BRFC EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Edition 2 (22/01/26)

Clubhouse Extension
With funds secured for Phase 2A of the Big Build Project, work has now commenced in opening up an access to the veranda. Indeed, those at the Chair’s Luncheon may find the Member’s Bar rather chilly as you down your pint. An army of volunteers will be transporting 4½ tonnes of paving up to the veranda in readiness for our builder to do his business – that’s the equivalent to 30 sumo wrestlers. It is envisaged that the paving will be in place by the second week of February. Further work will include the electrics and the installation of a balustrade, the fancy word for the parapet (OK – the barrier that keeps you from falling off the veranda)!
So, by the time the clocks go forward in March, members will be enjoying the delights of the open air whilst sipping champagne or a fruity Pimms in celebration of a great achievement.

Governance
To strengthen and enhance the links between the Executive Committee/Board of Directors and the membership, it has been agreed to increase the number of floor members and to create a separate sub-committee. The aim is to reach out to all parts of the Club, across all age-groups and sections, to find representatives from each to ensure every member has the opportunity to contribute to the running of the Club. Sarah McCandless has kindly agreed to lead on this initiative and could well be knocking on your door very soon.

Pitch Maintenance
Our esteemed Director, Robbo, has been working hard behind the scenes in his quest to improve the state of the pitches at Sparrows Den. Whilst little can be done for this season, we are looking to draw up plans in partnership with the Council to ensure that for the start of next year the pitches will be in tip-top condition.

In the Counting House
Our diligent Treasurer has ensured that the Club remains financially buoyant. Whilst the normal income streams continue to swell the coffers, our Nigel has taken on the role of Robin Hood, opposing the Sheriff of Nottingham in his guise as HMRC. Through shrewd accounting and skillful sidestepping (something he never did as a player), he regularly taps them for money in the shape of VAT and Gift Aid Recovery.
His recent endeavours will net the Club around £10k! Furthermore, the Club will be applying for funds from the Kent County RFU’s Small Grants Programme in order to purchase furniture for the veranda.
Nigel has also been successful in securing a loan from our beer supplier, Greene King, of £14,500. Basically, this money is offset against the amount of beer we consume; in other words the more we drink the less we have to pay back. As an old Club Member used to say: “More for less”. Over the festivities, the Christmas Raffle, thanks to the tireless work of Sarah McCandless, realised a profit of some £4,490.

Miscellaneous
The revamped “Beccehamian News” [LINK HERE & PDF below] saw the light of day recently. Aimed at former players, it received positive reviews, helping to bring back memories for the old and infirm. Roger Davie has taken charge of improving our engagement with those that have played for the Club and would be most interested in hearing from old members who wish to come back into the fold. Roger can be reached at rogermd1946@gmail.com

Club vacancies
Our current House Secretary, the ever-present and hard working Angela Broadhurst, is looking to hang up her paint brush and clipboard, to enjoy a well-earned rest. As such, the Club is seeking a replacement for this most important of Club jobs, one who will be responsible for the external and internal management of the clubhouse. If this position arouses your juices, please contact Nick Brooks (Club Chair) for further details.

Steve Ralph
Hon. Secretary

PREVIOUS EXECUTIVE SUMMARIES LINK HERE