NEWSLETTER
April, 2006
A MEGA THANK YOU!!!
As you know, Bob and Yvonne Johnston have put on two hugely successful fund-raising events at the Club over the past five weeks, and we owe them an enormous "Thank You!!" The Auction of Promises raised close to £8500 which will go towards essential work on improving the Club's amenitites.
To all those people, members and friends alike, who made all those generous promises, and to those members and guests who turned up on the night and bought the promises, a very big "Thank You" from Bob and Yvonne for making the evening such a resounding success.
The Curry Night was wonderfully reminiscent of the days at Fosse Manor when Popadom Johnston and the Memsahib produced all those exotic flavours and perfumes from the Orient, and had everyone doing an Oliver Twist. They are now under pressure to make this a regular (perhaps weekly??!!!) event.
CAN YOU BEAT IT?
As the Quarterly Newsletter evolves we plan to introduce regular features, and membership participation will be crucial if the idea is to succeed. The first "claim to fame" in the "Can You Beat It" column belongs to that old stalwart, Paul Selway. Having hung up his boots at the end of last season, Paul reminds us that he played rugby for Stow for thirty-three, yes 33 straight seasons, having started as one of the Minis some time in the last century, and then working his way through the age levels until he spent a number of seasons with the First Fifteen. So, can you beat it?
Paul lays claim to an even more remarkable (some would say grotesque) record. In his thirty three seasons of rugby he was stretchered off the field no fewer than seven times. There is no truth to the rumour that, on three of those occasions, he was just tired and wanted a bit of a rest.
Well done, Paul. We wait with bated breath to see if anyone has an equal, or more bizarre, claim to fame.
THE SEASON
As we approach the end of the 2005/2006 season we have mixed fortunes on which to reflect. While the 1st XV suffered badly from injuries and the loss of several key players for various reasons, the 2nd and 3rd XVs did extremely well in their leagues. And on several occasions we were able to field four teams, which does indicate that our pool of players is reasonably healthy. Our Director of Rugby will probably be sending out a more detailed appraisal of the season's rugby and results in a few weeks time.
IMPORTANT DATES
Vice-Presidents' Lunch. We thought that a second V-Ps lunch would help to round off the season on the right note, so on 22nd April, 2006, the day of our last home game, we will be gathering at the Clubhouse at 12.30 for 1.00 p.m. The usual high standard that we have come to expect will be provided, and I will be grateful if you can let me know no later than 16th April if you will be coming, and if you will be bringing a guest. The cost will be £10 per head.
Annual Club Dinner. At the risk of incurring the wrath of our many lady members, this is the Men Only knees up that is renowned for causing domestic stress - but that's what rugby is all about, isnt' it? This year the Dinner takes place on Friday, 19th May - 7.30 for 8.00 pm. Dress code for the night is blazers or lounge suits, and ticket numbers are limited to 120, so get in early to avoid disappointment. We will be catering in-house this year so that we can keep ticket prices down to £15 per head. The key speaker on the night will be Darren Garforth (Leicester, England and Barbarians). Please use the reply slip enclosed with this newsletter.
Mini Awards Day. If you've not been able to make it to the Club on a Sunday, then the 7th May could be a good time to start, if only to try one of the Breakfast Baps!! You really don't know what you've been missing! This is the day when the Minis celebrate their achievements for the season, and although it is very unlikely that any rugby will be played, you will be able to see first hand the strength of the nursery, and where Stow Rugby Club's future lies.
The 65 Club. Some of you may have fond memories of the 65 Club, and we are planning to re-launch it at the start of the new season. The Summer Newsletter will carry all the relevant information, so now that we have aroused your interest, you have something to salivate over until June.
Annual General Meeting. As usual, the AGM takes place on the last Thursday of May, which this year is the 25th and opens at 7.30 p.m. All members are encouragedto attend, and participate in the running of the Club. Please be reminded that only Life Members and members in good standing are eligible to vote and to stand for office, so if you've not paid your subscription, now might be a good time.
125th Anniversary Ties.
At Last!!!! The "special edition" ties commemorating our 125th Anniversary will be with us in a few week's time. We apologise for the inordinate delay, but we did have considerable trouble getting the colours right on the silk - we went for something a little more elaborate than a simple black and white tie. The ties are made of silk, have a background of silver, with a black diagonal stripe and the Unicorn rampant, under which is the legend "125th Anniversary - 1879-2005".
We'll let you know as soon as we take delivery.
Please use the enclosed booking slips to reserve you place/places at the lunch and the dinner. Remember, we can only accommodate 120 people in the dining area, so avoid the rush - book early!!
VICE-PRESIDENTS' LUNCH - Saturday 22nd April, 2006
I will be attending the V-P lunch. Please reserve ……. places at £10 per head. Enclosed is a cheque, payable to Stow RFC for £……….
Name: ---------------- Number of guests: ----------
Phone No: -------------
--------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL CLUB DINNER - Friday 19th May, 2006
7.30 p.m. for 8.00.p.m.
Please reserve ……….. ticket(s) @ £15 each for the Club Dinner. Enclosed is a cheque for £……., payable to Stow RFC
Name: ---------------------------------
Address: ---------------------------------
---------------------------------
Please send to:
Stuart Cherry,
Brown Edge Cottage,
Salperton, Glos. GL54 4EF
