Hi everyone,

As we look ahead to the 2026/27 season, I wanted to take the opportunity as the newly elected Chair of Chippenham RFC, to welcome everyone back to the club – whether you’re a player, volunteer, parent or supporter.

My Connection to the Club
It is a privilege to take on this role, and I am genuinely excited about what we can achieve together. For those who don't know me, I've been a part of Chippenham RFC for more than 35 years. I've played across the senior teams, so I understand both the commitment needed to play 1st Team rugby and the enjoyment (and pain!) that comes with 3rd Team and Vets rugby. I’ve also supported our age-grade section as a parent and coach, and for the past eight years as chair of the Junior Section. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of the rugby side of the club. Over recent months, I have also been learning more about how the wider club operates and importantly how we can continue to make Chippenham RFC a place where everyone - regardless of age, ability or experience - feels they belong.

What We’re Building
My focus as Chair is straightforward: run the club as professionally and transparently as possible, while keeping its volunteer spirit at the heart of everything we do. Our priorities are to:-

• Encourage more people to get involved in roles that support the running and growth of the club.
• Maintain financial stability, ensuring our costs are covered while being clear and transparent about how we spend the club’s money.
• Listen to what our members need and continue to improve their experience of being part of Chippenham RFC.
I'm fortunate to be supported by a talented Executive Board, all of whom have the club's best interests at heart. Following the club AGM in June, the Board comprises: -

Kenny Brown: Club President
Neal Craig: Finance Director and Vice Chairman
Steve Whitehead: Club Secretary
Ryan Surry: Director of Rugby & Sport
Charlie Newman: Director of Comms & Member Engagement
Tim Reynolds: Facilities Director
Gary Squires: Sponsorship Director
Ian Lyons: Non-Exec Director

I hope that, over the coming months, you'll get to learn more about each of them and the work they're doing to move the club forward.

What’s Ahead This Season
As many of you will know, the start to the competitive season has been delayed a few weeks due to the extremely dry summer, with the first competitive fixtures now kicking off on 26th September. The delay shouldn’t impact us too significantly and gives us some additional time to focus on a number of immediate priorities: -

Volunteer Recruitment:
We are actively looking to fill several positions covering Comms, Sponsorship and the rugby section. Please check the club website for more information Volunteer Roles Available!.

Sponsorship:
We're looking for partners genuinely committed to supporting community rugby. If your business is interested, our sponsorship team at sponsorship@chippenhamrfc.co.uk would love to hear from you.

Membership Renewal:
At the club AGM the membership fees and structure for the new season were agreed and are now available to purchase via GMS. Memberships are not automatically renewed or direct debits “rolled over” and so this will require your action. Thank you to everyone who has already done so.

Important Dates:
A few important dates for diaries; our first VP Lunch will be on 31st October, followed by a combined Xmas/VP Lunch on 12th December. Information and tickets for our New Year's Eve Party are also now available at the bar.

A Personal Note
I am committed to building on the strong foundations already in place at Chippenham RFC. This is about evolution: making sure we remain well organised, financially sound, safe, and ready for the future.

None of this is possible without you. The players, volunteers, coaches, parents and supporters who turn up week after week are what make Chippenham RFC the club it is. And, ultimately, it's about rugby and enjoying being part of this club.

We kick off this weekend with the visit of Wimborne (1500) on Saturday 5th September for a senior pre-season friendly. We also expect to play Minchinhampton later in the day at 1700. We then see the return of the Mini & Juniors on Sunday morning including the visit of an U14 touring side from Twickenham RFC.

I look forward to catching up with as many of you as possible over the course of the season.

Here's to a great 2026/27 season!

Best Wishes.

Kev. Thornton