Thursday, 29 December 2016By Bob Wilkinson
At this time of year it's always good to reflect on where we're up to, what we've achieved and more importantly, to check we're going in the right direction.
It seems some time since our last AGM, back in June, when the current committee combined to take on the responsibility of moving Clitheroe Rugby Union Football Club forward. In the 39 & a half years since the club's inception, and with the last 20 years being under the guidance of long serving President/Chairman duo of Colin Silcock and Andrew "Tubber" Thornber, we've moved forward massively to the point where we have our own superb clubhouse together and vastly improving pitch, a growing membership that allows us to have to 2 mens sides, now a 3rd team and a Vets side, a ladies group & now 7 junior sides. As well as this we have a social touch rugby group and an excellent group of CRUFC Supporters and Social Members.
So what have we achieved so far this year? On the rugby front we've had great success for the 1sts and they go into the new year lying in 3rd having lost only one game. The 2nds, after being promoted last year into 4N are finding this league somewhat tougher but the portents are good for this team with its ideal blend of youth and experience. They lie in 8th of 12 and together with the 1sts, both main mens teams have important games coming up immediately in the new year so plan your weekends now if you want to get keep the success rolling. And remember, there are more Vets and 3rd team fixtures planned through the rest of the season!
Sadly, our ladies group has dwindled in numbers of late but the club is committed to growing the number of ladies playing touch and contact rugby in the Ribble Valley and we feel confident we can do more through this season and beyond to make this work. If you are interested in coming down but need some encouragement, or know of someone who might want to give ladies rugby a try, then please contact us for more information.
Finally, junior rugby so far this year has been flourishing with more players than ever joining across more age groups than we've ever been able to run. Moreover, the results are coming on the field too making the future look brighter than ever in this respect.
Off the field, we've been planning and organising to make this, our 40th season, one to remember. We started off in September with a 70s disco night, which wasn't as well attended as we'd hoped, but this improved significantly with a brilliant Past Players event mid November and a belter of a Xmas Do at the start of this month. The Social Events team here have done a superb job and continue to do so in planning for the club's first ever Gin & Prosecco night in Feb, the annual beer festival during the Six Nations finale in March and our Grand Summer Charity Ball in June. More details to come.
All in all, we are certainly going in the right direction; we have success on the field with good results and a growing playing membership across all teams and groups, and we're also improving off the field with an exciting diary of events and a burgeoning group of supporters. Moreover, we've got our fundraising pot partially filled following the last event with Mind and Derian House being the recipients of total charity money raised through the season and we hope to deliver a grand total come the summer. Thank you to everyone who's done their bit, whether it's on the field, wearing that Clitheroe shirt with pride, or off the field in ensuring we do everything the way we need it to be done to be successful; your support and commitment to our fantastic club is much appreciated.
Just before I sign off, remember to watch out for the member emails that come out every month or so and if you aren't getting them then please email me (see address below) and we'll get you added to the mailing list.
We all hope you've had a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. Here's to a successful 2017 for Clitheroe RUFC!
All the very best.
Bob
Bob Wilkinson
Club Chairman
bobjwilkinson@clitheroerugby.com
07962 099935
