Dear Dorking Members,
It has been a long time since I had the opportunity to update you all on activities at the Club. Firstly I hope that you are all well and enduring this very unique situation that we find ourselves in. As we move towards a new normal over the next few months hopefully rugby will play an increased part of our physical and social lives again.
As both a Business and Charity this has been a very tough time for the club with all revenue stopping in early March including the very important Mini’s festival. As I am sure you would be aware very many of the costs associated with the club (Grounds Maintenance, Utilities, Insurances, new PPE equipment for Physio's and Contractual obligations) continue to be both needed and incurred. The club through its Treasurer and Secretary Paul Instone and Kevin Beal made swift applications to Government, the RFU and Sport England programmes offering assistance. I am pleased that due to our professional applications we were successful in these applications and alleviate some of the problems.
Some clubs including a few local rivals have made mass crowdfunding appeals to their members to assist with running costs. I do not want to do that, especially as many people have already supported the Capital fundraising project (as per Charity Commission rules we cannot use any of these funds for any other purpose than the Rehabilitation project) over the last year. What I would like everyone to do is to support the club in the same way as usual by renewing memberships (new flexible pay monthly option available), volunteering and in any other way that is possible for you to ensure that our special club is strong and vibrant to offer the Dorking Rugby experience for 6 to 90-year-olds for many years to come.
On to a few personal changes for the new season. After 3 years of very dedicated service as our President, Humfrey Malins has decided to step down from the role. Humfrey has been a huge supporter of all aspects of the club and will be much missed by us all. I personally learnt a lot from him and am very grateful for the experience (it is only a rumour that he is stepping down as he has run out of after lunch jokes!). I am very pleased to say that Jon Watts, loyal club servant and recently retired BA Captain, has accepted the Trustees proposal and takes the reins as our new Club President. Thank you Humfrey and Welcome Jonty.
On the executive committee David Hemmings our Minis Chair is stepping down, although fortunately will stay on the Board. He is to be replaced by Ryan Geere as Mini Chair. This really is such a key area to get right and establish the correct skills and values for later development and thank you David for such a splendid job and I am sure Ryan will take our minis to a high level.
With respect to Youth Rugby, we also have new leadership with Dominic Brookes taking over from Leo Kane as Chair. Huge thanks to Leo who has contributed (and will continue to) so much to Dorking over many years with his role as Chair both minis and Youth as well as being our festival mastermind. Dom has being one of the key leaders of the current Colts team and has helped develop our Youth Development Program. Dom is well qualified to help all those involved with youth Rugby to progress and play the Dorking way.
On the playing front, although we currently do not know a start date for the season, activity has already started. Following RFU guidelines and social distancing Armand Roux our DOR has produced our future training process and procedures. This has already been shared with Senior players, Colts/YDP (both players and parents). Over the next couple of weeks we plan to share with all age group managers and coaches to ensure everyone is aware of the procedure and timescales involved. In turn this will be shared with all members.
The upcoming year looks challenging from a financial perspective with a forecast reduction in Sponsorship of approximately £50,000. We are so very grateful to all our sponsors and the invaluable assistance that they provide. However with this reduction the responsibility resides with the whole membership to ensure we continue to offer a wonderful rugby experience. Please volunteer if you are able, please pay your membership, and please help the club in any way you can. If you have any ideas or would like clarification or to discuss something please do drop me a line or give me a call. Hope to see you all at the Big Field soon.
Kind Regards,
Shaun Hammond Club Chairman
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