Rugby Club Report

Sports Club Report Sport - Rugby Club Report

distributed around S Glos, Bristol and N Somerset to families in time for their Christmas holidays.

An amazing effort by all involved, PROUD TO BE AN OB!

Jan Bowen (OBHC Chair 2021)

Old Bristolians’ Sports Club Failand

At the end of last year some sporting activity was possible if only for an all too brief period. Hockey matches and Rugby training, particularly the Minis and Juniors, were allowed and we all hoped that the New Year would bring a full sporting programme. Alas, full lockdown stopped all activity and closed the Clubhouse.

During the time that hockey was allowed, thanks to some creative thinking and planning by Nick the Club Steward, we were the only Club to offer visiting teams any hospitality in the form of a ‘takeaway service’ from a wooden hut next to the score box.

Now in February Hockey and Rugby leagues have been officially suspended for the rest of the season but the possibility of extending the seasons may allow some friendly matches in May. Plans are in place for Cricket as soon as the Government and ECB lift the restrictions. This cannot come soon enough as although the playing sections finances are under control playing sport is our priority.

The ground is in good shape with Gareth, the grounds man, finishing clearance of the bottom boundary and a full cut back of the top boundary to show the row of Lime trees in full.

The annual accounts for last year have remained healthy despite all the lost income and we are currently on track to break even this year as monthly grants from the Local Authority cover general expenses.

There is lots of activity from the Sporting Bodies to help Clubs prepare for the return to sport. We will need to make some alterations to the Clubhouse to meet Government rules but we can reclaim the costs of any works, for example new stronger extractor fans in the showers.

Clare, the treasurer, has kept the finances in immaculate order and we are sorry that she has indicated her wish to stand down. We are therefore looking for a new treasurer. The club’s finances are well organised but do take some time to manage and as the plan to incorporate the Club progresses we do need a treasurer who ideally has an accountancy background.

If there is anyone out there interested please contact Richard Leonard (leoharrier@gmail.com).

The tractor shed is having some repairs to ensure it stays in shape and is there as a lasting memory to Daryl and Godfrey Harris. We have installed a new electricity supply for the tractor shed and the planned replacement for the Nissen Hut. The supply can also be extended to provide power to the Apogee classroom now situated in the top corner of the ground.

Apogee is a company owned by a Rugby Club member and is an ‘Alternative Education Provider’ for a small number of children who do not fit into the normal school structure. This is an exciting project that is being developed and as soon as the Local Authority has granted the licence we will report fully on the project. The rental income from this will also benefit the Sports Club and upkeep of Failand.

The Rugby Club has obtained several new sponsors and new colourful advertising boards are now along the touchline. This has prompted a review of the signs at the entrance gates and soon new signs in OBs colours with ‘War Memorial Ground’ in prominent wording will be in place.

Photographs will be in the next report with, hopefully, some news of sporting activity.

Richard Leonard

Secretary February 2021 Old Bristolians RFC

The Sports Club are looking for a new treasurer and the Mini and Juniors Rugby will need someone soon. Both of these operations are in top order and have well organised systems. Any interested OB with accountancy on their cv please contact Richard Leonard on 07860390379