Pat Ockendon has taken over from Phil Wright as 1st Team Captain and James Hulston remains as Vice. Yan Mallett has been appointed Head of Rugby and will be coordinating coaching through the whole club and selection policy for the seniors. Andy "Gouty" White is the new Seniors Head Coach and Andy Clegg continues as Head Coach for the Colts Academy. Further down the sides, Jamie Stothard will skipper the Mitres with Ben Cassidy as Vice whilst Adam Boothby runs the Cavaliers and Matt Harper the Vets XV. The Swans have a new coach in Kelly Wallis and Sophie Lepper stands as Captain.

There is a 1st XV "Possibles v Probables" fixture at the club on Wednesday 19th August (the bar will be open), kick off 7.30 and we are currently looking for a pre-season friendly on the 22nd - if found details will be posted on the website.

The BIG season opener is at HOME on Saturday 29th August when a combined 1st and 2nd XV and then an u25's play the same from Bicester - kick off times to be posted on the website as soon as they are confirmed. This will be the annual Kirk Nokes Memorial game which will be accompanied by a BBQ, auction, and live music from Firing Line in the evening. Please make an effort to support this even which gives so much back to the club.

Cup action happens early this season with Buckingham, the current County Champions, playing Bletchley AWAY on 5th September. The league season then commences the following weekend, at HOME, when we host Reading Abbey. Both games kick off at 3pm unless otherwise advertised - it's always a good idea to keep an eye on the website!

SOCIAL:

RUGBY WORLD CUP... We will be televising all England pool games plus the quarter & semi-finals and, of course, the FINAL on a super-size TV. It might be worth mentioning there are buses running down to Twickenham for both the England v Wales and England v Australia games. If anyone with tickets wants to join the travelling supporters they should contact Julian Cook (Aus game) or Alan Leach (Wales game).

VP LUNCH DATES... Tickets can be purchased online via the "Payments" tab on the website. We have John Bercow as guest speaker for the Chairman's Lunch however if you know anyone that would "do a good turn" as a Guest Speaker then please let Flacky or Will Landon know. The dates are:

26th September 2015 - Sponsor lunch - 1st XV vs Thatcham
14th November 2015 - Chairman's lunch - 1st XV vs Bicester.
12th December 2015 - Supporters Xmas Lunch - 1st XV vs Drifters.
13th February 2016 - Presidents lunch - 1st XV vs Beaconsfield.
16th April 2016 - Vice Presidents lunch - 1st vs Marlow.

GIN TASTING... Never mind the gin... get it in... Friday 9th October - a date for your diary. More detail to follow.

OPEN MIC, music nights... A little known fact, but there is an "open mic/musicians" night held at the club every other Wednesday from 8pm. The next one - Wednesday 12th August. Just turn up and listen or bring along your guitar (but only if you can play it!).

VOLUNTEER SITUATIONS VACANT:

The club is looking for a 1st Team Manager and also a General Handyman.

The managers' role can be as involved as you want to make it as long as you are available most Saturday afternoons during the season. More detailed information is available on the website or please contact Yan Mallett on yan.mallett@yahoo.co.uk or 07709594154

If you can wield a screwdriver without taking out an eye then perhaps you could help with one or two of the smaller maintenance tasks in and outside of the clubhouse. Please contact Finlay for more information: finlay.gemmell@gmail.com 07881 988380

Bar help... we are always looking for help behind the bar. If you feel like you could lend some support on a Saturday afternoon or in the evening please let Seth Williams know. SWilliams2@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

Sponsorship... there are plenty of personal and company sponsorship opportunities available. These included 1st XV Player Sponsors, Mini's Rugby Festival Sponsors, playing kit and other items such as post protectors and of course the pitch side boards.

Finally, there is a new Chairman at the helm of the club, James Weir. Please give James your support during the course of the season.