Despite what is normally the tail end of the season the U7/9/11’s hosted Eton Manor on Sunday and it was great to see the grounds at Highams once again full of rugby. This Saturday the seniors are due to host a game and then on Sunday there are a number of youth games. This is followed by the Club 7’s on Saturday 22nd May. We plan to hold the AGM in the Clubhouse on Thursday 24th June and Club Supper on Friday 25th June. All members should now be receiving the new newsletter produced by Angela Metcalfe (great work Ange) to keep everyone updated with what’s on.

Last month I mentioned the new income streams from the emergency services mast and Hills Toyota Group which in addition to our other existing non-rugby related income (Adventure Babies, Haven House and KraPow) are vital for us to maintain multiple sources of revenue streams to complement income generated from rugby related activities. Understandably during the long periods of lockdown our bar, lunches and events income has all but dried up so these revenue streams have enabled us to be fully self-supporting over the past year.

As we look ahead and continue to invest back into the club as promised an update on the initiatives mentioned in April:

Completed

Ongoing grounds and tree management program - This has been completed with full engagement and support from our neighbours who are delighted with the results

Nesta Road fence and gate replacement - Again in full consultation with the neighbours of Nesta Road and with the volunteering muscle of over 30 senior players and supporters

Far car park surface improvements - Special thanks to Oliver for his hard work on this and again those trusty volunteers

Full spring renovation program to both pitches - In addition to the full treatment the bottom pitch received additional work to ensure last year’s drainage project is fully completed

Increased parking spaces - I appreciate with Hills Group currently using spaces until 31st August it may not appear so, we have in fact created in the region of 40-50 new temporary/overspill parking spaces at the club over the past year

“Keep clear” areas - Oliver has added double yellow lines to the narrowest part of the drive and at the bottom of the drive as these areas must be kept clear for ambulance access

Coming next

Gentlemen’s toilet refurbishment - Overwhelmingly approved by the members – over 200 positive responses. Work begins 19th May to be completed before functions begin in late June

Top pitch floodlight replacement (match standard) - Paul Yates has been working with multiple contractors to source the best deal and we aim to get out to members for approval shortly for a start date in August ahead of the new season

Outdoor seating area - Dave Hurd is currently sourcing quotes for this piece of work and when required we shall share further information with the membership

New membership and till system - Mike Page and Paul Savage are in the process of installing new, integrated, membership and till systems that will streamline the membership process and provide greater security for your data. In particular this will mean that you’ll receive new membership cards (when you pay your subscription). Hopefully this will be going live in time for the new season

Lastly I would like to formally welcome a few new volunteers who have actually been doing the role for a while now in some cases !

Liz Chessar & Donna Levy – Our Safeguarding team are already making an impact with ensuring all volunteers and coaches are fully vetted and qualified. I would like to thank Maya Goodwin for her hard work over the past few years in this role.

Rob Yiannakou – Takes over the Jack Petchey co-ordinator role from Mark Lennard for this very important award scheme which the Club fully supports. Thanks to Mark for his hard work and efforts in this role.

Angela Metcalfe – A new but vitally important role, Ange has designed and hopefully you have seen the first of many regular Woodford newsletters.

We always welcome new ideas and assistance so if you would like to help and can spare an hour or two please let myself or any of the committee know. Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support. As ever any questions please just ask.

Porky