SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM THE CLUB
I had hoped that by now I would be able to give season’s greetings personally to all of our Members, Sponsors, Coaches and Players – sadly it is not to be. We all know that this festive season is going to be a very different one.
My thoughts are with club members and their families who have experienced first-hand the hardships of this past year, be that ill health or diminishing income. I also sympathise with the many business owners who have sponsored or advertised within the club, who are now suffering another period of economic concern.
My heartfelt thanks go to the ladies and gentlemen of the Club’s Management Committee who, whilst being frustrated that the game they love has been suspended indefinitely, continue to work hard to ensure that the Club is ready for a return to rugby. Financially the club is in a sound position thanks, among other influences, to the wonderful response during the Members’ Appeal in the summer. Our Finance Officer, Chris Lloyd, has instigated tight financial control and produced regular accounts and budgets to the Committee. John Austin has pounced on every grant available to the club during the pandemic in addition to overseeing the ongoing maintenance of the ground and clubhouse with Peter Simpson and Andy Purves. Whilst the club has sufficient funds to carry it through the immediate future we may have longer term concerns if the major income earning events in the summer have to be cancelled, but plans are already afoot to deal with such postponements.
The Commercial Committee is now under the very capable wing of Steve Hull. He has continued to keep some income flowing through caravan rallies and the regular car boor fairs at the Club. In addition we now have our own Gin available! Ian Lewis has taken over the Advertising and Sponsorship role and through his sub committee has broadened the Club’s portfolio at a crucial time.
The constantly changing Government and RFU advice regarding a return to rugby has kept the Rugby Group busy under Mike Fieldhouse’s stewardship. My thanks go to him, John Austin, Ben Woods and Jojo Maddison for their constant vigilance and response to the ever-changing picture. Their focus has consistently been upon the safety of all players and members. They have been ably supported by the coaches and team managers within all age groups. Whilst the NCA has publicised a Cup Competition to start early in the New Year we remain sceptical as to whether it will be practical given the Covid considerations which go with travelling to other clubs, changing facilities and the playing of the games themselves.
Despite the ongoing playing issues the Junior Section, under Janine White and Karen Dryden, has continued to show great enthusiasm in training despite being unable to test themselves against other clubs. Similarly the Girls teams under Craig Johnson and Marcus Robinson never fail to amaze me with the numbers who attend training no matter what the weather and if you are wondering how you can get involved in playing again without facing full contact I would recommend that you contact Rory Dixon or Annie Lees to join one of the Touch Rugby Groups.
One of my major concerns upon taking up the role of Chief Executive was the inability to secure adequate storm and flood insurance cover. Through the efforts of Club Secretary, Andrew Cuthbertson, we now have flood cover in our latest insurance renewal. This provides us with some comfort whilst we plan the implementation of further flood resilience measures to safeguard the club in future. We are also currently obtaining quotes from specialists to remove asbestos from the changing room area which would then permit us to look at installing a new Medical Room with direct access from the pitch area. It is hoped we can complete this work by the summer in readiness for a new season.
I can’t thank enough the efforts of the volunteers at the club, too numerous to mention, who help to keep the club running through these difficult times. There was a fantastic effort during the summer to tidy up the grounds, paint the stands, maintain the trees and clean the fencing by a gallant group of men and women. It demonstrated the love and affection for the club held by all.
Finally, I want to thank the players in all of the various teams at the Club. Your patience and resolve to keep going is greatly appreciated. When we get back to competition I am confident that with your involvement we will be a force to be reckoned with. Please stay as fit as you possibly can and be ready for the call. I have a feeling that once we do return the spirit in the Club, and in rugby in general, will be even greater, and the good times will return.
Rest assured. When this is all over we will celebrate the Club with a mother and father of a party! Meantime I send all my best wishes to you and your families and hope that all our lives will return to normality in the near future.
Stay safe!

Harry Cornforth