This is a real testament to the hard work put in over the course of last season, in no small part down to Club Treasurer Gavin Raeburn-Ward, to have everything in place for the summer's works programme.

As part of the RFU's plan to ensure that the World Cup leaves a lasting legacy for Rugby Union in England, they launched the Social Spaces programme to allow clubs matched funding for projects to improve their facilities.

As previously reported, ERFC received a grant of £10,000 in matched funding which allowed us to continue the good work started with the new kitchen extension from last summer. This has included all new wooden flooring, a full redecoration of both the main bar, the entrance lobby and toilet facilities, the installation of a state of the art AV set up and all new heating system.

The RFU came down to inspect how we had spent their money and we very pleased with what they saw resulting in ERFC being the first club in England to be awarded the Legacy Gold Standard Facilities award. The plaque was formally presented to the Club on Sunday by Steve Grainger, the RFU's Rugby Development Director.