A brief end of season account from your President
Firstly, I would like to offer my apologies for not being at the club for a large part of the season, but hopefully my health issues are now well behind me.
Although not present at the club, I have been kept in the loop at all times by the committee on every aspect of club affairs and believe me they have been numerous. Many of these issues have been of a disciplinary nature and thankfully have now by and large been resolved.
Fair to say that the start of the season saw a great number of our most experienced players leave or retire. This meant that even before the season started we were only able to run a first and third team.
It must be said that Chippy and his coaching staff deserve much credit for getting out a first team every week except one. Many of the first team players this year, will have gained much experience and all bodes well for next season. I would like to acknowledge the tremendous amount of work that David Seaborn has put in as DOR especially in his success with the recruitment of players from Saddleworth Rangers RLC. It must be said that this joint venture promises to bear much fruit.
The thirds on the other hand, have had a most successful season with games still to play for a top two finish in the league. Of course, we must not forget that they have also reached the final against Wirral to be played at Buxton RUFC 4th May in the “Cotton Traders Cup Final”
Huge thanks to Dan Taylor in his role as Captain and also on his appointment as Coach for the newly established partnership with Glossopdale School.
The Amazones, who are now in a competitive league structure, found the going hard at times, but over the course of the season have improved immensely. They will certainly be a force to be reckoned with in the future.
My personal thanks goes to Lucy Williams for taking over the role of Chair of the Ladies Section. Her enthusiasm and dedication must be applauded.
A huge thanks as always goes to the Coaches of the Minis and Juniors ably led by Hannah and with the numbers ever growing in that playing section in depth discussions will need to take place to ensure playing space for all of them.
In the course of the season there have been meetings and an EGM to discuss best ways of moving forward. It was felt by the Committee that in view of the many changes and introduction of policies that the Club needs and requires additional volunteers to maintain an even keel. There is an urgent need for a greater and more efficient communication strategy.
The season saw the departure of our Chair - Phil Haigh due to personal reasons. Without doubt Phil made a great contribution in many areas of the Club.
The Club welcomed the introduction of Mixed Ability Rugby and with the additional funding from Sport England, this section can only succeed under the reliable guidance of Toby Colbourne.
The partnership with Glossopdale School has now been realised with Dan Taylor appointed as Coach. This partnership is mutually beneficial to the Club and School and already a rugby pitch has been designated at the School. In addition, our former head Coach John Openshaw has agreed to mentor Dan in his new role.
This Summer will see the return of Summer Camps organised by Rob Jones and Chas Wrigley with the assistance of Dan Taylor.
The Sponsorship List grows from strength to strength and our thanks goes to them all for their support and to Jan and her team for putting all this together.
In the customary way, the bar has been well looked after and this has largely been to the hard work of Louise and her team.
The kitchen lost Becky in the course of the season but Hannah has taken over the reins for the remainder of the season and I am sure along with myself, the players and members, we give thanks to Matteo and Margaret for their continued support.
This year’s AGM will be held on Wednesday 8th May and the early date stated is to enable things to be in place as soon as possible and ensure plenty of time to have new procedures in place for next season.
Throughout the season, the Club has maintained its position as a first- class host to travelling officials and supporters and I give massive thanks to the Blazerati team. This year saw 2 new recruits at the Friday Club, namely Ian Collier and Alan Briggs. The work carried out on a Friday ensures the Club is looking its very best for matchday. We are always looking for additional volunteers but for those that have helped this season, you know who you are, a huge thanks – you are unsung heroes!
Finally, Thank you and Well Done to all the players Senior and Junior, to all the Coaches, to all the parents, to all members, not forgetting the Committee and sub Committees for all the support and commitment.
I would like to convey to you all my heartfelt thanks for all that you have done and look forward to doing it all again next season.
Pete Thompson
President
