After many years of planning, fund raising, building and good old fashioned hard graft the Clubhouse that we've all worked so hard to get was formally opened on a wonderful day for both the Club and the local Community.

With the sun smiling on us a large gathering of Family, Friends, Players past and present and of course the Community, a gathering of over four hundred people welcomed a new era for the Club in style.

The day began with the Clubs second string playing Ripley in a wonderfully competitive game to get the decent sized crowd into the spirit of the day.

Next the Minis/Juniors were put through their paces with training games that were very well received.

Finally the First XV faced Matlock in what was anticipated to be a cracker. No disappointment here as a game of high pace and quality was served up to get the crowd going once again - one wag even suggested the birth of a "Recreation Ground Roar!"

Off the field the bar and kitchen Volunteers never had a minute to rest as the queues for refreshment threatened to overwhelm on occasion but never did!

The Clubs first Vice Presidents were welcomed formally by Dave Brignull who spoke very warmly of all that has been achieved.

The formality of the occasion was marked when Mr Dennis Sutton, the Clubs founder way back in 1969 cut the Royal Blue and Old Gold ribbon to declare the Clubhouse officially open. Warm speeches followed from the presentation party from Derbyshire RFU and Notts Lincs. and Derbyshire RFU - thank you Tracy, Les and especially Phil for your warm words that wet more than one eye I can say!

The Club was presented with it's RFU Accreditation - something that we have been determined to achieve as a quality mark for our Club.

Finally, as with the Clubhouse itself, the day was put together by the work of a large number of people determined to make the event a success - well, let me just say that you achieved something very special that will live long in the memory - thank you!!

With the celebration continuing into the night, it was a day that really will live on!

Just one question - what the hell was Gareth Malone doing there?!! Jess you are a massive worry!