A small working group has been formed from committee members to continue to follow up existing leads & develop new opportunities in the continuing search for a new ground. This group consists of Pip Payne, Robert Voss, Neil Richardson, and Louise Hansford and may draft in others, with specialist skills, as required. This group will coordinate all matters concerning a new ground and report regularly to the main committee, with regular up dates of progress or otherwise, to all club members. Anyone who feels that they may know of an opportunity that could be followed up should in the first instance contact Robert 01638 669596
Spoony and Jim Paxton are looking after the existing facilities: plans are already in place to redecorate the clubhouse, and we are actively looking to replace one set of posts with a full size set. It is intended to purchase another container to replace the one currently used to store the scrummage machine. It is necessary to get clearance for this from the school, Forest Heath, and Suffolk County Council: Once this has been achieved we can push ahead. Working parties will be needed for the redecorating & Louise has offered to cook meals for those taking part. Contact Spoony if you want to help 01353 720038 or 0796 8891394
As you can see from this site, a lot of effort is going into taking our club back to where it belongs. There are lots of exciting things planned for training, not least the engagement of the specialist coaching sessions, which will enhance your skills. To those of you who are fully paid-up members, we say thank you. For the rest, please contact Louise (07968 789 198) to select the payment method that suits you best. Remember, we have the lowest membership rates in Eastern Counties.
Tony Clayton-Smith is coordinating volunteers to take on roles within the club. Maybe you can only spare a few hours a month and feel that you can’t make a difference. You can… with Tony’s help you will be able to find a job that needs doing and can match the level of commitment you can give. So don’t be shy, give him a call. 01353 664058 or 0771 1168274. We desperately need a press officer… Could you do this??????
The club is again entering a float into this year’s carnival; the theme for this year is ‘sport’ which should be a natural match for us!! It’s World Cup year, so the theme of our float is ‘The World in Union’. As this is primarily a social event, Raymond & Steven are coordinating the float, although this is an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of the club and I’m sure Brian Carter has plans in place to make the most of this.
There is a prize for the best-dressed float and it would be great to win the club’s first trophy of the year!!!! The carnival is Saturday July 7th and to make it work we need as many people as possible on the float, dressed as either players from the rugby playing nations or as supporters, (Frenchmen in berets & striped jumpers, Scots in kilts etc). A team will be needed on the morning of the 7th to dress the float, if you can help in anyway contact either Raymond 07756712848 or Steven 07967470879.
Recruitment is in the capable hands of Brian Carter, who has already gathered together a willing group of volunteers, Raymond Richardson, Stuart Strickland, Gobby Jones, and Ian Parsons, to assist him. Brian would always welcome others who feel they could make a contribution. Plans are already in place to raise the clubs’ profile within the town. Hopefully soon it will be difficult to walk around Newmarket without seeing a club poster on display somewhere, and it is intended that some pre-season training will be held on the Severals. Dates will be well advertised in advance!!
A playing committee has been formed consisting of Dave Sayer, in his role as coach, Rob Briggs, who has taken on the position of Director of Rugby, Ian Parsons & Ian McLees. This group, with the addition of the captains, who will be in place by August 1st, will oversee all playing matters for the club.
A selection policy has already been drafted and will be communicated to all members in the near future. It is intended that this process will be more transparent and inclusive.
It is hoped that by the end of season 2007/08 Newmarket Rugby Club will be regularly fielding three senior teams.
