Message from Dave Oldham

Welcome to Glossop Rugby Club

Welcome to all new members and welcome back to those of you who have played here before. If this is the first time you have visited Glossop Rugby Club, warmth and outstanding hospitality awaits you.

This year, Glossop will host teams from Yorkshire Division One, having moved from The Midlands Divisions to try and reduce traveling time and expense. We hope the rugby will be highly competitive and fun will be had in the bar!

It is an honour and a privilege to be made president of Glossop Rugby Club and my thanks go to Rob Stuart and Chris Deacon for their proposals. Special thanks must go to Chris for his outstanding efforts during his time as President. Finally, my thanks go to those who elected me into office following this year’s AGM.

I would like to extend a warm vote of thanks to David Raine for the extraordinary support he put in with the minis, juniors and colts over the last 12 years or so. His outstanding efforts were partly rewarded with the colt’s successes in the Lancashire Cup Final, winning against the Old Aldwinians and another win against Liverpool St Helens in the Halbro Lancashire and Cheshire Colts League Cup Final, to end the season on a high. A really big thanks Rainey.

As I approach my 32nd year at the club, it’s nice to reflect on the mass improvements made over those years; from the slopping, quagmire that we called our pitches to the flat, well drained home ground which we now play upon with pride.  The floodlights and newly built club house we have today are living proof that achieving what we never thought could we could is in fact, possible. But still, dreams are what we all have for the future. A third pitch, a larger tarmac car park, finished changing rooms, sunshine decking in front of the conservatory and steps to the pitch are some of the proposed alterations which can be made with everyone’s effort, togetherness and sponsorship.

This season, I look forward to supporting the club through matches, tournaments, functions and dinners. Primarily, I aim to bring the ‘feel good factor’ to the afore. This, of course, will mean hard work and I would be delighted if all members would come fourth and help maintain and improve the club as a family atmosphere. It is key that we all find enjoyment from the club. This will be enhanced by the team work on and off the pitch on which we build to make our club stronger and friendlier.

As ever it is very important that we all encourage new members. Boys, girls, ladies and gentlemen of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the club. Whether you are just beginning your rugby career at the age of six or you are taking up the sport later on in life, the greater the participation, the greater the spirit! (You never know, there may be another Oaf out there somewhere!)

Assistance towards the club is always welcome. I intend to bring a suggestion box into play so that we can try to accommodate for everyone here at Glossop. We aim to formulate a five year plan from the suggestions you make. We forever welcome new sponsors and the more sponsors, the better! Also, volunteers are invaluable to us since there is always a position to be filled.

Finally, let us build on what we have; Fantastic players, outstanding facilities and great friendships. I thank you all for your lasting support and I wish you all good luck for the season ahead.

Your President

David Oldham

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