It was goodbye Alan Palmer, and hello Djuna Tree at Battersea’s 2023 AGM as the club elected its first female Chair in its 138-year history.
South London’s biggest club now has no fewer than five female officers on its committee following a leadership reshuffle. meaning a 50/50 gender split.
Along with Djuna, Claire Buland (Communications Officer) and Karina Kowalczyk (Safeguarding Officer) both took new roles.
Florence Borrelly, continues as Treasurer and is now also the club’s Junior Recruitment Officer. Zoya Boozorginia will act as Membership Officer and Women’s Recruitment Officer. Djuna and Zoya will also continue as team captains.
Meanwhile, Leon Watson will continue as Secretary with Greg Taylor appointed in another new role as Assistant Secretary. Arnold Hunt (Equipment Maintenance Officer), Stephen Welch (Tournament Director) and Tony Ashby as the Honorary Auditor all continue.
Alan stepped down after nearly a decade as Chair but will remain a club officer and team captain. He was thanked for his service.
The club is also pleased to announce that subscription rates will be frozen for another year at £70 for adults, £35 for juniors.
The AGM is the moment in the year when Battersea members make decisions on how the club is run, which direction it should take in the upcoming year and celebrate successes.
Applause was also given to the winners of the club’s internal competitions. Midhun Unnikrishnan retained the Club Championship, Joshua Blinkhorn was awarded the Barrow Trophy and George Ainsworth won Division 3 of the Grand Prix.
Members also marked achievements in league chess. Battersea fielded teams in 12 different competitions in 2022-23.
Blair Connell’s Alexander Cup team, which featured GM Simon Williams, almost pulled off cup glory, but narrowly lost to Kingston in the final.
Raja Krovvidi’s Battersea Cats team won the London League’s Major division, with Michael Krautzberger’s Battersea Dogs snapping at their heels in second.
Battersea now looks towards the 2023-24 season and will challenge on multiple fronts again, including entering the London League’s new Women’s Division.
