History - History 1
The Potted History of The Bisons...
Stoke Park RFC was founded in November 2002 by Sam Maguire and a Committee that included Chairman Terry Maguire, Club Captain Grant Smith, fixtures secretary Alex Maguire and fundraiser Dave Chambers.
Sams introductory letter to potential players in February 2003 set the scene:
" The great Old Guildfordians Rugby club that we all know and love came to an abrupt end last season. It has been expressed by a number of the OGs players that the atmosphere and the social side of things just are not the same. So, this is where the Bisons come in!!
The Bisons, otherwise known as Stoke Park RFC, is a new club that has been created by myself along with the help of a dedicated committee! The club will be based at Stoke Park as Old Guildfordians used to be. It has been decided by the RFU that we cannot use the name Guildfordians or anything similar, which is why we have opted for Stoke Park. One of the main reasons for setting up this new club is so that players can play enjoyable Rugby in Guildford, within a friendly and sociable environment. "
The original intention was to put out one team but we have consistently put out two in each of our five seasons and on occasion, three.
Some of our early literature set out the aims for the club:
~ To play exiting and enjoyable rugby within the spirit of friendship and good sportsmanship
~ To encourage local players to participate in the whole club environment both social and playing
~ To provide support and coaching to new entrants to the game
~ To develop and maintain a full social culture which includes players, supporters and families
~ To provide value for money for our sponsors and to involve them fully in the club development
~ To adhere to the rules and regulations presented by the RFU
~ To participate as a full active member of the OGA
~ To contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of the clubhouse
We recognised that there were many people around who wanted to play rugby but were perhaps:
~ Looking for more choice
~ Unable to commit to training or to play every week
~ Past the peak of their playing career or wishing to experience rugby
~ Wishing to learn from some old hands
~ Looking for a regular team
Stoke Park RFC was founded in November 2002 by Sam Maguire and a Committee that included Chairman Terry Maguire, Club Captain Grant Smith, fixtures secretary Alex Maguire and fundraiser Dave Chambers.
Sams introductory letter to potential players in February 2003 set the scene:
" The great Old Guildfordians Rugby club that we all know and love came to an abrupt end last season. It has been expressed by a number of the OGs players that the atmosphere and the social side of things just are not the same. So, this is where the Bisons come in!!
The Bisons, otherwise known as Stoke Park RFC, is a new club that has been created by myself along with the help of a dedicated committee! The club will be based at Stoke Park as Old Guildfordians used to be. It has been decided by the RFU that we cannot use the name Guildfordians or anything similar, which is why we have opted for Stoke Park. One of the main reasons for setting up this new club is so that players can play enjoyable Rugby in Guildford, within a friendly and sociable environment. "
The original intention was to put out one team but we have consistently put out two in each of our five seasons and on occasion, three.
Some of our early literature set out the aims for the club:
~ To play exiting and enjoyable rugby within the spirit of friendship and good sportsmanship
~ To encourage local players to participate in the whole club environment both social and playing
~ To provide support and coaching to new entrants to the game
~ To develop and maintain a full social culture which includes players, supporters and families
~ To provide value for money for our sponsors and to involve them fully in the club development
~ To adhere to the rules and regulations presented by the RFU
~ To participate as a full active member of the OGA
~ To contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of the clubhouse
We recognised that there were many people around who wanted to play rugby but were perhaps:
~ Looking for more choice
~ Unable to commit to training or to play every week
~ Past the peak of their playing career or wishing to experience rugby
~ Wishing to learn from some old hands
~ Looking for a regular team
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