NEWS FROM THE CHAIR.....MAY '25

As I write this, our younger club members will be enjoying their annual tour, and I hope that they have a fantastic time. A large proportion of our club, from parents, carers, coaches and players have descended on Henley for a full weekend of fixtures and social merriment which traditionally marks the end of the regular season at all levels.

The minis and juniors have had a very full season and done well in most leagues and competitions.

The Colts finished a well-earned  2nd in their HML pool, whilst the U15s secured the Plate at the Harrow 10s tournament only a couple of weeks ago.

The Senior teams have also had a full season with the 1st XV holding their own in a tough league with a young side, and the 2nd XV placing a respectable 5th in the Merit South table. We have also been able to turn out the occasional fixtures for our Vets team.

The Warriors go from strength to strength as they build on their strong foundations and are now looking to grow with more fixtures in the year ahead, with potential tournaments across the summer.

Don’t forget that we love to start our rugby careers at a young age at Vees, and the regular Saturday morning sessions, run by our friends at Rugby Tots, are available for 2-6 year olds. These will be carrying on through the summer months until a break in July.

Running and supporting 16 age groups/teams is a testament to the strength and community that we have as this great club. Those involved have shown dedication week in, week out and without them the club would not be able to function. Committee members, coaches, team managers, first aid, voluntary expertise on maintenance, kitchen staff, bar staff, kit shop supervisors, secretaries dealing with various aspects of membership (team, club, county, disciplinary, legal and administrative work) -  have all done an incredible job and I often think some of you spend more time on club work than on your day jobs.

The close season will need more effort on behalf of all members to support our committee and event organizers in various summer activities, so please spare some time to help if you are able to.

Dates for your Diary:

Friday 16th May:              Coaches Awards Evening.

Sunday 18th May:           Mini and Junior Presentation Day

Sunday 8th June:             St. Albans Half Marathon.

                                           Stewards will be required to help marshal part of the race , usually near St. Michael’s Church near the museum in Verulamium Park. 8am -1pm. Please contact Paul McGoohan if you can help.

Thursday 19th June:      AGM 7.30pm Start

Summer Workdays:      TBA, There will be free food and drinks available to helpers.

Please keep an eye out for these dates on our new website – www.VRFC.co.uk.  

Once again, that you to all our members for the your effort and input across the last season.

Ian ‘Shanks’ Graham,

Chair