Trustees Week 2026: The pioneering Bangor Cricket Club

Trustees Week 2026: The pioneering Bangor Cricket Club

In October 2025, Cricket Wales became the first national governing body (NGB) in Wales to achieve charitable status. As a result, cricket clubs up and down Wales are now considering, or are in the process of themselves becoming registered charities. It’s a new movement that’s gathering pace, for both commercial and philanthropic reasons. Bangor Cricket Club, an Early Pioneer, registered as a charity in 2019

Bangor Cricket Club is a new breed. It’s a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which combines the benefits of limited liability with the simplicity of a single regulator, the Charity Commission. CIOs can own property, employ staff and enter contracts in their own name and importantly, the liability of its individual trustees and members is limited. CIOs first came into existence in 2013.

“The objective of Bangor Cricket Club Charity is to provide the facilities for the playing of cricket in the community by providing coaching and development opportunities, in particular encouraging youngsters to take up the sport.” Gareth Edwards, Chair at Bangor Cricket Club.

With five trustees, four men and a woman, including Glyn Watkin Jones, Club President, and Gareth Edwards, Club Chair; the cricket club has used its charitable status innovatively and commercially and to gain tax benefits, reduce operational costs and to give back to sporting causes, individuals and the local community.

Raising and Providing Funds as a CIO

As savvy business operators, the trustees have leveraged the CIO status of the cricket club to both raise funds and provide funding to other not for profit sporting and community causes, local individuals and cricket lovers.

In recent years the cricket club donated funds to the girls’ football club in Y Felinheli and to the hockey club in Caernarfon. When approached by a chap driving around Europe & Gibraltar to raise funds for mental health, the club were motivated to join in, supporting his campaign and travel costs to help him spread the word.

The club has also donated funds to local junior players who represent Welsh organisations in their sport.

Gift Aid enables Bangor Cricket Club to Increase Eligible Donations

As a registered CIO, the benefits of Gift Aid allow Bangor Cricket Club to increase eligible donations by 25% at no extra cost to donors. It’s a win, win combination.

This is because donations from companies and businesses in the local community can be offset against business profits.

As a CIO, benefit from Tax Relief and Reduced Business Rates

Some of the key commercial benefits of being a charity include substantial tax reliefs, such as exemption from income/corporation tax, capital gains tax and stamp duty, as donations to charities are often free from inheritance tax.

Plus, it’s also possible to access reduced business rates, often up to 80–100% relief.

Protecting the Future of Bangor Cricket Club

The charity, which is Bangor Cricket Club, owns the clubhouse and grounds, thereby protecting it as an entity for generations of local people to use for years to come. It can never be sold as there is a covenant on the grounds and clubhouse.

“That makes it a charity that’s for the good of cricket, for the good of Bangor and for the good of the local community. It means that we can safeguard cricket, the club and sport in this area.”

“As a group of trustees, we feel duty bound to let others use the pitch and facilities when appropriate, which is why schools, colleagues and the local university also have access to the modern, spacious and well-maintained facilities.” Glyn Watkin Jones, President and Trustee at Bangor Cricket Club.

Public Trust and Credibility for charities

According to a recent piece of research by The Charity Commission, charities now rank second highest for public trust, second only to doctors. Being regulated by The Charity Commission enhances transparency and public confidence and the “registered charity” status signals legitimacy and public benefit.

Charities consistently operate in, and follow a robust operating framework, which enables them to apply ethical values in everything they do. The belief is that charities use funds responsibly and effectively, prioritising services, activities and people that advance charitable causes.

It is of course also the case that to become a charity, the charity must have only charitable purposes which must be for the public benefit, and this is declared at inception.

“Being a trustee is very rewarding. I get to support the sport and community I love. If you think you could also make a valued contribution and add to the diversity of thought and ideas for a cause that’s close to your heart, I’d encourage you to give it a go!” Gareth Edwards, Chair, Bangor Cricket Club

Important Sector Bodies

*NCVO is the membership community for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups, championing the remarkable role of charities and volunteers and providing guidance, training and support to over 17,000 member organisations of all causes, shapes and sizes – ranging from large charities to small community groups.

**Wales Council for Voluntary Action enables voluntary organisations in Wales to make a bigger difference together by acting as their national membership body.

Want to know more?

Read on with using these links to more news and articles

• Cricket Wales Makes History as First Welsh Governing Body to Achieve Charitable Status – Cricket Wales
• A quick and easy guide to setting up your own charity Set up a charity: step by step – GOV.UK
• The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do – GOV.UK