News From The Chair......Dec 24

“Deck The Halls With Lots of Holly”

I hope this letter finds you well, and plans and preparations for the holidays are going well.

The Winter Holiday period has links to various religious festivals, but one of the things that many have in common is that there is traditionally, much feasting, family reunions and general merriment with friends.

As we head towards the festive season, the club will take it’s usual break, returning post Christmas Day with the annual St. Albans charity game on the 28th Dec.

The period also gives us a chance to reflect on the months gone by. This year we have made great strides in improving both our clubhouse and playing areas. Despite the constant wet weather of late, the drainage work has meant that the pitches have held up much better than in previous years. However, we are not resting on our laurels and we are investigating further opportunities to improve the facilities.  

At the club this Saturday, the Rugby Tots will be training early, followed by the Christmas League Lunch. The bar will open at noon.

If attending, please remember to bring cash for the meal, and add a little extra to contribute to the Christmas Raffle.  At 1400, the 1st XV will kick off against Saracens Amateurs.

On Sunday, we will see the final weekend of mini and junior fixtures of the year.

The following week, Sunday 22nd , is the Christmas Raffle.

Please try to sell as many tickets as possible and make sure that the stubs are returned along with any prize contributions before the day. These can be left in the donation boxes behind the bar.

On the day itself, the club open from 9am, serving mince pies, mulled wine and other snacks.

As mentioned above, Saturday 28th December is the annual St.Alban’s Rugby Charity Match.  As always, this promises to be a fun day of rugby and fundraising as we look to support JOKA, which helps players who may be struggling with mental health challenges. Please come along and support the players and the cause. The bar will be open from 1130, with the match KO at 1300.

We have a great club, with all in some way contributing to its running.

A sincere thank you to all those who have worked so hard in 2024 making our club one of the best grass root clubs in the area. I’m already looking forward to what 2025 has in store for us.

Wishing you all restful and enjoyable festive season.

Ian “Shanks” Graham

Chair.