I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself and the elected committee for 2025. Thank you to those who attended the AGM. I particularly want to extend my thanks to Neil, who has gone out of his way to prepare me to step up into this role. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours and hope to see him back some time soon!
For those who haven’t met me through IBM or otherwise, I’m Toby, a Software Engineer working on IBM MQ for z/OS. I’ve been with IBM, and the HSSC, for the last six years. I certainly never anticipated being in a position like I am now, taking on the responsibility handed down by Neil. I’ve always been passionate about the Club, it has served my team and I fantastically throughout my career. From team breakfasts, to cold pints in the sun on these beautiful grounds, the Club has proven itself to be invaluable not only to myself, but my fellow colleagues, friends, and family.
This year, the committee has undergone a sizeable shake-up, but there are plenty of familiar faces. Here is the official committee for 2025: I urge you to familiarise yourself with this team, and never be afraid to reach out to them. We share an inbox: committee@hursleyssc.org. We are otherwise reachable through the office, and can be found at the Club over various lunchtimes through the week.
Toby Keegan - Chairman of the Club Sarah Drewery - Vice Chair Colin Boulain - Finance Chairman Matthew Wakeham - Events Coordinator Jonah Hill - Committee Member Diogo Ramos - Committee Member Julian Gerry - Committee Member
The team are so excited to get to work this year, finding ways we can support and improve the Club. Preparations for our esteemed fireworks event are underway, and the energy of not only the committee, but the wonderful staff at the Club, is truly phenomenal. As I briefly mentioned at the AGM, I strongly encourage our members to take a moment to thank the team that keep the HSSC running every day. Without the staff running the bar, kitchen, and office, none of these meals, experiences, and events could ever take place.
At the AGM, it was noted by the Finance Chairman that the Club netted a loss in 2024. The list of reasons for this is probably too long for an email, so I will instead focus on how we plan to reverse that trend this year. As Chairman, it is my duty to guide the Club, and the management committee, to operate in the best interest of the Club and its members.
2025 has been a wonderful year so far, with fantastic weather, excellent traffic through the Club, and a number of successful events. But relying on these alone is not enough. For the Club to continue to provide fantastic value to its members, we need concrete steps to ensure a sustainable business in the long term.
The committee are continually reviewing ways we can achieve this, and for 2025, here are the ways we are planning to do so:
Reducing our reliance on the Fireworks Night. This is by far the Club’s most profitable event of the year, and strongly influences the funds available for next year. But the truth is, all it takes is bad luck with the weather, or some other factor outside of our control, to lead to disaster. We want to expand into a selection of smaller events throughout the year (think sports events, Hurfest, etc) to help support the Club and bring the community together.
Closer relationships between the committee and the staff. Remember - the committee is entirely run by volunteers, and are not boots-on-the-ground like our members of staff. If we want to consistently make the right choices for the Club, we must work closely with the people that know the true ins and outs of the business.
Transparency and communication with our members. We are launching a renewed effort to revitalise the communications channels between the Club and its members. Watch this space for updates to our website and social channels. Further to this, I strongly recommend subscribing to Steve’s weekly newsletter. To do so, simply drop an email to the office@hursleyssc.org, requesting that your name and email be added to his distribution list.
On a personal note, I want to thank everybody that supports the HSSC. Without the continued support of our members, there wouldn’t be a Club for everybody to enjoy. As your new Chairman, I can attest to the fantastic management committee you have representing the Club, as well as a truly brilliant team of staff running the Club day to day.
If you have questions, concerns, or ideas for the Club, I urge to you to reach out via the committee email, come find us in person, or email through to the office to get your message to the right person. We’re here to listen, learn, and act on behalf of our members, and together, I am confident we can make 2025 a year to remember for the Hursley Sports and Social Club.”
