Welcome back! A new season begins again with major challenges facing the club but we have exciting changes too as well as some great rugby.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

Saturday 24th

• PRE MATCH LUNCH from 12 noon

• 1st XV v Swindon College Old Boys 15.00 KO

• 2nd XV v Tadley II 15.00 KO

• Drifters v 3rd XV 15.00 KO

Sunday 25th

• Maidenhead v Wycombe Belles

WE WOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU COULD BRING ANY PRIZES FOR TERRY’S RAFFLE IN FOR SATURDAY. THANKS!

YOUTH

In the youth section we have seen a decline in numbers over the last 8 years related to the loss of Wasps from our town. Wasps used to go into primary schools promoting rugby and local clubs and since their move we have seen a gradual decline in numbers. We have worked hard in committee to find a solution to this and have joined forces with Community Group to have our own dedicated community coach, Joe Pegg. This demands a considerable investment from the club but community Group also apply for grants on our behalf so we hope to recoup our investment over the coming seasons as well as actively increasing numbers of children playing rugby. Joe has also started walking rugby games on Friday nights which we hope will increase the use of our facility and at the other end of the age spectrum, he is to begin ‘Rug Rats Rugby’ for pre-school children.

EVENTS

You should already have received an email regarding our events for the season. We have made an effort to get them out early so that you can plan your diaries accordingly and we do hope that you’ll be able to join us at the club soon. The first lunch is 24th September so be quick if you want to go! 

The quiz night is back this year and we have a change from our usual beer fest to an Oktoberfest as well as a ‘Stars in their Eyes’ night and all that before Christmas! The Oktoberfest will feature a selection of 15 bottled beers from around the world and a band playing in the evening.

6 NATIONS TICKETS

For all the VPs, we have sent an email regarding 6 Nations tickets. If you haven’t received yours, please let me know on secretary@hwrufc.com . If you would like to be included in the international rugby ticket ballot then you will need to apply for VP membership which you can do via GMS.

COSTS

We have seen a marked increase in energy costs already over the last year and prices are continuing to rise and our forecasted energy bills for next year are c £30,000 (that’s an approx. increase of £20,000). That, along with increased costs through the bar and kitchen mean that we will have to pass on some of the costs to you with the bar and food pricing. We are keeping the prices as low as we can and hope that the increased number of events will increase turnover naturally so that we can keep prices competitive. We have also done all we can to limit costs by changing lighting to LED. 

On a lighter note, the new balcony will be finished by the end of the year which will make a huge difference to the club. We have waited a long time to have it so I hope that you’ll come to see it! We also have pitch improvement going on to bring a playable pitch in front of the clubhouse. This will be a real asset to the club for the future.

RUGBY

Senior rugby matches have started and the 1st XV are 2 wins from 2 so far. As you may have seen, the Marlow game which was supposed to be the first game of the season was postponed to 8th October. Our women begin their season this Sunday 25th at Maidenhead.

SPONSORSHIP

Neil Weston is currently looking for sponsors for the club – we are looking for sponsors for our post protectors, cross bars and we are looking to get a new scoreboard visible from the new pitch. We also have beer sponsorship available for the Oktoberfest at only £75 so please do contact Neil if you think that your business can help in any way: commercial.manager@hwrufc.com. We also have new sponsor boards in our clubhouse. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome a new club sponsor, Adams and Page and thank our current sponsors: Revere Homes, Hurst Estate Agents, Account Technologies and Chiltern Consultancy  for their continued support.

We also have the 200 Club which also gives you a chance to win great cash prizes whilst you support your club!