Tree-planting offers Berkshire Polo Club members chance to leave their legacy

Members at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (RCBPC) can become part of club history by taking part in a tree-planting initiative that is set to benefit both the ponies and the local environment.

As temperatures continue to increase and summers get hotter, RCBPC is planning to plant numerous trees around the grounds to provide more shade to the ponies in hotter weather. Members will have the chance to ‘sponsor’ their own tree, which will bear a plaque of their name.

The initiative will be open to members only, who can choose from oak, willow or birch, which will be planted along the ground 1 and 3 pony lines as well as by the tennis courts. 

Grounds staff at RCBPC will begin planting the trees in the first week of June. Members will be contacted soon about how to sign up for the opportunity. 

Lexi Lea, commerical director and operations director, RCBPC, said: “Further tree cover hasn’t really been needed at the club until now, but after the past few years where the summers have been so hot and springs so wet, adding more trees to specific areas on our grounds will help with water absorption and provide the ponies with more shade during the summer. We thought it would be a great idea to give our members the opportunity to get involved and leave their own legacy at the same time.”

Members looking to sponsor a tree should contact the polo office onpolo@rcbpc.com 

World’s best polo players set to descend on the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club for the Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy 2025

Some of the world’s top polo players are set to compete in the Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy 2025, taking place at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (RCBPC).

Starting on 3 May and running until 17 May, it is the first major high goal tournament of the season in England and will take place on RCBPC’s ground 1 following a six-month long investment programme into the grounds, which recently completed in time for the event.

The finals day of the tournament will start at 12pm with a field side bar and members' enclosure open to ticket holders. The final will be held at 3pm, followed by the prize presentation and celebrations in the bar. There will also be food available from local food stalls, including strawberries and cream, a BBQ and hot drinks available, catering to families of all ages.

The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy has been running since 1986, and was named after the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, who opened the club as its first member in 1986. This year marks the 40th anniversary since the late rock and roll impresario Bryan Morrison purchased the 200-acre estate near Windsor with the vision to convert the land into a lavish polo club that ran by its own rules.

Nell Jacob, polo manager at RCBPC, said: “The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy is always a highlight of our season – not only for the incredible display of polo, but for the whole experience. There is always a great atmosphere on the sidelines which makes it a brilliant day out for polo fans or if you’re watching for the first time.” 

Tickets are now on sale on Eventbrite, starting at just £11.55 for general admission.

Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club appoints new Polo Manager

The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (RCBPC) has promoted Nell Jacob to the position of Polo Manager.

Jacob has been a member of the club since she was 15 years old and worked as Assistant Polo Manager for the last five years. Before joining RCBPC, she was Assistant Polo Manager at Ranelagh Farm Polo Club for four years.

Her role includes responsibility for all polo played at the club and related logistics, as well as managing membership and facilities, including 170 stables and 16 grooms’ accommodations. She will also work with the grounds team to ensure the polo fields are in top condition and safe for both players and ponies.

She will report to the club directors, Jamie Morrison and Karina Audeh, whose father Bryan Morrison founded the club in 1985. Jacob takes on the role following the departure of Simon McDonald after 13 years of service to return to Ireland to run his family farm.

Nell Jacob, Polo Manager at RCBPC, said: “I am grateful for being given the opportunity to manage one of the top five clubs in the country. The Berkshire is like home to me, and I am committed to continuing its growth and future. The club has been a part of my life for a long time – before I started working here, I was a member from the age of 15, so it is a place very close to my heart!

“Whilst we already have a fantastic group of members and well supported tournaments, a big focus this season will be growing this to be even bigger and better. Our members embrace Bryan’s vision of inclusivity, family and great times in a stunning location. I would really like to emphasis this aspect of the club when bringing in new members – playing or social. I am also aiming to build relationships with local businesses to benefit both our members and the local community. We are a small business and the whole team live locally so we are passionate about creating a strong relationship with our neighbours.”