It’s been far too long since my last update, and we certainly have a lot to catch up on.
I would like to thank everyone who has given up their time to help make our events over the last eight weeks such a huge success, notably Family Day on 20th December and the Sponsors’ Lunch last weekend. A special thank you to John Ginty for generously replacing the large television within four days, quicker than getting through to an energy company for a refund!
In January, we introduced meals for all at Thursday night training. Thank you, Heather, for giving up your time, it has made a world of difference and is very much appreciated.
We have also replaced the glass washer behind the bar. Apparently, it can wash 1,000 glasses an hour, so let’s see if we can put it through its paces during the Six Nations! In addition, we have installed a loft ladder to improve safety when accessing the roof space and carried out an audited stock take of the bar. It’s official, we need to drink more Guinness.
In February, we will be carrying out maintenance work to improve parking access to the field, along with general grounds tidying. This will include reducing the height of some trees around the containers, repairing the steps by the planters and moving the dog bin to a more visible position. Jean Paul, our Under 7s coach, has kindly volunteered to collate incidents where people may have missed the bin. If you have to clear up one of these presents, please snap a picky (if the location is on and time stamp all the better) and send to JP at jpskoczylas@me.com. He is collating all the incidents over time so that we can understand and present the scale of the problem should we need to.
A club satisfaction survey for all members is currently in development and is expected to be sent out by the end of March. This will allow us to gather feedback in time to make improvements for the following season. The club is here for its members, and your feedback is vital in helping us shape the best possible experience for both players and supporters.

Thank you to Simon Lynch, who has purchased spare parts for the scrum machine. One of the anchors was missing. The anchor can be pushed into the ground to prevent it from skidding. If anyone would like training on how to set up the machine, please ask Derek Knibbs (Del).

Please keep an eye on the Club Shop, which will be stocking a range of new items from mid-February. By popular demand, this will include snowflake winter hats, more gilet options, improved training tops, and much more. If your size isn’t available, custom orders can now be delivered within two weeks.
We’re continuing to look for a volunteer to help in the kitchen on Sundays from 10am to 12 noon.
We will be able to watch the Six Nations from every angle at the club, with three TVs front of bar and one behind for the bar team. As we clearly need to drink more Guinness, unwind at the club for Round 4 (Ireland v Wales)

• Round 1 All games on. Special offer at the Club Shop on the Saturday with certain items half price, promoted at the bar.
• Round 2 All games on. Drinks offer for Wales v France on the Sunday - French wine – buy a large glass for the price of a small one.
• Round 3 Open for both Saturday games. Closed for Italy v France on Sunday. If there is popular demand nearer the time, we will look to open the clubhouse.
• Round 4 All games on. Friday’s game special offer - buy 4 pints of Guinness get 2 free from 19.00 to 20.30 (members 10% discount will not apply if ordering the deal).
• Round 5 All games on. Justin Burgess will be providing some well needed food in the kitchen to soak up the beer.

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Next Generation of Stars
The club would like to congratulate Scarlett Beech for being selected for the England U18 Squad following a successful Camp
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Welwyn Ladies – Next Challenge

A great win 41-12 at home against Wasps Women last Sunday also secured two bonus points, closing the gap to our rivals to just 1 point. We have a chance in February to consolidate and strengthen our position further, before we play Westcliff and Eton Manor in March.
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Men’s XVs
A gutsy performance saw us ahead just before half time against Old Albanians (competing for promotion) last weekend at the Sponsors Lunch (full match report is on the website). We have two critical games at home against Hemel Hempstead on 28th February and Southend at home on 21st March. If you can please come down and support.

Thank you to Steve and Ossie who are always so flexible when it comes to last minutes changes to selection and to Frankie and Dave Jordan who are helping to bring the Colts through from the Juniors. Eight played in the Seniors at the weekend and they made an invaluable contribution in enabling us to field two sides, with Ross Haydon scoring on his debut at scrum half for the 1st XV.
The Club would like to say a big thank you to Ian Ewin and Andrew Riley who have stepped down from their current positions at the club. They will be missed, but hopefully will be down for a Six Nations game, supporting the bar ?.
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Sadly, December/January has also been a time of loss, with the passing of Mick Duffy, Chris Moore, and John Ingram. All were keen supporters of the club either through playing or sponsorship and simply by being great people. They will be forever missed by their rugby family.

? February Dates for Your Diary
• 8th Feb – Women v Barnes away
• 14th Feb – Men's 2nd XV v Hatfield 1st (Home)
• 14th Feb – Men's 1st XV v Cheshunt (Away)
• 22nd Feb – Women v Becs Belles (Home)
• 28th Feb – Men's 1st XV v Hemel Hempstead (Home)
• 28th Feb – Men's 2nd XV v Cuffley 1st (Away)
• 28th Feb JOCA Lunch if you have time, please attend as it’s great fun and is for a great cause. Please contact Mark Elliott at mark.elliott10@outlook.com to book your seat.
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? Training & Club Information
• Men’s Training: Tuesdays & Thursdays – 19:30 to 21.00
• Women’s Training: Thursdays – 19:30 to 21.00
• Mini Training: Sundays – 09.30 to 11.00
• Boys’ Training: Sundays – 11.30 to 13.00
• Girls’ Training: Sundays – 13.30 to 15.00
• Club Shop Opening Hours: Sundays, 10:00 to 12.00
Please contact membership@welwynrugby.co.uk for full details of training and other enquiries
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Give hugs and show love on 14th February. Don’t forget to buy flowers!
#OneClubOneFamily
#WRFC
Julian Emery chairman@welwynrugby.co.uk