10 of the 13 ELV's Approved

The International Rugby Board Council today ratified recommendations made by the IRB Rugby Committee and approved 10 of the 13 global Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) for adoption into the Laws of the Game.

The recommendations were unanimously approved and the integrated set of Laws will be implemented globally from May 23 or from the start of the next domestic season where competitions transcend the implementation date.

In addition to the suite of global ELVs, three Union-specific ELVs were also approved for integration into Law. These include the ability for a Union to implement a maximum 15-minute half time in matches under its jurisdiction.

"The implementation date approved by the IRB Council achieves that goal and represents the most suitable application date. All international matches from May 23 onwards will be captured, while domestic and regional competitions played across the implementation date will be played under the current ELVs until their conclusion," added Lapasset.

The IRB's Laws of the Game will be updated and available to view online in a range of languages at www.irb.com from Thursday, May 15.

ELVs adopted into Law

The following ELVs are to be adopted into Law:

• Law 6 - Assistant Referees able to assist Referees in any way the Referee requires
• Law 19 - If a team puts the ball back in their own 22 and the ball is subsequently kicked directly into touch there is no gain in ground
• Law 19 - A quick throw may be thrown in straight or towards the throwing team's goal line
• Law 19 - The receiver at the lineout must be two metres back away from the lineout
• Law 19 - The player who is in opposition to the player throwing in the ball must stand in the area between the five metre line and touch line and must be two metres from the line of touch and at least two metres from the lineout
• Law 19 - Lineout players may pre-grip a jumper before the ball is thrown in
• Law 19 - The lifting of lineout jumpers is permitted
• Law 20 - Introduction of an offside line five metres behind the hindmost feet of the Scrum
• Law 20 - Scrum half offside line at the Scrum
• Law 20 - The corner posts are no longer considered to be touch in goal except when the ball is grounded against the post

2008-2009 End of Season Report, by Club Captain Mark McCraith

Well what a year its been!!!

And it has been pretty much a year, with preseason starting in July, the first team squad had little time to enjoy their summer when a new coach comes in and as players all running for the nearest gym and oat based cereal bars suppliers.

The boys developed quickly, with new players becoming key squad members almost over night, especially with some excellent team building in Wales. Running through mud with massive logs, which must have been hard for Rosie and Alder having their own logs to carry too, quickly bonds a team. So I must thank the club for providing this opportunity, and with some of the wins this year is clear to see these benefits of a close team spirit.

The season this year has been a long hard one like it always is, but without a whipped boy in the league, every game provided a new challenge for the team and coaches. Another thanks must go to Moley, for his video work providing a vital insight into our game plans and oppositions plays.

Well its fair to say we have had a lot of highs and a few lows this season but its important to realise that the highs have definitely out weighed the lows.

A quick mention of a couple of low points were two loses at home and away to Hertford and OA's and away performance to Sutton are a few defeats that will live with this team for a few season.

Enough of the lows, the highs have been great. Wins in the last kick of the games against Luton and Jersey, an impressive home record in front of some fantastic support, and not forgetting our Hertfordshire Cup win to avenge our loses in the league against OA's. Oh yeah in extra time.

From a players point of view, I can't stress the work the coaches have done from the team, working hard, not just on Tuesdays and Thursdays but most the week through preparation for training sessions and analysis of videos as I previously mentioned.

On the back of our coaching its been great to see players develop and improve. Seeing players with such raw ability at the start of the season, become quality 1st team members. Aaron Springham has grown into a real team player, a Stortford boy through and through, but the man of the match performance he turned in against Jersey away, ear marks him to be a first team member for many a year. Another Arran to mention is 'Mahoney'. He has shown time again the benefits for coming to training, and his ability to break away from guards in poor conditions was crucial in our away win to North Walsham with two sniping breaks and two try.

From a personal note, leading the team has been a real pleasure, though at times hard it's the team spirit and friendship we share that has helped us. Having experienced players like Rob Faires, Richie Mcmillan and Alex Colenso (when he wasn't taking his 10 mins break) helped us to some fantastic wins, and Alex's leadership and contribution in the final was 1st class.

Tommy C has proved time and again the value of having a great place kicker in the team. With stats that pushed towards the 80% mark for the entire season is nothing to be scoffed at, especially in some of the windy conditions he has faced. His ability to keep the score board ticking over, and the pressure it can relieve from the team with a kick to touch is invaluable. Before you start thinking he is just about kicker, his running game is pretty impressive, as too his defence, just ask the Barnes wing he short armed.

The very last task of the season was to compete in the Hertfordshire 7's, held at OA's, as often the case this happens to fall on the hottest day of the year. With a mixed squad of youth and 6 first team regulars we reached the final to face OA's. This was similar to the previous final, been tied at the final whistle, but this time OA's got this revenge and scored the golden point.

This season has been a great success, but its also the start of a special period with players maturing within the 1st and I can only see this team getting better with the coaching and commitment we have shown each other throughout the year. Thanks again for all the support we have received this season, and I hope you have enjoyed some of the results as must as the team has. We look follow to seeing you all next season.

Player of the Year - Tom Coleman
Players player - Tom Coleman
1st Team Most Improved - Aaron Springham
Under 21 Player of the Year - Aaron Mahoney
Captains Trophy - Peter Engledow

Mark McCraith, Club Captain

BSRFC Summer Courses 2009

Please click here to download the above flyer at full size

Bishops Stortford Rugby Football Club is launching a series of rugby coaching courses to be held at B.S.R.F.C. during the summer holidays this year.

We are offering opportunities for all ages from the current Under 6s to Under 14s and are delighted to announce that we will have Grade 3 coaches available for all age groups. Our coaches will work with their age-groups to improve individual core skills, such as passing, tackling, and running together with developing team skills. We work very hard to create an excellent learning environment to develop every players core skills and, above all, having fun!

Players will be grouped together according to their 2008 - 2009 season age groups with the content tailored for each participating age group. Dates are as follows:-

Prices

• The cost will be £100 for each of the four day courses (or £25 per day if places are available)
• A 10% 'early bird' discount is available if you book before 31st March 2009 – great value at £90.
• For all courses booked after 30th June 2009 a 10% surcharge will be payable.

Content

The courses will vary according to your age group but all of them are designed to allow individual skill acquisition as well as the opportunity to develop and improve unit skills under the guidance of the qualified Coaching Staff.

Individual Skills (will vary according to age group)

• Handling Skills
• Passing and Distribution
• Vision and Decision
• Tackling
• Speed, Agility and Quickness

Unit Skills for Youth Age Groups

• Ball retention
• Unit Dynamicity in Contact
• Defence Organisation
• Quick and Efficient Rucking and Mauling

All players will require the following:

• Rugby Kit, including boots
• Training shoes
• Gum Shield (Optional for tag players)
• Footwear - Trainers and boots
• Waterproof clothing (if weather necessitates)
• Towel
• Packed Lunch
• Plenty of drink
• Suntan lotion
• Sun hat

The days will start at 9am and finish at 3pm. Parents are invited to stay, especially with the younger age groups. However, if you have any difficulties meeting these times, we can make arrangements for the children to be supervised until everyone has been collected.

The courses offer an exciting opportunity for all young rugby enthusiasts to enjoy some fun, skills, drills and competitions.

• Age Group End of Course Prizes & Awards
• 'Goody Bag' for all 4 Day course attendees

We look forward to seeing you and should you have any queries please do not hesitate in contacting me on 07988 646384 or by email bobwinnington@binternet.com

To sign up for a summer course please download a reply slip

Internet Purchasing Now Available Through Club Website

Bishops Stortford Rugby Football Club are now linked with www.easyfundraising.org.uk

This means that any purchases that you are going to make on line from a New TV, to a holiday, Insurance, products from Argos or other large retailers. We receive a donation from the retailer. So please as your search engine use www.easyfundraising.org.uk, register as a User with Bishops Stortford Rugby Football Club as your chosen Charity and then buy to your hearts content and help your club.

Thankyou for your help and supporting your club.

The Social and Fundraising Committee of BSRFC.

Stortford 1st team squad update

It was a difficult weekend and we took the loss to Oa's very hard, all of us!

Sometimes as a coach you think you have done all the right work and preparation and you confident it is all going to go well, however rugby is not that straight forward and Oa's did well to beat us.

Right now the important thing for me is not my long range plans about building for the future, what is important is the present. The goal is our next game and our next performance.

What may be difficult for the supporters to understand or appreciate is the tremendous amount of hard work that has been put in by the players and staff, since Dec we have been on an intensive training programme and the boys have been great. I am not going to try and defend our performances at home in the New Year but it is not down to lack of effort on the players part. We don't go out there not to win or play to the best of our ability and after Sat we have had a good refocus and players have been pro active in there feedback and reset goals for the rest of the season.

Some positive points to come from the last couple of games is our improvement in the scrums and tight 5 performance, we have such a great team spirit with 95% of the players from the local area (on Sat 17 of the 18 players were English), we have a young squad and we have a squad willing to work hard and move forward.

Our Training last night was spot on and the difference to last week was noticeable, the players are aware there is good competition, they are 100% focused on the Cup game and there is an energy to put things right.

From a coaching point of view, it has given us new direction and key focus areas to correct and as a TEAM we moving forward led by players feedback and doing what is necessary, there are never guarantees in a game of rugby but when you have buy in and a group of players and staff all focused on doing things right and building on what we already have it is very uplifting and motivating.

Come and watch us on Sat and I think you will see a difference.

Cheers

Peter

Black Tie Event

Club Forum Meeting

Wednesday 18th March 2009 in the Rose Room, 8.00pm
Please place this in your diary and come along and have your say.

Irish Night

Goff James

It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of Goff James on 15th January aged 96.

Up until a couple of years ago, Goff, despite his age, would walk to the Club from his home in the town, where, we believe he lived throughout his time in BS. He was extremely proud of his membership of BSRFC.

He was very much one of the father figure to the young players in the 50s and 60s (it also helped that he was one of the few players with a car!)

Always keen to play at an ever increasing age, it is recollected that Bill Van Driessche, a few players short, called round to his house to see if Goff could play. On opening the door, Goff was a little put out when Bill asked if his son was available - of course, Goff played!

Our condolences go to his family.

John Allanson - Volunteer
Awarded The Volunteer Award By Herts RFU 2008 - 09

John is an exceptional volunteer and the sort of person we are very lucky to have and are delighted that his commitment to the game of rugby and his club has been recognised in such a wonderful way. He was among a number of county club members put forward and was chosen by The RFU and has received his invitation from The RFU President (Brian Williams) and has accepted to be his guest for the Italy match on 7th February. Not only will he be having lunch prior to the match in The Spirit Of Rugby in the West Stand but also will attend The Post Match Teams' black tie Dinner in the Rose Room and overnight accommodation is included at The Lensbury Club, Teddington.

This is a face you all should recognise and should know as John has been associated with the club for around 30 years. Initially as a player, but for the past 8 years as a high profile volunteer.

He is a totally committed member of the club and the full list of his achievements is too long. Safe to say if you want something done at the club it is better to get John to do it or organise it.

For the past 8 years he has rarely missed a 1st team match both home and away, regularly travelling on the players coach. For away matches he invariably attends the lunch of the hosts representing the club. Not only does he attend 1st team matches on a Saturday but he is regularly at the club on a Sunday with youth teams or Colts.

At home matches he organised the numbers, worked with the caterer, produced the match programme, arranged the rota for match day managers, arranged the distribution of programmes, ensured that the tables are put out either early Saturday morning or more often on a Friday evening and he organised the Saturday raffle. For matches he was the holder of the match card which he completed meticulously. He was also the person who does the match report for the press and provided the information to Rugby Round up and the RFU. In recent years he also organised the rota of touch judges, particularly for away matches.

John attends most of the club functions through from dinner dance to quiz organised by the Youth teams.

John is at the club at least 3 days per week in addition to Saturdays. He is always a willing volunteer for cleaning, moving furniture, fixing pitch boards and can regularly be seen clearing rubbish from the fields and the club house.

John stood down from the Exec last year and his job was so big we have had to split it into at least 3 roles. Here are further extracts from his own words of other contributions he makes.

• Production and distribution of Newsletters
• Chair/Secretaryship of the H&S Committee
• Management of the annual Club Trophies nomination, engraving and presentation process
• Primary contact point for identifying and coordinating volunteers from the 'Wrinklies' for any projects or big Club events. Major fund raisers through to Youth and Mini festivals. Also the annual club house paint and clean
• Club tile salesman
• Coordinating the annual distribution of fixture cards around the Playing Sections, dealing with the approaches from new members
• Membership Officer for the Senior club including VP's and Non-Playing plus co-ordination of Senior Playing
• Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee
• Liaison with the grounds staff
• Executive link to Oval Club
• For 3 years secretary to the Club Trustees

Well done John it is highly deserved and once again brings BSRFC a great honour in having you as a valued member.

Saffron Insurance Special Offer

Dear Member

Saffron Insurance has for a number of years now provided significant financial assistance to the club. In return we want to ensure that we, as a club, are providing their business with some tangible support.

In doing so we hope that you personally might also benefit from the arrangement by taking advantage of the following special deal that they have put together exclusively for Bishops Stortford Rugby Club members.

For the next six months they'll guarantee to match or beat your Home and Motor renewal quotation.

Contact their Bishops Stortford office on 01279 713333 for a no obligation quotation. Please quote reference BSRFC and your membership card number and they'll get working to save you money on your insurance as well as giving a friendly local service. Terms and conditions apply. Saffron Insurance are authorised and regulated by The Financial Services Authority.

Saffron Insurance prides themselves in giving a personal service to both Business and Personal customers - phone them now and you could benefit at the same time as supporting one of the club's main sponsors.

Their website is www.saffroninsurance.co.uk

Thank you for your time

Steve Dunkley
Chairman of Communications
On behalf of the executive committee of Bishops Stortford RFC

Stop press...

There are great opportunities to hire out our facilities for your function or corporate event in May and June next year. A marquee will be available in addition to our existing facilities. Book now to avoid disappointment. Please contact Bob Winnington on 07988 646384 or by email bobwinnington@btinternet.com to check availability.

Sports Development Plan 2008

We are pleased to provide you with this short version summary of the SDP 2008. The full 75 page document is to be made available to all club members via the BSRFC Rugby First website.

Members of the Executive team and the Trustees will be pleased to answer any queries you have related to the plan, either at our next Forum (planned for March 2009) or at any other time.

The SDP was developed taking in to account the views of our members who completed our on-line survey earlier this year. We would like to extend our thanks again to all those who took part and added real value to this important plan, which will shape the future of our club.

Perry Oliver
Chairman BSRFC

England Counties XV expand their horizons

The England RU Counties XV, the representative flagship of the RU club game outside the Premiership, will break new ground at home and away in 2009 with the unveiling of an exciting five-match programme.

Having already included Chile, Russia, Argentina, Uruguay, the USA and Canada in their expansive oversees itinerary since they were founded in 2002, they will add Korea and Japan to the list in June 2009.

They will also tread the Twickenham turf for the first time when they entertain France, their oldest regular rivals, at the stadium after the Six Nations Championship game between the senior sides on Sunday, March 15, 2009.

The Counties XV programme opens with another game against an Ireland Club XV at Donnybrook in Dublin on Friday, February 27, 2009.

"This is probably the most exciting programme we've ever had," says Manager Danny Hodgson: "We were the first senior England team to play in Russia a couple of years ago, which was a tremendous experience, and now the players can look forward to another 'first' in the Far East.

"The Korean section of the trip will also embrace some outreach work in schools and clubs. That aspect of our recent trip to Canada proved very popular with both our hosts and our players and I'm very pleased to see it built into the programme.

"One of the strengths of the Counties set-up is that it gives developing IRB countries the opportunity to host an England XV and all our experiences on tour, which started in Chile in 2002, have been extremely positive and enjoyable.

"But not only that, we will be playing at Twickenham for the first time, which is a massive thrill for all of us. It's the stadium that every rugby player dreams about playing in, so it's a massive milestone for the Counties XV."

The Counties selection team for the spring games has been extended with the recruitment of Glen Wilson. A member of the inaugural party that toured Chile, the former Wakefield and Doncaster back-row forward will be responsible for vetting players from Division Three North.

Says Manager Hodgson: "We've been inundated with nominations and at this stage every Division Two team and most of Division Three North and South have been watched."

Have your say on the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs)

The Rugby Football Union is giving everyone involved in English rugby the chance to have their say on the Experimental Law Variations being trialled this season.

A website survey at www.rfusurvey.co.uk is currently open to all interested parties until December 16 and the results will be used as part of the RFU's report to the International Rugby Board, who will vote on whether to implement the ELVs into rugby law in May 2009.

The RFU believes that some of the 13 ELVs could fundamentally change the nature of the game as it is currently known and that all those potentially affected by their introduction should be consulted.

RFU Chief Executive Francis Baron said: "As these Experimental Law Variations could potentially result in major changes to the Laws of the Game, the RFU believes it is important to consult those involved in the game at every level and give them an opportunity to express their views.

"This online survey will form a major part of our report to the IRB on what impact the ELVs have had on English rugby this season. The responses last time demonstrated just how many people care passionately about this game of ours.

"I would urge everyone with an interest in the future of our game to go to www.rfusurvey.co.uk and spend ten minutes completing the questionnaire so we can paint as accurate a picture as possible of people's views in England."

Want to donate to your club?

The best way to maximise your donation is by allowing us to claim gift aid.

We are a CASC (Community Amateur Sports Club) and so are entitled to claim gift aid on all donations, i.e for every £ a taxpayer donates, the club can claim an extra 28p from HM R&C. As well as this, if the donor is a higher tax payer then they can claim back 20p from the HM R&C, so in effect if you donate 80p the club gets £1.28.

Complete a gift aid form and send with your donation.

Notification of additional business to be dealt with at the Special General Meeting
To be held on Wednesday 19th November 2008

Dear Member

I hope by now that you will be aware that on the 19th November 2008 we are holding our 3rd Club forum. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions of the executive committee about any aspect of the clubs operation. We have decided to utilise our newly published Sports Development Plan as a template for the evening which is entitled "The Future of your Club".

The full SDP document runs to approximately 70 pages and is available on the 'Members only' section of our clubs Rugby First website:

www.clubs.rfu.com/Clubs/portals/BishopsStortfordRFC/

But if that's a bit too much reading don't worry as we have produced a précis version, copies of which will be available on the night.

You will also be aware that due to the fact that a suitable candidate had not been identified at that stage the position of President-Elect was not resolved at our AGM in July. A candidate - Chris 'Tubby' Davies has now been properly proposed & seconded in accordance with our rules and I therefore intend to use the occasion of our gathering on the 19th to hold a hopefully short Special General Meeting immediately before the Forum to ask those gathered to ratify Chris's appointment.

This was to have been the only item of business that the SGM would have been required for however by a 'happy' coincidence of timing I now have an additional matter which we will need to address at this meeting and indeed the primary purpose of this letter is to provide you the membership with some information prior to the night in order that you can properly consider what is being proposed.

One of our goals contained within the SDP under Key Objective 4 'Training facilities' is to improve the drainage on the back field thus allowing greater use of it throughout the season. As with most projects it seems nothing comes cheap and our preferred option for resolving this issue has been costed at circa £22,000.

Clearly this is a considerable sum of money for a club such as ours and we are currently exploring options regarding obtaining grants to pay for as much as 90% of this expenditure. We have, through the endeavors of one of our trustees Mr. Peter Scarlett begun the lengthy application process to access a grant from the Landfill Communities Fund.

Peter has already invested a great deal of time and energy compiling the evidence required to satisfy the quite stringent criteria for eligibility. One of the stepping stones we are required to achieve along the way to the grant is to register ourselves as an environmental body with Entrust - the environmental trust scheme regulatory body. This is a status we have previously held but which has long since lapsed.

Part of the registration scheme required us to submit a copy of our constitution to Entrust so that they can be assured that our aims and objectives are compatible with their own. They have now written to us asking that we insert two paragraphs into our constitution which admittedly on first reading would appear incongruous and otherwise unnecessary in any rugby club's rules. However the additions they seek are crucial to our ability to continue with the grant application and rejection of their request will terminate this particular avenue for funding.

The two paragraphs that they require to be inserted are detailed below in the proposition. Both Peter & I are content that they will have absolutely no effect, detrimental or otherwise on any other aspect of our business and therefore on behalf of your Executive committee I am happy to recommend to you that we support Peter's proposal at the SGM for our constitution to be amended to include these provisions.

If you have any questions about this issue please feel free to contact either myself or Peter and we shall do our very best to provide you with the answers you require.

I look forward to seeing you on the 19th.

Kind Regards

Perry Oliver
Chairman

BSRFC are in need of a Bar Treasurer

Responsible for

• Providing sufficient change to ensure the three tills have cash floats for each day the bar is open.
• Analysing and reconciling the cash, credit cards and cheques received each day the bar is open to the bar sales detailed on the till reports, taking into account other receipts such as subscriptions.
  N.B. The bar chairman assists by counting the sums in each till and ringing off the daily till reports. These are analysed at the end of each week by the Bar Treasurer.
• Reconciling the credit card receipts to the daily polling records. (performed weekly)
• Banking (currently weekly) the cash generated through the bar.
• Ensure all bar staff details are known, i.e. name, address, NI No, date of birth etc. to enable the Treasurer to notify HM R&C of all casual labour.
• Record all wages paid to bar staff, calculate tax and NI for each individual and provide salary slips, and sufficient detail for annual P60 and P14 documentation required by law.
• Ensuring all waste is recorded and analysed with a view to minimising waste.
• Advising treasurer and Bar Chairman on prices to be charged for all products sold over the bar to ensure we maintain the bar gross margin (target 50%)
• Count bar stock regularly (at least monthly) to enable Treasurer to value stock and calculate Gross Margin on sales.
• Ensure tills are being used correctly by Bar staff and have the correct selling price of all goods sold over the bar and included in the correct till departments.
• Ensure all tills are in working order and fully maintained.

Person Specification

• This willing volunteer, needs to bare in mind that this will require a significant amount of their time - weekends included.
• They will be required to undergo a CRB check.
• This willing volunteer, needs to have a good understanding of accounts.
• Be competent on Excel.

For more details please contact Ros Lennon on 07831 177103 or email vcbsrfc@live.co.uk

Special General Meeting Followed by the 3rd Club Forum

Wednesday 19 November @ 8-00pm
Venue - BSRFC clubhouse

SGM Agenda

To ratify the appointment of Mr. Chris Davies as President Elect of BSRFC

Forum Agenda

The future of your rugby club

Your opportunity to meet and have an open discussion with members of the Executive committee and Trustees

The Forum is open to all paid up club members. We do hope that all teams, age groups and sections will be well represented. Come along and have your say.

"It's amazing what you can achieve when you start believing in yourself and your team."

We have now played 5 games this season, well actually 8 as we had 3 warm up matches and to be fair the break the past week was perfect timing for us, rugby has changed and so have the players and even as coach to get a week off and refocus and regroup was a great feeling, we still trained last week and did a few different things compared to normal training weeks, I think everyone involved enjoyed it and as I mentioned at the beginning of the season we are here to enjoy it and do our best.

We started the season with 2 unexpected wins if I have to be honest and I think it was the start the players needed to actually make them believe that this is a new start and as a team, it was what we needed to make progress for the rest of the year ahead. The first game of the season against Walsham was a game where I just did not know what to expect and what a terrific performance to start the season with, we adapted to the new Elv's well and implemented our game plan, Barnes was a gripping last 15 minutes and we managed to win that one with 13 men on the field towards the end.

Shelford at home was mentally a massive game for the players and I thought we learnt so much from that game, it showed us they are definitely not invincible and with all their kiwi boys, it will be interesting to see what they do if they do get promoted, on that note we have been averaging 10-12 English players per game and at least 10 of those have come through the club system, it is something to be proud of and credit to the club and local schools. We came so close to beating Shelford on the day, I was very proud of the boy's physicality and there fighting spirit to the end, how exciting was the final 2 minutes?

OA's was just one of those games where we did not pitch up for the game, possibly the boys get too worked up for local games but we also did not play the conditions well and to OA'S credit they worked the ref well, slowed the game down all the time when playing against the wind and got our boys off there game and we lost our focus, we also did not adapt enough and change our plans according to what they were doing, it is one game the boys are looking forward to next year. Again we have learnt from the game and as a coach I took a lot from it.

Mark McCraith is also growing into his role as Captain and what is very encouraging is he is open to learning and developing but also more importantly has open communication with me and the management team, which is important, he also has a terrific attitude and when required to play second row against Luton did not complain at all, just went away and ate like a horse to pick up some weight, players like him who have that attitude for the team and to play where required for the team's benefit make this side very special, he is not alone and this season many players have slotted in wherever they are picked or needed, on that front boy have we been hit by injuries in every game to date, but what is great to see is players stepping up and doing a job, given the chance, players who train and keep working on developing there game will go far with me and will get the breaks, it is difficult to pick players who do not train.

So at this stage we had won 2 and lost 2 on the trot and with at least 6 regular first team players out after the OA'S game, we were up against it playing Luton, I had a good feeling about the players and the attitude they had in training and on the day itself, we also changed a couple of things in our warm up after feedback from players and we ran out there with a can do attitude, Players like Dan Holben stepping into tighthead on the day and giving us 80 minutes was massive, everyone got stuck in and it was a true test of character and the players had the will to win, again we never gave up and to be fair we should never have been in the position we had been to win that game, I was delighted with the win but really disappointed with our decision making and ability to play according to the game plan, Charles had a massive game for the club and Tom's 2 kicks were outstanding but to be fair the talk I gave after the game could have been very different had we not won that game but we did and I will not be giving away any tactical plans or thinking in this article, so come down and watch us in November as we have 2 home games on the run 01st Nov- Portsmouth and the 8th Nov - Tring.

We are entering the next phase of the league and we have an important 5 weeks ahead of us and with the weather changing we will need the players to step up, exciting news is that a couple of players will be returning during November and hopefully we can continue to build on our performances.

I would just like to mention again, the massive support from the coaching staff Simmo, Mick and Dave have been brilliant and as a team we are developing and will continue to improve and maximise the player's potential. The back room management have been great and work so hard to make the players on field life much easier.

To all the supporters so far, it makes a huge difference playing at home with a big crowd and to the supporters who make the away trips Nice one, I am sure they almost enjoyed the victory over Barnes more than the players.

Cheers and catch you at the game.

Peter

Former Players Lunch

Calling all Former players. Join friends old and new at the Former players lunch on Saturday 29th November. Jenny Lancey our Former Players Secretary invites you all to attend what is always an enjoyable event, with the added bonus of what should be an excellent match against our visitors Jersey. To book your place for the Former Players League Lunch contact Jan Zelezinski on 07753 931569

Coaches and a Manager required for BSRFC Womens section

We have started a Girls section for both Under 15s and Under 18s, currently training at local schools under the guidance of a County Development Coach.

Our aim is to have the girls playing at the club on Sunday afternoons from November 2008 onwards working with a coaching team and with their own manager.

Interested in being part of this exciting development?

If you are a male or female, a qualified coach or would be prepared to be trained, or a manager in the making, and are interested in getting involved in one of the UKs fastest growing sports, then get in touch.

Please contact Steve Dunkley on 01371 873465 or e-mail at stephen.dunkley1@btopenworld.com

3rd Club Forum

Wednesday 19 November @ 8-00pm
Venue - The main club bar

Your opportunity to meet and have an open discussion with members of the Exec, Trustees and Coaching Staff.

Any subject is open for discussion, but we will prepare to discuss current issues such as Playing and Coaching, Sports Development plans, Club facilities and fund raising.

The Forum is open to all paid up club members. We do hope that all teams, age groups and sections will be well represented.

Come along and have your say and find out what is going on in your club.

Steve Dunkley
On behalf of the Executive Committee and Trustees

Annual Firework Display

'Little Waz'

Congratulations on their first born to Stuart and Hannah Haslam and warm welcome to Freddie Alexander. Yet another potential England star

"I'm not out there sweating for three hours a day, just to find out what it feels like to sweat"- Michael Jordan

Heart is what separates the good from the great!

Week 8 of pre season and we are developing as a team. The support from the management team has been terrific and if you think we all came together as unknowns we have quickly developed into a functional and dynamic unit. Mick and Dave have been of great help and this has allowed us to get really specific on certain aspects of the game, to be honest at this stage we working on getting the basic plays right and as a coaching team we working very well together.

Woody and the off field staff are doing so much work, again I think this is a huge benefit to the club and an essential part of creating the right team environment and building up a fun, hard working team environment that players enjoy, we want players to have fun at the club, yes hard work and massive commitment is required and if players are spending a lot of time here it must be fun and the club must be a welcoming place with good facilities. Moley is fast becoming an audio guru and the players will benefit from his skills.

Congratulations to Mark McCraith as Captain of the first team for this season, again a super chap and easy to work with, he will develop as a leader and will have my backing along with the management team, he has the respect of the players and I like his attitude and approach to training, he will do a top job for the club and his team mates.

We head off to Wales this weekend for a team building camp and I am very excited, we have a couple of surprises for the players, but most of all it is about building relationships and creating a team culture and vision for the season ahead. I am under no illusion that this season is going to be easy and our first 3 games will be a testament to that, however I believe that if I can keep the players together and we can grow and develop, we will be playing a brand of rugby that is exciting, entertaining and very different to other teams, we have the players to do it and it requires hard work and developing skills for certain positions.

We have a very competitive group of players all fighting hard to get into the first 15, to date we have up to 27 players who I feel could all compete for a position with another 2-3 players yet to arrive, it is exciting times for the club as players more competition will hopefully up the tempo and each week places will be up for grabs, it is a long season and if the players can keep at it and fight hard there chance will come, it depends on there attitude and willingness to work for it.

From my side as head coach it has been so enjoyable, and I am settling in very nicely, we had a good first win against Woodford, who played very well and credit to the skipper and some of the players for staying around enjoying some beers and also chatting and mixing with Stortford players, I think it is great and hope we will have that culture in place after games.

We head to Richmond on the 30th and have the squad going over to play as a 1st and 2nd team, it should be a cracking day out and a good test for us, at this stage places are wide open and both games will be very important for players to have there last attempt at making the starting line up for the 13th Sep when we host North Walsham at the Stortford Fortress, come down and enjoy the day!

Cheers and see you at the club

Peter

Subscriptions 2008-09 Season

Please note that subscriptions for the new season are now due.

You can pay membership secretary Rod Homer at home games, at any time to team managers or over the bar by cheque, cash, credit/debit card or by completing a Direct Debit mandate.

In order to ensure our records are complete and up-to-date, we are this year asking all members to complete an application form. These are available over the bar and from Rod.

You may be asked to show your membership card when ordering drinks over the bar; this is to comply with our licence. From the end of September, the bar staff may refuse to serve you unless you show your 2008-09 membership card.

The membership rates are:

Senior Player £90
Social Member £30
Mini & Youth £90
Colt and Student £25
Family Membership £20

Please ask for details of Family Membership with one or more Mini/Midi/Youth/Senior playing membership.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Congratulations

To Shane Leeks and Clare on the birth of their son Oliver.
Let's hope he will be faster than his Dad!!

To Andy and Laura Miller on their first born Oliver Edward James.
Yet another future backs player.

Updated Sports Development Plan

Click here for details...

Volunteer(s) needed

To undertake role of Match Day Co-ordinator and match official liaison officer

At the recently held BSRFC executive committee meeting it was agreed that we would seek a volunteer to undertake the role of Senior Match Day Co-ordinator and Match official liaison officer.

It has been apparent for some time that as a club we could do more to support Tubby, also the visiting opposition and Match officials on Saturday afternoons throughout the season.

We have attracted unwanted and unnecessary criticism from visitors who in some cases perceive us to be inhospitable and unwelcoming. This is a situation we would obviously like to address in the hope of achieving a significant improvement in the 'feedback' we receive.

The role is not to be confused with that currently held by Jan Zelezinski. Jan's responsibility lies in the administration and organisation of events prior to each 1st XV match day primarily the smooth running of our 'league lunches' and this new role will have little or no impact on his responsibilities.

I have attempted to summarise the duties we envisage the new role holder undertaking below but in essence the job would involve helping Tubby facilitate all the senior home games held at the club throughout the season. Ideally we would like to identify one individual willing to undertake this role. However we are realistic and understand that this might be too greater commitment for one person.

Pre Game

• Facilitate easy parking for Match officials & disabled visitors- Bays will be marked out
• Direct visiting teams and match officials to appropriate dressing rooms and pitches
• Introduce BSRFC team captains to same
• Offer pre-match hospitality to match official(s) i.e. a drink
• Take responsibility (if required) for their valuables and ensure safe storage
• Ensure Match Officials are provided with a suitable match ball.
• Assist Tubby as requested in setting out the pitches i.e. putting out flag

Post Game

• Facilitate a period of time immediately upon conclusion of the game in which match officials are afforded 'breathing space' especially after 'contentious matches'
• Act as an impartial BSRFC representative in an attempt to address any concerns held or requests made by the Match officials
• Return safely opposition and match official valuables.
• Ensure safe return & storage of match ball
• Distribute Match tea vouchers to same
• Offer & facilitate post match hospitality to match official(s) i.e. a drink
• Feed back any comments / suggestions for improvement to Exec Committee.

We have had expressions of support from persons willing to undertake the role when the 1st VX are at home and whilst these offers are welcome, it is important that we get every Saturday covered. The oppositions and Match officials at 2nd to 5th team level are just as important to us as those involved in the first team fixtures.

We are therefore willing to accept a compromise to our preferred option and accept volunteers willing to undertake the role on a 'job-share' or rota basis. So I would welcome hearing from anyone willing to commit to covering a few Saturdays (especially non 1st team days). We can then sit down as a group and divide up the commitment to ensure we have coverage on all the necessary times.

Thanking you in anticipation,

Perry Oliver
Chairman BSRFC

BSRFC - Our vision - To be a strong and successful rugby club united from senior to mini sections, trusted and valued by the community.

Club Tiles

A new batch of club tiles will be going up in the gents toilets before the season starts. They are £50 per tile, two tiles are produced one to be placed in the club and one for yourself. If we have enough response a ladies section will go up in their toilets.

If you would like a tile please e-mail me on garethalanabbott@hotmail.com with your name and what you would like on the tile: name, nickname, family name etc.

Cheques payable to 'BSRFC'

Gareth Abbott
07900 490279

BSRFC Election of officers

* Members of the Executive

Dear BSRFC member

Support your club - Come and be a part of the BSRFC Working Parties

On the first and last Saturdays in July (5th and the 26th) we would like to put together a works party for the purpose of rectifying a whole host of relatively minor DIY problems that have accumulated over the past season or so.

As I have said before in the true spirit of a community club, it is the members that take responsibility for the general upkeep of the club and the planned works are all the sorts of jobs that we the members are quite capable of achieving ourselves without the need to spend our scarce funds on paying contractors to do them for us!

We have drawn up a list of projects ranging from fence erection, path laying and roof repairing all the way down to the more mundane tasks of painting and general cleaning.

I need at least Twenty (20) volunteers on each day. Volunteers with particular DIY type skills are particularly welcome but if like me you barely know one end of a hammer from the other, then don't be put off - your help is just as valuable to us. The intention is to work from 10am till 2pm before celebrating our achievements with some light refreshments which the club will gratefully provide. But even if you can't stay the full four hours any time you are able to spare would be gratefully received. I'm sure I can find you something to do!

There is also no requirement to commit to both days. It would be nice to get as many volunteers as possible involved from all the age groups and senior sides within our club to come together for our mutual benefit.

If you are willing to help on either or both of the two Saturdays please contact me - either on perry.oliver@btinternet.com or on my mobile 07867908978 or at home on 01279 814591 and I'll start collating the lists to ensure we have sufficient resources, and burgers on each day.

Regards
Perry Oliver
Match Secretary
Bishops Stortford RFC
07867908978

"It's not where you are today that counts. It's where you are headed...."

What a fantastic start at my new Club, we have been going full steam ahead since after the 7's in May and I am stoked with the progress and new changes we have managed to implement in a very short time.

Arriving at a new club always involves change and a wee bit of nerves and excitement but to be honest I have been taken aback by the club members I have met and the spirit from the players who have attended a few sessions in June. Thanks for all the support and warm reception, cheers.

Paul Woodford as the new manager has been superb and we have exchanged 100's of e-mails and have had many meetings to get everything just right, Woody has taken on many challenges and always has a can do attitude, we off to a great start and I hope as players you will notice some changes and appreciate the hard work that has gone into making things happen. Woody is a top manager and I have enjoyed working with him.

The one area that has really surprised me is the amount of sponsorship and I believe this is primarily down to one member in the club and it seems to be growing with a new commercial manager in place and some very proactive players/ members, it is brilliant. The enthusiasm and work put in by volunteers will help the club go along way.

Now onto the rugby, I cannot wait for Tuesday the 1st of July to arrive I am excited and encouraged to be working with a talented pool of players and looking forward to getting them super fit/ super strong and to really develop them over the next 2 months, at the end of the day it is the players responsibility and attitude to develop and improve and the coaching team will do all it can to support them. I am not much liked at the start of pre season and to be honest am not here for that, I am here to get the players into the best condition they can be in to MAXIMISE THERE POTENTIAL and ensure we have a great season together. We have 3 assistant coaches to support me and the players this season, Mick, Simmo and Dave.

We have a great team building trip set up in August for 25 players, we have a tough challenge against Richmond away on the 30th August and that will give us a good indication on where we headed and what we need to do to be up there in London 1 this season, I am excited.

We will have games filmed this year and Moley has been a great help in following this up, I feel we have a strong management team in place and I hope to build on the Foundations That Colin and Russell and players have built over the last 2 seasons.

It's going to be hard but It will be worth it, don't hold back!

Catch you soon

Peter Engledow

Ps- See you all supporting the 1's at the Stortford Fortress on the 13th Sep!

NOTICE IS GIVEN OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE RUGBY CLUB

on Tuesday, 1st July 2008 at 7-30pm

AGENDA

1. Apologies
2. Minutes of AGM July 2007
3. Matters Arising
4. Treasurer's report on accounts to Year End 2008
5. Chairman's report
6. Election of officers 2008
7. Election of VP's 2008
8. Any other business

Anne Sorrell
Honorary Secretary

Open letter from Perry Oliver - May 2008

Standing for election to position of Chairman of Bishops Stortford Rugby Football club on 1st July 2008.

Dear BSRFC Member

Many of you will be aware, but equally I suspect most will not, that it is my intention to stand for the position of Chairman of our club at this year's Annual General Meeting on 1st July. The current incumbent Jim Smith has, after 5 years of sterling effort requested that a replacement be found, and I have indicated my willingness to succeed him.

Whilst I hope I am known to the majority of the membership I am conscious that there are probably still a few in our midst who might benefit from me providing a short resume of relevant facts about myself in order that you can satisfy yourself that I am a suitable individual to be holding what should be the pivotal position within our set up.

I am 44 years old and live with my wife, Lizzie and two boys Max aged 14 and Teddy 11 in Stansted Mountfitchet. I have been a uniformed Metropolitan Police Officer for the past 25 ½ years but have recently stepped away from frontline policing and have been effectively seconded into the Police Federation (which is what passes for our union). I now spend my days championing the cause of and representing rank and file police officers in London.

I came to 'gods game' comparatively late in life when as a fresh faced 19 year old my then Sergeant, a rugby mad Welshman, decided he wanted to start his own team at our station. He insisted I attend the first training session and when no one responded to his first question of "Who's going to play hooker then?" rephrased it as "Okay who's never played rugby before?" From that day forth the only position I have ever played is hooker and several who have played against me, most who have played with me and everyone who has ever watched me will testify that the word 'played' should be interpreted very loosely.

I became a member of Stortford in 1996 but never having had the benefit of any formal coaching I peaked at 5th team level. I did though have the privilege of captaining the side for five successful seasons and playing alongside a host of talented individuals both young and old, most of whom are still involved within the club at one level or another and who I am happy to still call friends.

I stopped playing nearly three years ago now but I hesitate to use the word retired as I would dearly like to play at least 10 minutes with one or both of my boys before finally ceding to father time!

It was whilst with the 5th team that we came up with the idea of organising an annual Fireworks display as our team's contribution to the clubs fund raising activities.

Thanks to the tireless endeavour of Ros Lennon and the rest of her organising committee, which now extends well beyond the 5th team to encompass most facets of the club, the display continues to go from strength to strength and is now the biggest such event in the area. More importantly it provides our club with a substantial source of revenue.

In order to stop me pining for the game on Saturday afternoons and to keep fit I took up 'the whistle' and joined Herts Referees Society and now spend most weekends during the season travelling around the county officiating games and thinking 'I could still do that' but privately admitting that I can't.

My sons have both played at the club for many years. I dabbled with coaching at Max's age group but decided before long that it wasn't for me. So I now confine myself to giving sage advice to the youngsters from the middle where at least they can't openly disagree with me!

Finally, for the last three seasons I have held the position of Match Secretary confirming fixtures and referees each week- for the adult teams at the club. It's a thankless but none the less important role within our set up. I would be very grateful, in the event of my 'promotion' if there is anyone out there willing to take it on.

That's the past- now the future.

We are a Community Amateur Sports Club, and as the name suggests subject to certain restrictions on how we can develop. But to me these are largely incidental, as whilst we operate in what is thankfully a reasonably affluent location - any aspirations towards the upper echelons of the game are not only unrealistic but would also in my opinion be wholly destructive to the current ethos of the club that I hold dear. I would therefore like us to remain a CASC, but flourish and continue to be a beacon within the amateur game.

The important word in that title for me is Community - our aim is and should, I believe always be - to provide rugby for all within our community to enjoy, in whatever capacity, player, family member or supporter, Everyone who belongs to our club should be valued and encouraged to contribute fully to our club community. As far as playing ability goes, for every Ben Clarke or Ben Skirving there are hundreds of Perry Olivers and they and their families need to believe they are an integral part of our family if we are to continue to thrive.

I would like to be instrumental in building a club that welcomes a child at 7 and then continues to value their contribution when they reach 70, (and hopefully beyond!) them having been a proud member of it for the intervening 60 plus years of their lives.

Every player should be given every encouragement to fulfil their full potential. For a very lucky and talented few that will inevitably mean playing their rugby at a level that we can only ever dream of providing for them. Others as they grow up will move away but some might come back and others will stay and play for our senior sides before moving like me into the world of the 'Alikadoos' and hopefully administrative, as well as coaching and/ or refereeing positions. The one thing they will all have in common is that Bishops Stortford RFC is their club.

But any community will only thrive if everyone and I mean everyone plays an active part in making it work. My experiences in policing some of the grimmest parts of our Metropolis have shown me that this is true. If even a small minority of community members fail to support the common values the community have agreed then eventually their apathy and alternative version of what is acceptable becomes utterly corrosive and leads to the disintegration of any community spirit. In this vein I would commend to you as a bit of bedtime reading, the 'Training, Game and Club house rules' circulated at the beginning of the season just past. It's not a lengthy read but it is an important document because it sets the standards that we should all not only adhere to but insist others adhere to, in order to make our club, our community a better place to inhabit. It's about being considerate for the needs of others. No one part of the club is more important than any other. Everyone and every team are important but for different reasons.

Frankly paying an annual subscription and thinking that's all I need to do to continue enjoying the clubs facilities is completely misguided. Money is of course important and whilst I'm on that point, I firmly believe that to be a member of our club and enjoy the facilities it provides, you must pay a subscription, We, the majority, should not tolerate those who are not prepared to contribute in any way to our success- but it isn't in itself the answer.

In my travels around the county in the last 3 years all the best clubs, irrespective of league status, I have visited have one thing in common, a strong community spirit.

We could achieve so much more if more people were prepared not just to pay their £85 or whatever it is for you and yours, per year membership but to contribute some of their time as well.

Our coaches are in my opinion heroes. As I said I've tried it and it isn't easy. They willingly give up so many hours, not just at the weekends working towards our goal of realising each player's potential. As such they are a prime example of just what our money, your subscriptions cannot buy. But those of us incapable, either because of time constraints or aptitude, of coaching can and indeed should be contributing in other ways.

The events of this last weekend are a fantastic example of what can be achieved when a group of committed volunteers come together with a common purpose. Our U13 squad, their families, friends and coaches have done not just the boys from Botswana and India proud with their Touraid event. Through their efforts they have considerably enhanced our clubs status within both the local and rugby communities and have encapsulated all the common core values that we should be striving to achieve as a club.

Whilst I know they wouldn't want compensating for the time they have given so willingly, how on earth could we hope to remunerate them for the hundreds of hours they have collectively invested if that was all it was about?

I appreciate that many of you lead very busy lives away from the rugby club and your free time is precious. But I would like to engender an ethos at the club whereby members appreciate that the club does not run itself and that an annual subscription does not bestow the payer with a right to use or perhaps more accurately abuse its facilities.

We will grow as a club if more members are prepared to contribute a little of their spare time to either assist with the upkeep of the club house and grounds, or the organising, execution, sponsorship of, or just attending fund raising functions and activities. I understand that it's unrealistic to expect everyone to commit to these aims, in any club there always seem to be less do'ers than users, but the minimum I would expect is for every member to respect their club and not act to its detriment and expect someone who has volunteered their time to put it right.

To conclude, my aim as Chairman would be to harness the collective efforts of our 600+ members for the collective good of one club- our club.

If elected I would welcome everyone's views on how we can move forward. I can't promise to agree with you all - all of the time. That would be unhealthy. But your opinion is important and on points where we differ we will, through constructive dialogue at least understand and appreciate the alternative view.

I must emphasise though that I don't envisage anything like widespread disagreement within our ranks. As a member of our Sports Development Plan review team I have had sight of the preliminary results from the recent on-line survey and I am heartened by the fact that most of the improvements suggested within the responses, not only do I agree with but they are also in my opinion wholly realistic and hence I believe completely achievable provided we all pull together.

If anyone would like to speak with me prior to the AGM please feel free to ring me either at home on 01279 814591 or alternatively on my mobile 07867908978.

Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy missive and if elected I look forward to serving you all to the best of my ability.

Kind Regards
Perry Oliver

The Gulliver's Festival was a curtain raiser to Saturday's Guinness Premiership Final.

The U11's beat Sandal 10-0 in a semi final and went on to beat Amersham & Chiltern by the same score in the final. They were favourites having won the tournament last year but despite only being young they handled the pressures very well and beat these teams, who last year ran them very close, with some ease. They really were a class above the other 3 semi finalists and deserved winners.

The same can be said of our U13's who dominated a one sided first half of a game played on the full Twickenham pitch and were unfortunate not to rack up more than the 7 points they did. Worchester came back into it a little more in the second half but never looked like threatening an equalising score. Final score 7-0 but again our boys were well worth the win.

I do not, I admit, have the most discerning eye but in my opinion the flair, invention and skill execution of our lads in such a testing environment was an absolute pleasure to see. I truly can't remember a significant mistake from any of them in any of the games. As spectators we had no need to feel nervous. The results were never in doubt we could just sit back and enjoy the experience.

Other clubs had more than one side representing them yesterday but we were the only ones to win two trophies. It was a good day to be wearing the Stortford colours at HQ!

Congratulations to all involved but especially the players and coaches of the two sides.

Perry Oliver

Ruggerbugs

Pre-school children can play rugby at BSRFC, develop their fitness, learn about rugby and have fun.

Please click here to enlarge the above image (will download as a PDF file)

BSRFC - A new Sports Development plan for 2008

BSRFC have had in place a Sports development plan since 2004. This plan was created to set out what the aims of the club are, and how all areas of the club, and all members, can play their part in achieving those aims.

On a practical level the plan has been used to support initiatives and fund raising activities, explaining to those outside of the club what we are all about.

Peter Scarlett headed up the original working group that developed the 2004 plan, and we are pleased to say he has agreed to do the same as it is brought up to date in 2008.

A working group is in place to work under Peter's chairmanship consisting of the following members representing specific sections of the club:-

The first action of the group is to have agreed a vision statement, now approved by the Executive committee and Trustees, which will be the permanent reminder of what the club is here for and to act as a double check for relevance against everything that is written in to the plan.

BSRFC Vision Statement

To be strong and successful rugby club united from senior to mini sections, trusted and valued by the community.

Based on this vision the plan will also include a mission statement and action plans. The group will now work over the coming months to completely review and update the plan and present it for approval.

Steve Dunkley
February 2008

BSRFC members - yes it's that time of year again...
Valentine's Day is soon upon us and it's time to decide how to spoil her!

Elegant Stems are offering free local delivery on Valentine's flowers for BSRFC members.

Excellent quality flowers and great designs to suit all budgets. We'll create a bespoke bouquet to really impress.

If you don't buy into Valentine's Day remember Elegant Stems throughout the year and mention you're a Rugby Club member when you call. Also don't forget Mother's Day is not far away - Sunday 2nd March.

Give us a call on 01279 658876 or 07779 326 095 and we will help you decide on the best flowers to make sure you win her over! Order ASAP to avoid disappointment!

Elegant Stems is a small local business with strong connections to BSRFC. We are a Mother and Daughter team - Janice and Carla Zelezinski. See www.elegantstems.co.uk for more details.

We'd like to encourage members of BSRFC to use our floristry service by offering free local delivery on all orders throughout the year, not just Valentine's Day. We support the club as much as we can with raffle prizes etc but the more we grow thanks to rugby club orders, the more we can give back to the club.

We are flexible with deliveries and collections to suit you, i.e. collect the night before and hide in the car for the morning or we can deliver to her home or workplace in the local area.

Many Thanks
Janice and Carla
Elegant Stems

The club is delighted to announce the appointment of Bob Winnington as it's first Commercial Manager. Bob will be taking up his new duties from 1st March. He has been an active member of the club for over 8 years and is currently the Under 15 Youth Team Manager.

Bob was born and raised in the North West where he first started work for NatWest in Cheshire. He has worked for NatWest / RBS Group for over 30 years and has taken the opportunity to make lifestyle and career changes enabling him to devote part of his time to developing the commercial activities of the club. In particular, Bob is seeking to upgrade the Club Shop and is keen to hear from any club members who have improvement ideas or who wish to help out in the shop for a few hours at weekends. Similarly if you can offer any support and help to improve the appearance of the clubhouse and surrounds please let Bob know.

In addition, the club are looking to utilise the premises more extensively outside match days and Bob will welcome calls from anyone wishing to use the premises for personal or business purposes. Please contact Bob on 07988646384.

A NOTE FROM PADDY, YOUR CLUB CAPTAIN,
Your immediate support is needed

Ladies and Gentleman welcome to this, a slightly out of the ordinary captains corner. More of a captains comment really but thank you all for your time nonetheless.

As I'm sure you are all aware, the season up until now has proved to be every bit as challenging as expected. A culmination of some fantastically strong teams and a few key players missing for key occasions has left us ruing many a missed opportunity. Thankfully the tremendous team spirit within the squad has meant that numbers at training continue to flourish, increasingly as the weeks go on. It does also mean that we still maintain an enormous amount of self belief and the mood in the camp is wonderfully buoyant. This is helped largely by the continued support of some of the most loyal members of the club and the first team squad would like to thankyou all for that.

Here comes the plee!

Whilst the support from the 'wrinklies' has been superb, It would be nice to see a few new, (and old!) faces. We are now entering into what can only be described as make or break for the future of the first team in this league. We have now highlighted certain games that the squad consider 'must wins'. There is a huge game for us all this weekend in the form of Basingstoke at home, (ko 2.00) I would now please urge all of you who are capable of sparing a few hours on Saturday afternoon to come up and cheer on the troops. This really does make a huge difference to everyone involved, and I truly believe that at times like this, communities such as Bishops Stortford RFC have to come together and really prove their worth. So please, its time to dust off that old pair of wellies get your umbrella out and prepare yourselves for a gripping home fixture.

It would be a pleasure to see and hopefully hear you all on this, and every Saturday in the near future.

With thanks
Paddy Dean

Wednesday 16th January 2008

Hello and a Happy New Year to you all. I thought I would take the opportunity to keep you informed of a few points: -

Suggestion Box
There is now a suggestion box in the main front foyer on the wall next to the notice board, if you have any suggestions for the club please feel free to use this box. The suggestions should not be anonymous and where response is requested it will be given. Relevant suggestions will be covered in executive meetings. Please use this as a means to give useful suggestions to the club officials.

Tesco Vouchers
Ros Lennon has been drumming up support for Tesco Vouchers and to date we have had only 1954. Which has made it possible to get 3 items of equipment. We still have until March to hand in any vouchers. If you have any, please leave behind the bar, or in the new suggestion box, even small amounts, every little helps. 2008 prohibited substance List.

World Anti-Doping Agency
The RFU would like to remind all constituent bodies, clubs, players and coaching staff that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2008 prohibited list came into effect on the 1st January 2008. The 2008 list replaced the 2007 list and outlines the classes of substances and methods that are banned in sport, including rugby union.

The 2008 list is available for download together with a summary of the major changes at www.rfu.com/antidoping. It is particularly important to remember that:

a) The RFU can test any player, anytime, anywhere.
b) The principle of strict liability applies to all players. Meaning they are solely responsible for any prohibited substance found in their body, irrespective of whether the player intentionally or unintentionally used the substance.
c) Players should take extra care to re-check the status of any substances they may be taking; particularly medications, and they can do this by logging on to the Drug Information Database at www.didglobal.com

For further information please contact RFU Anti-Doping Officer, Given Dovey via email on gavindovey@rfu.com or telephone on 020 88 31 74 41.

Club House
With the wet weather comes the mud, please lets keep the mud out of the club-house. Please bring a spare pair of shoes to change into after being on the pitches and ensure no boots or soiled clothing are worn in the clubhouse.

Executive committee
Our next meeting is Tue 19th February. If you have any points you would like me to bring to the committee's attention please talk to me or use the suggestion box.

Many Thanks

Scott Gleed
BSRFC Vice Chairman
07659 122 454
scott.gleed@ceilite.com

Ben Millard is raising money for St Claire Hospice
by doing a charity trek across the Andes

Please visit www.justgiving.com/millardandwardlaw to see how Ben is doing, or to sponsor him.

You can also click here to visit the St. Claire's Hopspice website.

Ben prior to serious training.

As you know over the past 9 years we have many successful Senior Tours, and one of those was to Prague.

We have therefore decided to re-visit Prague and already have the games arranged.

If you speak to anyone that went on the 2002 tour you will know that our hosts are superb!

To confirm Hotels and flights we need a deposit NOW OF £125 NON returnable by 25th January 2008 at the very latest.

The balance of £200 to be paid by the latest 28th February 2008.

The cost of the tour includes Flights from Stansted, hotel accommodation in a 3 Star hotel on a bed and breakfast and evening meal basis, airport transfer fares, playing shirt and playing Insurance, two Games of 15 a-side Rugby, and two 3rd half Rugby matches!!

As you might be aware we do have a facility for you to pay by Standing Order into the Tour account to assist you with the savings, and for those of you that wish to take advantage of this scheme the appropriate form is attached.

If you do not wish to pay by Standing Order please can you let me have a cheque made payable to R.Lennon NOW, and send it to:

15, Five Acres, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex CM24 8DG.

Regards
Ros & Perry

To download a printable PDF version of this information and the application form/standing order payment form, please click here.

Commercial Manager (part-time)
Bishop's Stortford Rugby Club are seeking an enthusiastic individual to undertake this new and exciting role to assist in the future development of the club.

The Club
Bishop's Stortford is a thriving community rugby club well sited and well known in the Town. With over 500 adult and senior player members and in excess of 400 junior players the club is one of the largest sports clubs in the community. The club play in the very competitive London and South East Division 1 of the Rugby Union League and have a history of excellence at Junior level competing and winning in National Competition.

Facilities
The club house has two main function rooms each capable of seating over 80. There is, of course, a main bar, a smaller side bar and catering facility. The club has over 12 acres of playing pitches including 4 full size pitches (1 fully floodlit) plus some smaller junior playing areas.

The Role
The primary purpose of the role is to develop and manage a professional commercial operation to maximize utilisation of the facilities. This will be achieved by:

• Development of the club shop to include the launch and development of internet based shopping
• Development of lettings utilising all the facilities inside and outside the club-house
• Increasing usage and profitability of the bar

Skills and Characteristics
A range of administrative skills to include:

• Business Development skills in use of advertising and building relationships with local trade organisations
• Strong inter-personal skills to develop trust and confidence amongst members and the local community
• Financial and sales skills to develop income and manage profitability
• An understanding of the balance required between commercial activity and the primary focus of the club in the playing of Rugby

Remuneration package. OTE £15k - £17k p.a.
The package is a combination of a basic income together with a commission. This is a part time role of c.20 hours per week. The club are very interested in a self-employed contract and will negotiate with the individual accordingly.

Apply for this role by sending c.v. to Club Chairman Jim Smith at jim.smith5@ntlworld.com or by post to the club at the above address. Closing date for applications 31st December 2007.

Club Forum, Tuesday November 13th
8-00pm The Rose Room

Your opportunity to meet members of the Exec, Trustees and Coaching Staff in an informal gathering. Any subject is open for discussion but we will specifically look at Communication Commercial Activity Coaching and Playing.

The meeting is open to any paid up member of the club.

Come along and have your say and find out what is going on in your club.

Brighter Future for Bishop's Stortford
(Press release October 2007)

Bishops Stortford have completed the installation of new floodlighting that will revolutionise training and playing at the Silver Leys ground.

The club secured a grant of £30,000 from the RFU’s Community Club Development Programme and raised £9,000 themselves through members of the Oval Club to install six new lighting pylons at their training pitch.

Bishops Stortford, who run 17 adult and junior teams, have a first team that plays in London Division One and an impressive record in junior rugby underlined by their National Colts Cup victory in 2006.

And the enhanced facilities should help them continue to develop young talent like England internationals Ben Clarke and Ben Skirving.

"The new lighting will make a considerable difference and enhance the training facilities for the whole club," said Peter Scarlett, a trustee and former president of the club.

"Previously we've been relying on temporary lighting and mobile lights that only covered a small area of the pitch. Now we can use the training pitch fully and even play the odd game under the lights."

Now the project is completed the club will hold an official switching on ceremony in the near future.

The Community Club Development Programme is part of an innovative collaboration between the government, Sport England and 16 national governing bodies of sport aimed at improving community club sports facilities.

The grants go towards improvements in playing surfaces and lighting for first team and training pitches to enable more people to take part in the game.

More than £9million of CCDP funding has been made available over the last three years to rugby clubs throughout the country.

Chairman's letter to England
To Brian Ashton, Phil Vickery and all the England Team
I sent the following message to Clive Woodward and Martin Johnson in November 2003. It worked then and we all hope it works again on Saturday.

"All the Members of Bishop's Stortford Rugby Club send you our very best wishes for the Final. Whilst we might have the odd drink in hand before you, we are all confident you will be joining us in celebrating a great victory later in the day".

Good Luck
Jim Smith Chairman
Bishop's Stortford RFC

Dave Selby
Probably only the longer serving members of the club will remember Dave. He was a larger than life character who looked after our thirst and appetites in the 1970's and 80's as well as any Landlord and Chef could ever do whether it was at The Nags Head at Little Hadham or the Fleur de Lys at Widdington. Although we can't remember seeing him actually playing on the pitch we certainly can remember him on the touch line clutching the odd bottle of blanc and supporting the club in his own inimitable way.

He moved on to Derbyshire to successfully run his own hostelry and we have learned over the weekend that his funeral took place last Friday, 21st Sept 07. Our fond memories of him hopefully will bring some comfort to his family to whom we pass on our sincere condolences.

Cairnsy

He's up to something again! Even at his age, please support him in his latest challenge.
Click here for more details...

Wanted!!! 10k Runners
to join 'Team Private / BSRFC" to come and race against Bam Bam - Capital FM DJ!!!

If any of you were lucky enough to be listening to Capital FM on Friday evening then you would have heard our 3rd Team Sponsor Dave Moran (Private Condoms), pictured below, rising to a challenge.... click here to learn more!

Coaches End of Season Comments
At the commencement of pre season Training last July I would have accepted gratefully the knowledge that we would finish 7th in the league. Given the size of our squad and the number of injuries we sustained, I believe the whole team has coped admirably (well done Julie and Russell!!!!!), paticularly in the second half of the season. Great highs with wins over OA's x 2 HH x 2 Portsmouth x3 and Staines at H and occasional lows with losses against Barnes and Shelford x 2 and Staines away. The side has been lead well by Alex who has had a tremendous season and also Mark Macraith whose consistency has been inspirational - and our "young" backs are coming of age. Alex is stepping down as Captain and Paddy has stepped up to takeover - he is already working hard to overcome his frustrations of last season - I am confident that Paddy will do an excellent job!!!! The League will be even tougher next year with 5 new sides all keen to stay and Portsmouth improving and 4/5 sides looking for promotion. Obviously we are looking to strengthen the squad particularly as we say farewell to a stalwart of the front row in Stuart Adams - we must replace him and strengthen the back line and 2nd row of the scrum.

Finally, only 5 weeks to go till pre-season starts!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CJ