Nestle Rowntree RUFC...known to friends and the media simply as Rowntrees!

Based at the York site of chocolate and confectionery maker Nestle Rowntree. Founded originally in 1894 and re-founded in 1954.The History of the club in the early days is a bit vague but the author will soon publish the original team which included some illustrious Rowntree family members!
The Club was reformed in 1954 and as continued ever since for 53 years.
The inaugural meeting on Monday August 23rd 1954 was convened By Horace Pulleyn the Company sports and Social officer who agree to Chair and was attended by about 12 prospective members. He outlined the position regarding forming a Club and it was agreed to form.
The following were elected as the nucleus of A Committee and asked to form a Constitution. Club Chairman Mr Les Samms, Hon. Secretary Mr DS Ward, Hon. treasurer Mr JCL Hey, it was agreed to hold the first Committee Meeting on Thursday August 26th 1954 with R Dawson and Gordan Clapham to join.
On the 13th of September 1954 it was agreed to hold training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm,some things never change!
In early October it was agreed to spend one and a half guineas(approx £1.55p) on Affiliation and Subscription to Yorkshire RFU, this was proposed by Malton and Norton RUFC and seconded by York Railway Institute RUFC. Our Club colours were stated as Scarlet shirts and scarlet and white hooped stockings.
The first match was on Saturday September 9th and was played against York "A",it was agreed that photographs would be taken by Advertising Dept and included in the CWM (cocoa works magazine) Xmas 1954 edition. A Special general meeting was held at 3pm to elect a captain and Vice captain (this sounds like it was either held on the pitch or dressing rooms prior to Kick Off!
Captain Mr S Pierce Vice captain Mr G Harrison.
On the 15th of November it was agreed to invite Mr Wallace (Chairman of Rowntree and Co Ltd) to be President also Dr Mc Donald and Mr H Pulleyn (in recognition of all his work for the Club) to become Vice Presidents.
On the 20th of November the Club recruited its first trainer a mr george Duncolme.
In january 1955 following changes to the Board of Directors it was agreed to invite Mr Lloyd Owen to be President (members today will be aware of the Trophy in his memory awarded each year for "Clubman Of The Year" Mr Owen was a Welshman and loved rugby, together with his Chauffer was a regular visitor to home games. Mr N G Sparkes to be Vice President.
March 1955 we had booked the Ainsty Hotel for our first Club Dinner at 11 shillings a head (55p) one of the Referees had suggested we should approach Cliff Ayres to speak to us about the game! Cliff was a refereeing friend of our club for many years and was a regular sight carrying his kit on his bicycle. When on duty in Leeds, no problem, he took his bike on the train then cycled to their grounds.
At the AGM in 1955 12 members attended with 5 apologies, the finance report shows income of £40 (subs 29 members at 5 shillings (25p) ) match levies £17 Sports Assocn.£15 and expenditure of £40 (of which travel at £15 was a major expense a surplus of ten shillings (50p)After considerable discussion subs would be increased to 10 shillings (50p) and match levies would be 2 shillings (10p), however, teas would be free!

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