TYNEDALE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED

Founded in 1876 at Hexham

Registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 (Register No. 29666R)

President: A.P Deacon

Management Committee:-

Chief Executive

D.F. Hamilton

Hon. Secretary

W. D. Stewart

Hon. Treasurer

D. F. Hamilton

Chairman of Rugby

A. Kerr

Property

A.C. Curtis

Communications

I. Lewis

Marketting and Fund-raising

G. Dodd

Mini-Juniors

J. Ritchie

ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEASON 2006/2007.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT

In recent years we have held our Annual General Meetings in two parts. This year we are reverting to our preferred option of one Annual General Meeting.

On the playing side this has been a sensational season in many respects; on the administrative and financial fronts, the season, like so many in recent years, has continued to be very difficult. However, there are signs of progress - not least in the building developments and improvements which are taking place around the clubhouse at this time, in the club's receipt of the "Seal of Approval", in remedial work completed by the Environment Agency during the year, and signs that the club is moving to change its income generating ability.

SEASON 2006/2007

Whilst the club's activities were overshadowed last season by the deaths of BILL DINNING on 12 March 2007 and JOHN LEE on 8 April 2007, which are recorded later in this report, and whilst all teams had successful seasons, the 1st XV's displays in the National League Division Three (North) and in the EDF Energy National Trophy made the season a truly memorable one.

The 1st XV finished second in the National league, their highest ever placing, losing to Westcombe Park at Orpington, Kent, in the play-off for promotion to National Division 2. They also won through to the 4th round of the National Trophy, losing 3-36 at home to Leeds Tykes, who were to regain their place in the Premiership by the end of the season.

NEW BUILDING

At the AGM (Part I) of 2006 the Management Committee was empowered to enter into contracts with builders etc. to enable a clubhouse extension to be built and that work has now begun. Koru are the selected builders; Napper Architects act for the club. Grants are being obtained from the Football Foundation. Apart from a disabled ramp and disabled toilets, the project will provide two changing-rooms, referees' room, toilets and showers and a small meeting room.

Corbridge United Junior Football club will be granted a 25-year lease on the new extension and priority use of two pitches and other facilities.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The committee held 11 meetings during the year, with a 72% (2005/06 - 72%) attendance record. As usual, some sub-committees worked better than others - reflecting the effectiveness of the respective Chairmen.

 

ATTENDANCE AT MANAGEMENT MEETINGS (max 11)

A.P. Deacon (President)

10

D.F. Hamilton (Chief Executive)

11

W.D. Stewart (Hon. Secretary)

10

A. Kerr (Chairman of Rugby)

7

A.C. Curtis (Property)

7

I Lewis (Communications and Fund-raising)

9

J. Ritchie (Mini-juniors)

6

G. Dodd (Marketing)

2

PLAYING RESULTS - 2006/07

Played

Won

Drawn

Lost

For

Against

1stXV

33

26

1

6

999

555

Raiders

27

24

0

3

1101

273

Grasshoppers

22

20

0

2

765

194

Veterans

8

5

0

3

172

95

Colts

28

17

0

11

652

541

The new season began with practice matches against Stirling County (12 August), Aspatria (19 August) and the Falcons Academy (22 August).

Players leaving the previous season's first-team squad were Rowan Brown (working in London), Mark Honeybunn (moved by Army), Chris Small (moved to London) and Sean Tomes. Scott Breerton and Robbie Herdman left to work in London during the season.

Players new to the squad included Rupert Harden, Robin Holroyd, Mark Laycock, Ben McNeil, Graeme MacGilchrist, Jamie Murray (returned from Melrose), Adam Newns, Ross Samson, Tim Swinson, Stuart Weir, Mike Woodhouse (from QEHS) and Rob Vickers.

Jack and Hamish Smales were welcome additions from time to time, especially at the end of the season.

Players kept out of the 1st XV because of injury for the whole season were Ali Gray (knee injury) and Barry Hills (groin operation).

Throughout the club, teams played attractive attacking rugby, with both the 1st XV and Raiders scoring around 1,000 points and the Raiders and Grasshoppers in particular having healthy points scored/conceded ratios of about 4/1.

This partly reflects the quality of the players, but mainly the work carried out by Tom Borthwick and the coaching teams down the sides, to instil the need to play an attacking and enjoyable brand of rugby.

For the 1st XV, in league fixtures, the figures for the last 3 seasons demonstrate the impact of Tom Borthwick and his assistants on the team's style of play:-

Tries Scored

Tries Conceded

2004/2005

63

74

2005/2006

88

55

2006/2007

111

44

The 102-0 win against Orrell helped this season's tally!

Not only was the team a potent attacking force, but Tynedale had the meanest defence in National League Three.

Tynedale's 44 tries conceded compared well with Fylde's 47, Blaydon 55, and Rugby Lions 57 who were the closest contenders.

National Three (North) - 2006/2007

P

W

D

L

F

A

W

D

L

F

A

LB

TB

DIFF

PTS

BLAYDON

26

11

0

2

472

193

10

0

3

377

255

1

16

401

101

TYNEDALE

26

12

0

1

512

159

9

1

3

293

208

0

14

438

100

PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS

26

9

1

3

378

235

8

0

5

328

247

5

10

224

85

RUGBY LIONS

26

10

0

3

320

198

7

1

5

332

278

2

9

176

81

FYLDE

26

10

1

2

311

139

6

0

7

348

251

2

11

269

79

MORLEY

26

10

1

2

333

235

3

0

10

225

323

5

9

0

68

LEICESTER LIONS

26

9

1

3

294

221

4

0

9

226

327

4

5

-28

63

MACCLESFIELD

26

10

0

4

357

293

2

0

10

221

243

7

7

42

62

DARLINGTON MOWDEN PK

26

10

1

2

395

264

2

1

10

175

365

4

6

-59

62

HULL IONIANS

26

5

0

8

222

341

6

0

7

252

315

5

7

-182

56

WEST PARK ST HELENS

26

7

0

6

375

305

2

2

9

197

294

7

6

-27

53

DARLINGTON

26

5

0

8

283

212

4

0

9

250

414

8

9

-93

53

CLECKHEATON

26

3

0

10

215

374

2

2

9

166

300

5

2

-293

31

ORRELL

26

0

2

11

133

469

0

0

13

160

750

3

3

-926

4

PROMOTION AND RELEGATION

Promoted from National Three (North) into National Two - Blaydon

Relegated from N 3 (North) - Darlington, Cleckheaton, Orrell

Relegated from National 2 into N3 (North) - Bradford & Bingley, Harrogate.

Promoted into N3 (North) - Beverley and Caldy

1st XV LEAGUE TABLE COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS SEASONS

Adjusting the scoring to the system used before 2004 we can compare the six post-Foot & Mouth seasons in National 3 (North).

Season

League

P

W

D

L

F

A

Diff

Pts

Pos

2001-02

N3N

26

14

0

12

530

528

2

28

5

2002-03

N3N

26

12

1

13

561

582

-21

25

7

2003-04

N3N

26

12

1

13

472

406

66

25

7

2004-05

N3N

26

13

1

12

512

598

-86

27

5

2005-06

N3N

26

16

1

9

650

430

220

33

4

2006-07

N3N

26

21

1

4

805

367

438

43

2

In fact, had the old scoring system been in operation, we would have finished top of the league last season. Still, John Shotton has a story about 'ifs' and uncles and aunties, which probably applies here.

Nevertheless, there has been steady improvement since 2002 - particularly in the last three seasons.

EVENTS

Numerous rugby, social and fund-raising events were held, including:-

Rugby events

Social events

The grounds were also used for outside events:

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

SPONSORS

Once again we are indebted to all those companies and individuals who were generous in supporting the club during the past season. Particular mention must be made of:-

 

OBITUARIES

W.A. DINNING - who died on 12 March 2007, aged 83. As I said in the programme notes for the Leicester Lions match on 25 March, and on the club's web-site, if we ever had to choose one person who encapsulated the spirit and ethos of Tynedale Rugby Club, then that person would have to be Bill Dinning.

Apart from his magnificent playing record, both for Tynedale and Northumberland, his club presidency and consistent effectiveness on the club's main committees, the ground at Tynedale Park, the clubhouse and the spectator stand remain as lasting memorials of Bill's work on the club's behalf.

As the prime instigator in the move from Hexham to Tynedale Park and the driving force behind the committees which oversaw the building of the club premises, and later the spectator stand, he was the motivating force for much that is good about Tynedale today.

His efforts over 40 years were acknowledged in 1976 when he was elected an honorary life member of the club - its ultimate accolade. Full of fun, with a great sense of humour, but also with a driving will to get things done, Bill's presence round the club and at matches will be sorely missed.

JOHN LEE, the club's groundsman for 10 years, died suddenly on 8 April 2007, aged 64 years, after suffering a stroke. His death was so sudden that the news was shattering for all of us at Tynedale who knew him well. John was dedicated to rugby, and to cricket at Prior's Flat, Hexham, where he divided his work time with the rugby club.

His rough good humour, and optimism were characteristics which endeared him to the rugby and cricket fraternities.

ANNIE MAINWARING died on 24 August 2006. She was a great supporter of Tynedale rugby, and her vitality, boisterous nature and wicked sense of humour are really missed as a result of her premature death.

R. DOBSON Bobby Dobson died in Lowestoft in October, after suffering from heart problems and a stroke. He played for Tynedale in late sixties and early seventies and always kept in touch with his many friends at the club.

 

GENERAL

THANKS

As in previous years I should like to thank the club's officers and the club's employees, particularly Angela Johnson, who undertook duties outside her own responsibilities when John Lee died and has been a power of strength in making sure that matches and tournaments went ahead without hitches. I should also like to thank all the Chairmen of sub-committees at senior, mini, junior and colts levels.

I should especially like to thank three officers who, for different reasons, have had health problems, yet have battled on to ensure the smooth running of club affairs. Firstly, our Hon. Secretary Bill Stewart, who suffered a mild heart attack in November, but happily made a good recovery and has continued to act as club Secretary so efficiently. Secondly, Tony Curtis, Chairman of Property, who has struggled with ill-health this season - yet has continued to carry out much unseen work on the club's behalf, and has recently been proving a tremendous asset in supervising the development work at the club's premises. Finally, Mike Coulson who as mentioned in my 'Congratulations' note, continued to support the teams and carried out his duties as Membership Secretary despite his difficulties.

On the playing side, Peter Simpson's invaluable work as 1st XV team manager goes unheralded, and Edward Robson deserves mention for helping around Tynedale Park, with drapery, and in so many other ways. But, as ever, my special overriding thanks have to go to John Shotton. Without John my job would be almost impossible; his direction of most matters on the senior playing side of the club mean that I can concentrate elsewhere. His commitment and energy are quite staggering and invaluable to me, and to the Tynedale club.

DOUGLAS HAMILTON.

SENIOR RUGBY REPORT

After a disappointing start to the season, where injuries took their toll and valuable points were lost in the bizarre incident at the end of the Fylde game, we made a strong recovery. Later the Dubai Sevens robbed us of six three-quarters when away at Darlington Mowden Park, and another game was lost.

But, coming into the middle of December we started to set the season back on track, taking maximum points from the three sides above us, and we went on to win thirteen out of the next fourteen games till the end of the season. Six points clear at the top of the league in the middle of March, and failing to get any points at Preston, in probably the poorest performance of the season, was, in the end, the game that cost us promotion. Also, winning comfortably at Rugby Lions but unable to get the bonus points in the second last game left us in a play-off position in the league and a trip to Westcombe Park, where we held a comfortable 17-0 lead at half-time, only to 'possibly' relax and concede 29 points in the 16 minutes after half-time.

But, overall, it has been the most successful season in the club's long history, with the 1st XV having their highest ever league placing and a successful Powergen Cup run, ending in the 4th round with a defeat by Leeds Tykes.

In the Northumberland Senior cup, which had been won in the four previous seasons (2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006), Tynedale lost to Morpeth in the final. Because of pressing league commitments at the end of the season the club was represented by the Raiders throughout the cup run, beating Alnwick and Northern (just) on the way to the final.

The Raiders (2nd XV) only lost 3 games all season, also winning the CANDY 2nd XV league, the Northumberland 2nd XV Cup and the Northumberland 2nd XV league.

The Grasshoppers (3rd XV) also had a similar successful season, winning their respective cup and league.

The Colts won the Northumberland Colts Cup and the East of Scotland Cup.

This all bodes well for the future, and next season, with the majority of the squad remaining with us and a few new faces, we hope to be challenging again at the top of the league and still playing the attractive brand of rugby that is now expected of us.

JOHN SHOTTON

Chairman, Senior Rugby.

 

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY'S REPORT

The new 'Youth Parent' category caused some parents to switch their membership from full, social and ladies. The figures for the different membership categories are as follows:-

Season 2006/07

Season 2005/06

Life

8

7

Full

102

108

Social

32

39

Lady

42

46

Youth Parent

312

-

Patron

9

9

TOTAL

505

209

Playing members continued to pay their subscriptions through their weekly match fees. These are not included in the above figures for either of the above seasons.

MIKE COULSON

Membership Secretary

YOUTH RUGBY REPORT

The 2006-2007 season has proved once again to be a successful one for Tynedale's Youth rugby, not only on, but also off the field as well.

At the start of the season the Colts section and Girls section joined the Mini-Junior section. This seems to have suited all parties concerned.

The section is now at the stage where it has a record number of members and it is now probably the largest Mini-Junior section in the North East. Each individual age group has seen a marked increase in the number of registered players. This is due not only to the efforts of the coaches but also to the Community Development Officer, Peter Telfer, who has visited most of the schools in the area coaching rugby.

The highlights on the pitch have been, in particular:-

Mid-way through the season the club's Youth section was presented with the Seal of Approval, following several years of outstanding effort and hard work from immediate past Chairman James Ritchie and present Vice Chairman Mike Watchorn.

Once again we hosted the annual Tynedale Sevens Competition at the end of April, and had 42 teams of Under 10's, Under 11's, and Under 12's from all over the North of England playing outstanding quality rugby. This competition continues to grow in popularity and we hope to attract teams from even further afield next year.

We were very fortunate once again to secure sponsorship from the Patterson Ford dealership, led by Ashley Winter, for this season and that has allowed us to continue to develop the playing side further.

On the playing side, the season finished at the end of April with a very enjoyable end of season presentation day, where each age group awarded trophies for the 'Clubman' and 'Players Player'.

On the social front, we held three main events this year. In the autumn a successful Wine Tasting, which was followed up in the spring by a Whisky Tasting, which proved to be very popular with those who attended. Finally, we hosted and outstanding End of Season Ball, arranged by John Oliver from the Under 16's and James Ritchie from the Under 15's. Over 250 people attended the event and through the generosity of local companies and the efforts of Sheila Lambert, a parent from the Under 14's, who organised the raffle, we managed to raise over £950 for the Ali Johnson Fund.

All in all it has been an excellent season, made possible through the huge efforts of the Coaches and parents from each age group. We are already planning for next season and hope to build further on this season's success.

 

STUART HENDERSON

Chairman, Youth Rugby.

 

COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE'S REPORT

After thirteen years, this will be the last time that I prepare the County Report as your County Representative. I shall be moving to new responsibilities within Northumberland Rugby Union for the next season. A new representative, Stuart Henderson, will be nominated at the Club AGM. I wish to take the opportunity to say how much I have enjoyed the privilege of representing this fine club and thank those who have supported me so strongly. In particular, I must mention the Presidents and the Management committee over the years.

There is still nothing finer than to walk into a national meeting of Rugby "blazers" and, when asked, reply, "I'm from Tynedale."

COMPETITIONS

The success of Tynedale in the County Competitions is covered elsewhere in this report. Suffice to say that our teams were successful in many of the competitions and continue to uphold the Club traditions.

COUNTY INITIATIVES

New Clubs. West Tynedale has been confirmed as an associate member of the NRU. Team Northumbria, the open club established at Northumbria University, have been welcomed into level 9, whilst the Newcastle Ravens will be utilising the facilities at Novos.

Regional Strategic Plan. This demanding project has involved changes to the constitution and the committee structure and amendments to the standing orders. The work is ongoing.

Nomenclature For administrative purposes within the County, the game will be divided into "Community Rugby" and "Representative Rugby".

Go Play This is the RFU project which will be added to the Regional Development plan for the forthcoming season. It will attract useful funding. There are two aspects to this: the retention of players, and the recruitment of players of all ages. The scheme will draw on the interest engendered by the World Cup.

NRU YOUTH CHARITABLE TRUST

The Trust was established following the sale of the County ground, with funds of £500,000. Recent valuations show the assets at present to be £640,506. However, in the period 1991-2007 £725,727 has been returned to the Clubs to support the many demands and projects initiated by them.

The Trustees, of which our CEO Douglas Hamilton is one, are to be congratulated on their stewardship.

RUGBY

A summary of the season's County Championship campaign and Tynedale's part in the competition is published in the relevant section of this report. However, as one who has watched their progress over the years, I wish to pass on my personal congratulations to Jamie Murray and Peter Southern on their elections to the captaincy of Northumberland. They continue the great tradition of Tynedale players who have captained the County.

 

JOHN SAUNDERS

County Representative

 

TYNEDALE PLAYERS REPRESENTING NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY IN COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP - SEASON 2006-2007.

Representative

 

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (PART I) OF TYNEDALE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED, HELD AT THE CLUBHOUSE, TYNEDALE PARK, CORBRIDGE, ON THURSDAY 27 JULY 2006 AT 7.30PM.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from: Mrs. J. Coulson; R. Dinning; W. Dinning; Mr. & Mrs. L. Holliday; J. Robinson; Mr. & Mrs. J. Saunders; Mr. & Mrs. A. Smith.

The Chairman J.M.D. Coulson opened the meeting by welcoming 20 members.

MINUTES

The minutes of the Annual Meetings Parts I and II held on Monday 27 June 2005 and Tuesday 18 October 2005 were confirmed as follows:-

Part I Proposed: A.C. Curtis Seconded: K. Laidler

Part II Proposed: A.C. Curtis Seconded: K. Laidler

ANNUAL REPORTS

D.F. Hamilton presented his report, as Chief Executive, and the reports of the sub-committees as per the Notice of Meeting. The Annual Report was approved.

Proposed: J.M. Clark Seconded: A.C. Curtis

ELECTION OF EDWARD ROBSON AS AN HONORARY LIFE MEMBER OF THE CLUB was unanimously approved. Edward suitably acknowledged the honour.

YOUTH PARENT MEMBERS

The meeting agreed to the proposal of the Management Committee that a new category of membership to be named Youth Parent Member be adopted.

Proposed: E. Robson Seconded: A. Deacon.

 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The retiring President then invited A. Deacon to assume control of the meeting as the new Club President. D. Hamilton thanked the outgoing President and those present acclaimed Mike Coulson. Andrew Deacon assumed the Chair and suitably replied.

The Office holders and Management Committee of the Club for 2006/07 were elected as per the recommendation of the retiring Committee. J.M. Clark questioned the suitability of electing a Treasurer at this time when the Annual Accounts had not yet been presented. J. Austin proposed and K. Laidler seconded that the election of Treasurer should take place at the second part of the Annual Meeting if the audited Accounts had not been presented and approved.

 

CORBRIDGE UNITED JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB

D. Hamilton presented the case for the following proposal: To empower the new Management Committee of the Club to enter into contractors with builders, architects and professional consultants to enable an extension to the existing clubhouse to be built and to enter into an agreement with Corbridge United Football Club, granting them a 25-year lease of the new extension, priority use of two soccer pitches and use of other facilities as explained in the Chief Executive's report on page 2 of this notice. After suitably answering many questions and with the assurance that J. Robinson would ensure that a satisfactory agreement would be drawn up, the proposal was carried unanimously.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There was no other business of which notice had been given, sent to the Hon. Secretary as prescribed in Rule 8.5.

MATTERS FOR MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

There were no other relevant matters for the consideration of the new Management Committee under Rule 8.1.12.

The Chairman then thanked members for their attendance and closed the meeting.

 

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (PART II) HELD AT THE CLUBHOUSE, TYNEDALE PARK, CORBRIDGE, ON THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2007 AT 7.30PM.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from M. Davison; R. Parker; J. Ritchie; Mrs. F. Saunders; W. Stewart.

TO RECEIVE AND APPROVE THE ANNUAL REPORT ON THE CLUB ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2006.

A financial report was presented to the AGM by Chief Executive Douglas Hamilton.

Points of note:

Accounts approved;

Proposed: J. Saunders. Seconded: A. Smith

TO REAPPOINT CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ROWLANDS AS INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS.

Proposed: Alex Kerr. Seconded: Ian Lewis.

TO AMEND RULE 4.2.2 WHICH LIMITS CLUB BORROWING POWERS TO £50,000 TO ALLOW THE CLUB TO INCREASE THE CLUB'S BORROWINGS TO £75,000

Resolution to amend rule 4.2.2. to increase the club's borrowings to £75,000 from the existing limit of £50,000. The extra amount may be needed to fund the proposed developments at the club, including new floodlights. D. Hamilton outlined the financial arrangements in place for the forthcoming clubhouse facilities upgrade, new floodlights and changing room extension. The increase of the borrowing limit by £25,000 would allow for contingencies if they arose. He noted that a £100,000 limit had originally been set and reduced to the present level of £50,000.

John Clark:
Regarding the proposed tenancy and rental agreement of the changing room extension with Corbridge United Junior Football Club, would this lead to landlord and tenant problems in the future, also were all safeguards in place to ensure that the sovereignty of the Rugby Club would endure in all matters relating to those arrangements?
 
Response:
John Robinson quoted the club rules which stated that the aim of Tynedale Rugby Club was to promote the "Game" which in this case was Rugby. The proposed arrangements with Corbridge United did not alter this. Regarding potential landlord and tenant problems, the final agreement document would be prepared by the club solicitor with all available safeguards in place and fully scrutinised by the management committee. Tony Smith added that in all matters of this nature there had to be a degree of trust involved.
 
John Saunders:
Would there be better funding opportunities to provide an artificial surface training area when the Football club arrived?
 
John Shotton:
Dyvels Training Pitch Floodlighting: could there be additional floodlighting placed on the back of the lighting posts to facilitate lighting on the strip nearest the road, saving wear and tear on the training pitch?
 
Mike Fieldhouse:
Siting and rearranging of existing floodlighting to create a 2nd team training pitch?

MEETING TO AMEND RULE 4.2.2. AND INCREASE CLUB'S BORROWING POWERS TO £75,000

Proposed: E. Robson Seconded: M. Fieldhouse.

 

John Suddes proposed a vote of thanks from the meeting to Douglas Hamilton for his sterling performance and work for the club during the year.

Unanimously agreed.

The meeting closed.