UNIVERSAL TRENCH 2026 AND BEYOND.

Dear All

Please note, with immediate effect, Ed Barker will take on the role of the second BICTSF UT Director to work with Paul Ashley. In order to continue to work with FITASC, and thus allow BICTSF to operate the FITASC licence in the UK, they will follow all the required rules as laid down by FITASC Paris.

Ed says “I look forward to working with Paul and assisting with Universal Trench as a Director. We are excited to work through some of the challenging financial issues, create great events, grow participation and have some enjoyable times with the UT community. I look forward to seeing you at Beverley Shooting Ground on 19^th April at the first Selection Shoot”.

In addition, a sub-committee, selected by Paul and Ed, will be set up to provide practical assistance as well as ideas.

UT is not as popular as it used to be and has suffered in recent times due to the increased interest in OT. In 2025 we had a total of 321 entrants across four shoots – an average of 80 entrants per competition. Once ground fees and prize money had been deducted it left insufficient funds to cover the cost of sending teams abroad and we ended the year nearly £1000 in the red – similar to the last couple of years. Thus, the difficult decision was taken not to fund the teams going to this year’s European Championships which should return us to a positive end of year balance and put us in a good position for 2027 onwards.

Best Regards

Nick Woodward

Chairman

BICTSF