New Club President's message

Dear friends,

As we arrive at the start of a new rugby season, I am delighted to have been asked to take over as President from Ian Johnson. I have been really touched by the level of support that I have received from so many members and I am privileged to be the first President who has not played rugby for the club. I have had the distinct privilege though of being integrally involved in Cobham Sports for many years culminating most recently in the construction of our wonderful clubhouse and facilities.

We enter the new season in fine form both on and off the field. A lot has happened over the past few months in relation to the organisation of the club which seek to ensure its future and protect those who put so much effort into running this wonderful club. Cobham Rugby Club has now become a limited company in accordance with RFU recommendations, Cobham Sports has become a fully fledged Charity, and CSA Trading Ltd has taken over the running of the commercial aspects of the club e.g. the bar and events.

On the sporting side, we are delighted to welcome Cobham Netball Club back to the ground, which will be a good addition to Tennis and Lacrosse.

We have a busy social calendar set for the coming season thanks to the efforts of the Social committee. Details of these events can be accessed via the website. We also have five pre-match lunches planned for the following dates which I do hope you will support:-

A number of improvements to the ground are in hand or planned for the future including:

1.    construction of a new ‘Premier Pitch’ in front of the club house,

2.    extending the paved seating area in front of the pavilion,

3.    installation of a proper ‘BBQ’ enclosure to the left hand side of the pavilion,

4.    upgrading of the surfacing to the rear yard,

5.    installation of new drainage to the turning area,

6.    asphalting of the parking area up to the telecoms tower,

7.    installation of a new Tennis court

8.    additional furniture storage cupboards in the main bar area.

Following a full survey of the condition of all the trees around the ground, extensive works have been carried out to ensure that our trees are in a healthy and safe condition.  All these are needed to ensure that we provide the best possible facilities for our members and the sports which they play.

The senior side enters the new season in a good position in London 1 South and I’m sure under the captainship of Arran Cowell will capitalise on the excellent work done in previous seasons. Our Youth & Mini sections under the chairmanship of Steve Heard and Keiran Notter continue to go from strength to strength and in many respects set the standards for other clubs to aspire to.

May I commend to you the web site? By regularly accessing it you’ll see frequently updated news and information about all aspects of the club and is a primary way of keeping the communications flow going within our community, whether it be forthcoming fixtures and events or celebrating achievements at whatever level of the club.

As with all clubs, we rely hugely on volunteers and offers of help are always most welcome. If you have the time and are willing to do something to assist in the smooth running of this wonderful organisation, please contact our chairman Tony Balkwill or me. And if you don’t like the way something is done, then volunteer to fix it!

I am very conscious of the shoes into which I am stepping as your President and will do my very best to represent the club and promote its ideals of being the best and friendliest amateur club in the country.

Kindest regards

LIONEL FREWIN

Cobham Rugby President