Club News and Events (2003-2004)

Bits and Pieces

• (3/4/2004) A new entrance gate sign was erected, a commercial dishwasher purchased for the kitchen and a new touch-line marker purchased.
• (03/04/2004) The kitchen was refurbished with a new floor and new units.
• (03/04/2004) The clubhouse car park was resurfaced.
• (03/04/2004) There are plans to install a new disabled ramp on the eastern side of the clubhouse, provide a new clubhouse entrance on the east side and alter the ladies toilets to provide space for a disabled toilet.
• Steve Turnbull set up a new venture as a timber merchant at Foundry Industrial Estate, Anick Road, Hexham (within Tyne Valley Tyres)
• Richard Parker II (RP II) set up a new business as a personal trainer, nutrition advisor etc
• The Environment Agency are to rebuild the protective mound at the east end of Tynedale Park in the Summer and re-fence the area.
• Edward Robson took over the running of the Club Shop.
• The Rugby Club Cricket team retained the Tynedale Cricket Club Knockout Cup when they defeated 'The Feathers' in the final on Sunday 31st August 2003.
• A pewter tankard bought in a sale at Rothbury and inscribed to Basil Liddle, one of Tynedale's most famous players of the 1930's, was kindly donated to the club by Mrs Edna Robson of Morpeth, and now resides in the trophy cabinet.
• The club investigated the possibility of providing floodlights for the First XV pitch to enable evening matches to be played. Any decision will be dependent upon costs, grants and planning.
• A cheque for £5,165 was received by the club (July 2003) from the Northumberland Rugby Union as a Conditional Cash Funding award.
• The Club AGM (part 1) was held in the clubhouse at 7.30pm on Wednesday 4th June 2003. Part 1 of the AGM primarily dealt with the Annual Report and the election of officers whilst the second part of the AGM (which will probably be held in August) will deal with the Financial Report.

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Steve steps down

After three seasons as head coach Steve Olivier regretfully decided to stand down from the role. Steve felt that the time and committment required to fullfill the job clashed with his family responsibilities - very understandable.

Steve is widely respected througout the club by players, administrators and other coaches and we are grateful for the expertise and efforts he has put into the Club over the past three years - I'm sure we have all learned from Steve and we will be able to carry many of his thoughts, ideas and disciplines forward into coming seasons.

Thankfully Steve has expressed a wish to continue his involvement with the club in some lesser capacity.

THANKS STEVE .

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Tynedale feature in Rugby Times

The October 24th edition of the Rugby Times features a review of Tynedale Park in the weekly paper's "Grounds for Debate" article. Tynedale Park comes out reasonably well in the review scoring 73% - putting us about "mid-table".

Marks awarded were:-

ACCESS	9/10
CAR PARKING	9/10
STAFF ATTITUDE	7/10
COMFORT & CLEANLINESS	9/10
PROGRAMME	8/10
CATERING	4/10
SCENERY/SURROUNDINGS	10/10
BARS	7/10
CLUB SHOP	2/10
VIEWING/SHELTER	8/10

Interesting extracts:-

"The views all around were magnificent. I kept asking myself how many variations of the word 'wonderful' I could use in this piece to describe the beauty of the place. The calm and tranquility of the surrounds were broken by the occasional train passing by and the drone in the far distance of a plane landing at Newcastle Airport."

"Before the match I tried to purchase a lunch but was twice refused for no apparent reason. Others appeared to be more successful. It took three attempts to get a cup of coffee although I was lucky enough to be able to obtain a bread roll. Some time after the game had ended a hatchway opened and those in the know were able to buy pasties. It was all so strange."

"I kept asking about a club shop and was continually informed that items would be put on show 'shortly'"

"Although only of sixteen pages, the programme was an excellent effort containing reams of news and detail."

The review also features in a recent book called "British Rugby Grounds - A guide to 50 rugby grounds in Great Britain" - call 01484 401895 to order a copy.

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Alan in India

Alan Gledson headed off to India during the second part of September to coach the Indian National squad. The IRFU (Indian Rugby Football Union) appointed Alan as a coach for the All India tournament in Mumbai and the Provincials in Sri Lanka. Alan returned home in early November describing his experience as "really excellent".

India will be touring England in December 2003 - playing several matches in the Midlands where Alan will link up with them again.

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Incorporation

Following approval of amended club rules at Part 2 of the 2003 Annual General Meeting on 21st October 2003, the club was incorporated under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 on 7th January 2004.

The effects of this incorporation are:-

1. The name was changed to "TYNEDALE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED"
2. The Committee has the power to borrow money up to a ceiling of £50,000 or such sum as the members may agree at a General Meeting.
3. The Committee will decide upon the different classes of membership and every member will have one vote at general meetings.
4. The affairs of the club will be administered by a Committee with the power to appoint all sub-committees and set subscriptions.
5. There are safeguards for disaffected members who can call a special general meeting on notice.
6. The officers and committee members are elected annually at the AGM.

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Membership

	2001/02	2002/03
Life Members	8	8
Full Members	139	134
Social Members	56	56
Patrons	15	14
Student Members	5	3
Lady Members	71	62
Colts	14	16
TOTAL	308	293

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'Duggy' Honoured

At the recent meeting of the Northumberland RFU,the Tynedale Chief Executive, Douglas Hamilton,was appointed an Honorary Life Member of the County body.

 

This is a signal honour which is bestowed only on rare occasions,to individuals who have provided stirling service to the local rugby community. I am sure that all Tynedale members will wish to congratulate Douglas on this recognition.

 

He joins a distinguished list of only three others, namely Danie Serfontein, Ken Lockerbie and Tony Baker.

Tynedale takes great pride in his preferment

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125th Anniversary

125 History Booklet - (£10.00 per copy)

Edward Robson and Douglas Hamilton prepared a booklet to commemorate 125 years of Tynedale Rugby Football Club's existence. The document is a memento of this historic achievement and provide interesting reading for the club supporters - especially younger members who may not have read Michael Sharman's excellent "Centenary History of Tynedale Rugby Club" published in 1976. 

Click Here to test your knowledge of 125 years of Tynedale Rugby Football Club.

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Super 100 Club

Monthly Draws with Super Draws taking place twice a year.

Monthly Draw

1st Prize - £125.00

2nd Prize - £50.00

3rd prize - £25.00

Super Draw

1st Prize £500.00

2nd Prize - £100.00

3rd Prize - £50.00

Join Now

Payment just £5.00 per month - Several places still available

To join you can either:-

1. Contact John Austin (Tel: 01434 681616) , or,
2. Download Form by clicking here, print off, complete and forward form (as instructed on form).

100 Club Results

Month	Name	Prize
January 2003	JOHN SCOTT	£125
	A McCOULL	£50
	Mrs V ENEVOLDSON	£25
February 2003	ROGER STOCKDALE	£125
	ROGER DINNING	£50
	DAVID BARKER	£25
March 2003	ROGER DINNING	£125
	CHRISTINE FLETCHER	£50
	TONY COATES	£25
April 2003	I WHITE	£125
	D NICHOLLS	£50
	S MARSHALL	£25
May 2003	LIZ MILLAR	£125
	IAN BLYTH	£50
	JOHN SCOTT	£25
June 2003	NEIL FOSTER	£125
	GRAHAM DODD	£50
	JOHN AUSTIN	£25
July 2003	Mr GENNER	£125
	MIKE FIELDHOUSE	£50
	JIM BELL	£25
August 2003	SHEILA PARKER	£125
	CHRIS MACKLIN	£50
	PETER SIMPSON	£25
September 2003	PETER ROBERTSON	£125
	BILL EDGAR	£50
	CHRIS MACKLIN	£25
October 2003	NEIL FOSTER	£125
	MIKE FIELDHOUSE	£50
	DOUGLAS HAMILTON	£25
November 2003	CHRIS MACKLIN	£125
	JOHN SAUNDERS	£50
	DAVID WALKER	£25
December 2003	I F WHITE	£500
	NIGEL ENEVOLDSON	£100
	ANGELA LEE	£50
January 2004	JOHN ROBINSON	£125
	PETER ROBERTSON	£50
	JOHN AUSTIN	£25
February 2004	LES HOLLIDAY	£125
	TONY SMITH	£50
	BILL STEWART	£25
March 2004	TONY SISTERSON	£125
	DAVID BARKER	£50
	DAVE NICHOLLS	£25

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Tynedale RFC in 1947

Whilst clearing out a cupboard in the clubhouse, Douglas Hamilton came across an old book of accounts dating back to 1947. The information in the book provides an interesting insight into the administration of Tynedale RFC in the immediate post-war years and also into life in a small market town. Douglas has summarised the records in a letter - View the Letter.

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Announcements

Births

Olivia Ellen-Louise Milburn

A daughter for Bartie and Stephanie. Born on Monday September 15th 2003, 7lbs 7ozs.

Jack Parker

A son for Ed and Claire, born on Wednesday 30th July 2003, weighing in at 8lbs 2ozs.

Wedding

Club Captain Keith Johnson and ex-phsio Emma Hopkins tied the knot on Saturday June 21st 2003. We wish them a long and happy marriage.

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Obituaries

Soakai Manukia Otuvaka (Soa)

Soa, aged 25 years, sadly lost his brave fight against a brain tumour during the night of Monday 29th March 2004.

Soa tragically left a wife, Jenny, and two small children Eric (aged 3) and Lily (aged 1) - all our thoughts are with Soa, his family and his great friend Epi during these very sad and difficult times.

Soa, with Epi, illuminated Tynedale and endeared themselves to the people of Tynedale following their arrival in this country in 1997 and Soa will be remembered fondly by Tynedale people of all ages.

Soa was not just an exceptionally talented rugby player but an exceptionally well-mannered, kind and loving person with a wickedly infectious laugh who quickly built a bond with club members where his love of children was legendary.

Everyone will have their own cherished memories of Soa - one I shall treasure is the unbridled delight and joy on Soa's face as he acted out the role of Santa Claus at a Mini's Christmas Party in 1998.

Hector Rutherford

Hector died on 29th February 2004, aged 92 years.

Hector came from probably Tynedale RFC's most famous rugby family - with brothers the late Will and Walter (who was 90 years of age last year and is living in Canada) they were outstanding players for Tynedale during and after the Second World War.

Philip Wright

Philip lost his brave and courageous fight aginst cancer on Saturday 13th September 2003 at the tragically early age of 24 years.

Since the initial diagnosis of his illness in June 2001 Philip continued to display an amazingly positive and inspirational approach to life, continuing to train and play whenever his condition and treatment allowed - Philip turned out for the Raiders midway through last season.

Philip was an extremely popular lad whose open, honest and modest manner was so refreshing - he will be sadly missed.

Jack Kent

Jack, a life member of Tynedale RFC, died at home after a short illness on Wednesday 22nd January 2003.

Jack played for the club as a prop, playing in the first XV for many years before dropping down the sides. He played into his forties and many will fondly remember his period as captain of the third team when before he started his half time team talk he would produce a bag of mints to pass around.

After a long playing career Jack picked up the responsibilty of Team Secretary, an important role which he carried out in a meticulous fashion and later took on the responsibilty of Membership secretary. Jack was a quiet, friendly man who preferred to keep a low profile even when he was well into his second gallon of beer.

Derek Stephenson

The Club was stunned to learn of the death of Derek on Wednesday 15th January 2003 at the tragically early age of 40.

Derek was a fine local sportsman who excelled at many sports including soccer and cricket as well as rugby - he had also recently taken up rugby refereeing.

During his years at Tynedale Derek represented the FirstXV for many seasons where his natural, if at times unpredictable, talents were demonstrated in all positions along the backs from scrum half to full back - on his day Derek was equal to the best.

Derek was a very likeable person who left behind many friends who will have very fond memories.