Cirencester wishes it’s members a safe Christmas

Dear Club Members, Coaches and Supporter: Im

i would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year and hope that you all enjoy the festive break where ever you may be. I appreciate that Christmas is not going to be as 'normal' as we all would have liked and that many of you may face additional challenges that you would ordinarily have not at this time of year. I hope however that you all manage to spend what time you can with your family and loved ones and remain positive in these difficult circumstances.

It has been a turbulent year for us all and CRFC and the sport of rugby hasn't come off lightly from this pandemic. However, through the efforts of the committee and some determined members we have weathered the challenges that the restrictions and frequently changing rules have thrown at us. We have managed to play some rugby, albeit under adaptive rules and when the weather/lock-down has allowed. My thanks go to all the coaches for their ongoing efforts to make the most of the limited opportunities we have had to train and to keep the players engaged.

The Club House under the management of Diane Slater has continued to operate within the government guidance, including the more recent requirement for Tier 2 'Substantial Meals'. The work to improve the set-up of the marquee with additional benches and table heaters has gone a long way to aid our ability to social distance, yet still provide a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for members and guests to come.

Sadly, as I type this message, we have now been pushed into Tier 3 and therefore the bar will now have to close until such times as restrictions ease again. As for rugby, we will just have to wait and see what the implications of this are and any decision by the RFU that fall out of this. Until then things will continue as they are for now.

On a positive note, you may have seen that the car park is finally open. This will make a huge difference to the Club, both in our ability to manage car parking at peak times and events, but also just the aesthetics of having a smart looking Club entrance. Other benefits we have a managed to eek out of the building works is the land fill by pitch 2 which we will prepare for next season for additional training space. Also, the 'free' tarmac at the end of the drive which filled in a few pot holes and the conduit from the Club House to pitch 3 that will enable us to run power for future flood lighting!

I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce a new appointment to the MY section, Martin Woodward who will taking up the role of Director of Youth Rugby from January. He will work alongside Jon (M&Y Chairman), and link in with Will (Head Coach) and myself. Some of you may know Martin from previous M&Y tours or generally around the club. His three boys are all members of the club - the youngest plays in the U16s and the older two, having started at U7s now play senior rugby when not at Uni.

Whilst he's not currently an active coach, Martin's been in involved in various coaching roles at the club since 2005, including coaching his elder sons from U7s all the way through to Head Coach of the Colts, as well as 1st team backs coach. He now works in Sports Sponsorship, after a successful teaching career (including positions as Head of PE and Assistant Head).

Martin is looking forward to catching up with you all in the New Year to talk through his role and how he and you can support each other to deliver your own age group objectives as well as a number of his own such as: - support the development and transition of players through the age groups and into senior rugby - support the development of club coaches, as well as succession planning

Thats all from me for now. Thanks again to all the Execs, Coaches and volunteers that have got the Club this far against the toughest of circumstances. Should you have any questions whatsoever please do not hesitate to contact me or any of the Execs at any time.

I hope that you all remain safe and well over the break and I look forward to catching up with you all in the New Year Note we are open Christmas Eve from 1200- 1600 for anyone wanting one last drink in a Public Bar!

Please book in with Diane.

Best wishes Dave

Chairman CRFC