As you hopefully will know the Buckingham RUFC AGM was held last night, thank you to all that attended, but for those that didn’t I wanted to call out some changes that came out of the meeting;

As you may know, Finlay Gemmell and Alan Leach have been Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer for 34 and 33 years respectively. I am sure you will agree that this is an incredible length of time, and although this was mentioned last night, I wanted to reiterate the admiration and thanks from the whole club for all the work they have done. It was mentioned last night that once the situation allows, we will get together, celebrate and recognize the extraordinary commitment and achievement of these two gentlemen in the best Buckingham Rugby Club fashion. Until that point you will be pleased to know that neither is going away, Alan is remaining in post as President of the club and Finlay will continue to support the administrative tasks behind the scenes. Paul Carr has kindly agreed to step into the role of Hon. Secretary and Brian Boggie will combine the Junior Treasurer and Hon. Treasurer roles, thank you both for stepping into such big shoes.

Richard ‘Tricky’ Hill is taking over as Coach from Andy White. Andy has done a fantastic job in his work with the senior teams, culminating in our most successful season ever even though it was truncated. I am delighted that Andy will remain part of the coaching structure passing on his experience and knowledge. I also wish Tricky and new assistant Jamie Lee every success, we look forward to continuing the progress we have been making.

Jim Barker, following in his Dad’s footsteps takes over as 1st XV Captain, I am sure he will prove to be a fantastic leader, and a great appointment. Jamie Temple meanwhile has been appointed to Club Captain. Jamie will represent the players both on the committee and at functions, Jamie has shown numerous times in recent seasons that he is well suited for this role, and we are grateful he has accepted.

Nic Lepper is stepping down from her Role as Swans with a new structure being put in place. Jayne Webster has been appointed as the Swans Club Captain, ably supported by her Vice Captains. Nic along with the coaching team led by Mikey Clark, have done a fantastic job the Swans have reached an incredible level of Rugby for a grassroots club such as Buckingham and I am sure we are all really looking forward to the new adventure next season.

Massive thanks to Russell Coventry and Jonny Stone who are stepping down from the Mini Chair and Junior Chair respectively, both areas of the club continue to thrive, and we thank Neil Ewing and Nigel Jordan for filling those roles for the coming year. The Boys Academy head coaches this year are Dan Fellingham and Paul Wildman, a massive thank you to Simon Bateman who is stepping down as head coach and joining the U15 coaching team, as well as Guy James who having been manager of the Boys Academy for two years is also stepping down this year, replaced by Rob Wilford.

Adam Boothby is stepping down as head coach of the Girls Academy, Adam has been part of the cygnets’ section since its beginning and we are very grateful for everything he has put into developing the squad and the section.

And finally, Lisa Bussell is stepping down from her role as Girls Academy manager, being replaced by Danny Tomblin. It is hard to overstate the impact Lisa has had on the girls’ section, put quite simply without her drive and commitment over the past 6 years there would not be a Cygnets section. In that time, we have gone from 0 – 60 + girls, with multiple county players and England recognition as well. Huge thanks to Lisa from driving what has become such an important part of the club.

It would be remiss of me to not thank all of the volunteers that help keep Buckingham Rugby Club moving forward, those that help in the Kitchen, behind the Bar, Coaches, First Aiders, Managers, Waterboys, Referees, touch judges, Fundraisers, Event organisers our clubhouse manager the whole committee and not forgetting, of course, our Groundsman.

Buckingham RUFC exists solely for and because of our Players and you, thank you for your time, commitment and support, and I look forward to seeing you as soon as the current situation allows.

Yours in Rugby

Simon Smith
Buckingham RUFC Club Chairman.