Dear Member, Sponsor, Vice President and Supporter
As we begin the second national lockdown which will hopefully help us to contain this awful pandemic that has swept the country I would just like to say a few words from the perspective
of the management of our much loved club. You may well have heard from TV and Press how dire is the state of many small amateur sports clubs and some indeed may never reopen . I am happy to say that thanks to careful management by the committee led by chairman Chris Lunnon and shrewd financial decisions especially from our long standing treasurer Chris “Taff” Marshall the club will be able to weather this present storm certainly to the end of the 20/21 season . Our membership
secretary Rick Sell is constantly on the prowl for any local or National grants that may be available and is also negotiating a CASC repayment from the Tax man . New sponsorship manager Les Wilsher is also active in trying to get new sponsors involved in these difficult times .
At this juncture I would like to say a word TO ( rather than from ) our EXISTING SPONSORS especially B A R Members and those on Standing orders . On behalf of the whole club I thank you for your fantastic support in the past and we all wish your businesses the best of luck during these hard
times especially those involved in the hospitality industry and trust you will not only pull through but come out fighting stronger . It is amazing what some of our sponsors have done over the past six months to help not only their own chances of survival but also supporting local charities in the process .... Rob Scahill at the Orange Tree being a great example of this . We appreciate that local businesses have far more pressing problems than supporting a local amateur sports club at present but please accept all the good wishes of the club and we trust that when the good times roll again that you will be able to renew your support of what is a really worthy cause .
The same applies to our MEMBERS and VICE PRESIDENTS. I appreciate that there is nowhere near the amount of rugby with the attached social events that go with it this year and there is not likely to be any senior rugby till after Christmas. However the overheads of the club which are fixed still go out and we much appreciate your continued support in paying your subscriptions and donations. Again if you are suffering financial hardship we hope you will renew when times improve otherwise please carry on ... a club is nothing without its members ( and VPs ) .
Whilst there has been constant frustration this season at the lack of competitive rugby the club have now assembled one of the best coaching teams it has ever had under the leadership of Baz Basra a legend in the county. Ably assisted by Tom Jubb, Tom Ansel and Kieron Davies as well as with assistance lower down from Dan Bendon , Richard Bigden and Tony Kearns the senior sides have never been so well catered for . On top of this ex skipper, player coach and all round legend Jimmy Tirrell has been taking and will continue to take certain sessions . We aim to keep this going until proper games can resume .
The junior and mini sections have also managed to resume in September and October and again I must thank all the volunteers under David “Smiler” Cooper and Danny Ryall. Let’s hope the club can buzz on a Sunday from December onwards .
However the biggest playing success story during this pandemic lies with our girls and now our ladies side .... The Lionesses ... who have blossomed over the last six months not only on the field but also off it with some great socially distanced events in the clubhouse on Wednesdays showing the men how to drink a pint in one! It gladdens an old presidents heart to see proper rugby behaviour returning courtesy of the fair sex ! Much thanks is due to the never tiring Nick Winwood who as if he hasn’t enough to cope with The Braveherts ( who continue to thrive) and last years successful under 17s (who missed out on a county final) and are now our colts has found time to train the ladies too along with Danny Ryall . Thanks chaps for your great commitment to this section and to Elisia along with Lisa and Keely our physios who have been active in promoting this vibrant new section . Congrats to Laura Czech our First Ladies captain.
Another new section is the Letchworth 25 club of past players masterminded by past skipper, chairman and county president Graham “Boss“ Walker who continues to defy any problems in his way . This is an opportunity for old players to meet at a social function monthly and big up their old on the field achievements. We had two highly successful events in the summer attended by over 40 ex players ( all socially distanced of course ) . The society is totally separate from the club and its donations will be used for various projects to help the club as decided by its members. For further information please contact Tony Simpson on 07790 889385. No doubt social events will resume next year ! As will Pete Marsden’s sporting evenings .... I’ve no doubt Pete has a few great ex cricketers and rugby players champing at the bit for a free dinner at the legends bear pit . As well as that much loved institution the Letchworth speed raffle.
The clubhouse continues to be well maintained and stewarded by Teresa and Ace Wiegand and we are in the process of replacing all the flooring in the beer cellar and back bar over this next month . Thank you Teresa , Ace and Mason for all the hard work .
We are also reclaiming land for extra mini pitches next to Sharpy’s mound at the Jackmans end and started reclamation for eventual extra parking along the brambles at the Baldock boundary. Also due to reseeding and fertilisation (and lack of playing !) the pitches especially the first team pitch under the tender care of groundsman Digger Gardiner have never looked better . I for one am delighted we decided against the temptation of an artificial all weather pitch when I see the lush sward on our premier pitch where we can still use the infamous Legends slope to our advantage .
Phew ! For no rugby being played that’s a pretty long list of pluses we can point to since normality ended . All we need now is the all clear to roar into life from every angle !
On a personal note I would like to send our condolences to Nick , Adam and all the Winwood clan on the passing of father Alan a regular at our club lunches and a real gentleman ... our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Also for all in the club who have tested positive for this virus ... we hope you all pull through as quickly and as painlessly as possible.
So I guess as the old bugs bunny cartoon says ... That’s all folks !!
On the downside we will not be having much social activity party wise before Christmas (including my Christmas Carol do I’m afraid ! ). However expect one hell of a party when we eventually return to normality hopefully in the early part of next year ... and YOU ARE ALL INVITED !!
Stay safe and well !!
As this newsletter goes to press we have just heard that the much heralded VACCINE may be a reality by the Spring. Let’s hope so and make 2021 a great year for our club in contrast to 2020!
El Prez
Brian Burke
You can download this newsletter in pdf format to see some pretty pictures too!!! ...
