Chairman’s End of Season Newsletter

• Newsletter - September 2007
• Newsletter - Easter 2008

April 2008

So, it is the end of April and time for moving forward, building up the club still further and planning for next season. It has been quite a year. We have won some trophies – one of our girls gained her first International cap – for Scotland – well done Kirsty McCall. Our second team won the Lockie Plate and gained promotion, well done John Wakem and Griff. The Colts reached the semi-finals of their merit table. Well done to all the Colts and coaches Chris and Lee Greatrex. Our U13s won their cup competition and the U15s won their cup competition. We have hosted a dozen touring sides, the U9’s festival for eighteen Devon clubs and the inter-Devon U13s which we won. All good.

We have a thriving bar and social scene and we have some excellent events coming up over the summer – check the website www.tavistockrugbyclub.co.uk – watch the press and this website for details. Our first team came third in the league. They improved as the season progressed but having lost points at vital times found that catching up was a step to far- there is a lot we have here to build on and we are looking at how to structure the playing side of the club for next season to make sure we utilise the ‘whole club’ and its playing strengths - if you are good enough then you are old enough. Competition for places is the key to any successful club’s promotion. It enhances training and participation in training, playing strength and respect and will carry us forward. The better we get the greater the competition for places for should be.

The issue of the first team pitch, something I have been asked about by every visiting club, remains unresolved, except to say that we won the first court case and the situation is the hands of our lawyers. Watch this space. We have four pitches and training areas for next year, all agreed, and we are looking at other sources of funding as we speak – again, all good.

We have bolstered the senior coaching set up and are looking to integrate further the colts and senior players this coming season. We have a lot of great experience at our club and are welding that with new ideas and great facilities. Taking this forward is a great opportunity.

We have a new medical set up. We will be installing a new medical room. We have the club Physio, Steve Lilley and also now a club doctor Dr. Jim Ross. If you are a paid up playing member treatment is free – being injured is horrible – I know – and the speed of recovery seriously improved with proper medical input. Steve will be running a clinic at the club for both players and the paying public. All good.

We have a fantastic Junior set up - we should gain our RFU Seal of Approval (RFU web address for this) this year – well done to the Junior committee. We will build on this. We have a ‘Referees’ Training School’ at the club later this spring. I will be attending, (I need to know the Laws). Check our website for details as the more people who come along the better. You will be able to referee games at the club and at least a couple of people from EVERY age group would be a great thing. Well done Matt Wood – well sorted.

We welcome players regardless of disability. We have built up links with British Blind Sport and Wheelchair Rugby and are looking to cement these further next season – rugby is for all. Rugby values are good values and we encourage respect and good behaviour and these are an important social factor for all of us and for our children and anyone is welcome along whatever your background or playing ability.

Food and Bar - well done to you all and to Dukes. The food is now legendary – players getting a good roast dinner after games have paid dividends both at home and also, with our reputation, throughout the country – ask the touring teams!! One sad note – Spex – the long serving bar manager is leaving the job to drive Lorries! Spex – to you, a big thanks. Personally speaking Spex has always been there for the Juniors on Sundays and even came on tour with us - we owe you a pint mate. A big thanks from all the kids.

There are many people to whom the club owes a debt of gratitude – you know who you are as you read this - and I know you do it for free and expect little – but we all know who you are and appreciate your efforts.

The club goes from strength to strength. There will be more to come, I know - but have a great summer – come along to the Wednesday evening Fun Sessions 6.30 pm till 9pmish – baseball, touch rugby, cricket and what have you – all designed to have a laugh and keep us together. My U16’s have done this since we were U13’s at we have enjoyed it - you are all invited. Any age, gender, and disability, every Wednesday evening.

Our Sponsors and Vice-Presidents this year have been huge – thank you so much. The Sponsors and Vice-Presidents have not only shown generosity but also their belief in us and what the club is trying to do – I hope you feel it paid you back when you see four hundred kids playing rugby on a Sunday morning – all kitted out and running around – that is what it is all for - not to mention the wonderful dinners you kindly attended and we hope you enjoyed. We hope you are on board for next year – we thank you.

So keep in touch – we all need each other for this to work so here’s to having good fun and success having it. If I have not said anything negative, well, I have never been good at moaning and I am thinking of banning it from the club completely!

Good on you all and thanks for your support!

Kind regards

Nigel Larcombe-Williams

CHAIRMAN TRFC