As this is my first year as Chairman I wanted to start off with a few “thank yous”. We’ve seen a lot of hard work done both on and off the field and my job has been made a lot easier by some excellent support from the Committee Team and other club members who have been on hand to help.
The fact that we have been able to run three teams on a regular basis has been a great achievement and I would like to thank the Team Captains for a job well done.
I am very proud of what the 1st XV has done this season, coming 3rd in the League and winning the Herts Presidents’ Tankard with a convincing win over Stevenage. The players and Coaching Team have really got a “team buzz” going and we must build on this and develop our strengths’ and strategies’ for the new season. We want more people to play rugby for and at St Albans RFC, improve the quality and get more competition for first team places, as well as giving our other teams a wider and more plentiful choice of players.
It would be remiss of me not to mention John Andrews who has done a fine job as Head Coach for the club, and we thank him for his excellent endeavours and wish him well for the future. Whilst it is disappointing to lose a coach of John’s abilities we hope to be announcing his replacement very soon.
The Club finances remain in a solvent position, without the need for an overdraft or loans, largely due to functions including Car Boot Sales which have provided good income. The generosity of a number of club members cannot go without mention as their donations have been a vital ingredient for improving club facilities, and this saw and funded a total refurbishment of the showers. Income is our lifeblood and next year we want to maximise sponsorship to the full, if you know of any firm or organisation who wants to be associated with St Albans RFC please contact Mark Davies who is responsible for generating sponsorship funds and marketing.
Mini and Youth rugby will be new and exciting for next season and in order to make it a success we need children of all ages to take part as well as adult volunteers to help with the running of the sessions. Contact Roly Everall if you can spare your kids (or grandchildren), or give your time to help with this grass roots venture.
The club doesn’t shut down during the summer months and we have a large and varied range of activities taking place, including Car Boot Sales, Private Functions, Touch Rugby, Golden Oldies Charity Tournament and much more. These activities are being run to generate much needed income for the club, the small group of dedicated people who put themselves out to help cannot do it alone and any assistance to you can give in support of the club will be really appreciated.
PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL IF YOU CAN LEND A HAND.
Once again please accept my sincere thanks and gratitude to all those of you who have giving your time and effort to make ST ALBANS RFC a great place to play and watch rugby.
Have a great summer and let’s hope it stops raining for a while......

AGM – April 2012

The Annual General meeting took place on the 20th April and the following people were elected as officers of the club;

Chairman Ron Hayes
Player Registration Gary Boost
Secretary Dave English
Buildings Manager John Kermarrec
Treasurer Pete Clackson
Bar Manager Bryn Hyatt
Director of Rugby Tim Andrews
County Representative Tony Golds
Sponsorship/Marketing Mark Davies
Fundraising Manager Craig Huddleston
Database Manager Carole Peel
Social Secretary Tom Styles
Mini/Junior Chairman Roly Everall
Membership#1 Tim Andrews
Fixture Secretary TBA
Membership#2 Mark Davies
Catering Manager TBA
Safeguarding Officer Jack Stevenson
Head Coach Ben Stocken
Assistant Coach Tim Saunders
Webmaster Terry Evans

The key role which we have yet to fill this that of Fixture Secretary, this is an important and vital function for the club and we are urgently seeking somebody to take this role on. If you feel you have the skills and discipline to do this then please contact Ron Hayes who will be happy to hear from you.

The Team Captains for next are detailed below;

1st XV Captain Gareth Lane
2nd XV Captain Jake Woolmer
3rd XV Captain Mick O’Shea

Sincere thanks to all those persons listed above who have kindly put themselves forward to represent St Albans RFC.

Mentioned in Dispatches

A number of people both on and off the field have made great contributions to the club and it’s important that we recognise their endeavours.
• Dan Smart and Ross Turnbull our tame Kiwi’s who came over from the land of the Long White Cloud and so abely donned the Blue and Gold of St Albans. Dan has returned to NZ and Craig Huddleston ensured he left the UK far from the pristine state in which he arrived. Ross is going to see a bit of Europe before he goes back and hopefully we will get a chance to have one last drink, for the good times.
• Mrs Dickinson and the Ladies who have provided the catering and tea facilities, where would we be without them, the VP Lunches were superb.
• David Gilroy for running the line in all weathers and conditions.
• All the new players who joined St Albans RFC this season and who have made such a great contribution.
• All those of you who have upload your photos to the website
• Bobby Westwood for organising the “Tour that Never Toured”
• John Kermarrec (JK) for fixing things and keeping the bar stools warm
• All the bar staff
• The cleaners who keep the Clubhouse habitable (especially after the Players Supper)
• The Vice Presidents for their generosity
• Mick O’Shea for making the 3rd Team work
• Carole Peel for her efficiency and contribution in documenting the Committee meetings

And finally
If you have any suggestions or ideas on how we can improve St Albans RFC then please let us know, either via the Website or direct any member of the Committee.

*STOP PRESS* The club has appointed Ben Stocken as Head Coach with immediate effect, more news on Ben and the new coaching setup to follow shortly.