CHAIRMAN’S  REPORT – FEBRUARY 2007

PLAYING ISSUES
What a season this is turning out to be! As I put finger to keyboard there are quiet murmurings amongst the playing membership that not only is league respectability firmly in our grasp but a position at the top of the table is both possible and probable if we continue the second half of the season in the same way in which we have started. Despite some disappointing results early in the season – The Old Rutlishians being one – we have trained hard, rallied well and focused hard on attaining league points wherever we can – be it “an away point” in October in the pouring rain at a quickly rearranged venue in Kew (the only playable pitch in South London!) to play or a cold windy mid December slog on the “unglamorous” fields of Mitcham!

This is solely contributable to the coaching staff and the efforts of our playing membership who have been attending training week in week out all season. This is a far cry from what many of us were used to in “our day” when a bit of pre season at Battersea Park in August/September under the stewardship of whoever was the “most experienced” followed by a long and detailed strategic planning session at The Woodman!

The benefit is obvious for all to observe on a Saturday afternoon and the degree of improvement enormous. I would encourage as many members as possible to make the pilgrimage to Motspur, or Walcountians, or Old Rutlishians, or Haileyburians for the remaining “crucial” league games. I know players, coaches and everyone involved in the club this season would greatly appreciate seeing a few friendly faces on the touch line to encourage them at these games! This has been made all the more crucial as news reaches us of a possible cascade of Surrey Clubs through the leagues as Surrey League 1 reduces to 10 from 11 and a possible large fall out of Surrey Clubs from London 4 will inevitably filter down through all the Surrey leagues!

The two’s have had mixed success this season but as always have enjoyed a good run out and some close competition. Despite many losses they have all been closely fought! Putting out a team has often been extremely hard and on occasions we have even had to field les than the required fifteen. Marcus needs all the help and support he can get and without a full squad the players that are available get frustrated at not being able to get out and play.

The Vets have only had a couple of outings this season. The first being a very enjoyable day at Old Wimbledonians to commemorate Andy Tudor who played against many of the Blues who made themselves available that day. There hospitality was fantastic, a match ensued and a not inconsiderable sum was raised for the Andy Tudor Memorial Fund. It also reminded us of the great and very special bonds that are forged on the rugby field – be they your colleagues or the opposition you find yourselves playing against season upon season! The first game of the Evergreen was Croydon away, which we won relatively comfortably despite having the bare minimum of players! Sadly we were unable to field a team in mid December – apparently Old Blues Vets had other distractions at this time of year – so had to give Chobham a walk over. Needles to say that as the weather improves the Vets will come out of hibernation and take to the field once more – hopefully for Ditch Day on the 24th March!

The playing membership as a whole does seem to be suffering in a similar way to many other clubs. The days of having four or five sides playing on a Saturday afternoon seem to be a distant memory. We need to concentrate our efforts on encouraging new members - be they alumni from CH or friends of such. The club has survived for many years in this way with valuable contributions both on and of the field being made by all. Attracting a bigger membership will be achieved by providing good coaching and a high standard of competition, a good club atmosphere and strong leadership by our captains whose weekly task of rounding up availabilities and fitness updates is certainly a labour of love. Please make it as easy as possible for these individuals by confirming your availability, offering yourselves up to play as often as possible and introducing new players.

HOUSE & GROUND
Regretfully Lisa has decided to go on “tour” down under to stay with Kate and look for employment. She will be greatly missed and we wish her the very best for the future.  Along with the retirement of Ali at the beginning of the season we are now focused on finding a suitable bar and grounds manager for next season if not the end of this one. If anyone knows of a suitable candidate or indeed would like to offer himself or herself up for this role please let us know as soon as possible. It is a central role within the club and a crucial one.

The ground will continues to be maintained by the Green Team and Giles is liasing with them for the time being! Agreement has finally been made with O2 to resolve the issues regarding the generator and a suitable power supply for their mast. This should allow us to tidy up the car park area and approach the RFU, in conjunction with KCS, for a grant to improve the car park area that has deteriorated over the last few years.

FINANCE
Improvements have been made in players paying subscriptions although this still remains an issue. Players must ensure they are paying either by signing a direct debit to the club or offering up weekly match fees. The captains have been asked to ensure that one of these options is forthcoming. The club provides a great deal of support, resources and facilities to our playing membership and expect them to reciprocate by keeping up to date with their dues!  Although we will look charitably on those with limited financial resources, in addition to taking a free ride on the backs of their fellows, the RFU Compulsory Insurance does not cover those who can pay but fail.

SOCIAL
I could have danced all night! Many thanks to Ray James for arranging a fantastic fund raising ball in early February. A great time appeared to be had by all with a generous splattering of Blues from several eras! A considerable sum was raised for the tour fund, which many of us hope to be able to enjoy in the not too distant future. We have two events coming up – firstly a “Reunion and Ditch Day” on the 24th March and then the Annual Club Dinner which promises to be another cracking evening – make sure you book early to avoid disappointment!

Finally, good luck for the remaining matches of the season – let’s hope we end the season on a high and as close to the top as possible!

Will Fairbairn (Shoulders!)
February 2007