CHAIRS NEWS LETTER JANUARY 2024 “NOW IS THE WINTER OF DISCONTENT”

Officially the coldest winter so far since 2010

A happy new year to all members and friends. It may have been cold outside over the last week, but his season has been one of the most productive in recent years. With the floodlights complete, lounge bar finished and great progress on our pitches. Although the rain and frost have done their best to disrupt playing activities, all sections have managed to keep fit by training inside at the club, on the Harpenden all weather, or at various gyms in the area. This shows a very positive attitude from coaches and players alike. Results and team turn out show that enthusiasm and dedication helps with good results at all levels and the 1 st XV at the top of their league.

Over the last two months work has progressed on the pitches, drainage work under the guidance of the Football Foundation and the RFU is progressing and as soon as becomes drier a second phase of auguring through to porous layer of mor sandy and gravel will begin.

We are also applying for a RWC25 Social Spaces grant.

(To help make the facilities more inclusive and family friendly)

After an initial meeting of six club members with the RFU facilities representative and an interior design expert. Lindsay Digweed has spent a lot of time collating ideas which have been suggested by Michelle, the design expert and ideas from interested club members, surveyed after the meeting. The submission, in the form of an estimates, will now be put forward to the RFU, deadline by the end of January. Once approved we have to prioritise work to be done, including some structural projects. An overall plan will be published in the near future. The overall budget being £20000 50% paid by the club.

A big Thankyou to Lyndsay and all who gave input to the submission.

Pre Christmas was busy with a VPS Christmas lunch, which raised together with the previous weekend over £620 for the Christmas Raffle. Total raised £1350.

A BIG THANKS to Maria McGee for doing a great job organising the raffle, Juliette for selling tickets at VPS lunch and previous weekend, and Nicola Diplock for sorting tickets and licence out.

Saturday 30th December saw the Annual Charity Match dedicated to George Bracey, a son of the an OA “ Grisley” And supporting 4 different charities. Amount raised is £800 great crowd, fantastic effort.

Thanks to all who organised and took part in the game.

It is great to announce that we have had a donation from John Murfet, an active playing member of the club in the 60s to 80s who has been hospitalised for a number of years and spends much of his time playing the stock market. He has donated recently £29500 to club funds (with gift aid nearly £35000 ). I have thanked him for his substantial donation, and he hope to attend the VPS day Date TBA.

In conclusion, thank you to all those who have given their time and energy of the first part of the season. We are always looking for more help. If you have expertise in any area that will help the Vees please let any committee member know or mail me.

Regards Ian “Shanks” Graham Chair