Message from our new Chairman
The AGM marked a change at the top of Reading RFC, with Stuart Spindler taking over as Chairman from Andy Clark. Here are the main points from Stuart’s acceptance speech.
‘You are getting a Chairman who has done many of the things that involvement in RRFC offers. I have played first team rugby and captained the Firsts. I have played social rugby for the 2s and 3s – and very social rugby with the Rhinos. My elder son started Mini Rugby here at 8 and went right through to U16; I managed his side from U12s to U16s. I’ve been on 15 Rhino tours and now I’m back playing again – Walking Rugby.
I see my task as having three elements: to lead the team of volunteers and staff that keep the whole club operation going – that’s attending to the basics, but that’s not enough. I want to develop and deliver a vision for an enhanced Reading Rugby Club, in rugby activity and physical facilities; and, most importantly, to identify and bring on the talent for the future, be that players, staff or volunteers. The first of what will be regular appeals for volunteers to step forward follows later in this bulletin.
I must pay tribute to Andy Clark, outgoing Chairman, for doing a terrific job, often in quite difficult circumstances. My job will be considerably easier, with more scope to look forward, because of the spadework done by Andy and his Exec team.
Reading RFC is a great rugby club – and I’m proud to be elected as your Chairman.’

Safeguarding Officers Vacancy Notice
Safeguarding is a vital role in a Club such as ours, which provides rugby for a large number of children from early years to approaching adulthood. We are looking for volunteers to take on safeguarding responsibilities, following Carole Sessions’ decision to stand down in the next month or two.
You will develop and implement safeguarding training plans and promote best practice throughout the club. You will ensure that all club officers and committee members are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and that the Club’s Youth Volunteers have up-to-date DBS checks. You will also take the lead in investigating and resolving any safeguarding incidents in your allocated sections.
A strong interest in promoting safe participation in rugby by children and young people is essential. You should also be a good communicator and diligent record keeper. Some experience of safeguarding would be useful, eg from education, healthcare, police or children’s services, but support will be given to develop the required knowledge and expertise.

Interested? Please contact Club Chairman Stuart Spindler on stuartspindler@btconnect.com or call me (07774 235 381) or Youth Chairman Craig Hunter (07798 844 202) for an informal chat about the role.

Berkshire RFU Award for Craig Hunter
At last month’s Berkshire County RFU Awards Lunch, we did very well. Craig Hunter received the Berkshire RFU Youth Chairman Award 2017-18 season for his fantastic work for our Youth section and his contributions to youth rugby across the County. This was voted for by representatives of all the Berkshire clubs, so it shows the high regard in which Craig is held. Good to see, Craig, very well deserved.

… and one for the whole Club!

At the same awards ceremony, we were delighted to win the ‘Best of Berks’ trophy. This is effectively the Club of the Year trophy, presented to the club that best embodies the spirit of Berkshire rugby and delivers the fullest range of rugby activity, hospitality and community engagement. In accepting the award, Chairman Stuart Spindler paid tribute to the full Club volunteer team and staff, led until very recently by Andy Clark: “It is them who have gained us this accolade, but I’m delighted too. I hear many rugby people say that ‘Reading is a proper rugby club’ and this award confirms that Berkshire RFU certainly thinks so.