At the recent AGM, I was delighted and honoured to have been re-elected as Chairman. I promise to remain as committed to listening to you and working to improve the Club we all belong to.

The other Club Officers are now finding their feet and I would like you to join me in welcoming and wishing good luck to the Club’s new senior and returning committee members:

Les Robinson - Honorary Treasurer
Pete Mitchell - Honorary Secretary
Sam Harrison - Club Captain

Together with the rest of the Executive Committee, the plans for 2017/18 season are well underway. If you’d like to learn more about how the Club operates or have some skills running a business and have a few hours to donate – you will be very welcome into the amazing team that looks after this amazing Club – please ask.

Rugby - this is what it’s all about, whether as a 6-year-old dreaming of being an England player one day, a 50-year old wishing his knees still worked or an ambitious player testing their skills in the national leagues: playing rugby is why we’re here.

To that end, the Club has appointed an Academy Manager, Paul Beet, the role will support and give clear direction to rugby at all levels and ages at Clifton RFC. We are particularly pleased and very excited to have confirmed the continuing services of Matt Salter, Mark Regan MBE and Ed Robinson for the coming campaign.

Darren Lloyd, our Director of Rugby, has set ambitious goals for the season ahead.
It’s going to be exciting watching teams in #LavenderAndBlack - I hope to see you at the matches.

Our facilities are undergoing improvement too, you may have noticed fresh paint, new pictures, grass surface refurbishment and repairs to drainage and lighting etc. It’s amazing how much our grounds are used during the season and how much TLC they need during the Summer break. It is recognised that we have the best grass surfaces in the region and they certainly help provide some of the best rugby too!

Keep an eye on the website (www.cliftonrugby.co.uk) for details on player and coach signings and other events; remember too that you can hire the clubhouse for your own celebrations and events – ask for details.

I am very pleased that the Commercial team (headed by Richard Brenchley) has been so active in finding new sponsors. If you’d like to know more about supporting the Club and your business, please ask. Clifton RFC is a high profile brand in the national leagues and many eyes see our shirts, pitch boards, programmes and website.

The Club could not function without volunteers. Whether it’s an hour on a match day pulling a pint, manning the gate or welcoming lunch guests there are dozens of small tasks volunteers deliver to enhance the Clifton Rugby experience for everyone. The Club needs you, please find out what you can do. There is soon to be a list of jobs and roles that the Club need doing posted on the website and noticeboard - have a look and ask if you can help - be part of the team!

Club finances drive everything. Here is a simple breakdown of money in and money out in the last financial year – the Club has been working hard to keep subscriptions as low as possible and raise funds through commercial and sponsorship routes. Nevertheless, just keeping the grass green, the showers running with hot water and the lights on takes more than a third of the Club’s income and 3 times what we collect in subscriptions.

If you’re interested in the Club finances and helping run a complex business – please ask for details! Of course, as Members you can examine the club finances in the office on request or attend the annual financial AGM on November 6th 2017.

Please find enclosed the membership application form for 2017/18 and have a look at the 200 Club application form on the back – there will be £3,000 given away in cash prizes this coming year – you can only win if you’re in.

We have a unique match day coming on Saturday 30th September - the 1st XV will be playing Old Redcliffians in a National League 2 South fixture at Clifton College - there are some special events planned for the day - watch for details and come and take part.

As always, if you have any questions or suggestions do not hesitate to contact me or anyone at the Club.

Yours,

Wyn Tingley
Chairman