CRFC Chairman’s Report July 2015
Welcome to the AGM of Cullompton Rugby Club, and as chairman I would like to thank all the support players, members and supporters have given me over the past 12 months. This season has yet again proven that Cullompton RFC is about a club and not a team. We have had notable performances and successes with our ladies, colts and junior teams. About 27 years ago a few forward thinking members took the brave decision to move the club out of the town to Stafford Park. This caused a bit of a rift with a few members who refused to be part of it and sadly have rarely been to Cullompton rugby club since. Through the hard work, loyalty and dedication by these members, and other supporters and players over the years and decades the fields, changing rooms and clubhouse are some of the best in the South West. Off the field our clubhouse has been extended thanks to a grant from Viridor and is regularly used for daytime and evening meetings, seminars, conferences, weddings, parties, skittles and dart matches. We also play host junior school tag rugby competitions, Devon RFU, a firework display and Razzfest.
Our first XV have struggled this season in a league we have spent the last 6 seasons in and have succumbed to relegation. Disappointing as it may sound to be relegated there are positives to be taken out of it. The last 6 years we have been the top team in Mid Devon and one of the top teams in Devon playing a very high standard of rugby anywhere from the Forest of Dean to the tip of Cornwall, and often against semi-professional players. Full credit to the players for their skill, dedication and determination to stay in this league for so long. Next season will see less travelling, more local derbies and hopefully more enjoyment for the players and supporters. Our seconds and thirds have recorded some fantastic results this season, which were even more credible considering most Saturday mornings there were a lot of phone calls trying to get a team together. Under the guidance of Ian Wood and Kevin Walker we ran a young Colts team this year which more than held their own in the league against older teams. As an U17 side they entered a national competition where they became SW champions and after a slow start fought back to narrowly lose in their semi-final game. This is a team that is a priority for us at Cullompton and with a good U16 team joining them this year things are looking promising
Our junior section has again had a very successful season with about 250 registered players supported by more than 60 volunteers. Girls teams were reinstated last season meaning we now have rugby for boys and girls, from 4yrs of age, through to seniors. We are one of only 3 clubs in Devon to have this. Notable reference must go to Marcus Street for gaining his England U16 cap, the U16s who had a top rung place in the Fisherman's cup, the U15s who were runners up in the Devon 7's and the U13's who were Devon plate winners and Devon 7's winners. I’d like to thank Lizz Wyle for all her hard work and drive in doing a fantastic job as Junior Chairman and taking the juniors to a new level.
Our ladies section yet again have had a tremendous season winning and remaining unbeaten in the league, despite most of their matches being away due to the opposition refusing to travel. Next season should be different with more regular games and harder competition as they enter SW1 league. A few weeks ago the ladies topped their season off by entering and winning the Jersey International Beach Rugby competition against nearly 40 other teams. Finally I would like to congratulate Abbie Brown for gaining her England cap and also an England Women’s 7s contract. A fantastic effort.
Rugby fields, development and planners is something that we are looking at very carefully at the moment and having many discussions. Due to bereavement we have lost the use of the rugby field across the road. We are hoping this will only be temporary but there is no guarantee. Just in case it isn’t and bearing in mind our expanding junior numbers our committee are also actively looking at all possibilities for the best interest of the future of the club.
The 2016-17 season will be our 125th anniversary year, a major milestone for any club to celebrate. To help mark this special occasion we are pulling together a calendar of events and merchandise for all members and supporters of the club. The plan is to kick the celebrations off with an early season ball in July 2016 and finish off with a marque on the field for an end of season presentation and ball in May 2017. I’m keen for players, members and supporters of all ages, past and present to get involved and help celebrate. So if you know of any past members let them know, I’d hate to think they missed out because they didn’t know.
Like all successful amateur clubs there is a tremendous amount of voluntary work that goes on behind the scenes. Pitches don’t get cut, changing rooms cleaned, the bar managed, functions happen, sponsors found, matches organised, budgets scrutinised and a whole host of other jobs too long to mention, without people stepping forward to help. You all know who you are, and I would personally like to thank you for all you do for Cullompton Rugby Club. I know the players are often the face of the club but without a backbone, which I see you as, they would struggle to remain upright. Your help is very valued. Anyone wishing to join this elite band of volunteers, even if only for a hour a week, please make contact with me. I’m sure I can find a role that you will enjoy to match your skills and availability.
Very soon we will be electing a committee for the coming year. There are several members standing down this time of which I would like to thank them all for their hard work but also I’d like to mention a few by name. Firstly Millie is stepping down as Secretary, mainly to re-study and further her career. I’d like to wish her all the best and thank her for all her hard work and support she has given to me and the club. I know she’ll still be around and helping whenever she can. Also I’d like to mention Miv Pring, Maurice Gwynne and Ian Wood who between them have racked up about 120 years on committee. A tremendous stint by anyone’s standards. Between them they have seen many changes, not least the introduction of leagues, junior rugby, ladies rugby and the building of and moving to Stafford Park. Their experience, hard work and drive will be missed on committee but I know they will still be around to help out when needed. This will obviously open up the way for a newer, younger committee to take up the reigns and many jobs that we sometimes took for granted that Miv, Maurice and Ian would do and also drive and steer the club forward to a new era. One of the first tasks will be to set a vision for the club and develop short and long term plans along with identifying ways to attract more income to the club.
Last weekend we had a stand at the Mid Devon show and one of the visitors was John Lockyer, a former captain of Exeter Chiefs, a trustee of Exeter Chiefs and rugby commentator and journalist. John is one of rugby’s respected voices in the SW. Talking to John he said that Cullompton was seen as one of the most forward thinking and positive clubs in Devon, ones that Devon, Exeter and other clubs others look up to with admiration. To me that is quite an accolade to receive and a true reflection of our club. During the season we sadly lost Val Broom. Val was a real stalwart of our club for years and is sadly missed. Her loyalty, devotion and love for the club were never in doubt. She would have seen more changes than nearly anyone else and I know she would have agreed with John’s words.
I would like to take this opportunity again to thank everyone involved with Cullompton rugby club to help make it one of the best and friendliest amateur clubs in the South West and look forward to your continued support for the coming season.

Phil Shere
Chairman CRFC
July 2015