I would like to start this Newsletter by thanking all Vice-Presidents for your magnificent support this season. Within the context of so much global suffering and national cost-of-living increases I know that many of you continue to support worthy charities whilst having to balance your own books. I am delighted to announce, therefore, that Vice-Presidents have contributed over £10,000 to Bognor RFC this season alone. I can also assure you that every single penny of that incredible amount has been/will be spent wisely in order to ensure that our club continues to serve the community and, in particular, to focus on the development of boys’ and girls’ rugby in order to solidify further the foundations for our success.

CLUBHOUSE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Your Committee, ably led by Chairman Liam Bennett, has been working for several years to raise money in order to improve our clubhouse facilities, particularly with regard to changing and showering. The increased focus on girls’ and women’s rugby, together with new regulations about child safeguarding, has resulted in a need to provide self-enclosed changing and showering facilities, as opposed to the old communal arrangements.

The most cost-effective way for us to achieve this is to attach two fully equipped pods, one along the back of the clubhouse and another, smaller, one along the wall facing Hampshire Avenue. The plans have been approved and will be published shortly for all to scrutinise. Initially we were hoping to start next month in order to complete all works by the start of next season. Regrettably, however, due to a huge increase in the building estimates (in excess of £30k), we have had to take the decision to delay the work until May 2023 in order for us to raise the extra funds necessary. In round figures we have ring-fenced about £100k that we have already raised through grants and we have another £40k in our savings. Allowing for the need to maintain prudent contingencies, we are aiming to raise a minimum of £50k by the end of this year in order for the project to go ahead in 2023. A working group has been set up to explore funding opportunities and to finalise the plans/timescale.

I shall update you further in the September Newsletter but, in the meantime, if you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me or Liam.

RUGBY ROUNDUP

Photo: Bognor RFC 1st XV 2021-22

Senior Rugby

Our 1st XV remains the flagship of the whole club and, this season, they have certainly done us proud. We finished 3rd behind Havant 2 and Gosport & Fareham both of whom beat us at home before Christmas in closely contested matches. We took our revenge at Gosport in January but we couldn’t quite get across the line at Havant. The only other defeat was at Eastleigh on a day when their 1st Team did not have a fixture in London 2SW – enough said!
As I write this we are still unsure about the league structure for next season but Head Coach Karl Flinn, Team Manager Rich Hay and their coaching team deserve great credit for the way they have developed so many many young players and for the attacking rugby they have played all season. A special mention must go to our outstanding skipper Josh Burgess who steps down after four seasons of leading from the front.
James Barlow worked really hard as captain of the 2nd XV who finished a creditable mid-table in Hampshire 2. Hopefully they will be boosted by yet more Colts coming through next season.

Colts

The step up to U-18 Colts was always going to be a challenge for Karl Flinn’s team, all of which were U-17, i.e. a year younger than most of their opponents. For this reason Hampshire decided that they should be placed in League 3 and the boys rose to the occasion by playing some fantastic rugby and achieving outstanding results. The team dominated the league, finishing top with an overall record of P21, W16, L4, D1 (including cup and friendlies). With four of the boys making their senior debuts the future looks bright.

Juniors, Minis, Girls

After a lengthy and hugely disruptive break due to COVID the coaches, managers and volunteers deserve huge credit for getting the show back on the road and ensuring that so many boys and girls were able, once again, to enjoy the sport they love. Special thanks go to Jez and April Hanks who stepped into the Treasurer and Registration roles.

Several players were selected for County Representation and the Harlequins and London Irish Academies and our heartfelt congratulations go to them.

The girls’ section continues to grow with Richard Hay joining Head Coach Steve Andrews in steering this exciting new initiative in the right direction. I had the pleasure of watching them play just a few days ago and I was hugely impressed by their skill and commitment.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the club so, if you can give some time to our junior section in any capacity, contact Mike O’Connor – mikeandmarie@sky.com

OTHER NEWS

Many of you will recognise the referee in the photograph as being Jack Tompkins who is currently officiating in National 3 and is aiming for National 2 next season. Jack played right through the age-groups at Bognor and was an outstanding captain before serious concussion issues brought his career to a premature end. He is now one of our Vice-Presidents and is always willing to help out with coaching sessions. We wish Jack all the best in his refereeing career and hope that he continues his well-deserved rise to the top of the national leagues.

Farewell to Old Friends

I am sad to report since the last Newsletter the passing of three long-time members/vice-presidents: Chris Walsh, Trevor Cobb and Graham Barnes. Hopefully their families will have taken some comfort from the wonderful send-offs that all three received.

New Honorary Life Member: Wendy Mead

Due to COVID restrictions we were unable to publicly honour her but Chairman Liam Bennett is pictured handing Wendy her well-deserved award.

Singsong Supper

On 8th March twenty-five people gathered for an evening of food and song at the Pink Pub. Led by Pete Greenwood and GTJones the event was a great success, Peter’s rendition of the Hippopotamus Song being the highlight. I’m aiming for a second gathering towards the end of October when two other notable crooners, Johnny Hudspith and GLJones will also be available. I’ll confirm the date and menu in the September Newsletter but there will be limit of 30 people and it will be first come, first served.

Marie O’Connor
We are fortunate to have a whole host of committed and loyal volunteers, without whom the club could not possibly survive let alone thrive. One such stalwart is Marie whose family is entwined in the past, present and future of Bognor RFC. Her father Cas, her brother George and husband Mike all played for many years (in fact George hasn’t hung up his boots yet) whilst sons Zak and Toby also play in the Junior Section.

It was natural, therefore, that Marie would be involved in the club, but it’s the extent of her commitment that is truly remarkable. As well as utilising her nursing experience to accompany the 1st Team home and away as match-day medic, she has for several years assumed the role of Lead Safeguarding Officer, which in the current climate of child welfare and COVID restrictions, is an increasingly onerous task.

So, from all of us, Marie, thank you for all that you do- it is much appreciated.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Friday 13th May- Club Supper. Tickets (£20) from Tom O’Brien. (A list of award-winners will be published in the September Newsletter.
Thursday 7th July at 7pm Bognor RFC AGM
SUNDAY 28th August- The Second Annual Mead/Myhill Memorial Match- a day not to be missed. This year’s event will include a girls’ tournament in the morning followed by the main match in the afternoon(KO 2pm). There will be a free barbecue for all participants/spectators.
Photograph above: Anne Myhill presenting the cup at last year’s event.
Photograph below: Our U-15 girls enjoying an end of season victory against Oakmeadians.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Another Season Over !

Newsletter April 2022