As we are well into the new year I thought it was about time to remind you all regarding our club Forces charity day to be held at Bancroft on Saturday 25th April. Once again I have managed to get as our opposition a team from the Royal Engineers consisting of some their Masters side (Vets who are still serving in the Army) and some of the Redwings side who are all serving and are based at Carver Bks at Saffron Walden in Essex. At this time they are hoping to come on a coach which is good because it will mean, hopefully, that they will be in for a good drink up. Be under no illusion that they will be a fit and strong side who are treating the game as a pre tour fixture.

As in previous years the side to face the Army will be selected, regardless of talent, from those who have put themselves out to play on a regular basis throughout the year and this will be sorted closer to the time. There may be an earlier game but that has yet to be decided. Either way the main fixture will ko about 3pm.

This year the main charity will be ‘Scottys Little Soldiers’ who provide care and support for children whose parent has been killed on active service and they provide a holiday home and presents on the child’s birthday. It is a very small charity and they are literally over the moon when we can give them a donation. In view of this, and the amount of money we have donated to Help for Heroes, we are making Scottys the main recipient of any cash raised. Seeing as they are the main recipient then I think it only fair that we name the day ‘Bancroft Forces Charity Rugby match’ as we don’t want anybody to think it is a Help for Heroes day and being upset that this is not the main charity that we are supporting. Over the years we have donated over £20k to H4H so they have benefited greatly from the club.

We are hoping to run a small raffle so any donations would be gratefully accepted. We already have two donations namely a signed copy of the latest Any McNab book and, kindly donated by PVT, a book called ‘the Jersey’ about the All Blacks.

I would ask you all to keep the date free and come and support the club and not only that, but to stay in the evening to host the guests. Two years ago the bar took over £8500 …we think it was a club record! Lets do the same this year. For those of you who decide to go out somewhere else after the game and not support the club there will be special, and heavy, fines imposed! This is your last fixture for the season so lets finish it in style. Dress for players after the game will be club polo shirts and suitable lower wear!!

Lastly, for many years I have been asked why we don’t advertise the event outside the club. The reason is simple…it is a players and family day and if we advertise outside of the club we have no control who comes in. Feel free to invite your family and friends but the last thing we want is trouble from drunken outsiders at an event like this. At least this way if it is your mate who is out of order we can pass the problem to you to sort it out.

I look forward to seeing you all on the day and thank you all for your continued support.
Kind regards….Gary Cootes