Welcome to the 2007/8 season
A big welcome to all our members, players, sponsors and supporters for the 2007/8 season.
On the rugby side, there have been a number of significant changes. Andy Lee, who became chairman of rugby last year, has been admirably supported by Tony Brooke, Paul Laidler and John Thomson, and Paul Britton came in as club coach just before Christmas. Andy and his team have made a significant impact to the way we organise and structure our rugby. It's great to see such a good atmosphere, with training nights supported by over 50 players. Well done to all those concerned.
After a tricky period mid season, the 1st XV improved and finished strongly, which bodes well for the coming season. The 2nds, 3rds, 4ths and Colts also did well. It has been encouraging to see so many young players making their mark and coming up through the ranks. Last season, thanks to John Thomson and others, we introduced a 'Vets' side, suitably named the Gargoyles.
Youth rugby goes from strength to strength, both from the playing and the management viewpoints. It has been another great season with some fantastic results at league and tournament level, not to mention the extremely well organised tours that give our young players a real opportunity to further both their rugby and their inter-personal skills.
On a sad note I must mention the untimely deaths of Paul Nolan and David Jones. Paul passed away during a RFU Level 1 coaching course on 30th June - aiming to improve his expertise to do what he loved - coaching mini players to the best of his considerable ability. Paul was very dedicated and enthusiastic about everything he did at the club. A very genuine guy and a huge loss to his age group and the club as a whole.
David, fondly known as “DJ” or” Jonesy”, passed away a few months ago. He was in his early thirties, played at Windsor for a number of years before going to live in Henley and play for Henley Wanderers. All those members who grew up playing with and coaching him will especially miss David.
On the financial side, the club continues to build a strong base for future expansion. Last season, for example, we were able to put up new floodlights that have greatly improved our training options. Sponsorship forms a vital part of our funding and helps us to make many of these improvements. We thank all our sponsors for their continued support.
During the summer we welcomed visiting teams including the New Zealand Maori and Canada and in June we secured three RFU national awards - the only club in the country to do so.
I'd like to thank the GMC and all club officials for their continued support over the last year.
In April, John Thomson stood down as treasurer. Many thanks to John for putting in place the financial controls that enable us to manage things so effectively. Also a very big thank you to our secretary, Sean Leone who stands down after more than 20 years in various positions - youth chairman, secretary, treasurer, club chairman and many more. Thanks also to Peter Davison, senior fixture secretary, and youth section chairman, Simon Bates, both of whom are standing down this year.
We are also extremely grateful to John Clark for running the shop and to Maxine, June, Charlotte and many others for their hard work in the bar and kitchen. We have capitalised on the improved clubhouse facilities by hosting more social and other events, many of which are in the close season and we thank Maxine and her team for coping with this additional workload.
A warm word of welcome to our incoming officers and officials, in particular Graham Sandilands, our new club secretary, James Jordan who becomes club treasurer and John Laing who joins us as senior fixture secretary. We wish them well for the coming season.
We are extremely lucky at Windsor to have so many talented people who are prepared to put something back into the club - their efforts are much appreciated. I look forward to your continued support. Windsor Rugby Club goes back a long way and it is important that we do not forget our history and traditions. Our objectives remain the same: to provide rugby to people of all ages and skill levels and to have fun.
Have a great season.
Ian Potter
Chairman.
21st June 2007
