We are now into month 5 of the pandemic and whilst things have eased as regards the lockdown and social distancing it is obvious that we are not out of the woods just yet. Competitive rugby has not materialised in the UK even at the professional level although there has been training sessions held at the club by a number of the age groups, including the senior teams. The clubhouse has been opened for the past month on the weekends with the highlight of July being of course the Ellis Expedition.

Graham Ellis

Our President was a true Rugby Gentleman, passionate about the game, always talking enthusiastically to both home and away club officials and players about anything rugby related.Grahams involvement at the club started when he moved to Southport and his boys starting playing the game. The club has a lot to thank Graham for, as not only did he use his journalistic talents to entertain the readers of the back pages of the Southport Visitor but he also pulled together numerous articles and clippings of the clubs history which can be accessed today on the Clubs website - his legacy remains. Graham will be remembered for his passion for rugby and the love of Southport Rugby club but in particular for its history and traditions. We will miss Graham’s entertaining rugby stories about his playing exploits and the characters that he met on his rugby travels. Most of all we will miss his friendship, camaraderie and the commitment shown to our game.

It was only fitting that as part of the funeral proceedings a walk past the club was arranged by the Ellis family which was witnessed by a few hundred friends from all over including members of Southport and opposition rugby clubs.

The Ellis Expedition

In honour of our past President, and the NHS for the fantastic job they have done in the past 4 months, Colin Toohey, Gareth Lang and James Cook together with numerous other members and friends of Graham from all over the world took part in the Ellis expedition and successfully travelled over 80,000 km and raised over £35,000 for the NHS. This was a truly remarkable achievement and one that Graham would have been enormously proud of. Thanks to Col Toohey for orchestrating the event and to all of those who took part as it brought the club together with a real sense of purpose in what has been a difficult time.

AGM

Your committee have been meeting virtually once a fortnight to ensure the club remains in good shape. We will be holding our AGM at the end of August so please keep an eye out for the calling notice which will be published on the Web site and sent to members by e-mail.

Finance update (Janet Topping Director of Finance)

Like many other amateur sports clubs, the last few months have been challenging on the financial front, to say the least. Not only did almost all of our regular income streams cease overnight, but the planned one- off events such as sports tours and the Summer Ball which bring in much needed revenue to the club, had to be cancelled. Unfortunately, at times like this, not all essential expenditure can also be put on hold and the directors have worked hard to access government initiatives and other opportunities to help us through these difficult times and to maintain our fantastic facilities and have them fit for purpose when we can get back to paying and training again.
Although the bar and kitchen now has limited opening hours , without any definite dates for a return to playing and training ,we are not out of the woods yet and we are working hard on our relationships with sponsors to ensure as many as possible remain on board and continue to offer their financial support. Rest assured,we will continue to monitor the finances very closely to ensure a secure and financially stable future for the club.

Fundraising

We are still seeking funds to support keeping the facilities within the club in excellent shape and so far we have raised £962. The club would greatly appreciate any donations and they can be made online by following the link
HERE

Rugby Update - Mike Dale (Director of Rugby).

In line with many other National Governing Bodies of sport, the RFU submitted their action plan to government to accelerate the return of some rugby activity. On Friday the action plan was approved and now a safe and phased return to rugby will take place.
We are now at Phase C on the RFU Return to Community Roadmap.
https://www.englandrugby.com/dxdam/44/44e24835-2a5e-4c3d-abad-5ad34957f348/RUGBY%20ROAD%20MAP%20VF.pdf

This means it will initially be through a variation of touch rugby focused on Ready4Rugby, a game that rewards go forward and support in both attack and defence, it develops players core skills of catch, pass and support but allows players to develop decision making skills. Group sizes are 20 max (including coach).

The game is based around touch rugby, enabling two teams of up to 10 players to engage in training and match activity in their own club environment. Further details will be released this week via social media and the club website for an inter club / sponsors league that will take place on Friday evenings and Saturdays.

For avoidance of doubt, this means no scrum, tackling, line out training, or any other form of contact rugby. Under 7’s and under 8’s will continue to play under their current rules of play with the exemption of the tag tackle.
Any breach of this may invalidate the club insurance and is in breach of both RFU and government regulation. Due to the localised lockdowns there may be further restrictions. Any queries please speak to Mike Dale or Brendan Boyce.

Many articles are in the media now, some may have merit some not.
https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/return-to-community-rugby-update

On a more positive note we have retained the services of Darren Hall as Head Coach for next year. This is great news following the positive strides made by Darren and team last year.

Social Events

The club has been open occasionally on a Friday and Saturday but please check the website regarding opening hours.

Maintenance Work

The club continues to improve the infrastructure at the club with new gates now installed. The new paved area in front of the stand is also nearing completion. Mark Astwood our Director of Works has organised a number of working parties over the past 4 months and I would like to thank him and the other Directors and members who have assisted with completion of this work.

In summary I hope we are back playing rugby soon but in the meantime please all stay safe and I hope to see you soon.

All the very best.

John Vandermeer
Chairman Southport Rugby Club