We are half way through the season and it’s Christmas – I love this time of year. With Welsh genes, I can’t help be a little sentimental, it really is in our blood to want to gather with family around a fireplace and sing songs!

Yesterday’s Mini Rugby Christmas party was a delight. The noise, joy and enthusiasm was wonderful to hear – and that was just the volunteer bar staff! – just kidding, our young people are fantastic!

Rugby teaches us many lessons: friendship, trust, respect etcetera but most of all it teaches us to enjoy life. Our Club motto is Dum Ludimus Ludamus and that reminds everyone of us to take joy in what we do. Whether it’s playing rugby, attending school, earning our pay or being with family and friends; take a moment to look around, realise how lucky we may be to have friends, health, employment, sport or just time.

There’s a saying in rugby that “you’re a long time retired” – it’s true whatever we do, so let’s enjoy it while we do it – dum ludimus ludamus.

It’s been a tough 12 months at times as we lost several Clifton Members; some old, some young but all sadly missed. We’ve celebrated success this year and we’ve suffered defeat. We’ve danced and sung, we’ve laughed and cried. We have always been Clifton Rugby.

I am immensely proud to be Chairman of our wonderful Club, none more so than when in Dubai in early December. I was wearing my Clifton socks while playing and a Clifton polo shirt at other times. It was astonishing how widely know our Club is. Former players and opponents, rugby supporters from around the world, and many, many others spotted the crest and colours and wanted to say hi and wish us well. Be proud to be Clifton Rugby.

I’d like to say a specially warm thank you to our Committee Members – unseen, unheard and often unrecognised outside of a Monday evening meeting, they are amazing individuals without whom the Club would grind to a halt. Thank you Team and I wish you a very happy Christmas.

Our rugby coaches are quite visible and clearly heard! Whether you coach senior rugby, youth rugby, girls rugby or inclusive rugby – you are amazing. Your commitment and energy is brilliant and what makes our sport so special – thank you and I also wish you the best of Christmases!

Have you worn a Clifton #LavenderAndBlack jersey on the field this year? If you have played rugby in our famous and ancient colours, you are the Club. You’ve represented a history and passion for a sport that we’ve been playing longer than most – thank you – I wish you a restful and enjoyable Christmas.

Our senior match day team of ball boys/girls, kit managers, bar staff, caterers, gate staff, fixture secretary and match officials ensure that our National League commitments are met. Special mention goes to my wife, Katy, who has taken on the role of 4th official this season (just one of two ladies at this level of rugby).

You are all brilliant – thank you.

Merry Christmas all, have a restful, enjoyable holiday.

With my very best wishes for a peaceful, successful and joy packed 2018…

Wyn Tingey
Chairman