On behalf of Glossop Rugby Club, it gives me very great pleasure to welcome all teams, supporters, parents & coaching staff to Hargate Hill. It is to me a great honour to be elected to serve as President for a second year running at this wonderful club, which has been a large part of my life for over 35 years.

 

Over those years, we have seen some huge improvements at Glossop Rugby Club, including the leveling and draining of the pitches, the installation of superb flood lights, along with the building of a fantastic new club house.

 

On the playing field the minis and junior sections continue to thrive with a team at every age group from under six through to under sixteen, which then move on to the ever successful colts academy with teams at under seventeen and nineteen.

 

The academy continues to bolster the strength and depth of our four senior sides, with Josh Edwards stepping up from colts to the first XV last year & taking the player of the year award at his first attempt. Josh along with Tom Maltby, Tom Raine & Nathan Taylor look to be forming the back bone for what on paper looks a formidable first XV, with a tasty cocktail of pace, youth, experience & know how at hand, under the fine leadership of Dan Clarke, this season should be very interesting indeed.

 

After the third team’s league promotion in the 2007/08 season they spent the last season acclimatising to the faster pace of the higher league, but with plenty of team effort they managed a mid table finish to be proud of.

 

The second team did well again with a mid table finish, taking the league on with gusto and positive thought, with lots of great players ready and willing to play hard and focused rugby.

 

The girls team found a new sponsor in Len Morris, which proved a positive influence, with their new shirts adorned, look smart- play smart proved to be there winning motto, as they went on to win games and tournaments under the strong leadership qualities of "SOY" THE MOTIVATOR.

 

Then there was the antics off the field and with your continued support, the President’s lunches have gone from strength to strength; highlights included a heart warming rendition of CRAZY by the "Laughing Badger", a brass band and carols at the Christmas bonanza, a jazz band, jokes, fun and laughter, new mates, old mates, old port, old props falling off stools, all in all happy days and great memories. We had road trips to the far east (Scarborough) and a mini bus trip to Bridlington, good fun was had by all.

 

We have been able to make some great improvements in the close season spending around 10K on the pitches, a new first team kit, movement towards finishing the new changing rooms, all due to the outstanding support of our sponsors, new and old, one of which, Amdec Forklifts has become the first XV team sponsors on a two year deal, thanks to them, along with Ford Cambell our club sponsors to whom we are ever grateful of their immense contribution.

 

Thanks to all the volunteers & people who have helped with the club over the last 12 months, you have done a tremendous job, without you the club would struggle. Thanks also for the hospitality shown to us by all the Yorkshire one clubs in our first year in Yorkshire, you are fine hosts, you have shown us the way to go.

 

I would also thank my stunning wife Sue for her magnificent continued support in my roll as President.

 

Here’s to a great season on and off the field, to meeting new friends and staying in touch with old friends, above all lets have fun !!!

 

Cheers

Dave Oldham