 1)

Dr N G Down (1/ 1)

S H M Poland (1/ 1)

M H Choudhury Secretary

2022-23

The following individuals retired from the committee in 2023:

M A Loveday (1/3)

G C Matthews (2/3)

Three major new exhibitions were introduced to the Museum and Pavilion in the lead-up to the 2023 season. Jewish Cricket and Cricketers became the first exhibition to be held in the Museum’s new Community Gallery; a dedicated space where individual community groups can tell the stories of their own cricket heritage using the facilities of the MCC Museum and the expertise of Heritage & Collections staff.

Jewish Cricket and Cricketers tells the story of Jewish involvement in cricket at all levels, from the Test match arena to the grassroots game. It features stories and artefacts from players and administrators at the top of the game, such as Dr. Ali Bacher and Ivan Barrow, and explores the history of Jewish cricket clubs in England and Ireland. The exhibition also discusses the issue of anti-semitism and how it affected the careers of Jewish cricketers and those who were simply perceived to be Jewish. Many quirky and humorous stories also feature in an exhibition whose artefacts range from the baggy green cap worn by Australian cricketer Ruth Buckstein in her only Test, to the batting pads worn by Nobel laureate Harold Pinter as captain of the Gaieties Cricket Club.

The exhibition’s themes and narratives were developed by two MCC Members, Zaki Cooper and Daniel Lightman, and many of the objects featured were loaned from Mr. Lightman’s personal collection or sourced through his efforts as an intermediary. Jewish Cricket and Cricketers will run until spring 2025

The exhibition curators addressed 200 guests present at a reception in June to celebrate the launch of the Community Gallery. Speeches were also heard from MCC President Stephen Fry, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Secretary of State the Rt. Hon. Lucy Frazer, MP and former international cricketers Dennis Gamsy, Julien Wiener and Mandy Yachad during an evening when the potential of the new gallery to give communities a sense

of belonging at Lord’s was made very clear. The exhibition was also the subject of a lunchtime discussion on BBC Test Match Special during the Australia Men’s Test match at Lord’s.

No Foreign Field: MCC and the Empire of Cricket was installed on the upper floor of the Museum in April and will run until spring 2026. This exhibition was also a collaborative effort, this time between MCC and Prof. Prashant Kidambi of the University of Leicester, with additional assistance from South African cricket historian Dr. André Odendaal. It explores the parallels between global cricket and the British Empire, the role of MCC and some of its most prominent Members in the development of the game worldwide and how the Club became in effect the governing body for world cricket. The contribution of significant figures such as Sir Pelham Warner, Lord Harris and Lord Hawke is examined in detail, as are some of the controversies that arose during the period when MCC governed cricket. In its final sections, the exhibition explores how MCC transitioned to its present, non-partisan role in world cricket and the nature of that role today.

Journalists Mihir Bose, Gideon Haigh and Peter Oborne were amongst the speakers at a one-day symposium to explore the exhibition’s many themes, held in July. The symposium was hosted as a free event thanks to funding received from the University of Leicester. Each of the five panel discussions was filmed, with the resulting recordings subsequently made available to view online. Both the symposium and the exhibition were well received, with media coverage particularly strong among Indian outlets and also featuring on the BBC website and the Museums Association Journal.

L.S. Lowry is better known for including football rather than cricket in his paintings of northern working-class life, but during the course of his career he did paint a handful of cricket scenes. All but one of these featured in a new exhibition, L S Lowry: Crowds and Cricket, which opened in the Writing Room in May and will be on display until May 2024. As well as The Mill, Lunchtime; a Cricket Match, purchased by MCC in 2017, the exhibition was enhanced by loans from private collections, including Cricket Match; and a Cricket Sight Board which the artist considered his “most successful crowd scene”. Also featured were works by Lowry’s fellow Lancastrian Helen Bradley who, unlike Lowry himself, was a keen cricket watcher. The exhibition opened with a reception in May attended by northern-based MCC Members and colleagues from Lancashire CCC along with distinguished guests from the art world. The event included speeches from Michael Atherton and historian Rev. Malcolm Lorimer.

Lord’s witnessed another landmark moment in women’s cricket heritage on 8 July with the dedication of a floor plaque marking the creation of the Women’s Ashes. The plaque sits just inside the Harris Garden on the exact spot where the Women’s Ashes were created in 1998, in a ceremony involving the burning of a bat signed by the England and Australia teams and a copy of the Women’s Cricket Association constitution.

ESTATES

COMMITTEE

A J Johnston (5/5) Chair

R H Baldwin (4/5)

K J Bradford (4/5)

M D Haigh (3/5)

C R G Human (5/5)

T S Prabhu (4/5)

A D W Price (5/5)

M N Sanderson (3/5)

S T K Singla (5/5)

A P Subba Row (5/5)

S Taylor-Davies (4/5)

S A Walker (4/5)

R J Ebdon Secretary

Australian touring teams are invariably a catalyst for estates projects to ensure the Ground is in the very best condition during an Ashes summer. This was certainly the case in 2023, when huge energy and commitment saw a focus on works that will continue to enhance the Lord’s experience for players, Members and other spectators and provide operational efficiencies for both day-to-day activities and major matches long after our antipodean visitors have departed our shores.

The Pavilion exterior was looking fresh after its external re-decoration, which was completed in March, prior to the start of the cricket season. Inside the Pavilion, in the Long Room, our long-awaited new PA system has vastly improved sound quality at dinners and large-scale events. Improvements to the Grand Stand included three replacement lifts and a new gutter system to levels 2 and 3 ensuring that spectators at the level 1 terrace seats directly beneath are no longer subjected to a light shower after rainfall. We carried out works to the North Gate area to improve the arrival experience for the majority of our major match spectators, with new screens (resembling cricket sightscreens) to obsure the waste compactor area.

Work continued on the installation of a new double-width scoreboard and replay screen above the Allen Stand. The

project was completed on budget and on time.

Other areas of estates activity are less visible to Members and visitors but no less valuable to the Club, being designed to improve efficiencies for staff operations. These included the extended Bicentenary Bar cellar with concourse-facing loading/ unloading access, the re-ordering and enlarging of the Catering Department’s office, on the ground floor of the Thomas Lord Suite, into the area formally occupied by the cash office – now redundant given the widespread switch to cashless transactions. Remedial works to the North Gate Ticket Office guttering were undertaken at the start of the year, putting right a defect dating back to the 1970s, when the old arbours were converted to internal spaces.

The Club’s strategic enhancement projects also included the £ 2 4m

refurbishment of the Mound Stand Suites, which transformed corporate customers’ experiences, helping protect this important revenue stream. Mound Stand Debenture holders will also have noticed the replacement flooring installed in their dining area.

The Estates and Cricket Departments worked together on plans to re-surface and drain the Nursery Ground. These were drawn up, specified and tendered during the Spring and Summer and works started by Fineturf Ltd (the same contractor for the Main Ground drainage 20 years ago) at the end of the season in 2023. The project was successfully completed shortly before Christmas.

Plans for converting our floodlights to LED lamps at an investment of £1 46m were finalised with specialist contractor Abacus. Planning consent was obtained in the Summer and the conversion work is scheduled to complete in March 2024

Major match days are always a busy time for the Estates Department. They received 271 call-outs during the Ireland Men’s Test match in June 2023, which was an excellent improvement on the 518

call-outs during the 2022 New Zealand Men’s Test match. This has proven the importance of pre-planned maintenance in the winter months, minimising reactive callouts during matches in the summer, with all the benefits that brings for everyone at the Ground. The average resolution time for dealing with call-outs during a Test match also dropped, from 86 minutes in 2022 to just 30 minutes in 2023

At the end of the cricket season, the Estates and Commercial Departments collaborated with Freemans to come up with designs for a new two-storey food village Pavilion. This temporary facility will accommodate self-service till payment check-outs aimed at easing congestion and queuing in this area of the Ground. The unit will be positioned parallel to the west side of the Indoor Cricket Centre, facing directly towards the rear elevation of Edrich Stand. A five-year planning consent for this new facility was granted by Westminster City Council in December 2023 and it will be in place for the first major match in 2024

SUSTAINABILITY

MCC signed up to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework (UNSCAF) towards the end of 2022 and this helped drive significant progress towards our promotion of environmental responsibility and sustainability over the course of the following year. We also continue to implement the strategic objectives set out in the Club’s Sustainability Strategy published in June 2021. Tendering and appointment of several new business partners was key to supporting our sustainability journey in 2023

Veolia, our new waste management services contractor, is a global leader with

excellent experience working with major sporting venues across London. Over the past year, Veolia has worked with the Club’s cleaning provider, LSS, and our own Estates staff to streamline waste processes. Our recycling statistics have improved significantly as a result, from below 20% to 41%, which puts MCC on a par with our peers across cricket. The remaining waste goes to a waste-to-energy plant, which powers local communities across London, with no waste going to landfill.

We have engaged Amber to provide brokerage services for the Club’s energy.

With ample industry experience and a proven track record of serving first-class counties and sports grounds, they are forecast to help reduce the cost of electricity and gas compared with the previous year.

As well as reducing energy costs, we are committed to reducing energy consumption. In the context of increased use of the facilities in 2023, the combined reduction in electricity and gas consumption of 14 8% year-on-year has been a tremendous result. In monetary terms this has saved the Club £374,000 — an achievement that was recognised by ECB, who awarded MCC a Business of Cricket Award for Sustainability Campaign of the Year, reflecting the Club’s standing as a leader on sustainability.

Our Estates Department played a vital role in achieving these reductions, which resulted from scheduling when power is needed across the estate, the introduction of Building Management Systems (BMS) and initiatives to encourage behaviour change among the staff. Ongoing investment in the installation of BMS across the Ground will continue to pay energy-saving dividends. The 2024 budget includes expenditure to install BMS in the Grand Stand, Nursery Pavilion and Thomas Lord Suite. The BMS programme is intended to conclude in 2025 with the Mound Stand and the ECB office building.

MCC has committed to the UNSCAF objective of halving our 2022 baseline emissions and being carbon neutral on scopes 1 and 2 by 2030 and then net zero carbon by 2040. To assist with reaching this target, Net Zero Group provided the Club with data-led carbon consulting and a carbon reporting tool, NetScope. This has formalised MCC’s carbon footprint measurements, which are shown in Figure 1, MCC Streamlined Energy and Carbon Report 2023

Net Zero Group also assisted in developing the Club’s inaugural net zero carbon strategy, A Journey to Net Zero. Our Sustainability and Accessibility Manager, Stuart Dunlop, promoted the strategy live on Sky Sports Cricket alongside former England captain Eoin Morgan, before play got underway at the New Zealand Men’s ODI in September. The initiative has been positively received, prompting further press coverage and interviews with TalkSport and the Press Association.

As part of the Net Zero launch, Morgan also worked alongside the Club to launch a

Fan Footprint Calculator (FFC). This allows spectators, including Members, to record, reduce and share their lifestyle carbon footprint. The FFC was also well received, with great feedback from users.

Several events focused on sustainability were held at Lord’s across the year. In May, we hosted the Positive Climate Workshop, which considered the role of sport within the entertainment sector, with governing bodies, sports clubs and prominent figures in the sports and sustainability sector in attendance.

Sustainability was a leading item on the agenda at the World Cricket committee meeting in June. Estates Director Robert Ebdon and the Sustainability and Accessibility Manager joined the morning session and there was further discussion later in the day with Australian captain and sustainability ambassador Pat Cummins. The World Cricket committee publicly committed to backing the UNSCAF, emphasising MCC’s position whereby we can support athletes who are willing to stand up to influence the debate.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Club also continues to make great strides in ensuring Lord’s is accessible to everyone, regardless of their needs. Changes were made to the public ballot application process, resulting in 647 unique applicants purchasing wheelchair-accessible tickets for major matches in 2023 — a 35% increase on the previous year. The main goal was to reach a wider audience, with everyone now given the ability to choose their access preferences when entering the ballot, making the booking process smoother and more inclusive, while increasing the visibility of what is on offer.

The Accessibility Group, which includes Members and others with individual access requirements, ensures a diverse range of opinions are heard on various aspects of the Club’s activities. A presentation of the stage 3 design proposals for the Tavern and Allen stands in April prompted enthusiastic discussion, with several ideas integrated at the later design stage as a result of this feedback. Overall, the group was pleased with the proposals and appreciated the thoughtful consideration of accessibility requirements throughout the plans for the new stands.

A new Sensory Room, located in a Tavern Stand Suite is designed to provide a safe

and calming environment for those with sensory processing disorders such as autism and dyspraxia. It was well used throughout the summer and the initiative received praise from the Sports Ground Safety Authority.

The Club continued its relationship with Picturepath, which provides digital guides to allow visitors to plan their visit by viewing a virtual Lord’s so that they know what to expect when they arrive at the Ground, thereby alleviating potential causes of anxiety.

Additional P-Rails were installed in the Warner Stand to provide a more secure route to and from their seats for people with mobility issues.

NOMINATIONS

COMMITTEE

B N Carnegie-Brown (5/5) Chair

A S Lowenthal (5/5) Deputy Chair

H J P Chetwood (5/5)

J T C Kendall (4/5)

C M McCallum (4/5)

A K Pearce Higgins (5/5)

C C B Rogers (2/2)

2022-23

The following individual retired from the committee in 2023:

A B Elgood (3/3)

Following Bruce Carnegie-Brown’s decision not to seek a second term as Club Chair, the Nominations committee drafted a Role Specification to ensure that the next Club Chair will have the right set of skills, attributes and time for the role.

The Nominations committee started the process of Club Chair succession by establishing a selection committee, chaired by MCC Trustee Matthew Fleming and further comprising Andrew Lowenthal and Chris Rogers, plus Chris’s MCC Committee colleagues Vicky Griffiths (Chair of M&GP), Michael McLintock and Claire Taylor (Chair of Cricket). A shortlist of candidates was then interviewed by the directly-elected members of the Nominations committee and offered a discussion with both the Club Chair and the Chief Executive & Secretary to enable them more fully to understand the demands of the role and to ask any questions they had. The selection committee was tasked with adhering to a timetable that ensures the MCC Committee is able to make a recommendation to Members at the 2024 AGM.

The Nominations committee was informed by Jonathan Orders that he intended to retire as Chair of Heritage & Collections one year early, on 30 September 2024. As a consequence, they commenced the process to select his successor, who will sit on the MCC Committee. The role was advertised to Members, from whom eight applications were received, with five shortlisted for interview. Again, the MCC Committee will make a recommendation to the 2024 AGM.

During the course of 2023, the MCC Foundation (MCCF) appointed a new Chair, with Philip Marsden taking over from Phillip Hodson on 1 December. On 1 October, Chris Rogers took over from Tony Elgood as one of the MCC-appointed Trustees of MCCF. Concurrently, we recommended that Dan

Peltz remains as the second MCC-appointed MCCF Trustee for a further 12 months, to be succeeded by James Geffen in December 2024

As always, with each of these important appointments, we needed to balance the need to appoint the best qualified candidates, who ideally have some experience of how the Club operates, with the need to introduce Members to these roles who are able to bring in fresh ideas and thinking. It is important that we consider diversity, including diversity of thought, in each appointment.

In order to make the most informed decisions for the Nominations committee’s recommendations for these critical appointments, future succession planning as a whole is being considered as key MCC Committee roles come up for appointment or re-appointment. Further, the MCC Committee has asked the Nominations committee to work on recommendations for future vacancies on the Secretariat, i.e. succession planning for the Club’s senior executive team.

We recognise the importance of working proactively with the membership as a whole to encourage Members, particularly those who have not previously served on the Club’s committees, to put their names forward for positions. We have discussed ways of ensuring that the best qualified candidates are therefore considered; one idea being a ”self-certifying” database whereby Members can express an interest in being considered for Club roles and enter their qualifications and interests. Independent of the formal nominations processes which occur every year, members of the Nominations

committee are always interested to meet Members who may be interested in standing for roles within the Club.

The Nominations committee was asked to undertake an evaluation of the effectiveness of the MCC Committee. Each MCC Committee member was asked to complete an online survey, with all comments being nonattributable. The major conclusions of this review, which was completed in December, were as follows:

• MCC Committee members contribute effectively on key issues facing the Club;

• there is often a broad and healthy range of views which leads to good challenge and debate; and

• the MCC Committee works well with the Club’s Principal committees.

The review also highlighted areas for improvement, which included:

• spending more time on strategy;

• continuing to develop ways of working under the new governance structure; and

• listening and responding to Members’ views.

Another task the Nominations committee carries out is consideration of individuals deemed worthy of recommendation to the MCC Committee for election as Honorary Life Members (under Rule 3 8) or Candidates with Special Qualifications (under Rule 3 6). The Club has the ability to recommend up to twelve Candidates with Special Qualifications per year who should be “so qualified that such candidate’s election is especially desirable in the interests of the Club.” We reviewed 32 individuals alongside our supporting assessment criteria, primarily the potential to serve on Club committees, ability to fulfil duties in a non-executive capacity, potential to be an ambassador for the Club, and diversity. The MCC Committee subsequently elected the following outstanding individuals in 2023:

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP

Merissa Aguilleira – West Indies (2008–19)

M.S. Dhoni – India (2004–19)

Jhulan Goswami – India (2002-22)

Jenny Gunn – England (2004-19)

Mohammad Hafeez – Pakistan (2003-21)

Rachael Haynes – Australia (2009-22)

Laura Marsh – England (2006–19)

Eoin Morgan – England (2006-22)

Mashrafe Mortaza – Bangladesh (2001-20)

Kevin Pietersen – England (2005-14)

Suresh Raina – India (2005-18)

Mithali Raj – India (1999-2022)

Amy Satterthwaite – New Zealand (2007-22)

Anya Shrubsole – England (2008-2022)

Yuvraj Singh - India (2000-17)

Dale Steyn – South Africa (2004–2020)

Ross Taylor – New Zealand (2006-2022)

Medha Laud and Dr. Jane Powell were elected for outstanding non-playing contributions to the game.

CANDIDATES WITH SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Shahidul Alam Ratan

Varun Chandra

Richard Hill

Prof. Prashant Kidambi

Dr. Rafaelle Nicholson

Malala Yousafzai

In the year, MCC Committee-appointed member and outgoing Treasurer, Tony Elgood, stood down from the Nominations committee and the MCC Committee appointed incoming Treasurer, Chris Rogers, to replace him. In addition, a ballot was held for one of the directly-elected positions on the Nominations committee, with James Kendall being re-elected for a three-year term, commencing on 1 October 2023

CLUB EVENTS

More than 1,900 Members and guests attended our successful Supper Nights in 2023 We held ten such evenings in total, as well as seven Club Dinners, three Evening Tours and one Art Tour. There were also five Members’ Sunday Lunches, held in the Committee Dining Room, which remained very popular. Continuing the success of previous years, five Literary Suppers were held in the Writing Room, featuring talks by Jon Hotten, Nicholas Brookes, Jeremy Lonsdale, Mike Thompson, and James Hawkins.

In July, Members and their guests were given the opportunity to perambulate on the Outfield and then go on a special Behind the Scenes tour which took in areas of the Ground usually unseen including, for the first time, the Estates workshop, with the Estates Manager giving a valuable insight into the running of this key department, year round. Other areas visited included the Control Room, Third Umpire and Match Referee’s Room, Physio Room and the Commentators’ boxes in the J.P. Morgan Media Centre as well as the Dressing Rooms and Real Tennis Court.

Other events hosted at Lord’s in 2023 included a Whisky Masterclass, a Playing Members’ dinner and an Ale Tasting Night. Away from London, a dinner was held in Belvoir Castle in July with the President, Stephen Fry, in attendance.

Finally, in December, we held two Members’ Christmas Lunches in the Long Room and, of course, the hugely enjoyable Evening of Carols, which raised over £ 2,700 for St John’s Hospice.

The following is a list of Members’ dinners and lunches held at Lord’s – in the Long Room or Committee Dining Room – during the year, at which a guest speaker was present.

JANUARY Club Dinner Andy Zaltzman

FEBRUARY Club Dinner Stephen Fry

MARCH Club Dinner Martin O’Neill

MAY 236th Anniversary Dinner Sir Timothy Rice

OCTOBER

Club Dinner Rob Andrew

NOVEMBER Club Dinner Club Dinner Anya Shrubsole

Ian Lovett

DECEMBER

Christmas Lunch Club Dinner

Christmas Lunch

Dr. Sarah Fane and Steven Finn

Alec Stewart

The Honourable Chris Cowdrey

DISCIPLINARY PANEL

The Disciplinary Panel operates within the framework of the Club Rules and most particularly with reference to MCC’s Code of Conduct, which sets out the high standards of conduct to which Members are expected to aspire.

The Club’s Disciplinary Regulations are reviewed annually by the Chair of the Disciplinary Panel, Mark Milliken-Smith KC, and any recommended changes are presented by him to the Committee. The primary and ongoing focus of this work is to ensure that the Club maintains a disciplinary process which is fair, independent, and resilient.

Since 2022, the Club has had in place a Penalties Guidance document which explains the penalties which are likely to flow from differing breaches of the Club’s Code of Conduct. Both the Club’s Disciplinary Regulations and the Penalties Guidance are contained within the Members’ Regulations Booklet issued to Members prior to each season.

Throughout the course of 2023, the Disciplinary Panel dealt with a number of Member-related disciplinary matters. Some of these were of a high profile nature. Incidents were reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Disciplinary Chair, who convened Disciplinary Panels where appropriate.

The table below sets out a summary of those cases considered within this process in 2023, together with the sanctions imposed. This table is not an exhaustive record of all cases considered by the Disciplinary Panel, as the disclosure of any details at all, in some instances, risks infringing the confidentiality of such proceedings as between the Club and the Member.

FINANCE

COMMITTEE

C C B Rogers (5/5) Treasurer

J P M Bowtell (5/5)

F M Dillingham (5/5)

O Faruqui (4/5)

P A Filer (5/5)

A G Lewis (2/2)

The Viscount Mackintosh of Halifax (5/5)

P G C Mallinson (5/5)

C M McCallum (4/5)

A J H Stewart (3/5)

C E Woodman (5/5)

K Siddiqui (2/2)

A D Cameron Secretary

2022-23

The following individuals retired from the committee in 2023:

A B Elgood (3/3)

C J Satterthwaite (3/3)

The double Ashes summer — a first at Lord’s — ensured spectators made good use of the additional capacity from the new Compton and Edrich stands, which helped ensure the Club enjoyed a very strong financial year.

The financial highlights of 2023 were:

(a) income of £67.8m – an increase of 15% (2022: £59 2m),

(b) an operating surplus before depreciation of £11 9m – an increase of 18% (2022: £10 1m),

(c) a surplus before tax of £8 8m – an increase of 203% (2022: £ 2 9m),

(d) net cash inflow from operating activities of £9 5m (2022: £16 7m),

(e) total capital expenditure of £8 7m (2022: £11 0m),

(f) closing liquid funds of £47 4m (2022: £47 8m).

An exciting fifth day of the Australia Men’s Test match and growing attendances for the Australia Women’s T20I and The Hundred fixtures, including the final, saw Lord’s welcoming over 500,000 spectators to matches across the season. Of some concern is attendance for the T20 Blast fixtures, which remain below pre-pandemic levels and, as a consequence, their financial performance has declined.

On the commercial side, income surpassed previous records across Retail, Tours of Lord’s, the Indoor Cricket Centre, Marketing and Advertising. Events and Experiences, shown within Catering and Hospitality, whilst performing strongly, was around 10% lower than the record World Cup year of 2019

Inflationary pressures continue, with the London Living Wage, the minimum the Club pays its casual workers, increasing by 8 1%.

In addition, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, energy costs increased by 80% versus the prior year to £3 4m despite

reducing usage of electricity by 6%.

The Bank of England base rate increase from 3 5% to 5 25% during the year, meant the Club was able significantly to increase interest receivable on its sizeable cash deposits, to £2 0m from £0 3m in 2022. This was helped by opening bank accounts with new institutions to access more competitive deposit rates and a continued focus on cash management and debt collection.

Following closure of the Club’s pension scheme to future accrual in April 2022, staff moved to a defined contribution-only Master Trust Scheme managed by Aviva. With the agreement of the MCC Pension Scheme’s trustees, its defined contribution amounts were transferred to the respective members’ accounts of the new Master Trust Scheme in January 2023. This leaves just the defined benefit-only assets remaining within the legacy MCC Pension Scheme, which in the year has seen the funding position under the required FRS102 valuation further improve from a surplus of £6 3m to a surplus of £8 2m (+£1 9m).

During the year, the Club refurbished No. 2 Grove End Road, which had been purchased in 2022, and with a tenant moving in from March, this helped increase the Club’s rental income to £0 8m. Having been professionally revalued in 2022, the three investment properties were not revalued in the year, in line with the Club’s accounting policy, and remain at a combined valuation of £15 6m.

As reported last year, the £3 5m balance of the Designated Fund was transferred to Sarasin & Partners in February 2023 and is held, together with the Debenture Sinking Fund, on the Balance Sheet at a value of £6 1m, being the lower of cost and market value. The combined market value is £1.7m higher at £7 8m. The Designated Fund is available to support the long-term aims of the Club and the Sinking Fund will be used to repay the £46 7m of Debenture loans due from 2081

Capital expenditure in the year totalled £8 7m, including £2 5m spent on continuing to work up plans for the redevelopment of the Tavern and Allen stands, for which a Planning Application was submitted in December. The remaining spend in the year included completion of the Mound Stand Suites’ refurbishment (£1 3m) and installation of the new and enlarged Allen Stand scoreboard (£0 4m). In addition, two new strategic enhancement projects were started, being the conversion of the floodlights to LEDs (£1 1 m) and the Nursery Ground irrigation and drainage project (£0 7m). In terms of asset replacement, all three lifts in the Grand Stand were replaced at a cost of £0 3m.

In light of the significant investment in Ground Development over recent years, the Club’s depreciation policy was reviewed to ensure that the useful economic life of a number of asset categories remained

appropriate. As a result, the depreciation charge in the year was £1 5m lower than in 2022

In the spring, the Club completed the sale of Debenture seats with rights for the 2023-26 seasons, selling an additional 50 seats for total proceeds of £0 4m to add to the 778 seats sold in the autumn of 2022. In total, there are 1,868 Debenture seats with active rights as we enter the 2024 season.

LIQUID FUNDS

2023 ( £ m) 2022 ( £ m)

Net cash inflow from operating activities including taxation 9.5 16 7

Transfer of Designated Fund balance to Sarasin & Partners (3.5)

Net

Capital

Cash

Capital

Net movement in liquid funds before funding (0.7) 6.2

Net Debenture sales (excluding VAT and additions to the sinking fund) 0.3 5 .1

Overall (decrease)/ increase in liquid funds in the year (0.4) 11 .3

At the end of 2023, cash balances totalled £47 4m (2022: £47 8m), including £10.0m of cash received in advance for 2024 tickets. A summary of movements is shown in the Liquid Funds table. The cash balances will be used to fund the Tavern and Allen redevelopment and will naturally fall as the project progresses.

Looking ahead, the economic outlook remains challenging, given continued cost-of-living pressures and a decline in earnings in real terms. However, with CPI inflation having reduced significantly from its peak of 11 1% in October 2022 to 4 0% at the start of 2024 it is hoped that over the next twelve months the outlook will improve.

Significantly, in June, ECB announced that Lord’s has been allocated two men’s Test matches, one men’s ODI and one women’s international match in every year through to 2031. This position, coupled with

the substantial cash balances the Club has at its disposal means we can be confident of financing and delivering the redevelopment of the Tavern and Allen stands.

This is the first report to be prepared under the Treasurership of Chris Rogers who took up the role on 1 October. He and the Finance committee take this opportunity to pay tribute to his predecessor, Tony Elgood. Tony’s stewardship over a six-year tenure included the Club navigating the pandemic, overseeing the construction of the Compton and Edrich stands, and securing the project’s financing through the Life Membership offer as well as contributing significantly to governance matters and supporting the Club Chair and executive.

Members wishing to raise questions on the Club’s 2023 Accounts before the AGM may do so by contacting the Treasurer (treasurer@mcc.org.uk) or the Finance Director (alastair.cameron@mcc.org.uk)

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

The notes on pages 56 to 61 form part of these Accounts

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

These Accounts were approved by the MCC Committee on 26 March 2024

The notes on pages 56 to 61 form part of these Accounts

CASH-FLOW STATEMENT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Preparation

The Accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. Certain fixed assets are held under the fair value model.

The Accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis and in accordance with the Club's accounting policies and Club Rule 13 5

The Club's accounting policies largely follow accounting standard FRS102, except for certain areas where the added complexity and detail needed to adopt is not considered sufficiently beneficial.

Accounting Estimates and Judgements

In applying its accounting policies, the Club is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The following estimates and assumptions have a significant risk of causing a fair value adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities:

Investment Properties

The Club carries three investment properties, including a property subject to a lease at fair value. The properties are valued by a directors' valuation or an external professional valuation at least every three years on an open market basis, primarily using comparable open market sales transactions and market rents from published data and information from other agents and valuers. The fair values are highly sensitive to the circumstances and market conditions at the date of valuation. The carrying amounts of the properties are referred to in note 12

Depreciation

Following the significant amount of ground redevelopment work in recent years, the Club conducted a review of the appropriateness of its asset lives.

Changes to asset lives were considered in light of the lives of existing fixed assets still in use or the age of assets recently replaced. As a result of the review, the lives of twelve sub-categories of assets were changed and implemented from 1 January 2023 prospectively.

The impact as seen in note 12 on the Income and Exependiture Account is that the depreciation charge in the year is £ 1 527 000 lower.

Going Concern

The Club has prepared cash flow forecasts for the period to 31 March 2025 which indicate that, taking account of reasonable possible downsides, the Club will have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities as they fall due for that period.

Among others, the reasonable possible downsides considered by the Club includes the impact of rising energy costs and rising inflation on operating margins.

Specifically, the Club has also considered severe but plausible downsides in preparing forecasts which includes additional sensitivities including but not limited to:

• The 2024 West Indies and/or Sri Lanka Test match finishing early within three days of play

• The 2024 West Indies and/or Sri Lanka Test match being rained off with no play at all possible

These severe but plausible downsides indicate that, even taking these potential adverse scenarios into account, the Club will have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities as they fall due over the forecast period. As a result of this assessment, the Club considers that it remains appropriate to continue to apply the going concern basis of accounting for the preparation of these financial statements.

Group Accounts

The Club has presented full group non-statutory Accounts which include MCC Overseas Limited and has opted not to present separate parent company Accounts.

Income

Subscription income and entrance fees are recognised in the calendar year of membership to which the income relates.

Match receipts and catering and hospitality income are recognised in the year in which the match or event takes place and any fees or income received in advance before the year end are treated as deferred income.

All other income, including revenue grants and rental income, is recognised in the year in which the obligation takes place.

All income, where appropriate, is stated net of Value Added Tax.

Non-Recurring Items

The Club presents certain non-recurring items separately on the Income and Expenditure Account.

Items are disclosed by virtue of their nature or size in order to obtain a clear and consistent presentation of the Club's underlying performance. Items that have been classified as non-recurring in the year are disclosed in note 9

Tangible and Intangible Assets

Lord's Ground is included in freehold land and property at a nominal value of £1 for assets which were held at 31 December 1965

Additions subsequent to 31 December 1965 are stated at cost, less depreciation, impairment and capital grants received where applicable.

Any stamp duty land tax payable on the acquisition of property is expensed to the Income and Expenditure Account.

Material capital grants received are held on the Balance Sheet as a liability within deferred income and released to the Income and Expenditure Account as income over the useful economic life of the asset.

Tangible assets include three investment properties including a property subject to a lease, which are valued based on a directors' valuation or an external professional valuation at least every three years. Gains on revaluation are recognised in the revaluation reserve.

Losses are recognised in the revaluation reserve up to the point the revaluation reserve is eliminated. Further losses are charged as impairment to the Income and Expenditure Account.

Plant and equipment assets also include certain intangibles, such as website and software assets.

No depreciation is provided on freehold land. Depreciation is provided on a straight line basis on assets at rates calculated to write off the cost, less the estimated residual value, of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Freehold Land – no depreciation

Investment Properties – no depreciation

Freehold Property – between 5 and 60 years

Plant and Equipment – between 3 and 25 years

Website and Software – between 3 and 5 years

Debtors and Creditors

Debtors on advance sales, Trade and Other Debtors are initially recognised at transaction price less any attributable transaction costs. Trade and Other Creditors are initially recognised at transaction price plus any attributable transaction costs.

Investments

Investments are classified as either long-term investments in fixed assets or short-term investments in current assets.

Both long-term investments, which are listed on a recognised Stock Exchange, and short-term investments are valued at the lower of cost and the mid-market value at the Balance Sheet date.

Stocks

Stocks held for resale are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Club has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Club will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimation can be made of the amount to be settled.

Debentures

Debenture loans are recognised at historical cost, not at the present value of future payments discounted at a market rate of interest, and therefore subsequently are not stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.

Debenture premiums and issue costs are released to the Income and Expenditure Account over the life of the rights.

Deferred Taxation

Heritage and Collections

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31

The Club does not account for deferred taxation.

Expenditure on acquisitions of cricket and real tennis memorabilia is charged to the Income and Expenditure Account.

Pension Scheme

The Hybrid Scheme comprising a defined benefit element and a defined contribution element was closed to new entrants from 31 January 2022 and closed to the future accrual of benefits for all active members from 31 March 2022

The Club does not account for the defined benefit Pension Scheme assets and liabilities on its balance sheet. The assets of the Scheme are held separately from those of the Club.

Since the two closure dates of the Hybrid Scheme and as at 31 December 2023, the Club operates a defined contribution-only Scheme under a Master Trust arrangement with Aviva.

Deficit recovery and normal employer contributions are recognised as an expense in the Income and Expenditure Account when they fall due for payment.

Long-Term Deferred Income

Deferred income includes the relevant annual subscriptions for Life Membership, which are not repayable, and are being credited to the Income and Expenditure Account at the rate equivalent to the annual subscription each year.

Candidates’ registration fees are shown in long-term deferred income as amounts received in advance. They are credited to the Income and Expenditure Account in the year in which Candidates are elected as Members.

Father Time Wall plaque sales are credited to the Income and Expenditure Account over an expected life of ten years after installation of each plaque.

Related Parties

The Club does not maintain a formal listing of related parties. In line with Club Rule 26 1, Committee members are required to self-declare any interests.

DECEMBER 2023

2 SUBSCRIPTIONS

3

Expenses (see note 7)

In 2023, MCC was covered by an insurance scheme operated by ECB for major match international ticketing income. Per the staging agreement, ECB reimburses MCC and then MCC processes all ticketing refund payments due to customers. ECB has confirmed that this arrangement will continue in 2024

4 CATERING AND HOSPITALITY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

2023 2022

£000 £000

20,648 14, 952 Expenditure (17,280) (14,392) Surplus 3,368 560

5 OTHER INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

2023 2022

Income Expenses Income Expenses £000 £000 £000 £000

Marketing and Advertising 4,880 (133) 4,453 (112)

Retail 2,319 (1,605) 1,330 (961)

Indoor Cricket Centre 1,078 (711) 978 (545)

Tours of Lord’s 1,260 (411) 669 (255)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The total cost of salaries and wages of the Club was as follows:

fees include £ 270,000 as relate to property matters (2022: £96,000) and £177,00 0 as relate to pensions (2022: £396 000).

The costs of salaries and wages not relating to administration are charged directly to each of the Club’s activities individually.

The Club made a special pension payment of £554,0 00 (2022: £554,000) as part of the plan agreed with the Trustees (see note 22).

The

was:

During a regular cricket season, the Club employs a significant number of casual workers. The total number of individuals on the payroll, including permanent workers, peaked at 1,271 during the year (2022 peak: 1,085). The number of permanent and fixed-term contract workers at the year end who received salaries and bonuses (excluding pension contributions or payments in lieu thereof) in the following ranges were:

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

An increase in the UK corporation rate from 19% to 25% (effective 1 April 2023) was substantively enacted on 24 May 2021

12 TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Club spent £8,747,000 on additions, of which £ 2,425,000 was spent on Tavern and Allen stand fees and £51,0 00 on construction and enabling works.

A further £6,271,000 was spent on other Estates projects and minor capital expenditure, including £1,347,0 00 spent on Mound stand suites refurbishment, £1 149 000 on Floodlight LEDs conversion and £674 000 on Nursery pitch ground irrigation.

The next external valuation of the three Investment Properties will be done as at 31 December 2025

No. 4 Grove Road, which is an operational asset as at 31 December 2023, has been tested for impairment. No impairment has been required to be recognised in the year.

£636,000 of assets with a zero net book value and no longer in use within the Club have also been processed as disposals.

13. INVESTMENTS

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The £3,500,000 Designated Fund was set up in the year to invest the 2020 Life Membership proceeds raised in excess of the target of £15 000 000 less the amount spent on the purchase and refurbishment of No. 2 Grove End Road in 2022

The market value of the Designated Fund as at 31 December 2023 was £3,534,000.

All dividend income from the Sinking Fund is reinvested with the aim of delivering long-term capital growth sufficient to repay Debenture loans in full when they fall due in the future (see note 17). Cash injections to the fund of £ 24 000 were made in the year. Cash injections are made every June and December each year equating to 5 7% of the increase in the Debenture loan amounts over the preceding six months.

The market value of the Sinking Fund as at 31 December 2023 was £4 310 000 (2022: £3 922 000) and there is an estimated unrealised Capital Gains Tax liability of £320 000 which would become payable if the investments were sold.

14. STOCK

Retail stock is shown after deducting a provision of £79,000 (2022: £ 20,0 00) for slow-moving and potentially obsolete stock.

Stock for Tennis and Squash and Heritage and Collections relates to stock purchased for resale, net of a provision of £3 000 (2022: £5 000).

15. DEBTORS 2023 2022

17. DEBENTURE LOANS — AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR

16. CREDITORS - AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2023 2022

£000 £000

Trade creditors (1,401) (1,108)

(495) (84)

(3,116)

(67) (251)

(3,583) (4,038)

(

) (16,384)

(95)

(999)

subscriptions received in advance (577) (65) (28,404) (26,140)

£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000

At 1 January 2023 (5,688) (13,394) (13,330) (13,972) 87 (46,297)

Debenture loans issued (59) (135) (112) (65) – (371)

Issue costs on additions – – – – 6 6

Amortisation charge – – – – (22) (22)

At 31 December 2023 (5,747) (13,529) (13,442) (14,037) 71 (46,684)

The Debenture schemes have been categorised into Compton and Edrich, Gold, Silver or Bronze, with the price varying dependent on the length and extent of rights related to that Debenture. Active rights range from four to eight years. £6 000 of issue costs (2022: £ 21,000) for new Debentures have been incurred in the year and £ 22,000 of deferred issue costs have been amortised in 2023 (2022: £14,000).

£185,000 of premium (2022: £180,000) has been recognised in Other Income in 2023, while £185,000 (2022: £180,000) has been included within Creditors falling due within one year (being the amount to be released in 2024).

The balance of the Debenture is treated as an interest-free loan to the Club for development of the Ground and facilities.

These loans become repayable 75 years after the issue date. The first year that any loans will become repayable is 2081

The loan liabilities are recorded at face value in accordance with the public benefit entity concessionary loan treatment provided for under FRS102

In order to ensure that the Club can repay the Debenture loans in the future, a sinking fund was set up in 2009 (see note 13).

Total Debentures with active rights issued as at the year end numbered 1 868 (2022: 1 836).

A total of £394 000 (2022: £5 988 000) was raised during the year from new sales less redemptions, including loans and premiums and before costs.

18. LONG-TERM DEFERRED INCOME

2023 2022

£000 £000

Candidates’ registration fees (1,202) (1,045)

1996 Life Members' fund – (62)

2020 Life Members' fund (13,946) (15,019)

Debenture premium (371) (541)

Deferred capital grant (565) (631)

Father Time Wall (447) (477) (16,531) (17,775)

The

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE

At 31 December 2023, the Scheme had assets of £40 0m (2022: £37 6m) and liabilities of £31 8m (2022: £31 3m).

Defined Contribution:

Contributions to the defined contribution-only Scheme in the year were were £494,000 by members (2022: £294,000) and £896 000 by the Club (2022: £661 000). Employer contribution rates vary from 6% to 12% depending on contributions made by the member.

23 CASH-FLOW STATEMENT

Reconciliation of operating surplus to net cash inflow from operating activities:

Operating surplus after non-recurring items, depreciation and revaluation

charge

2023 2022

£000 £000

2,524

Defined Benefit:

The Club made special contribution payments to the Scheme of £554,000 during the year (2022: £554,000) as part of the plan agreed with the Pension Scheme Trustees. The next actuarial valuation is due in 2024 and the Club currently has an obligation to pay the following special contributions:

2024 to 2031 £254 000 per annum

2024 to 2028

An additional £300,000 per annum

FRS 102 valuation as at 31 December 2023:

For disclosure purposes only, the Club commissioned a valuation under FRS102 which shows a surplus of £8 2m (2022: surplus £6 3m). The movement in valuation of £1 9m is outlined below and is primarily caused by better than assumed returns on the Scheme’s assets, which is partially offset by a reduction in bond yields which decreases the discount rate, leading to a higher defined benefit obligation.

2023 2022

Decrease in long-term deferred income (1,244) (771) Taxation paid (608) (993)

24 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

MCC Overseas Limited was inactive in 2023

The Club transacts with MCC Foundation, its charitable arm, resulting in related party purchases and sales between the two entities.

The key assumptions used in the FRS102 valuation are as follows:

RPI – at 3.1% per annum (2022: 3.2%)

Pension increases in payment – to increase by 2 9.% (2022: 2.9%)

Liabilities – discounted at 4.6% based on AA rated bonds (2022: 4.9%)

The Club also provided administrative services, discounted event provision and tickets free of charge to MCC Foundation, along with free use of office space, suite hire and IT support.

These have been valued in kind at £173 000 (2022: £116 000).

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO MARYLEBONE CRICKET CLUB

OPINION

We have audited the Accounts of Marylebone Cricket Club (“the Club”) for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the Income and Expenditure Account, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement and related notes, including the accounting policies in note 1

In our opinion the Accounts of the Club for the year ended 31 December 2023 have been properly prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the special purpose basis of preparation set out in note 1 to the Accounts.

BASIS FOR OPINION

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”), including ISA (UK) 800, and the terms of our engagement letter dated 24 November 2022. Our responsibilities are described below. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, and are independent of the Club in accordance with, UK ethical requirements including the FRC Ethical Standard. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is a sufficient and appropriate basis for our opinion.

EMPHASIS OF MATTER – SPECIAL PURPOSE BASIS OF PREPARATION

We draw attention to note 1 to the Accounts, which describes their basis of preparation. As explained in that note, the Accounts are prepared to assist the Club in complying with the financial reporting provisions of Rule 13 5 of the Club’s Rules. As a result, the Accounts may not be suitable for another purpose. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

GOING CONCERN

The Committee has prepared the Accounts on the going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the Club or to cease its operations, and as they have concluded that the Club’s financial position means that this is realistic. They have also concluded that there are no material uncertainties that could have cast significant doubt over its ability to continue as a going concern for at least a year from the date of approval of the Accounts (“the going concern period”).

In our evaluation of the Committee’s conclusions, we considered the inherent risks to the Club’s business model and analysed how those risks might affect the Club’s financial resources or ability to continue operations over the going concern period.

Our conclusions based on this work:

we consider that the Committee’s use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the Accounts is appropriate;

· we have not identified, and concur with the Committee’s assessment that there is not, a material uncertainty related to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Club’s ability to continue as a going concern for the going concern period.

However, as we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that were reasonable at the time they were made, the above conclusions are not a guarantee that the Club will continue in operation.

FRAUD AND BREACHES OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS – ABILITY TO DETECT

Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to fraud

To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud (“fraud risks”) we assessed events or conditions that could indicate an incentive or pressure to commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud. Our risk assessment procedures included: Enquiring of the Club and inspection of policy documentation as to the Club’s high-level policies and procedures to prevent and detect fraud, including the Club’s channel for “whistleblowing”, as well as whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud. Reading committee meeting minutes.

· Consultation with our own forensic specialists regarding the identified fraud risks and the design of the audit procedures planned in response to these.

Using analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships. We communicated identified fraud risks throughout the audit team and remained alert to any indications of fraud throughout the audit.

As required by auditing standards, and taking into account our overall knowledge of the control environment, we perform procedures to address the risk of management override of controls and the risk that the Club’s management may be in a position to make inappropriate accounting entries. On this audit we do not believe there is a fraud risk related to revenue recognition because there is a limited incentive to manipulate results and the opportunity for misappropriation of assets has reduced now that the ground is cashless. We did not identify any additional fraud risks.

We performed procedures including:

· Identifying journal entries to test based on risk criteria and comparing the identified entries to supporting documentation. These included those posted to unusual accounts and those posted by individuals with unusual activity during the year.

Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement related to compliance with laws and regulations

We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the Accounts from our general commercial and sector experience, through discussion with the Club’s management (as required by auditing standards), and discussed with the Club the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations.

We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit.

The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably.

The Club is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation, health & safety regulations and taxation legislation, and we assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.

Whilst the Club is subject to many other laws and regulations, we did not identify any others where the consequences of non-compliance alone could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements

Context of the ability of the audit to detect fraud or breaches of law or regulation

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards.

For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it.

In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of fraud, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. Our audit procedures are designed to detect material misstatement. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance or fraud and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

OTHER INFORMATION

The Committee is responsible for the other information, which comprises the other information presented in the Annual Report together with the Accounts. Our opinion on the Accounts does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our Accounts audit work, the information therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the Accounts or our audit knowledge. Based solely on that work, we have not identified material misstatements in the other information.

MARYLEBONE CRICKET CLUB COMMITTEE’S RESPONSIBILITIES

As explained more fully in their statement set out below, the Committee are responsible for: the preparation of the Accounts in accordance with the special purpose basis of preparation as set out in note 1 to the Accounts; determining that the basis of preparation is acceptable in the circumstances; such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of Accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; assessing the Club’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Club or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Accounts as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue our opinion in an auditor’s report. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but does not guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the Accounts.

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.

THE PURPOSE OF OUR AUDIT WORK AND TO WHOM WE OWE OUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Our report has been prepared for the Club solely in accordance with Rule 13 5 of the Club’s Rules. It has been released to the Club on the basis that our report shall not be copied, referred to or disclosed, in whole (save for the Club’s own internal purposes) or in part, without our prior written consent.

Our report was designed to meet the agreed requirements of the Club determined by the Club’s needs at the time. Our report should not therefore be regarded as suitable to be used or relied on by any party wishing to acquire rights against us other than the Club for any purpose or in any context. Any party other than the Club who obtains access to our report or a copy and chooses to rely on our report (or any part of it) will do so at its own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by law, KPMG LLP will accept no responsibility or liability in respect of our report to any other party.

Nicole Fawcett, for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants, 15 Canada Square, London, E14 5GL

Date: 26 March 2024

STATEMENT OF THE MARYLEBONE CRICKET CLUB COMMITTEE’S RESPONSIBILITIES

The Marylebone Cricket Club Committee (‘the Committee’) of Marylebone Cricket Club (‘the Club’) has accepted responsibility to prepare these Accounts for the year ending 31 December 2023 on the special purpose basis of preparation set out in note 1 to the Accounts. In preparing these Accounts, the Committee has:

· determined that the basis of preparation is acceptable in the circumstances; selected suitable accounting policies and then applied them consistently;

· made judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

· assessed the Club’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and used the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Club or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

The Committee is responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of Accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Club and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

FIVE-YEAR RECORD

MINUTES OF THE 236 th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HELD AT LORD'S ON WEDNESDAY 3 MAY 2023

PRESENT

Mr. S.J. Fry, President (in the Chair); 242 Members at Lord’s; 575 Members online

The President opened the Meeting at 15.00 and welcomed Members. He said that, in an eventful year, there had been one event in particular which had united everyone in sorrow: the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Patron of the Club for 70 years. He invited Members to pause in silent reflection of her lifetime of service, and also to remember fellow Members who had died during the year, including Past President, Robin Marlar, and the former Chair of the Membership and General Purposes committee, Sir Ian Magee. A minute’s silence was observed. The Chief Executive & Secretary, Mr. G.W. Lavender (“the Secretary”) said that the Meeting would be recorded and a transcript produced. The Meeting was the first to be held in a hybrid format and confirmed that the Meeting was quorate with those in attendance in the room, meaning the Meeting at Lord’s would continue regardless of any technical difficulties experienced online. He reminded Members that all the agenda items that required a vote had been considered sufficiently important to justify the use of postal or online voting and added that Members would be able to vote until Tuesday 9 May.

1. The President’s Address, including the announcement of his successor

The President said that MCC was, above all, a cricket club and its purpose was to bring all Members together in fellowship for the benefit of Lord’s and for the flourishing of the game.

It had been a difficult year in England for men’s cricket in particular. The unhappy events at Yorkshire had led to a second parliamentary hearing in December and the scandal must serve as a wake-up call for all those who cared about cricket and, indeed, the country. Racism was no less malignant an element in the game than cheating or match-fixing. Cricket could not work unless it was seen to be fair and decent, and the President asked what could be less fair than British boys or girls finding it harder to get into the game because of their colour, their ethnicity or their background. The immediate Past President, Clare Connor, had said that in the 2021 Membership Survey, the word Members most strongly wanted to be associated with the Club was “welcoming”. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) could be thought of as meaning Fairness, Decency and Welcome, which was what MCC’s commitment to EDI represented. Those who loved England cricket wanted the teams to be drawn from the largest possible catchment of talented young players, so aside from the fairness, decency and welcome, EDI could only make cricket stronger.

The President said that cricket was the second most popular sport in the world and lovers of cricket wanted it to be taken up in more and more territories. He was very proud to be Patron of the MCC Foundation (MCCF), whose mission was to grow the game, not only in the UK but worldwide, and not just for the sake of cricket, but because cricket had been shown to be a remarkable force for the strengthening and support of mind, body and spirit in young children, increasing confidence, social cohesion and bonding, physical and mental health, especially in children from war-torn and deprived areas of the world. MCCF’s work in Lebanon was profoundly inspiring, with projects for Syrian refugee children and, more recently, new projects for children in Nepal and in East Africa – Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda – and countries like Lebanon, where girls especially had their rights and futures severely limited

and their safety highly endangered. In the UK, MCCF continued to do extraordinary work, helping children advance with coaching, kit and facilities that would otherwise be denied them.

A short video demonstrating the ground-breaking work of the MCC Foundation was then shown.

The President announced Philip Marsden as the next Chair of MCCF, succeeding Phillip Hodson, who was stepping down after six years of exemplary brilliance and flair in the role. Mr. Marsden, an MCC Member, had enjoyed a successful international career as a management consultant and entrepreneur and had a portfolio of advisory roles across the not-for-profit and charity sectors. The President hoped that all Members were as proud of MCCF as he was and invited their contributions, including consideration of the Foundation in their wills, as a wonderful way of giving back to cricket. Turning to the subject of Ground Development, the President noted that Members had seen thaat the Compton and Edrich stands, in terms of amenity, popularity and financial benefit had been a huge success. The next area for attention was the Tavern and Allen stands and there would be a report on those plans later in the meeting.

Ticket sales for both men’s and women’s Ashes had proved very popular, as had the men’s ODI against New Zealand. Vitality Blast Middlesex games had quickly sold out of Pavilion guest tickets for the evening fixtures, with only moderate availability remaining to watch Essex. There were five men’s and five women’s Hundred matches being played at Lord’s, culminating in the finals day on 27 August. The President hoped that all Members, their families and friends would enjoy a wonderful summer of cricket. In closing, the President thanked Members, saying he had been met with goodwill, friendliness and encouragement. The post of President would be impossible without the support and understanding of Members. He wished to salute the commitment, dedication, professionalism and integrity of MCC’s officers and staff. Under Bruce Carnegie-Brown and Guy Lavender he had seen men and women work through Covid and crisis for the betterment of the Club and had been amazed by the spirit, energy, determination and loyalty on display. That was not to say that decisions would not be questioned and individuals taken to task, and this opportunity was provided by the AGM. He urged Members to do so in a friendly and clubbable spirit.

The President said he now wished to change the order of the agenda and to bring forward the announcement of his successor. He had chosen someone with an impeccable sporting pedigree: his grandfather had played for Essex for 17 years and represented Great Britain as a footballing forward in the 1920 Olympics. But the grandson had risen to become not a footballer but one of the most respected cricket captains in the County game, scoring over 25,000 runs and giving 27 years of service for Hampshire, leading them for ten years and collecting four trophies, three of them at Lord’s. Since his retirement from playing in 1995 he had established himself as one of the most trusted broadcasters in English language cricket commentary, winning two Royal Television Society awards as Sports Presenter of the Year. He had worked for Channel 4, Channel 5, the Nine network in Australia and Sky Television. A co-founder of the Chance to Shine charity, he had been an MCC Member since 1981 and as a diligent member of many committees over that time, he knew the Club as well as anyone. The President said that he could not imagine a more dedicated, knowledgeable and committed President and so, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 8 4, it gave him great pleasure to announce that the President Designate would be Mark Nicholas.

The President Designate (Mr. M.C.J. Nicholas) thanked the President and said it was a wonderful honour to be nominated as President of MCC. He said that no club and no ground had had a greater impact in the history of cricket, and he could not be prouder. His words were met with warm applause.

Mr. P.C. Banham said that it seemed to be becoming a regular event that the President announced his or her successor at the beginning of the Meeting, rather than at the end, which he felt was sad. He asked if item 9 “Matters for Discussion” could be brought forward so that there could be time for a proper discussion. The President assured Mr. Banham that nothing would be rushed and the Secretary added that there would be plenty of time for discussion and questions on the items of business.

2 . Minutes of the 235th Annual General Meeting held on 4 May 2022

The President asked Members to receive the minutes of the previous year’s Annual General Meeting.

Mr. R.A.J. Dove asked if there had been any progress on the introduction of a tie for Life Members.

The Membership Director (Mr. M.H. Choudhury) confirmed that various ways of commemorating Life Members and those celebrating anniversaries were being discussed.

3. Presentation from the Club Chair

The Club Chair (Mr. B.N. Carnegie-Brown) said there had been much to enjoy and celebrate in 2022 as the Club returned to full operations following the pandemic. Full crowds and wonderful cricket were enjoyed by Members and spectators over the summer, including the 240,867 who attended international matches at Lord’s in 2022. The UK attendance record for a women’s bilateral international match was broken in a season when the Club also unveiled a pair of new gates that recognise the extraordinary contribution to MCC and the growth of the women’s game by Rachael Heyhoe Flint.

The MCC Out-Match programme had also broken records, with 522 men’s matches and 60 women’s matches and tours to Serbia, Romania, Italy, Uganda and Nepal. There was no doubt that MCC teams playing cricket against diverse teams from across the world was the very best way to build relationships, break down barriers and grow the game.

MCC was much more than just a cricket club. The Golf Society had over 2,300 members and Real Tennis remained popular as the Club’s second oldest activity after cricket.

The Club Chair said that the Club’s financial position was strong, and it had made a good recovery from the challenges of the pandemic, enabling MCC to continue to invest in infrastructure and in the development of cricket. In the gap between major development projects, the Club had already completed a refurbishment of the Mound Stand Suites and installation of a new scoreboard on the Allen Stand.

Members would also be pleased to hear that the Long Room PA system had been upgraded.

The Club Chair said that one of the highlights of 2022 for him had been meeting so many Members who derived such enjoyment from their Club and who were passionate about the Club’s future. Sharing perspectives among Members unified by a love and passion for cricket had been hugely enjoyable.

MCC remained the finest cricket club in the world and he hoped that Members were able to enjoy their membership in 2022, and 2023 promised more excitement to come.

The Club Chair paid tribute to Sir Ian Magee. Sir Ian had been a member of the MCC Committee and Chair of the Membership and General Purposes committee for six years, stepping down in September 2022

Despite deteriorating health, he had devoted a huge amount of time and effort to the Club’s affairs and was a valuable source of wisdom and advice for all with whom he worked. He would be much missed, and the Club sent condolences to his wife, Pam, and his family.

During the last year, the Club had completed the implementation of the governance changes approved by Members in October 2020, and the MCC Committee had now reduced in size to 12 members. As a result of these changes, in addition to Sir Ian Magee, Clare Connor stepped down having completed her term as MCC’s first female President, and Nick Gandon, Chinmay Gupte, Will House, Russell Cake, Angus Fraser, Garri Jones and Nigel Peters all left the Committee. On behalf of Members, the Club Chair thanked them for their service to the Club.

October saw the return to the Committee of Past President, Kumar Sangakkara, as the World Cricket committee representative. Subject to Members’ approval later in the Meeting, Mr. Sangakkara would succeed Mike Gatting as Chair of World Cricket on 1 October 2023. Four others joined the Committee in October 2022: Vicky Griffiths (as Chair of M&GP), Arfan Akram, Cora McCallum and Michael McLintock. Individually and collectively they all brought new skills and perspectives to the Committee and the Club Chair said he was grateful to them, as he was to all who served on the Club’s committees, for their willingness to devote so much of their time to the Club’s affairs.

The Club Chair noted that the Annual Report included, for the first time, a section on the work of the

Nominations committee (Nomco). Later in the Meeting, Members would vote on the appointment of a new Treasurer (for which Nomco had led the recruitment process) as well as hearing a report from Nomco Deputy Chair Andrew Lowenthal.

At the 2022 AGM the Club Chair had undertaken to conduct a review of the role of the Club’s Trustees once the new Committee structure had bedded in. This review had commenced, alongside a review of the roles of the Principal committees, and the conclusions would be presented at the 2024 AGM.

During the year Members, the Cricket committee and the MCC Committee had spent considerable time discussing the minor match fixtures played each year at Lord’s. The Club’s Cricket Strategy had looked at how best to deliver on the priority of improving pitches at Lord’s, especially for international fixtures. This had prompted a review of the minor match programme and the Committee’s approval of the Cricket committee’s recommendation to remove the Eton v. Harrow and Oxford v. Cambridge fixtures from the annual rotation.

The Club Chair said the Committee had made an error of judgement in taking that decision without consulting Members; he had apologised for this and now did so again. The proposed SGM in September had been cancelled to allow time for full consultation with Members, and 9,000 Members had completed the survey. While Members were almost equally divided on the Oxford v. Cambridge and Eton v. Harrow fixtures, they were clear in their responses that they wanted the Club to promote cricket as a game for all, to preserve Lord’s as a place where all felt welcome and to maintain the Club’s history and traditions. He said that reconciling these responses had led the Committee to decide that the Eton v. Harrow and Oxford v. Cambridge fixtures should continue for at least five years and that the Club would also proceed with its plans to host the finals of schools’ and universities’ competitions from 2024 onwards. He was grateful to the SGM requisitionists for the part they had played in reaching this agreement. It was his hope that the outcome had the support of Members in enabling the Club to play its part in growing the game of cricket and in respecting the Club’s history.

The Committee had also been focused on the allocation of major matches to Lord’s for the period from 2025-31 and ECB’s decision was expected by the end of May. It provided an important underpinning to the economic case for the next stage in MCC’s Ground Development programme, redevelopment of the Tavern and Allen Stands. A formal vote to proceed with the development would be submitted to the 2024 AGM and Members would have the opportunity to comment on the proposals during the coming summer. The Club had been an active participant, with the first-class counties (FCCs), in a review of ECB’s Constitution and had provided feedback to the Strauss review of the England Men’s game. In the last six months a new Chair and CEO had been appointed at ECB. The FCCs and MCC had agreed to form a sub-committee of six Chairs to represent their interests to ECB, with two of the group acting as observers at ECB board meetings. Representation on the sub-committee and Board of ECB would rotate every two years, enabling all FCCs and MCC to play an active and informed role in the governance of the domestic game.

The Club Chair said he would also like to bring to Members’ attention a report that was likely to garner headlines in the near future. The Independent Commission on Equity in Cricket (ICEC) was about to publish its report into issues of discrimination in cricket in England and Wales. ICEC had been set up by ECB in March 2021, although it was completely independent from the Board. It was not yet known what the report would say, but it was notable that ICEC’s call for evidence, initiated in November 2021, had drawn over 4,000 responses and it was expected that the report would make uncomfortable reading for all lovers of the game.

In concluding, the Club Chair commented on the new process, in operation since October 2022, which permitted Members to nominate two Candidates a year, provided that one of them was female. In response to feedback from Members, the process was now online and required fewer proposers, although every candidate was interviewed before going on the membership waiting list. Since its introduction, 103 women had applied, representing 21% of all applications, a significant increase on previous years.

The Club Chair then invited the Chair of Estates to speak on Ground Development.

The Chair of Estates (Mr. A.J. Johnston) said that having completed the award-winning Compton and Edrich Stands in the summer of 2021, the Committee had asked the Executive to carry out a thorough review of the options for the next major Ground Development project. The resulting report and Executive recommendation presented fully-costed business assessments for a new East Gate hospitality building (originally envisaged as the next project) and, as an alternative, the redevelopment of the Tavern and Allen stands.

The MCC Committee, as well as the Estates, Cricket and Finance committees, attended presentations in April 2022, at which all were in agreement that Tavern and Allen should be the next project. The Committee concluded that consultation sessions should be held with Members to test the waters for the proposed way forward. Members who attended those sessions were very supportive of the direction of travel, and this opportunity for direct feedback was also helpful in drawing up the design brief prepared for the formal design competition to appoint an architect for the project. A shortlist of four was reduced to a choice of two, and WilkinsonEyre Architects, who also designed the new Compton and Edrich stands, had been appointed.

It was proposed to maintain the architectural independence of the Tavern and Allen stands. In a new Allen Stand, there would be an improved, direct pedestrian link into the Pavilion and an additional level of seating and bar areas would be created by moving the replay screen to the Tavern Stand.

For the Tavern Stand, it was planned to retain and extend the existing structure, having first stripped it right back to its steel frame, which had the dual benefit of aligning the Club with Westminster City Council’s planning policies and making the new stand more cost effective and sustainable. A new level of seating, new hospitality areas and new bars would be added at every level, significantly improving the experience for Members and their guests. The overall capacity of the two stands would be increased by about 1,000 seats; both stands would accommodate people with accessibility requirements, and there would be a 900mm seat-row depth to match the Warner Stand.

The architects had been asked to focus on producing more developed plans for Members to view at consultation sessions at each of the Ireland and Australia Men’s Test matches in June and online in July.

The total cost was currently estimated to be c.£60m and the Chair of Estates said there was no question of embarking on such a major redevelopment project without a thorough appraisal of its affordability having been undertaken. The Finance committee had accordingly set up a working party, of which he was also a member. It had considered both a “base case” scenario and a ”severe but plausible downside” case. Through these discussions, the Committee was confident that the project could be completed and was affordable.

The Chair of Estates said that initial costed concept plans were being drawn up for consultation. Following consultation with Members, Westminster City Council and local residents, it was envisaged that a planning application would be made in December 2023. Provided all went to plan, it was intended to ask Members to vote on a formal proposal at the 2024 AGM ahead of work starting on site in August 2025, with a project completion date of May 2027, ahead of the next Ashes series.

4. Annual Report and Accounts for 2022

The President said that the Annual Report was the most comprehensive which the Club had ever produced, and he commended it to Members.

Dr. N.J. Knott raised a point of order concerning the use of the postal ballot and asked Members to consider the unlawfulness of applying a postal ballot to the ordinary business agenda. He noted that every Member at the AGM needed to appreciate that they were here as a sovereign interest. He then read out an extract from the minutes of the 2013 AGM:

“Dr N J Knott said, first, that a great deal of irritation was caused by the use of the postal ballot

He said that there was an error in the minutes concerning the Annual Subscription – the percentage

shown for item 6 was 103%, but it should be 100% - but the postal vote had already approved the minutes, so he wondered how the error could be corrected Dr Knott pleaded that the ordinary business of the Club should not be the subject of a postal ballot…every agenda item could be decided by people anywhere in the world who did not have a clue about the discussions taking place in the hall The President replied that the minutes would be rectified ”

He added that the minutes were subsequently approved but the error was in fact 104%, not 103%.

Dr. Knott referred to agenda item 5(c), the reappointment of KPMG as the Club’s auditors, and said he believed it was imperative that Members present were allowed to exercise their sovereignty and vote from the floor. He finished by saying that the present Report and Accounts also contained a major error, and questioned how there could be a postal vote which approved the Report and Accounts which contained errors. He had no doubt that Members present would express their views on the Report and Accounts and he did not feel that it ought to be accepted.

He praised the President for the nomination of his successor and the Committee for publishing the excellent photograph of HM Queen Elizabeth II in the front of the Report. However, he was sad in some respects that the patronage of the Royal Family was not allowed to continue with the President’s successor being named as HRH The Princess Royal.

The Secretary responded, saying that Dr. Knott and he had had regular correspondence on this issue, as he had with his predecessors over many years. The Committee was confident that it was operating within the Rules of the Club and the rule of law. Under Rule 25, the Committee had discretion to determine whether matters were of sufficient importance to justify the use of online and postal voting. The Committee’s view was that doing so was the best way of obtaining the views of the membership and he expected that the Members who were attending online would be supportive of the decision, as would those who were not attending the Meeting.

Dr. Knott suggested that the Meeting was now open to object to the Chief Executive & Secretary’s rejection, and he was entitled to have his proposal seconded and, if the majority decided to remove the postal ballot from the ordinary business agenda, they had a sovereign chance to exercise their vote. The Secretary then called on Mr. G.P.E. Curry, a member of the Rules Working Party, and Mr. Anthony Turner of Farrer & Co to give Members their opinion.

Mr. G.P.E. Curry said that the Rules of the Club, under Rule 25, made it clear that the Committee had the power to decide any matters on the AGM agenda be dealt with by postal vote or vote in person. They had decided, as they had consistently now for some years, that matters to be decided at the AGM should be resolved by a postal vote as well as a vote by those in attendance. In answer to a question from a Member, Mr. Curry said that the Committee also had the power to allow proxy voting.

Mr. A. Turner (Farrer & Co) agreed and said that the question of amending the Rules was separate. He did not believe the Rules could be amended at the AGM with a proposer and seconder. The Rules gave the power for the Committee to put forward the voting in this manner. He said he was happy to speak to Dr. Knott outside of the meeting but he confirmed that everything happening was in accordance with the Rules.

The President then called on the Treasurer (Mr. A.B. Elgood) to present the Accounts.

The Treasurer said it was his pleasure to present the Accounts for the Club for adoption for the year 2022 In his presentation, he would highlight some of the key financial figures for the year.

Slide 1

With pandemic-related lockdown restrictions easing at the start of the 2022 season, the Club was able to enjoy its first full season of cricket since 2019. Income almost reached the record set in 2019, an Ashes and World Cup year, while cash flow in 2022 was very strong for three reasons: the absence of major Ground Development expenditure, a new Debenture sale and tickets and hospitality for 2023 going on sale much earlier in the autumn.

Slide 2

The operating surplus of £10 1m was the second highest in the Club’s history, reflecting the impact of increased ground capacity following completion of the Compton and Edrich stands. Cash generated from normal operations stood at £16 7m. In addition to the surplus before tax for the year, that figure contained an increase of over £10m in cash received in advance for tickets and hospitality sales for the 2023 season. A third figure highlighted was the purchase of No. 2 Grove End Road for £5 7m, on which a further £600,000 was spent on refurbishment prior to letting. The purchase also included £800,000 of stamp duty payable, which had been expensed to the income and expenditure account. Finally, the Club raised £5 1m from Debenture sales with rights to the 2023-26 seasons.

Slide 3

Total income for 2022 was significantly higher than for 2021, a year when Covid restrictions limited capacities other than for the second Test. Subscriptions and Entrance Fees were flat after two years of zero increases. Under the arrangements put in place by ECB, the Club received £2 7m in insurance pay-outs for early finishes to both Test matches. Income from T20 Blast fixtures at £3m was disappointing and 35% lower than the pre-Covid figures. This was partly due to the earlier and more compressed tournament requiring fixtures to be held on days other than the Club’s preferred Thursday evenings and demand may have been reduced by more flexible home working arrangements for those working in London. The large increase in Other Income reflected the strong recovery in Tours of Lord’s and use of the Indoor Cricket Centre.

Slide 4

As expected, costs had gone up in line with increased activity. A significant proportion of the Club’s costs were labour costs; in 2022 the Club achieved its goal of paying the London Living Wage for the casual labour force, which had resulted in a 28% increase in the minimum hourly rate paid to them over the last three years. Permanent head count had been well controlled, with 206 staff at the end of the year, well below the pre-Covid level of 229 at the end of 2019

Slide 5

The Club’s cash position remained strong with £47 8m in the bank at the end of 2022 – over £11m more than at the end of 2021. In view of rising interest rates, the Club had taken steps to increase interest receivable on these cash balances and to widen the pool of banks with whom funds were deposited. An investment manager, Sarasin & Partners, had been appointed to manage the remaining £3 5m balance of the Designated Fund, and these moneys were transferred across in February 2023. The Designated Fund was the excess of Life Membership proceeds over the £15m target set in 2020. Of the total excess of £10 6m, £7 1m was spent on the purchase, including stamp duty and refurbishment, of No. 2 Grove End Road, leaving the £3 5m balance, now invested with Sarasin & Partners.

Slide 6

The Club owned Nos. 2, 4, 6 and 12 Grove End Road. No. 2 had been valued independently at £6 3m, in line with the purchase price and the amount spent on refurbishment. Nos. 6 and 12 increased in value by a combined £900,000 during the year. The Secretary’s house, No. 4 Grove End Road, was accounted for as an operating asset rather than as an investment property, with capital costs depreciated. The current value in the balance sheet was £200,000, but the property was worth considerably more.

Slide 7

The Club had a strong balance sheet with significant cash balances, but £35 4m of the £47 8m cash balance related to future years, which should be borne in mind as the affordability of the next stage of Ground Development was considered. £15 9m of the cash balance related to the balance of the 2020 Life Membership proceeds, after two years of notional subscriptions and Entrance Fees had been reflected in the income and expenditure account; £9 7m related to cash received in 2022 for the 2023 season; and a further £9 8m was money received from Debenture sales relating to rights for 2023 and beyond.

The Treasurer said that 2022 had been a successful year for the Club from a financial viewpoint, and the Club was in a strong position to plan the redevelopment of the Tavern and Allen stands. This was his final AGM as Treasurer and he was delighted to be leaving the Club in as good a financial position as it was when he took over, having completed the Compton and Edrich stands. He was very grateful for the support which the Club had received from both ECB and those Members who had taken up Life Membership in 2020 which had helped support the Club through the pandemic. He was also very grateful to the Finance committee and the Finance Director and his team for their support since 2017. He was delighted that Chris Rogers, with whom he had worked closely over the past six years, had been recommended to succeed him as Treasurer. Should that recommendation meet with Members’ approval, Mr. Rogers would prove an excellent custodian of MCC’s finances and he wished him well in the role.

Prof. M.R. Middleton said that looking at the Accounts for 2022, there was a considerable drop in the second of MCC’s income streams – catering and hospitality – which had gone from £6 3m in 2019 to 0 37% of turnover in 2022. He asked whether that was an acceptable return on £15m of expenditure, and how the Club expected to recover to anything approaching the 2019 level.

The Treasurer pointed out that 2019 was not a good year to use for comparison as, with both the Ashes and the World Cup, it had been an exceptional year; 2017 and 2018 were better comparators. The Finance Director (Mr. A.D. Cameron) explained that income from the licence fees for the 72 suites around the Ground was not included in catering and hospitality income. That income was currently included within match receipts. If it was added in, the return on the £15m of catering and hospitality income would be nearer to 24%-25%. In addition, the Events and Experiences business had had a slow start to 2022 as the country emerged from lockdown and was not yet back at pre-Covid levels. Furthermore, the costs of paying casual workers had increased significantly. He felt it important to mention that MCC’s catering and hospitality was not a purely commercially-driven business, but included meetings and events for Members and the discounts given to key stakeholders such as Middlesex and the MCC Foundation.

Mr. J.A. Fingleton said he was delighted to hear of the guarantee of leg space in the new Tavern and Allen stands, and also that it was intended to move the double scoreboard, so that it would be visible to those sitting in the Pavilion. However, he pointed out that not all Members were wealthy and he could not understand why MCC did not offer a monthly or quarterly subscription payment, albeit at a small rate of interest for deferring it. The Treasurer said there was an item on subscriptions later on the agenda and he suggested dealing with Mr. Fingleton’s question at that time.

Mr. C.G. Jackson said that over the last two financial years the Club had made special pensions contributions of approximately £1 8m. Over the course of the year, he assumed there had been a triannual valuation showing a change in the value of the deficit from £11 8m to a surplus – a turnaround of £20m. He wondered whether the payments of approximately £255,000 would be continuing on the same basis. Having been a pension fund trustee, he observed that it was predictable that when interest rates moved from virtually zero, there would be a deficit. He felt it would be helpful in future years if the information could be broken down into more detail, and would like to hear any observations on pensions and how they affected the Club’s bottom line.

The Finance Director said that the next triannual valuation would be effective as at 1 January 2024, and the outcome of that valuation was expected towards the end of 2024. The deficit recovery contributions had been set as a result of the triannual valuation of 2021. The calculation of actuarial liabilities and assets was very complex and, with the very volatile markets in the autumn, they had moved considerably. This was something which the Committee was monitoring closely and working with the Trustees of the Pension Scheme to ensure that there was a sustainable position in future. He added that he would be happy to speak to Mr. Jackson after the Meeting to discuss more detailed points he may wish to make.

Mr. R.C.S. Titchener-Barrett said that he had attended one of the Members’ Informal Meetings at which it had been stated that the relationship with Middlesex was financially very healthy. He contended that this was clearly not the case as the cost of hosting Middlesex matches was £1 65m and MCC made a loss.

The Secretary said that Middlesex was one of MCC’s most important partners and had been for over 150 years. They provided first-class cricket at Lord’s, which many Members enjoyed; Lord’s was, in fact, Middlesex’s home. He believed that this aligned with the second part of MCC’s mission statement, “working for the good of the game”. Middlesex was important to MCC, and it was important that they remained a viable business, which was why the Club’s financial support to the County had increased.

Regarding the specific question concerning the relationship with Middlesex, the Secretary said that the pre-Covid world was very different from the post-Covid world. In the pre-Covid era MCC had been making very strong revenues from the relationship with Middlesex. The situation was slightly different from that portrayed in the Accounts because Note 3 did not include catering and hospitality costs and, when these were added in, there was a small surplus of between £100,000 and £150,000 in 2022 from MCC’s relationship with Middlesex.

5. Appointments and Re-appointments recommended by the MCC Committee

(a) The appointment of D J C Faber as a Trustee was proposed

Before taking this item, the President noted that Robert Leigh, who was due to retire as a Trustee, had first entered the Committee Room as a member of the Club Facilities sub-committee in 1967 and, while his service since then had not been continuous, by any measure it was considerable. On behalf of the Club, he thanked Mr. Leigh for his years of dedicated service.

Mr. C. Waterman said that every year he objected in principle to at least one of the appointments and reappointments recommended. This was not an ad hominem attack on the person in question but rather an objection in principle to the “revolving door” and he urged Members in the room to vote against item 5(a).

Col. M.N.D. Turner asked whether it was right that every year the preparation and presentation of agenda items allowed the Committee to influence so many people, particularly postal voters, by having their recommendation published. Members not attending the meeting were therefore influenced without the benefit of having heard the debate, which he felt was wrong. The Secretary said he felt the procedures were fair. All Members received the papers, which provided balanced explanations for Members to review, and Members chose to vote at certain times, including those attending the meeting online. Ample opportunities were provided for Members to debate the issues, not just at the AGM but at the informal meetings which were held during the year. It was also worthwhile noting that the voting window extended after the conclusion of the AGM and the recording of the Meeting was available for Members to view.

Mr. G.D.C. Paterson said he had been a Member since 1976 and was also a member of the Historic Fixtures Group, which had been involved with the Committee during the year. The issue of the appointment of Trustees was, in his view, fundamental to the governance of the Club. The Trustees were the only body who were capable of exercising control and accountability over the actions of the Committee but they were selected by the Committee. He believed it was fundamental to the confidence of Members in the way the Club was managed for the Trustees to be selected by Members. It would be simple for any Member who wanted to be a Trustee to gather, for example, 50 votes to make them eligible, their candidacy would appear in the AGM papers, and Members would decide in whom they had confidence to exercise judgement on their behalf over the Committee. The Club Chair said that the Committee was accountable to Members (with the AGM being evidence of that), not accountable to the Trustees per se. Secondly, the role of the Trustees was currently being reviewed and he undertook to bring that back to the 2024 AGM, when Members would have a chance to express their views on what the role of Trustees should be and how they should be appointed.

(b) The appointment of C C B Rogers as Treasurer was proposed

Before taking this item, the President noted how strong the Club’s finances were, as Mr. Elgood reached the conclusion of his second term as Treasurer, despite facing difficult times. That the Club continued to be financially equipped for whatever the future might bring was testament to the excellent job Mr. Elgood had undertaken over his Treasurership.

The President then called on Mr. Andrew Lowenthal, the Deputy Chair of the Nominations committee (Nomco), to present the recommendation.

Mr. A.S. Lowenthal said that the Treasurer, one of the four Principal Officers, was responsible for developing the Club’s financial policy, for overseeing its financial affairs and for presenting the Accounts at the AGM.

The vacancy had been advertised to all Full and Senior Members of the Club. Nine applications had been received, and the Committee had asked Nomco to conduct an appropriate selection process. Four candidates were shortlisted and interviewed and Mr. Rogers was recommended to the MCC Committee as the strongest candidate in the unanimous view of Nomco.

Mr. N.D. Wildish said he had nothing against Mr. Rogers, whom he did not know, but wanted to echo previous comments regarding the “revolving door”. He said that Mr. Rogers had already served on the Finance committee since 2015 and if he completed two terms as Treasurer, this would signify his involvement with the Club’s financial affairs for 14 years. He asked the Club Chair whether, as the review of the Trustees and their appointment was carried out, thought might also be given to this issue because he did not feel it was a healthy situation.

The Treasurer said it was worth pointing out that the members of the Finance committee had a broad range of different views and it was impossible for any one person to dominate. In the six years since he had been Treasurer, Mr. Rogers was the only Finance committee member who had been there when he had arrived; all other members were new.

The Club Chair added that there was a balance to be struck between people bringing new ideas and new perspectives and those with a knowledge of the history of the Club who could provide continuity. He believed that Mr. Rogers would bring a suitable challenge and a fresh perspective. It was, of course, for Members to decide, but he recommended Mr. Rogers as enormously capable to take on the role and to ensure that the Club was financially sustainable during his tenure.

(c) The re-appointment of KPMG as auditors of the Club was proposed

Dr. N.J. Knott strongly opposed the re-appointment of KPMG, saying there was a serious conflict of interest, as KPMG also audited ECB. There was also an error in the Accounts relating to the valuation of the Ground at £1, rather than in excess of £1m. The Treasurer explained that, according to normal accounting standards, operational assets were not revalued and therefore the Ground’s carrying value in the Accounts was the nominal £1. With regard to the re-appointment of KPMG, it was felt appropriate to re-tender after ten years and KPMG had been informed that the 2025 audit would be re-tendered. He noted that under the Club Rules the auditors had to be re-appointed on an annual basis. (The appointments and re-appointments were subsequently approved.)

6. Re-election of J.T.C. Kendall as a member of the Nominations committee

The President thanked the four Members who had been prepared to stand for this important post and congratulated James Kendall on being re-elected.

7. Resolutions proposed by the MCC Committee

(a) Increases to Entrance Fees and Annual Subscriptions

Mr. J.A. Fingleton said he was aware of the five-month instalment plan but pointed out that this began in October, during a period when Members would already be paying that year’s subscription. He suggested that it should be a 12-month plan, or a three-month plan starting on the first day of the subscription year and that it should then, if necessary, include a weighted interest payment on deferred payments.

The Treasurer felt this was a matter which should be considered by M&GP; he pointed out that if it was agreed to introduce a 12-month plan beginning in January, a Rule change would be required as the Rules currently stated that if a Member had not paid their subscription by 1 April in any year, their membership would automatically lapse.

(b) Changes to the Rules regarding the ability of Associate Members to serve on sub-committees, the MCC Committee quorum to elect Candidates with Special Qualifications and Playing membership qualification requirements/termination process

Mr. G.A. Lock expressed astonishment that, with 18,000 Full Members, it was not possible to find the right people to fill the vacancies on committees without having recourse to Associate Members. The Treasurer said that this was not the case; it was rather that there were some very good Associate Members, particularly in the Societies, who would love to be involved with their sub-committees, and the change in Rule was allowing them to do so.

8. Changes made to the Laws of Cricket

The Chair of Cricket (Ms. S.C. Taylor) said that, following the adoption of the 2022 edition of the Laws of Cricket in October 2022, work on the Laws had been largely concerned with monitoring the changes, most of which had been implemented successfully and accepted widely.

The most significant Law-related controversy of the year had concerned the running out of the nonstriker. Following some high-profile incidents, most notably in the Big Bash League in Australia in January, MCC had noted that there was a slight ambiguity in the Laws and moved quickly to remove any confusion or perceived loophole. The Law change, which had served purely as a clarification and had not changed the material meaning of the Law, was approved by the MCC Committee in January 2023 and had come into force immediately.

At the same time as publishing that change, MCC had reiterated its long-held position on the running out of the non-striker and had published a detailed question and answer document on the Club’s website. The Club had called for a re-education of non-strikers in the art of backing up at the bowler’s end. If nonstrikers remained in their ground until the ball was released and watched the ball until that point, they could not be Run out under this Law and no controversy or perceived injustice could follow.

Mr. D.C. Neil-Smith said that one point which constantly frustrated thousands of cricket followers was going off for bad light. He felt there needed to be a simple change in the Laws of Cricket to say that when the floodlights were on, it could not be deemed bad light and therefore teams could not go off for bad light. The President said that he was not sure how much of the query referred to the Laws of Cricket rather than the regulations of tournaments. The Head of Cricket (Mr. F.L. Stewart) agreed and added that, in the same way as when it was fully dark a red ball would not show up properly under floodlights, so there were times when the natural daylight was too bad for cricket to take place. It was for the umpires to judge the safety of the conditions, and they set a limit which, for fairness, had then to be maintained throughout the whole match. The Laws were for all cricket and most of the games of cricket covered by the Laws were played on grounds where there were no floodlights.

9. Matters for discussion proposed by 20 or more Members in accordance with Rule 21 3(x):

(a) Allocation of tickets

(b) MCC Regulations

(c) Improving involvement in MCC decision-making

The President invited Mr. Waterman to speak to all three of the Matters for Discussion. Mr. C. Waterman said that he had spoken at the 2016 AGM on transparency and accountability. While the Club Chair, Gerald Corbett, and the President, Matthew Fleming, had agreed with the sentiments expressed, unfortunately nothing had been done. The world of cricket was changing quickly but MCC had not changed in response. India was now the most influential country in cricket, and the Saudis and Qataris were beginning to take an interest in the game. However, in spite of MCC’s efforts to be a private club with a public function, he did not think that the governance and management of MCC were fit for purpose. Nor did he think that Lord’s was fit for purpose. The Ground should be turned into a museum, and MCC needed a proper stadium to be built somewhere else, with a roof.

In terms of regulation, Mr. Waterman said that the four candidates for Nomco in 2023 had been informed that canvassing and electioneering were prohibited. It seemed that MCC informing Members that the retiring Nomco member would seek re-election was not electioneering. He did not believe that the regulation, passed in January 2021, had been communicated to Members. He asked how many other Regulations had been made by the Committee and not communicated.

Mr. Waterman said he did not intend to talk about the allocation – or non-allocation – of Rover tickets as he believed there would be any number of Members questioning why, for the first time in 180 years, they did not get a Rover ticket for their best friend.

In conclusion, he felt that MCC should take a long, hard look at whether the governance and management of the Club were fit for purpose and whether Lord’s was capable of meeting the needs of a 21st century audience.

Mr. N.C. Foley said that, like many Members, he had been surprised and certainly disappointed at the outcome of the Ballot for unreserved Rover tickets. A very helpful member of the Ticket Office staff had spoken to him beforehand about how the ballot allocation would operate and, when he had sent some questions to the Member Questions email address he had received a reply which was very open and helpful. It seemed to him that the Ticket Office staff were making decisions about the algorithm used for the allocation and did not seem to have been given an objective by M&GP, other than to issue the tickets. In 2023, Lord’s would stage an Ashes Test match, the most popular match in the four-year cycle, when more Members would attend and probably fewer Rover tickets would be allocated. Mr. Foley said that M&GP had decided that Associate Members could attend on the Saturday of the Test match, which was the fourth day but, nonetheless, the Saturday of the Australia Test match. In addition, Associate Members had been permitted to apply for tickets for, and attend, the ODI, which was the first time this had happened. There were also 350 new Life Members who would presumably wish to avail themselves of their privileges. It was not surprising that some Members had been allocated only one ticket; this was far less than they had received in the past and he felt M&GP should consider this for future years.

The Membership Director said that the Club was very sorry that it was not possible to satisfy all Members’ ballot applications. It was very challenging to run the ballots, given the lack of certainty about the number of Members who would attend on any one day, and also the over-subscription of Rover tickets. Unfortunately, the nature of the ballot and the number of applications received meant there would be some who missed out, and this had been magnified by the popularity of the Australia Test match. To give some broader statistics, for matches in 2023, the Club had received the greatest number of applications on record. On average, there had been approximately double the amount of applications for Rover tickets for the Australia Test match than there were seats available, but it had been possible to fulfil 93% of Full Members’ requests with an allocation. The genuine intention was to try to maximise the number of unique Members who were successful in acquiring tickets.

From a governance perspective, M&GP presented an overall ticketing strategy but not the specific methodology of the ballot, before decisions were made. Lessons had since been learned, and it was intended to publish the methodology to Members in future, having first sought M&GP’s input and agreement. Information would be communicated to Members ahead of the ballot and the Club would be as transparent as possible. Thereafter, once the results had been received, summary outcomes would also be published.

Mr. J.B. Mitchell said that 12 years previously MCC had had an official online forum and it had been shut down. He had subsequently set up an independent online forum, mccolp.net, which now had 1,500 members. It was not just a forum for discussion, it was a forum for getting Members together to discuss ideas and also to foster friendships. There had been many different views and much hostility, but one thing that everyone had in common was a love of cricket, and they were all proud to be Members of MCC.

Item 9(c) was about improving involvement in MCC decision making and he felt that had there been better communication between Members and the Committee, the historic fixtures debacle would never

have happened. He would like more Members to become involved in the forum as an official platform where they could discuss amongst themselves and with the Committee. He praised the Committee for the introduction of some initiatives over recent years, including At Home with Cricket which he found very useful. Communication was important to avoid the situations which had arisen the previous year and the Committee needed to find out what ordinary Members were thinking.

Mr. S.H. Garrett said the Committee had made their position clear regarding the Eton v. Harrow fixture: they wished to abolish it, not on financial grounds. They were entitled to this opinion. However, when Members came to vote again on the matter, they should be entitled to all the relevant information. Part of the relevant information was how much financial contribution the Eton v. Harrow match made to the Club. It should be possible to calculate this financial contribution and he requested, on behalf of Members, in advance of a vote on the abolition of this historic fixture, that the Club publish the financial contribution that the fixture made each year up to the date of the vote.

Ms. E.M. Porter said she was a member of M&GP and wished to make two points. First, in response to Mr. Waterman’s claims, she asked him formally to stop using women, women’s cricket and the idea of equality as a cover for all his personal projects. She said she was personally aware that there were many fantastic women working with and within the Club on committees to advance the question of equality and they did not need it virtue-signalled from elsewhere with projects which did damage to that issue. Her second point was an encouragement to Members, especially those in the room. There was a small group on M&GP who took Members’ questions sent to memberquestions@mcc.org.uk and considered those to take forward to M&GP. She said that they received fewer emails than might be expected and she encouraged all those who had comments or points of disgruntlement to email them. All points were discussed and taken seriously.

Ms. E. John supported Ms. Porter’s comments. She said she was one of the younger Full Members of the Club and had joined having been on the waiting list for 20 years. She had found a genuinely warm welcome and particularly mentioned Sir Ian Magee, who had done so much for women at MCC. As a woman and somebody who wanted to have her voice heard, she found that that had happened by becoming involved and by standing for committees. She believed strongly in the Club’s progressive agenda and found it difficult to listen when Members complained about the governance, saying it was not radical enough, whilst at the same time received lots of complaints taking the opposite view. She wished to speak up for those who thought that the Club’s agenda and its commitment to EDI, to progressing and to being a 21st century Club were going well.

Mr. P.C. Banham wished to speak on the matter of the Regulations. He had been advised by Mr. Waterman, whose candidature for Nomco he had seconded, not to make any comments about him in case he breached the MCC Electioneering Regulations which had been passed, as he discovered when he made inquiries, by the Committee on 20 January 2021 and of which he had been unaware. He had posted the Regulations on the Members’ Informal Online Pavilion asking if anyone else had heard of them, which they had not. According to the Proceedings of that Committee meeting (noting that Proceedings has since been replaced by View from the Committee Room) there was no mention of an Electioneering Regulation having been passed. However, the Proceedings did state “It was recommended that starring should not be used.” He asked if someone could explain why, having just passed a Regulation barring electioneering, there was any need to mention that the Committee would not be using the starring system as, had they done so, they would have been in breach of their own Regulation. He further noted that the Disciplinary Panel Penalties Guidance, issues on 3 March 2022, made no mention of what punishment would apply to a breach of the Electioneering Regulation.

The Membership Director explained that the Regulation had been approved at the MCC Committee on 20 January 2021, but when he had reviewed it, he found that it had not been published to Members. As soon as this had come to light, the Regulation was published alongside all the Regulations on the Club’s website. All candidates had been informed that electioneering was not permitted, but Members who

were not candidates were not aware of this. He acknowledged that the Regulation should have been communicated and published at the right time.

10. Any Other Business

Mr. R.C.S. Titchener-Barrett said he was particularly concerned that the Nursery Ground had been severely diminished by the encroachment and increased size of the Compton and Edrich stands which he said was entirely unauthorised by Members. It had meant that the 25-30 fixtures of the Cross Arrows cricket club which had been held in September/October, which had formed part of the tradition and heritage of the Club since 1980, could not now be played on the ground because it was too small. He said that Cross Arrows fixtures were well supported by Members and the public, and this was another example of the Committee’s high-handed arrogance towards Members without understanding the consequences of their actions. He asked what MCC proposed to do about this tragic situation. All that Cross Arrows now had was a fine dinner in the Long Room in November, toasting the health of the club which was now effectively non-existent.

The Director of Cricket & Operations (Mr. J. Cox) said the way the game was played had changed considerably; the way the ball travelled off the bat was totally different and totally unrecognisable from when he had played and probably since only five years previously. At the time the decision had been taken, it was assumed that the Nursery Ground could eventually regain its original size by moving it towards the perimeter wall. However, the ball could now easily travel over the perimeter wall, which made the ground unsuitable for use in male and female adult cricket, and only suitable for junior cricket. Nevertheless, the Nursery Ground was a marvellous asset and its usage was currently being considered. A staff cricket match had been played the previous year and a Cross Arrows match would be played in 2023 under local rules. The finals of ECB’s junior club competitions would take place at Lord’s in 2023 – the Under-15s on the Main Ground and the Under-13s (boys and girls) on the Nursery Ground.

Mr. T.L. Page endorsed and agreed with the Director of Cricket & Operations’ comments regarding the Nursery Ground. When the Development Review had been carried out some years previously one of the main reasons for dismissing any potential development on the leasehold land had been the desire to preserve a full-size Nursery Ground, which had now been abandoned. In that case, if it was accepted that the Nursery Ground would not be moved because of concerns about the ball being hit over the perimeter, he asked what was preventing consideration of development options which would provide a more permanent structure for corporate hospitality, create facilities to generate revenue, release the restrictive covenants which currently applied to the land and avoid having to pay future rent. It would also have the advantage of making use of the disused railway tunnels. The Club Chair said that the key decision had been taken in 2017 when Members had voted to take control of the Club’s own Ground Development and rejected some of the proposals that had been made at the time – and by a strong majority. An open dialogue was being maintained with Mr. Rifkind, the owner of the land (whom he had most recently met in December), but it had been difficult to reach an agreement on valuation with him. Both Mr. Rifkind and the Committee felt that it would be difficult to work together on any real estate proposals on the Ground because they had different and divergent ambitions for the space. MCC was in the process of committing to redeveloping the Tavern and Allen stands, which were, of course, within the curtilage of the Ground. This would absorb a considerable amount of management resource and so there was not the capacity to consider development at either end of the Ground in addition to that project.

Mr. D.C. Neil-Smith asked why there was no cricket at Lord’s in 2023 on any of the Bank Holidays which, if the Club wanted to attract families, was the obvious time to stage cricket. Secondly, he noticed that the World Test Championship Final would be played at the Oval in 2023, not Lord’s. When he had raised the matter at an Informal Forum he had been told that it was for commercial reasons, but he thought that it would be a highly profitable match.

The Director of Cricket & Operations explained that MCC did not have complete control of the fixture list and the ability to schedule matches on Bank Holidays. The Club did try to find the best dates to suit Members and spectators, and it was not always the case that Bank Holidays were the most popular. He then returned to Mr. Neil-Smith’s earlier question about bad light, which was a topic of interest amongst Members. He said that, as a consequence of his MCC role, he was a member of the ICC Cricket Committee and this was a topic of discussion in that forum. International umpires set a light reading on the first day of the match and used that as the standard for the rest of the match. They had been challenged to ensure that that reading made it as hard as possible to come off for bad light on the first day to ensure that there was more play.

The Secretary said that the Club had worked quite hard to stage the World Test Championship in 2023, but it was a tricky balance as it would have involved giving up the second guaranteed England Test match. This was a different position from other grounds, the Oval in particular, where it was an additional Test match. Discussions had taken place with ICC and ECB over six months and a number of financial considerations were involved, leaving aside the question of whether Members would prefer to watch an England Test match or potentially a neutral Test match. There was also ICC’s requirement to provide a ”clean ground”. He said that the match at the Oval had sold well, which was encouraging for the future, and Lord’s would be staging the World Test Championship Final in 2025

Mr. C.E. Hancock said that Full Membership was currently 97% male, 3% female. He asked when the Committee aspired to that becoming 90%/10%. The Club Chair said that this was a difficult topic and the subject of much debate within the Committee. Applications had improved dramatically since the application process had changed, but there was of course a long waiting list and it would be unfair to disadvantage those already in the queue. This was a large constraint to how quickly the demographic of the membership could be changed. However, there were opportunities, including the increased number of seats in the new Tavern and Allen redevelopment, and women were being encouraged to apply for Playing membership.

Ms. Porter said that as someone who had been actively involved in trying to increase female membership of MCC, she felt it was worth Members knowing that the principal reason which stopped women applying for membership of the Club was the perception of MCC. Some decisions had been made which featured heavily in the Press, and which portrayed a particular image of MCC. Women were not coming forward because they felt that they did not belong, and certain actions enhanced this perception.

Mr. E.G. Handley said that the late David English, whose obituary appeared in the Annual Report, had made a singular contribution to schools’ cricket. He asked if it would be possible to recognise the contribution Dr. English had made by recognising the English Schools’ Cricket Association match at Lord’s as a memorial match to him. The President replied that, as a friend of Dr. English, he thought this was a delightful idea. As an occasional Bunburyist, he had admired Dr. English’s enthusiasm and his ability to bring people together in the name of cricket.

Mr. G.P.E. Curry referred to the Annual Report. He had been responsible one year for producing it and therefore knew the amount of time, effort and stress which it engendered in meeting difficult and tight deadlines, and that this was combined with the striving for excellence. This year the Annual Report had been excellent, overseen by the Director of Membership and masterminded by the Membership Communications Manager, who did an excellent job on Members’ communications. The Report was innovative, it had brought in new elements, it had improved. He joined the President in commending it, but also wished to thank and congratulate all those who had been involved in producing it. Without the Report, Members would be far poorer in their knowledge of the Club, what it did and what it had done in the previous year. He therefore asked for Members’ thanks to be passed to all those involved and, more generally, to the Chief Executive, Secretariat and staff for all that they did for Members.

Mr. C.B. Austin said he wished to make some observations. First, he felt that the hybrid format of the meeting was excellent. He was joining online and said it was very helpful to follow the discussions in the room; he would now consider the various matters discussed and vote on them. He felt that online voting rather than postal voting was a great way for MCC membership to be more inclusive and he thanked the team who had made this possible. Secondly, speaking from South Africa, he wished to thank the MCC Foundation. The Foundation had just released a film of their achievements over the past year, one of which was supporting the launch of a new women’s empowerment programme in South Africa, in a township near Cape Town. He felt it was a great testament to the Club’s leadership in pursuing women’s empowerment and inclusiveness. The quicker that the gender imbalance in the Club’s membership could be addressed, the better.

Mr. R.A. Bach asked the Committee about the status of the Ruth Strauss fundraising day at Lord’s and whether consideration had been given to including other charities, such as the MCC Foundation. The Secretary said that plans for 2023 had yet to be announced but the Club greatly enjoyed supporting the Ruth Strauss Foundation. He took Mr. Bach’s point and added that the Club supported a number of charitable endeavours outside of major match days and it was the intention to continue to do both.

Mr. B.N. Gorst said he had been a former member of the Estates committee for many years and he had greatly enjoyed his years of service. He felt that the magic of the Ground was contained in the quality of the architecture provided by leading firms. The WilkinsonEyre solution to the difficult task of building around the Media Centre in particular was brilliant, and he felt the Chair of Estates and the Estates Director had led a development which would be a great credit to the Club for many years. He said that he did not question the selection of WilkinsonEyre as architects of the new Tavern and Allen redevelopment but asked them not to replicate the Compton and Edrich stands, perhaps by appointing a different senior partner to manage the brief. The Estates Director (Mr. R.J. Ebdon) said the Club was delighted to be working again with WilkinsonEyre; although the partner and project director were the same as for the Compton and Edrich stands, the design elements would not be replicated and it would be a very different design.

Mr. P.M. Norville said that Members were excited by the proposed Tavern and Allen redevelopment. He hoped that, with the extra 1,000 seats, the problem of restricted view seats which had occurred in the Warner Stand would not be repeated. The Estates Director said it had always been known that, owing to the configuration of the stands, there would be some seats in the Warner Stand which would have a compromised view. The Committee had debated at the time whether or not those seats should be put in, and it had been agreed that they should because, even with a restricted view, they would be used during an Ashes Test match, which had proved to be the case.

Mr. D.A. Steward said he was totally opposed to any form of discrimination and had been upset to learn that he would be banned from coming to a Club dinner in November because it was for ladies only. He had argued for years that women should be Members of the Club and so to be told that there would be segregation was very upsetting. He felt it could be much better dealt with by setting up a forum for long-standing Members and new women Members to discuss how to live together in the Club in a friendly fashion and understand each other’s points of view. The Committee had made a decision to reduce Members’ rights and privileges which was wrong because MCC was a Members’ Club and any reduction in membership rights should be made only after a vote in favour at a General Meeting. The Chair of M&GP (Mrs. V.K. Griffiths) agreed with Mr. Steward and said that there was no desire for segregation. The dinner to which he referred had been arranged in good faith to open up the Club and welcome younger, female Members to an event where they would feel comfortable. It had, in fact, been changed and opened up to male attendees as well. It had been an excellent evening where women’s cricket and female membership had been discussed extensively, but not exclusively.

Mr. Titchener-Barrett said that everything he had heard at the Meeting showed that the Club was not being run well. There was a need to employ management consultants and draw up an MCC business plan

which should be focused on a more realistic return on capital, which was paltry. The Club was proposing to spend £60m on the Tavern and Allen stands which could not be filled more than six or seven times a year and which could not be economic to run. He felt the Club could be run much more efficiently and make a lot of money, and it didn’t make any.

Mr. P.R.H. Morgan asked why the Harris Garden was permanently closed off. Secondly, he said that the word “batsman” in the Laws had been changed to “batter” and yet there were constant references to ECB, when it was the England and Wales Cricket Board. He said this caused offence. The President apologised and suggested this was a good place to close the meeting.

The President thanked all Members for attending the AGM, whether online or in person and the technical team for ensuring that a hybrid meeting could take place.

The President closed the Meeting at 18 05

After the conclusion of the Meeting, 180 Members dined together at the 236th Anniversary Dinner, which was held in the Long Room After giving the Loyal Toast, the President proposed the health of the President Designate, who responded Sir Tim Rice proposed the toast “MCC and Cricket”.

5 (c) That the re-appointment of KPMG as the Club’s auditors be approved.

7 (a) That increases to Entrance Fees and Annual Subscriptions, such increases to take effect from 1 January 2024 be approved as set out in the Explanatory Note to Agenda Item 7 (a).

That the changes to the Club Rules are made in accordance with the Explanatory Note to Agenda Item 7 (b).

7( b )

Note: The above voting figures record when each vote was received. They do not record whether a Member also attended the Meeting.

MCC FOUNDATION

The MCC Foundation’s mission is to transform lives through cricket, with programmes that empower young people to reach their full potential, promoting positive physical and mental wellbeing, and uniting and inspiring communities. MCCF delivers projects across the UK and around the world.

The highlight of the year — and a fitting achievement in the 30th anniversary year for the MCC Foundation (MCCF) — was the announcement in September of a game-changing investment from MCC and ECB, amounting to £1m over two years, to expand its National Hub programme. By 2026 MCCF aims to increase the number of Hubs to 150 and participant numbers from 3,200 to 5,000

The National Hub programme is ready-made to broaden the opportunities for state-school players to access cricket. Hubs bridge the gap between a player’s first experience of cricket and both the grassroots game and talent pathways (almost 200 beneficiaries went on to join the County pathway in 2023), helping to ensure that young people stay in the game beyond the age of 16. Through the programme, which also champions the continued growth of the girls’ game, MCCF is able to support youngsters from under-represented groups through free-to-access coaching and match-play, reducing the gap between the state and private sectors, and improving the diversity of the talent pathways.

With the help of the extra funding from

MCC and ECB, supplemented by additional fundraising of its own, MCCF will aim to:

• give all Hub participants access to mentors to provide players with support and access to kit and travel bursaries;

• increase the amount of female beneficiaires Hub participants to 50%; and

• provide Springboard programmes in six regions, with additional coaching and access to talent pathways.

In this way, MCCF will support the most talented players to fulfil dreams of playing cricket at the highest level.

MCCF will also strengthen its partnership with Take Her Lead, a cricket charity founded by Isa Guha, the broadcaster and former England cricketer, to support and inspire female Hub players.

WHAT IS AN MCC FOUNDATION HUB?

AGES 11-16 STATE-EDUCATED PLAYERS

FREE TO ACCESS

All Hubs and all activities are completely free to access

MATCHPLAY

Hubs integrate key life skills and relevant topics into delivery

TRANSITION PROGRAMME

Hubs provide players with their next step on their cricket journey

WINTER COACHING

All players receive indoor coaching throughout the winter

HOLISTIC

Hubs provide all players with matches indoors in winter and outdoors in summer

TALENT ID

Hubs identify talent and help players progress into the talent pathways

BREAKING BARRIERS

Hubs utilise mentors to support players with equipment and to remove potential barriers to staying in the game

In 2023, MCCF delivered 77 Hubs for 3,200 young players across the UK, with participants (29% female; 34% from diverse ethnic communities) from more than 1,400 state schools taking part in the programme. In addition to the coaching and match-play (100 fixtures in 2023) MCCF delivers Cricket+, a programme of wraparound support for mental and physical wellbeing (including specific modules on girls’ health for female players), life skills, nutrition and fitness.

Feedback from participants was very positive, with almost 90% of participants saying the Hubs made them a better cricketer, 82% that they made new friends and 80% that the programme had made them feel happier.

Springboard programmes were held at Headingley and Lord’s. Each comprised a week-long activity offering the most talented Hub participants extra coaching from top coaches, inspirational role models and exposure to talent scouts. Coaches included West Indies great, Courtney Walsh, Raees Ahmadzai (former Afghanistan captain and assistant national team coach), Yorkshire pathway coaches and current players from the Sunrisers women’s regional team.

The National Hub competition is an inspiring tournament, sponsored by Charles Stanley Wealth Managers, comprising two competitions (for under-16 boys and for under-16 girls) played over 20 weeks and culminating in a finals day at Lord’s (now in its fourth year). Guildford beat Bolton to be crowned girls’ champions and the Reading Hub were victorious over their Bradford counterparts to take the boys’ title.

Both finals took place in front of a packed Pavilion and Tavern Stand and thousands tuned in to watch the match online on MCCF’s YouTube channel. England Captain, Heather Knight, London Spirit’s Mason Crane and MCCF Patron and MCC President, Stephen Fry, presented medals to the finalists.

Simultaneously, the Nursery Ground and Indoor Cricket Centre hosted an exciting competition for MCCF’s under-14 London Hubs. Six boys’ teams and five girls’ teams enjoyed a thrilling competition. It was run as part of the London Action Plan (now in its third year), which aims to break down cultural, social, and financial barriers to accessing cricket in the capital. In 2023, MCCF’s 13 London Hubs engaged more than 550 state-educated young cricketers (26% girls; 68% from ethnically diverse communities).

OVERSEAS

It was wonderful to see one of MCCF’s past overseas projects continuing to make such an impact on the international stage in 2023, as Afghanistan became one of the star teams of the Men’s Cricket World Cup in India. They beat Pakistan, Netherlands, Sri Lanka and England to finish sixth in the table, thereby earning qualification for the Champions Trophy in 2025 MCCF’s Director, Dr. Sarah Fane, previously ran Afghan Connection, a charity supported by MCC and MCCF over many years, and whose cricket projects supported the national team and thousands of aspiring young cricketers across Afghanistan. The unstoppable rise of cricket in Afghanistan shows what can be done

and MCCF is determined to support other promising cricketing nations to become the Afghanistan of the future.

In Nepal, 8,000 beneficiaries took part in MCCF programmes over the year and 80 young players were funded to complete training to qualify as ICC-accredited coaches. MCCF’s Director and Head of Operations, Angus Berry, visited Pokhara to see the projects and attended the opening of a new ground, supported by the Foundation, in Biratnagar, alongside some girls’ competitions, with attendance by the national team.

A total of 1,900 cricket sessions were delivered across Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya with MCCF support in 2023, which amounted to over 4,700 hours of coaching and over 100,000 attendees. Youngsters benefitted from MCCF coaching and social impact programmes, supported by Cricket Without Boundaries and the national cricket boards in each country. This was a spectacular result, making a massive impact on their lives, on grassroots cricket and talent pathways in East Africa. In addition, 264 young players were trained and qualified as ICC-accredited coaches.

In South Africa, 80 female beneficiaries from four townships received a year of coaching in a female empowerment programme centred around tackling the challenges they face in their daily lives. The programme has been a great success and the MCCF is looking for donors to support a second year of the programme, for 120 more beneficiaries.

In Lebanon, MCCF supports the Alsama Cricket Project, funding four of their cricket hubs for more than 300 Syrian refugees living in encampments across Lebanon. The children receive year-round coaching and match-play which provides them with welcome relief from the hardships they face and muchneeded joy. They are becoming excellent

cricketers with great potential and 64 young people were trained and qualified as ICC-accredited coaches.

In Serbia, 600 Afghan refugees were provided with coaching and weekly matchplay as part of a programme to support young migrants, backed by ICC and the Serbian Cricket Federation. Eight beneficiaries received ICC coaching accreditation in collaboration with UNHCR’s Sport for Protection toolkit.

In Sri Lanka, 15 girls were provided with cricket scholarships, with three progressing to the Under-19 national team.

FUNDRAISING AND AWARENESS

MCCF was the designated charity at the Australia Women’s T20I. Girls from MCCF’s Bolton and Guildford Hubs (both finalists in the National Hub competition) formed an historic Guard of Honour for the England and Australia teams in front of the Pavilion before the match. MCCF was promoted as part of the broadcast coverage from Sky Sports and BBC Test Match Special and a film about its work was shown on the replay screens at the start of the match.

The charity’s annual summer garden party in the Harris Garden included an awards ceremony for the most outstanding coaches and players from the National Hub programme. A pair of Writing Room dinners, hosted by Stephen Fry and Sir Tim Rice, were attended by current and potential benefactors and supporters. The 30th Anniversary Dinner raised £85,000 and MCCF again participated in December’s Big Give Christmas Challenge, a matched giving campaign which raised a magnificent £114,000 for UK and overseas projects.

Finally, the MCC Foundation wishes to thank Phillip Hodson for six years of outstanding service as Chair of the Foundation. He has been instrumental in getting MCCF to the excellent place it is in today. MCCF welcomed his successor as Chair, Philip Marsden, on 1 December.

THANK YOU TO MCC FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS

The Foundation is grateful to every one of its supporters who have enabled the delivery of programmes in the UK and around the world in 2023 While space precludes thanking everybody, the Foundation would particularly like to recognise those listed below.

The Neville Abraham Foundation

Mark Aedy

The Aldridge Foundation

Charlotte Appleyard

Geoff Ball

The Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust

Philip Bassett

Adrian Beecroft

Peter Bennett-Jones

Sophia Bergqvist

Peter Blanc

The TBH Brunner Charitable Trust

Roy Calvocoressi OBE

Zarir Cama

Bruce and Jane Carnegie-Brown

Varun Chandra

Charles Stanley Wealth Managers

John and Doone Chatfeild-Roberts

Brian Colvin

Clare Connor CBE

Gerald Corbett

The Cricket Society Trust

Cullum Family Trust

His Honour Philip Curl

Simon and Libby Dangoor

Neil Davidson CBE

Geoffrey de Jager

John Doble

The Dowley Charitable Trust

Mehmooda Duke MBE DL

Simon Dyson

EBM Charitable Trust

Tony Elgood

Richard Evans

The Fairstead Trust

Fairy Water Trust

Matthew Fleming

Captain WFE Forbes

Stephen Fry

GKL Leasing

Andrew Grant

Alan and Irene Halsall

Richard Hobbs

Hodson Estate Agents

Phillip and Sally-Ann Hodson

The Holbeck Trust

Andy Holmes

Andrew Homer

David Hufton

David and Krystyna Ireland

Rick and Melissa Johnson

Jim and Cyndy Johnston

Michael Joseph

HOW TO DONATE

Miles Jupp

Rohan Kapadia

Dr Alan King

Matthew Kirkby

Paul Knox Kusuma Trust

Angus Lawson Memorial Trust

Candy Lawson Lebus Trust

The Loveday Charitable Trust

IRK Maclaren

David Mallinson

Philip Marsden

The Philip Marsden Charitable Trust

Marylebone Cricket Club

Andrew Moncrieff

Clive Myrie

Hugh Oliver-Bellasis

Jonathan Orders

Charles and Rachel Palmer

Dr Samir Pathak

The Peltz Trust

Daniel Peltz OBE

Dominic Pemberton

Fiona and Gary Phillips

Parents and players of Primrose Hill Cricket Club

The Derek Raphael Charitable Trust

Roger Raymond Charitable Trust

Richard Reynolds

The Roden Family

Chris Rogers

Rick Saunders

Kiran and Raksha Shah

Charles Skey Charitable Trust

Robert Sowler

Oliver Stocken CBE

Stonehage Fleming

John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust

The Syder Foundation

Giles Taylor

Jan Wulf van Alkemade

The VEC Acorn Trust

Garfield Weston Foundation

Nigel Wildish

In Memory of Gerald and Pamela Williams

Peter Williams

J Stuart Williamson

The Wogen Anniversary Trust

Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust

Revd Peter Wolton

The Worshipful Company of Glovers

Eric M Young and Family

If you would like to join them by supporting the MCC Foundation, please visit lords.org/MCCFoundation. There are several ways in which you can offer your support, from a one-off donation to regular giving as a Friend or Benefactor, or leaving a Legacy in your will.

OBITUARIES

The Committee regrets to announce the death of 243 Members in 2023 and wishes to make special mention of the following:

C.D.E. BAZALGETTE, Elected 1976

Both on and off the field, Christopher Bazalgette’s life was truly one lived in cricket. Known to his friends as ‘the Gette’, he enjoyed more than 40 years of club cricket for MCC, Hampshire Hogs, Hambledon CC, Broadhalfpenny Brigands, the Forty Club and others. His unique bowling style frequently lured over-confident batters to their doom; of his more than 2,500 wickets, 1,405 were for Hampshire Hogs and he would often use a Hogs tie to hold up his whites when playing for other teams. Eminent victims included Mark Nicholas (three times), Sir Gordon Greenidge, Ravi Shastri, Jeff Crowe and Doug Walters. His slow but unerringly accurate lobs were generally bowled to a 7-2 field so meticulously planned that he could usually tell fielders exactly where to stand.

Educated at All-Hallows in Devon, Bazalgette joined The Cricketer magazine as advertising manager in 1972 and remained with the publication for over 35 years, founding the European Cricketer Cup during that time. In 1987, he authored the centenary history of his beloved Hampshire Hogs, one of five cricket books he either wrote or co-wrote, including works on the game’s administration, psychology and a characteristic autobiography told through his many friendships and connections with people throughout the game. Bazalgette’s affability and humour were well to the fore when he played straight man to Sacha Baron Cohen in a sketch in which the comedian’s character Borat is introduced to cricket. Died aged 84

BISHAN SINGH BEDI, Elected 1982

The mastery with which Bishan Bedi utilised subtle variations of flight, loop, spin and pace set him aside as one of the game’s greatest left-arm spinners, and his fierce personality, determination and charisma made him one of Indian cricket’s greatest characters.

Bedi was 20 when made his Test debut, the first of 67 Test matches, in 1966. Upon his retirement 13 years later, he was India’s highest Test wicket taker with 266 wickets. He will be widely remembered for his part in the Indian spin quartet with leg-spinner Bhagwat Chandrasekhar and off-break bowlers Srinivas Venkataraghavan and Erapalli Prasanna. In 2004, the quartet received the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime achievement award from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the highest award for an Indian cricketer.

He captained his country in 22 Test matches, which included a feisty series with West Indies which saw India chase down a then world-record 406. Always outspoken, Bedi objected to the tactics of the West Indies fast bowlers in the following match, which he saw as overly aggressive and unsportsmanlike. He declared early in the third innings of the fourth Test, refusing to send in his final five batters, effectively resigning his side to a series defeat.

During five summers at Wantage Road, Bedi endeared himself to Northamptonshire supporters, helping the county win its first major trophy, the Gillette Cup, in 1976. In total, Bedi took 1,560 first-class wickets, more than any Indian bowler and a record unlikely to be surpassed.

After his retirement, Bedi cultivated a lasting legacy on cricket in India as a coach, having established his own cricket school and becoming India’s first full-time coach. While he was often publicly critical of his players, he was also their strongest advocate and protector against ever-pressing demands from cricket’s administrators. Died aged 77

S.R. BENNETT, Elected 2017

Stan Bennett was a highly respected umpire, educator and a long-standing member of the Laws sub-committee. After a playing career in the Cheshire & Derbyshire League, he took up umpiring and applied his analytical mind not just to know the Laws, but completely to understand their inter-relations. He won the Sims Training award for the highest score in the ACU&S Umpire exams and soon became involved in that body’s technical committee. With Gloucestershire, he three times won the Jarvis Cup, a national event on knowledge of the Laws.

He served MCC with distinction on its Laws Working Party (later to become a sub-committee) for two decades from 2001. He devoted countless hours to studying the Laws, working on what he called the “dusty corners” where he felt minor improvements could be made, and on drafting many of the new editions of the Laws. Died aged 91

MAJOR-GEN. T.A. BOAM, cb , cbe , Elected 1957

The ease with which Tony Boam struck up friendships over the course of his 37-year military career marked him as an extraordinarily adept diplomat. He joined the Army in 1950 and was commissioned into the Scots Guards, with postings in Egypt, Kenya and Malaysia, interspersed with spells with the British Army on the Rhine.

In 1972, he set up a staff college for the Nigerian Army. One student, Sani Abacha, would go on to become Nigerian president. Due to this connection and Boam’s impressive diplomatic ability, several years after his retirement, the Foreign Office asked Boam to meet with the president to persuade him not to execute a predecessor, Olusegun Obasanjo. After two hours, Abacha was happy to oblige Boam and spared Obasanjo’s life.

In one of the British Army’s largest operations since the Suez Crisis, Boam led a reformed 2nd Battalion Scots Guard as part of Operation Motorman in which the British Army cleared ‘No-Go’ areas in Londonderry. His latter career included postings as Deputy Commander British Forces in Hong Kong before taking on the particularly significant role of head of British Defence Staff in Washington DC during the Falklands War. Died aged 91

B.C. BOOTH, mbe , Elected 1969

Brian Booth was a very talented sportsman, who represented Australia in hockey at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. His real love, though, was cricket and he made his Test debut at the relatively late age, for an Australian player, of 27

As a graceful right-hand middle-order batter, and excellent outfielder, he played in 29 Test matches for Australia between 1961 and 1966, scoring 1,773 runs at an average of 42 21. He was appointed vice-captain to Bobby Simpson for the 1964 tour to England, and deputised for an injured Simpson as captain in two Tests in the 1965-66 Ashes series. His highest score was 169 against South Africa in 1963 at Brisbane, but the innings which gave him the most satisfaction was his score of 117 against West Indies in Trinidad, on the 1965 tour of the Caribbean. In a third-wicket stand of 228 with Bob Cowper (143), he withstood the extreme pace of Wes Hall and Charlie Griffith.

He was a schoolmaster by trade, a Baptist lay-preacher and Christian youth worker. As a man of honour and integrity, he was highly respected for his sportsmanship on the field and despised sledging. Died aged 89

SIR DAVID BREWER, kg , cmg , cvo , jp Elected 1972

A leader of London’s insurance market, Sir David Brewer held some of the most decorated positions in Britain. During his time as Lord Mayor (2005-06), he made business relations with China a major focus. As a representative for insurance broker Sedgwick, his connections with China began in 1981. He went on to chair the GB-China Centre and China-British Business Council. Elsewhere in Asia, Brewer spent three years in Tokyo and he was responsible for opening Sedgwick’s first office in Mumbai. Having joined Sedgwick as a teenager in 1959, he was serving as its UK vice-chairman when he passed his half-century with the firm.

Back in the UK, Brewer was heavily involved in the life of the City and its liveries. Aged 14, he was apprenticed to the Merchant Taylors’ and became master of the company in 2001-02. He was alderman for the Bassishaw ward before taking on the role of Lord Lieutenant of Greater London between 2008 and 2015 Died aged 83

P.W.S.C. BROCKMAN, Elected 1969

Peter Brockman was a distinguished figure in banking across Asia and enjoyed a 32-year career with Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) which culminated in becoming general manager of its Hong Kong office as well as chairman of Visa Asia-Pacific.

After two years as a junior in Hong Kong, he was posted to Hamburg where he met his wife, Margot, who was starting with the bank on the same day. Together, they travelled around south-east Asia as Peter served various HSBC branches, including in Malaysia and Singapore before taking the role of Head of Trade Finance in Hong Kong. In 1979, he returned to Hamburg as general manager of HSBC Germany before then finishing back in Hong Kong.

To support longstanding Sino-British relations, he served as a director of the Henry Lester Trust, helping talented Shanghai students in UK universities. Passionate about horseracing, he regularly entertained clients at the Happy Valley and Shatin racecourses. He was also a member of several golf clubs and a keen participant in MCC’s Golf Society. Died aged 87

R.H.A. BRODHURST, Elected 1971

The son and grandson of masters at Winchester College, Robin Brodhurst would ultimately follow his family tradition and enjoy a long career in education. Educated at Marlborough, where he indulged his early passion for cricket as first-team scorer, he became a keen mountaineer and this adventurous spirit led him to the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. Six years of duty with the Royal Green Jackets included two tours in Northern Ireland at the height of the Troubles before a degree in history from Goldsmiths College inspired his interest in military history.

After taking his PGCE at Selwyn College, Cambridge, he began a 30-year career at Berkhamsted School in 1981, moving to Ampleforth College four years later. Always a “school master” never a “teacher”, Brodhurst found his true niche at Pangbourne College where he was one of a cadre of new, young educators with interests in “books, bats or boats”. He was soon promoted to head of history, a role he would fulfil for 20 years. A traditional but inspiring teacher, he forged a great bond with his pupils, who often enjoyed listening to his cricket stories.

In 2000, he wrote a well-received biography of Admiral Sir Dudley Pound and in 2021 published the lengthy correspondence between Sir Donald Bradman and his grandfather, cricket historian and administrator Sir Harry Altham. Died aged 70

THE RT HON. THE LORD BROOKE OF SUTTON MANDEVILLE, ch , pc , Elected 1972

When appointing Peter Brooke as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in 1989, Margaret Thatcher thought his “unflappable good humour” would be an asset. Brooke’s appointment was met with scepticism on both sides of the Irish Sea, but he was latterly credited for inaugurating delicate peace talks between republicans and unionists.

Unusually, Brooke was the son of two life peers. His father, Baron Brooke of Cumnor, was a former Home Secretary and his mother, Baroness Brooke of Ystradfellte, was vice-chair of the Conservative party for ten years. Brooke became the MP for the Cities of London and Westminster in a by-election in 1977, a seat he held until his move to the House of Lords in 2001

Before politics, Brooke joined a management consultancy firm, Spencer Stuart, becoming chairman in 1974 at the age of 40. After election, he held several junior minister posts before becoming chairman of the Conservative party in 1987. Upon his retirement, tributes repeatedly noted his easy manner, wit, wisdom and utter devotion to cricket. Died aged 89

SIR ALAN BUDD, gbe , Elected 1994

Alan Budd had a long, distinguished career in academia and HM Treasury. He was senior economic advisor to the Treasury between 1970 and 1974. From 1979 to 1981 he was a special advisor to the Treasury under Margaret Thatcher’s Government where he was outspoken on her policies to reduce inflation.

During the 1980s he was a professor of economics and director of the Centre for Economic Forecasting at the London Business School, returning to the Treasury in 1991 where he was chief economic advisor, also heading the Government Economic Service. He was a founding member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.

Upon leaving the Treasury, he became Provost of The Queen’s College, Oxford, from 1999 to 2008, a job which he said was his proudest one. He was active in stewarding the governance and finance of the College, where, upon retirement, he continued to play a contributing role in its Chapel Choir. He returned to the Treasury for the final time as interim chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibility

A lifelong cricket fan, Budd signed up to be a Member as soon as he could. On Test match days he could usually be seen queuing outside the Grace Gates from 7am; on one occasion he was first through the turnstile. His preferred seat was above the bowlers’ arm where he would talk captaincy and tactics with dear family friend, Mike Brearley. Died aged 85

G.J. BULLOCK, Elected 2008

Graham Bullock was an immensely experienced umpire, officiating men’s and women’s cricket matches across the southern counties of England for over 47 years. His umpiring skills were also called upon for cricket tours to Dubai, Hong Kong and Cyprus. He officiated a match in the 1982 ICC Trophy between the United States of America and a Zimbabwe side led by former England and India coach Duncan Fletcher.

Bullock received the David Edwards Officiating Award from Surrey Cricket Foundation, recognising his outstanding contribution to cricket. This pedigree made him perfect for the role of training manager for the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers, running courses which enabled budding umpires to benefit from his expertise and long experience. Died aged 81

A.A. CAMERON, kc , Elected 1999

Called to the Bar for Inner Temple at 23 and taking silk at 39, Alexander Cameron was an extraordinarily talented lawyer, renowned for his diligence and warmth. In his work at the criminal bar, he defended former ministers Jonathan Aitken and Lord Archer, both on charges of perjury, as well as former newspaper editor Rebekah Brooks, in a high-profile phone hacking case. In 2011, Cameron’s cricket and courtroom expertise combined when he defended former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Asif in the match-fixing scandal which engulfed the game.

Cameron was an unlikely history-maker in 2013 when he became the first barrister to appear on television in the Court of Appeal for 90 years following an end to the prohibition of cameras in English courts. His brother, Prime Minister David Cameron, watched the historic moment on an iPhone and was surprised to notice his sibling, whom he had described as his role model, playing such a prominent part on the screen. Died aged 59

N.E. CAREW HUNT, Elected 1995

Nick Carew Hunt was equally at home on the tennis court at Lord’s or watching cricket from Tavern Upper. A real tennis player of considerable skill, he represented MCC on more than 50 occasions. Among many other successes and victories, he, with his son Tom, won the Generations Cup in 2016 and 2017 and that year also the D.W. Cull Trophy. His knowledge of the finer points of the game was well acknowledged and his understanding of handicap tournament strategy was profound. As well as MCC he played for a number of other real tennis clubs and was a founder member of the Marauders.

In his professional life, he was the long-term market secretary of the former London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE). He was recognised as a true icon of London’s derivatives market and a driving force behind many industry changes. Died aged 71

D.F. CHAPLIN, Elected 1973

David Chaplin approached life with positivity and good humour that brought him great success in the City and great enjoyment from sport. Born with major deformities to his limbs, at the age of six, his parents took the tough decision of having both his legs amputated and replaced with prosthetics. Refusing to be cowed by fate, he determined to excel at games at Harrow School, winning a house cap for cricket, keeping goal in “yarder” football and winning the house table tennis championship.

Leaving Harrow in 1970, “Chappers” joined stockbrokers Rowe & Pitman where his sociability and determination helped him thrive. After a brief spell at Mercury Asset Management in 1986, he co-founded JO Hambro Investment Management with Richard Hambro, becoming the company’s first chief executive. Chaplin’s bonhomie, liking for a good lunch and gift for bringing people together made JOHIM – and its later incarnation Waverton – a workplace filled with camaraderie and enjoyment.

Away from work, Chaplin continued to pursue his passions with energy. Farming the family estate near Market Harborough, fishing the Helmsdale in Scotland, shooting with a 20bore during the partridge and grouse season even a foray into racehorse ownership showed his indomitable spirit. Retirement brought tireless charitable work and he continued to enjoy his debenture at Twickenham and membership of MCC. Died aged 71

SIR MICHAEL COLMAN, bart , Elected 1953

Sir Michael Colman worked for the family firm of Reckitt and Colman (famed for its mustard) for 47 years, the last nine as chairman. In 1995, at the age of 67, he turned his family farm from growing peas, the price of which was falling, to the production of high-grade peppermint oil. With this, he produced small runs of flavoured products such as peppermint creams and peppermint tea, under the Summerdown label. He pursued high quality rather than quantity. Production of other specialist flavoured oils followed using the farm to its best advantage. Died aged 85

J.M. CRAWHALL, Elected 1962

Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Michael Crawhall played cricket for the village team and for Rugby School. As a right-hand batter, he made 164 appearances for Northumberland in the Minor Counties Championship from 1961-79, with 190 against Cumberland in 1970 the highlight.

He captained the county for nine years and also played for his local team, Morpeth. Among the players he led were Mike Brearley, Rohan Kanhai and Clairmonte Depeiaza. He was proud to represent MCC in 17 matches between 1978 and 1995, with a highest score of 72 against Royal Grammar School, Newcastle in 1981 Died aged 85

P. DONOVAN, Elected 1986

Peter Donovan was said to be devoted to cricket, beer and bridge in equal measure. A passionate Yorkshireman working in the world of marketing he was known as both cantankerous and yet affable. Writing in the Daily Mail since 1966, he was the world’s longestserving bridge columnist. “The Toad”, as he was affectionately known by his wife (“The Frog”) and friends, he was a very fine player who would carry all before him with the cards in front of him.

He joined the fledgling MCC Bridge Society in 1995, serving on its committee until 2001. He had an unwavering commitment to grassroots bridge and nurturing and assisting newcomers in the game. With the formation of the Club’s Backgammon Society, he turned his considerable skills to assist them. As with bridge, he also excelled, disdaining a computational approach but rather applying a keen instinct into the feel of a position and the psychology of his opponents. He represented the Club in both games with distinction. Died aged 89

A.L. DOWDING, Elected 1957

Born and raised in Australia, Alan Dowding qualified as a chemical engineer having studied at St. Peter’s College, Adelaide and Adelaide University. On the sporting front, he was a promising Australian Rules footballer, but gave this up when he was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship in 1950

He studied at Balliol College while at Oxford University, and played 43 first-class matches for Oxford, MCC, the Commonwealth XI and Free Foresters between 1951 and 1956. As a right-handed batter, he scored 1,950 runs at an average of 28 67, with two centuries and 13 half-centuries. From 1951 to 1953, he regularly played for the University and captained the team in 1953. For MCC, he played in 25 matches between 1955 and 1976, scoring 545 runs at an average of 22 70, with five half-centuries.

His main vocation was as a schoolteacher, and he was a highly-respected housemaster at Radley College from 1969 until his retirement in 1994. He served on the Club’s Indoor School Management Committee from 1984 to 1997 Died aged 94

R.W. ELLIS, cbe , Elected 1958

Taking over from J.C. Dancy as master of Marlborough College in 1972, Roger Ellis continued his predecessor’s pioneering work in the first of England’s boys’ public schools to admit girls, quadrupling their number in his first seven years in the office. Educated at Winchester and Trinity College, Oxford (after a two-year interlude for National Service in the Royal Navy), Ellis chose a career in education having observed the positive impact good teaching can have on young lives. His first job was teaching sixth form at Harrow before taking the job of headmaster at Rossall, from where he was headhunted for the job at Marlborough.

Ellis worked hard to refurbish the school buildings there and improve its offerings in drama, art and music. His devotion to the pastoral care of students brought him many lifelong friends and cost him many a night’s sleep in term-time. He published two books: Who’s Who in Victorian Britain and Britain’s Prime Ministers (with Geoffrey Treasure). There were also happy hours at the theatre, opera, Wigmore Hall and Lord’s. A keen golfer, he recorded two holes in one, the second shortly before his 90th birthday. Died aged 93

J.P. GIBSON, Elected 1976

Over the course of five decades in the press box, Pat Gibson won the trust and respect of colleagues, cricketers and readers alike. He began his career as a reporter with the Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph, eventually moving to the Nottingham Evening Post where he covered Garry Sobers’ famous six-hitting at Swansea in 1968. A move to Fleet Street led to him becoming cricket correspondent of the Daily Express in 1975, moving to the Sunday Express in 1987. Though he was later eased out of that role by an editor who wanted a “name” to write on cricket, Gibson quickly found a new home at The Times, where he would continue to ply his trade until 2014

Readers of his precise, unembellished prose might have been surprised to know how much effort it took him to produce; to colleagues in the press box it sometimes looked as though he were hewing it out of solid rock over the ashes of many stubbed-out cigarettes. He was a journalist and man of integrity; players and fellow writers who trusted him with their confidences were never let down. A fatherly mentor to young journalists, “Gibbo” was the ideal man to represent his profession as the Cricket Writers’ Club’s longest-serving chair. Died aged 81

R.M.K. GRACEY, Elected 1961

Richard Gracey was a popular and well-respected headmaster and proprietor of Hilden Grange, through which he maintained a professional association with Tonbridge School, to match his long-standing cricketing connection. An outstanding allrounder, he was selected three times for the Tonbridge XI against Clifton at Lord’s, taking 16 wickets with his fine off-spin. He became a leading light of the highly successful Old Tonbridgian Cricketer Cup side in three different decades and was a mainstay at Limpsfield CC.

Gracey was president of the Yellowhammers and ran the Free Foresters tour to the Netherlands in the days when All Holland treated the match as a full international. Other tours included a Stragglers of Asia trip to Sri Lanka immediately after that country gained Test status. His games for MCC included appearances in the three-day university matches at The Parks and Fenner’s. He was also a very successful rackets player, supplementing five amateur doubles championships with seven Noel Bruce Cup victories in a period stretching from 1956-75 Died aged 83

P. HARBANS SINGH, Elected 1994

Harbans Singh had two big passions in his life: working for Singapore’s Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) where he also served as president, and cricket, serving the Singapore Cricket Association (SCA) in many capacities, including as president.

A humble man, he played a key role working to bring the Muslim and Sikh communities together, and also the Christian community due to his Methodist education. He was Chairman of the Prayer and Blessing Committee, carrying out these rites at important events including the Singaporean Formula 1 Grand Prix. Singh also gave talks on Sikhism, motivated by the desire that people might understand his religion better.

Singh played an active role in Singaporean cricket for many years, including during difficult times when the sport lacked attention and income. This earned him Honorary Life Membership not only of the SCA, but also of MCC. Died aged 92

PROF. J.L.M. HAWK, Elected 1997

John Hawk was one of the key medical professionals responsible for alerting the public to the dangers of skin cancer through excess exposure to the sun. His natural warmth and confidence made him a tremendous advocate on TV and radio. He was spurred to address the lack of public consciousness when his brother developed the disease after ‘browning competitions’ they held together as children. Born and trained in New Zealand, Hawk relocated to the UK after marrying a Scottish paediatrician and took an appointment as a neurologist at St Mary’s, Paddington.

A move to St John’s provided him with an opportunity to work with photobiology pioneer Ian Magnus, with whom he made a perfect team. Magnus, brilliant but eccentric and pathologically shy, was able to rely on Hawk to communicate with both his staff and the wider world and draw greater attention to their little-known field. A brilliant communicator, no one could have fulfilled this role more capably and enthusiastically than Hawk. From 1979, when he took over the Dermatological Pathology Department at St John’s, he visited more than 100 countries in his campaign to raise awareness, meanwhile founding the British Photodermatology Group and co-founding similar societies in Europe and America. Died aged 80

N.W. HILL, Elected 1966

Norman Hill’s determination and devotion to Nottinghamshire set him apart from many of his contemporaries, almost as much as his physique. Built like a barrel, Hill did not ascribe to the stereotypical appearance of a first-class cricketer, but he was capable of many superb performances with the bat as an aggressive left-hand opener, amassing over 14,000 runs in 283 first-class matches. He was also a very handy fielder, taking 223 catches.

When Hill made his debut for Nottinghamshire in 1953 he was 17 years old and the fifth youngest person to represent the county in the 20th century. His breakthrough season came in 1958 when he scored over 1,000 runs which included 153 against Kent, his team’s highest score that season. When Hill scored over 2,000 runs in the 1959 season, he became only the ninth Nottinghamshire player to do so, and he repeated the feat in 1961, a summer which included his highest score of 201 not out against Sussex. Hill was appointed captain of his county in 1966 and led the side for two summers before calling time on his cricketing career to pursue his fortunes in business. Died aged 87

R.W. IBBOTSON, Elected 1981

Amid the excitement of the final day of the 2023 Men’s Ashes series, there was a poignant act of remembrance for the much-loved Richard Ibbotson. Standing at slip, England’s Joe Root wore a black armband in honour of ‘Ibbo’, the former chair of Sheffield Collegiate Cricket Club. Ibbotson’s leadership helped the club thrive as a beacon of sporting excellence with a commitment to supporting aspiring cricketers.

Ibbotson took part in 164 match days for MCC, taking 169 wickets. His best figures came against Bolton School in 1984 when he took 6 for 78. He toured with the Club across Europe, Africa and Asia and served as Tour Manager in Finland in 2014, when he played his final match for the Club at the age of 58. Humble and sincere, Ibbotson left a lasting impression on everyone, especially if they met him in the Harris Garden during a Lord’s Test match. Died aged 67

N.J. IZARD, obe , Elected 1999

Norma Izard’s key role in the development of women’s cricket in England made her a natural choice as one of the first ten women to be elected to Honorary Life Membership of MCC (she later spent four years on the Players & Fixtures sub-committee). The daughter of a keen cricketer, she took to the game early, owning her first bat at the age of three. She attended Beckenham GS, one of few schools in the country to offer girls’ cricket at the time, and won selection for Kent Juniors in 1948, graduating to the senior side three years later. Soon, she was combining county cricket with work as a PE teacher and approaching the fringes of the national side.

The England cap never came, but after a break to raise a family, Izard returned to captain Kent II, going on to chair the County. And it was from beyond the boundary that she would have her greatest impact on the game. Appointed England manager in 1984 – after three years managing England’s first ever junior side – she brought a new focus on fitness and psychology, culminating in their World Cup victory at Lord’s in 1993. She remains the longest-serving manager of any England cricket team. After stepping down as England manager, Izard was appointed president of the Women’s Cricket Association in 1994, leading them into a merger with ECB in 1998. That same year, she was the prime mover behind the creation of the Women’s Ashes trophy — a plaque now marks the spot in the Harris Garden where the ceremony took place. Died aged 90

A.M. JONES, Elected 1999

Audrey Jones served the Club with distinction from 1948-83, including a period as manager of the Club Office. She had a brief spell away from MCC, but was persuaded to return by her successor, Trefor Jones, remaining as his second-in-command until her retirement. For the 1980 season, she single-handedly issued paper tickets in advance to tens of thousands of applicants; a monumental effort, long before digital ticketing processing.

At that time, the Club Office was also for administering the accounts of Middlesex CCC and for paying expenses to the England team and accompanying officials for matches played at Lord’s. On occasion, tasks could exceed this brief; during Gubby Allen’s period as MCC Treasurer, Jones prepared his tax returns for the Inland Revenue.

She was a highly efficient and dedicated employee, who was well-respected and liked by colleagues, cricketers and Members of MCC and Middlesex. Her Honorary Life Membership, when it finally came in 1999, was richly deserved. Died aged 99

R.R. KILBY, Elected 2009

In one way or another, Roland “Tom” Kilby was a law enforcer, first as an Inspector in the Metropolitan Police, then as an umpire on the cricket field in the Essex League, for which he served as honorary vice-president. Kilby played 12 times for Essex II and led the Met Police No. 3 District Sports Club from 1975-81. He also spent many years captaining Ilford 1st XI.

As an umpire, Kilby volunteered countless hours to recruitment and training, and served for 16 years on the Essex League executive committee. He also officiated in over 40 matches for MCC. He died coming home from a Club Cricket Conference event at Lord’s. Died aged 85

P.H. LAPPING, Elected 1986

Peter Lapping was born in India and moved to South Africa in his youth. He attended Pietermaritzburg University, before going on to read PPE at Oxford University. He entered the teaching profession, first at Reed’s School in Cobham, later becoming head of history at Loretto School before moving to Shiplake College, Oxford, in the role of headmaster. In 1988, he was appointed head of Sherborne School, where he stayed until his retirement in 2000

Lapping was a very accomplished cricketer, especially for Cryptics. In retirement, he became a vice-president of Gloucestershire CCC, with a particular interest in supporting young emerging talent. He was universally regarded as an immensely wise, capable and caring man. Died aged 81

COL. B.M. LEES, lvo , obe , Elected 1971

Two days after graduating from the University of Leeds with a degree in modern history, Brian Lees signed up to join the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry for no other reason than he enjoyed watching cricket at Headingley. Serving the military with distinction he was awarded the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1978

He also worked as a defence attaché within the diplomatic service. He was posted all over the world including Germany, Kenya, Cyprus and Washington DC. But it was in the Gulf where he spent most of the time, stationed in Oman and in particular Saudi Arabia, becoming an expert on the Saudi royal family. A keen Arabist, he became a board member of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs.

A cricket lover, he was pleased to have been able to pass on his love for the game to his two daughters, one of whom subsequently became an MCC Member. Died aged 91

S.A. LEIGH, Elected 1971

Sam Leigh took to real tennis in his late 40s with considerable success and much enthusiasm. He became in turn 50s, 60s and 70s doubles world champion. He was a member of the Tennis and Squash sub-committee from 2006 to 2012 and acted as a Club match manager for many years. He toured with the Club to USA, France and Australia. His involvement in the sport, however, extended outside Lord’s. He was heavily involved in national administration of real tennis for around 20 years, during that time as the chairman of the T&RA Tennis Tournament and Fixtures sub-committee. He also organised the real tennis British Open garnering valuable sponsorship which was vital to the running of the competition.

Away from his love of cricket, real tennis and in particular Lord’s, Leigh worked in the clothing business and was an acknowledged expert in sourcing textiles. Died aged 86

SIR CHRISTOPHER LEWINTON, Elected 1979

The son of a North London woodworker, Christopher Lewinton served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers before joining air systems firm Graviner. Within a few short years he was a qualified engineer managing a factory in New Jersey. He returned to England in 1970 as CEO of Wilkinson Sword, driving up revenue from £30m to £600m before the firm’s 1985 merger with Allegheny. Lewinton would spend the remainder of his career as CEO of TI Group, leading the company to a position on the FTSE 100

After meeting with sports agent Mark McCormack, Lewinton helped Wilkinsons become a major sponsor of tennis and golf events, as well as individual sponsors of stars Arnold Palmer and Björn Borg. From 1975 to 1995, Lewinton served on the advisory board of sports agency IMG, building on a love of sport that had begun with him opening the bowling for Hayes CC in Middlesex and continued with membership of MCC. Died aged 91

SIR IAN MAGEE, cb , Elected 1986

Ian Magee was born in Newcastle upon Tyne and lived his early life in Aberdeen. The family moved to Leeds, where he developed attachments to Yorkshire cricket and Leeds United FC that remained mainstays of his life. Another passion was National Hunt racing and he was in a horse-owning partnership called Economic Security.

Magee entered the Civil Service in the social security department and was soon overtaking many fast stream entrants with superior academic qualifications. His rise culminated in his appointment as chief operations officer and second permanent secretary at the Department for Constitutional Affairs in 2003. After retiring from the Service in 2005, he moved into consultancy and was in demand for many leading roles including a range of important reviews commissioned by Government.

He made his home in St. Albans, playing his cricket for Wheathampstead, where he became 2nd XI captain and chair of the club. Having regularly attended Lord’s for many years, he became more involved in the Club’s affairs in 2016, when he was appointed Chair of M&GP. Throughout his six years in the role, he championed Members’ causes and was determined to improve membership engagement. He showed courage in withstanding a series of health setbacks to provide clear-sighted and forward-looking guidance to all who sought his counsel. Died aged 76

M.J. MEACOCK, Elected 1963

Known at Lloyd’s as “the father of the house”, Michael Meacock was for 55 years the head of one of the most consistently performing syndicates in the Lloyd’s underwriting room.

S.A. Meacock’s Syndicate 727 took its name from his grandfather, Sydney Arthur (also a Lloyd’s underwriter up to the age of 94), with the number 727 reputedly coming from the jet airliner launched by Boeing shortly before the syndicate’s formation. Syndicate 727 bucked the trend of “bigger is better” and remained deliberately small and exclusive, with Meacock himself never shy of personal exposure to risk. In character and habit he was as consistent as his syndicate; he never moved house after his marriage and never learned to drive.

Cricket was a lifelong passion. He played for Bishop’s Stortford CC in the 1960s and remained a member of the club for 50 years, although in 1970 he played against them for MCC.

He was also at one time president of Much Hadham CC in Hertfordshire. Died aged 85

PROF. SIR PETER MORRIS, ac , Elected 1986

Despite initially studying engineering, Peter Morris went on to be a pioneer in transplant surgery, playing a crucial role in improving survival rates. In 1984 he took up the Nuffield Chair of Surgery at Oxford University, where he established a transplantation programme. He made an immediate impact with his first kidney transplant patients going on to lead long lives. The waiting list grew to over a hundred, with Morris carrying out many of the operations himself.

He was an energetic president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England 2001-04, visiting up to six hospitals a month to monitor their training programmes, and implementing the Research Fellowship Scheme. During this time, he discovered the College kept bones of aboriginal ancestors and arranged for their repatriation to Australia and New Zealand.

Enjoying a lifelong passion for cricket and golf, he played both with skill. He installed Sky Sports into the Royal College of Physicians presidential office and lodge so he could keep up to date with the cricket and was once delighted, on the golf course, to find himself playing one hole ahead of Sir Donald Bradman. Died aged 88

THE RT. HON. SIR MICHAEL NICHOLSON, kc , Elected 1957

Michael Nicholson was called to the Bar in 1956, becoming a QC in 1971, and later became a High Court judge in Northern Ireland, known for his fairness and never showing any hint of a bias. As a Catholic at the time, this took some bravery; only three years previously a Catholic judge had been murdered by the provisional IRA. With his family, he had to move from his family seat of Beech Hill, a manor house in Ardmore, and lived under constant security provision. But becoming a judge was a great source of pride for him as his Catholic father had been blocked from doing so by the then Protestant hierarchy.

He batted for Ardmore Cricket Club in the 1950s, and was honorary president of the club for 60 years. He went on to be president of the Irish Cricket Union in 1978. He is also reputed to have had a role in Ireland’s famous 1969 win over West Indies, encouraging the touring team to drink the night before the match, leading them to be bowled out for 25 Died aged 90

C.P. NUPEN, Elected 1958

Born in Johannesburg, Christopher Nupen was the son of E.P. “Buster” Nupen, the South African off-spinner. He studied law and entered banking upon moving to England, but his passion for classical music led him to join the BBC’s Third Programme, before moving into television.

His first documentary, Double Concerto, followed Vladimir Ashkenazy and Daniel Barenboim as they performed with the English Chamber Orchestra. Unconventional in style, it was filmed with new silent hand-held cameras and 35mm and 16mm film, allowing greater intimacy into the act of music-making. Nupen’s later subjects included Ashkenazy, Barenboim and Jacqueline du Pré. He was a pioneering filmmaker with a passion for sharing his love of music with the world through film. Happy to work with young talents as well-established maestros, his most celebrated work We Want the Light (2004), examined the relationship between Germany, Jews and Music. He published an autobiography, Listening Through the Lens

Retaining a tremendous admiration for his father, Nupen’s other great passion was cricket. He frequently attended matches, even as a wheelchair user, and held preview showings of three of his films at Lord’s. Died aged 88

J.L. PAMENSKY, Elected 1971

Joe Pamensky was a cricket-loving chartered accountant and businessman, who was rated amongst cricket’s finest administrators. He was regarded as being honest, professional and full of encouragement towards helping young cricketers find their way in the game.

Having joined the board of the Transvaal Cricket Union as a 23-year old, he eventually graduated to its presidency, and was elected onto the South African Cricketers’ Association Board in 1967 He was one of the drivers of the negotiations which led to the formation of the South African Cricket Union in 1976, and was its president until 1991. He was instrumental, together with his great friend Dr. Ali Bacher, in driving cricket’s major role in the normalisation of society, taking coaching programmes to Black South Africans. His immense contribution to South African cricket undoubtedly helped to accelerate their re-admission to international cricket. In consequence of his service to the game, he became an Honorary Life Member of not only MCC, but also of Melbourne, the United Cricket Board of South Africa and Gauteng Cricket Board. Died aged 92

D.G. PILCH, Elected 1965

David Pilch had a stronger cricketing pedigree than most. As well as a father and a grandfather who, like him, played for Norfolk, David’s mother was the first president of Norfolk CCC and his great-grandfather, Fuller Pilch, was a 19th Century pioneer of playing scoring shots in front of the wicket and was described as “the greatest batsmen ever known” before W.G. Grace.

Born in Cheshire, Pilch soon moved back to Norfolk, representing his county for over 20 years, including in eight List A and 224 Minor Counties Championship matches, scoring 6,333 runs and taking 222 wickets. He represented MCC in 28 matches, scoring two centuries, 102 not out against Framlingham College in 1965 and 117 against Ipswich School in 1968 He also represented Norfolk in more than 30 hockey matches and was a keen golfer, serving the Royal Norwich golf club as president from 2002 to 2006. As a businessman, Pilch ran the family’s sporting outfitters shop in Norwich. Died aged 80

M.A. POLDEN, obe , Elected 1995

Martin Polden was a gifted storyteller, which was fortunate because, as the ‘go-to’ drugs lawyer of the Swinging Sixties, he had a lot of stories to tell.

On the instigation of George Harrison, Polden defended John Lennon and Yoko Ono on a charge of cannabis possession. It was the start of close relationships between Polden and the two Beatles. Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, Polden would represent Harrison and his wife Pattie Boyd twice as well as several other clients introduced to him by the pop stars.

Though he began as a civil liberties lawyer before establishing himself as a generalist with an impressive client list, it was his move to environmental law that Polden described as his “conversion on the road to Swindon”. With the help of leading environmentalist Diana Schumacher and David Hall, Professor of Biology at King’s College, London, Polden established the Environmental Law Foundation.

The foundation brought together pro-bonolawyers, bankers and environmental experts in aid of communities confronted with planning and environmental issues. For this, Polden received an OBE in 2006 Died aged 94

S.M. PRODGER, Elected 1996

A product of Sevenoaks School, Simon moved to London to pursue a career in the printing industry, initially with Menzies, and subsequently with Go-ahead Group.

His club cricket was at Watford Town, Harefield and Stork CC. He represented MCC 112 times, managing the games at Berkhamsted and Haileybury for many years and a tour to Tanzania in 2010. In addition, he played County 2nd XI cricket and latterly with Buckinghamshire Over-50s. His other love was hockey where he played up to Essex County 1st XI.

A knee injury ended his serious playing days although he continued to play at a lower level and he turned to cricket administration. He became a board member of the Club Cricket Conference, rising to company secretary, before becoming a founder board member and chief executive of the National Cricket Association. As executive trustee of the East Africa Character Development Trust, his work in Africa was recognised on MCC’s 2023 tour to Kenya, with the Simon Prodger Memorial Trophy. He was chairman of Watford Town CC and also formed the African Caribbean Cricket Association in 2013. He was posthumously made the MCC Community Cricket Heroes honorary 12th man for his outstanding contribution to grassroots cricket and his community. Died aged 63

J.R. QUENBY, Elected 1985

John Quenby started his career in the family grain milling business in Bedford. He moved to Australia, developing his IT and project management skills, before returning to the UK, becoming managing director of Granada Overseas Holdings Limited.

In 1990, he became chief executive of the RAC Motor Sports Association, securing its future when it was recognised as the UK Governing Body for four-wheeled motorsport. He had a hand in boosting the popularity of rallying, securing Rally GB in Wales from 1997 to 2019

Upon retirement, Quenby became branch chairman of the Royal British Legion and chairman of the Friends of the Intelligence Corps Museum. He loved visiting Lord’s not only for matches but to attend dinners, talks and AGMs. A keen supporter of Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire he was also vice-president of Elstow CC. He was buried with his MCC tie. Died aged 81

P.M.H. ROBINSON, Elected 1969

Peter Robinson’s love of cricket began at Lancing College where he captained the 1st XI for two seasons. He also gained his colours in squash, football, tennis and athletics. Having studied Law at Magdalene College, Cambridge, he played cricket with the likes of Raman Subba Row, Peter May, David Sheppard and Hubert Doggart, earning a Blue. He went on to represent England at squash, winning his only two matches.

Robinson enjoyed a long and distinguished career in film and television, during which his cricketing activities remained prolific. He played for a number of wandering clubs, including MCC, Sussex Martlets, Free Foresters and the Duke of Norfolk’s XI at Arundel. He played his club cricket for Esher and made a single first-class appearance for Colonel Stevens’ XI v. Cambridge University at Eastbourne in 1961. He captained Lancing Rovers for a decade in the Cricketer Cup, also serving twice as president. His love of both the College and the Rovers led him to set up the Peter Robinson Cricket Scholarship, enabling talented players to benefit from an education and tailored sports programmes at Lancing. Died aged 93

HIS HON. JUDGE E. SLINGER, Elected 1966

Born in Accrington, Edward Slinger moved through Lancashire’s youth ranks, and played 72 times for the Lancashire II. His 42 matches for MCC included a first-class appearance against Oxford University in 1967. He also played for Enfield CC in his home town of Accrington for two decades. He sat on the Lancashire committee from 1980 to 2008 and was made a vice-president and trustee.

Following his time at Balliol College, Oxford, Slinger began practising as a solicitor. In 1995, he was appointed a circuit judge at Preston Crown Court, sitting on some notable cases, before retiring in 2010. He also dedicated over 30 years of his life to Westholme School, sitting on the Board of Governors. At his funeral there was a reading of the anonymous A Cricket Advice which featured in Edmund Blunden’s Cricket Country Died aged 85

J.S. SOLOMON, Elected 1973

Joe Solomon played in 27 Test matches for West Indies between 1958 and 1965, as a dependable right-hand middle-order batter, who mainly occupied positions six or seven. He scored 1,326 runs, his single century, an unbeaten 100, being made against India in Delhi, in 1959

Having made his first-class debut for his native British Guiana in 1956, at the age of 26, he scored 114 not out against Jamaica, followed by 108 against Barbados in the next match. In his third red-ball game, he scored 121 against the touring Pakistan side. This extraordinary feat of scoring centuries in his first three first-class matches has never been repeated.

He will forever be famous in the cricketing fraternity for running out Australia’s Ian Meckiff, in the tied Brisbane Test in 1960, hitting the stumps with a direct hit with only one stump to aim at. A short time earlier, he had also run out Alan Davidson — who scored 80 — in a similar way. It was the first tied Test match after 84 years of international cricket.

Solomon worked in the accounts office on a sugar estate (often taking half-pay when on tour) and in 1961, the Sugar Producers Association appointed him to be cricket advisor, helping his erstwhile captain Clyde Walcott to identify and coach young talent on Guyana’s sugar plantations. He later held various administrative roles with the Guyana Cricket Board and had spells for the West Indies Cricket Board as Test selector and Tour manager. Died aged 93

J.R.G. STEPHENSON, Elected 1959

Graham Stephenson was educated at Wellington College, Berkshire, where he was in the 1st XI for two years and, as a hostile opening bowler, won the College’s prestigious Prince Christian Victor bowling prize. He played his club cricket in Sussex, first for his village Rudgwick before graduating to Horsham CC and Sussex Junior Martlets where he played in a highly successful team that included the young Nawab of Pataudi. He also played for MCC, Incogniti and led an Old Wellingtonians tour to Northern Ireland in 1966

After winning a flying scholarship, he built a career in aviation working with BEA and BOAC before specialising in the development of business aviation centres at airports around the world including City Airport, Jeddah, Zurich and Kuala Lumpur. Stephenson continued to play cricket with enthusiasm spreading his love of the game around the globe. He was always available for a game of cricket wherever he was in the world and told tales of bowling on matting wickets in such cricketing outposts as Rome, Kano and Tel Aviv. Died aged 85

J.G.H. THWAITES, Elected 1958

John Thwaites spent his career working in the tea industry. Upon completing his National Service, he worked for Harrisons & Crosfield in Indonesia, Brooke Bond in Calcutta, Ceylon, Kenya and Pakistan, going on to become director of Brooke Bond Oxo between 1980 and 1984 and then Unilever from 1985-95, during which time he was chairman of Lipton. He was widely loved in the industry, serving as chairman of the UK Tea Association in 1987, respected for his kindness, good judgement and integrity.

A keen cricketer from boyhood, in a house game at Winchester he took all ten wickets in an innings with his leg-spin, thus earning a mention in the pages of the Daily Telegraph While based in India he played twice for Kerala in the Ranji Trophy. Died aged 87

P.E. TUMMONS, Elected 2008

Cricket and publishing went together in the life of Peter Tummons. Although a Candidate for membership at the time, he was asked to join MCC’s Publishing Working Party. As managing director of Methuen, he was able to assist the Club in its sponsorship of worthy books on cricket. Methuen published a dozen books under the MCC Cricket Library label, which might not otherwise have been published.

Tummons was born and raised in Sheffield, walking as a boy to see Don Bradman play at Bramall Lane. He moved to Sussex and joined Newick CC, undertaking many roles including captaining the 1st XI, followed by 2nd XI, groundsman and then as Chairman. He was above all proud of his membership of MCC. Only a few days before his death, his elevation to Full membership was confirmed. Died aged 87

A. WATSON, cbe , Elected 2011

Born in Northern Ireland and known for his gentle brogue and happy demeanour, Tony Watson could be disarming as a high-flying City executive. A principled man, he made his disgust for poor corporate governance and excessive executive payments well known, “You don’t need a Ferrari, a yacht and all that stuff” being a popular quote. His most notable role was as chief executive of Hermes, which included managing £40 billion of pension funds. He later chaired the Strategic Investment Board of Northern Ireland, which was a source of great pride.

A lover of cricket from childhood, Watson proudly played in the 1st XI at his beloved school, Campbell College, Belfast. He went on to play for his local village club, Manuden CC near Bishop’s Stortford, along with his two sons. Died aged 77

PROF. J.J.S. WATTS, Elected 1992

John Watts was an accomplished and well-respected professor of architecture, whose passion for design kept him working right up until his final birthday. Winner of the Massey Gold Award for Architecture in Canada, he was project architect and CEO for the Brighton Marina — the largest construction project in Europe when works commenced in 1971

His was a familiar presence at MCC AGMs, where he brought his considerable knowledge and architectural experience to bear during Ground Development debates, always offering constructive challenge. A stalwart of both the Pavilion benches and the Bowlers’ Bar, Lord’s was a place which Watts found extremely comfortable. Died aged 90

A.J. WEBB, Elected 1971

As one of the founding members of the Association of Cricket Statisticians (ACS), Tony Webb has left a legacy of meticulous attention to detail and an incredible volume of research which will be of immense value to cricket historians. In particular, Webb will be remembered for establishing the Minor Counties match scores research project. Over two decades, Webb produced annuals of authoritative match records for each season of the Minor Counties Championship from its inception in 1895 through to the beginning of World War One in 1914

It is calculated that Webb’s archive contained 300 files, with approximately 90,000 photocopies of newspaper reports. Thanks to his unique research, cricket historians have a much greater understanding of the events that took place in the late 19th and early 20th century below first-class level. Webb also left deep research on cricketers in Ireland, providing the groundwork for the ACS’s booklet Irish Cricketers 1855 -1980 . In 2005, he was named statistician of the year by the ACS and became an Honorary Life Member of the Association in 2012 Died aged 80

SIR SAMUEL WHITBREAD, kcvo , jp , Elected 1993

As chairman of Whitbread plc, Sir Samuel Whitbread was the seventh generation of a brewing dynasty that reached back to the 18th century and at one time owned the world’s largest brewery.

Joining the company as a director in 1972, he became its chairman twelve years later. He oversaw a broadening of its portfolio to include chains such as Pizza Hut and Beefeater Inn outlets in a transition away from brewing and pubs. By the time he retired from the board in 2001, the company was, after more than 250 years, selling its remaining brewing and pub interests to focus on hotels and café chains such as Premier Inn and Costa Coffee.

Whitbread plc was a willing sponsor of the Village Cup from 1979-85 and the company also sponsored the Whitbread Wanderers, a charity team which featured players such as Colin Cowdrey and Tony Greig. Whitbread’s Southill estate provided grounds for numerous charity and Minor Counties matches and he delighted in being president of Southill CC.

Whitbread served as Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire for 20 years and sat as a county councillor in Bedfordshire between 1974 and 1982 Died aged 85

K.W. WOOLFE, Elected 1985

In his early life, Ken Woolfe was a keen sportsman playing for Balwyn football and cricket clubs from 1945-50. He continued to play cricket for various East Melbourne clubs until 1962. When his football career ended, a chance meeting with a client of his parents’ bookbinding firm led him to become a Victorian Football League umpire.

He took quickly to umpiring, and after several excellent performances he was rewarded with responsibility for the 1953 Under Grand Final. He continued to impress, being put on the umpires senior list, taking charge of second team matches and in 1956 he umpired his first senior match. Over the next four years, he umpired 34 premiership matches and four night series, along with many smaller matches. From 1967 until 1981 he held a seat on the Umpires’ Appointment Board.

A cricket lover and bibliophile, Woolfe amassed an extensive cricket library. On trips to London, he would scour second-hand bookshops. In 1967, he was instrumental in the founding of the Australian Cricket Society (ACS). He led the 1972 ACS World Tour, the first of ten in which he took part. Died aged 95