After a weather induced lay of over two months, our local football teams were are back in action in late February and what better way to resume hostilities than a Local Derby between Longlevens AFC and Gala Wilton. Both Clubs are competing to become County League champions this season. The “derby” was expected to be a thrilling encounter; however, on the day it was the Longlevens team that rose to the occasion and the match resulted in a resounding 6-0 thrashing of their closest rivals. Craig Martin scored the opening goal, before Brother Brad, a Former Gala Youth player and striker, Shaun O’Connor added 2 more goals each, before a late goal from substitute and Player-Manager James French, completed the rout.
Although, there is a back log of fixtures, and therefore, nothing can be taken for granted, Longlevens, have the added incentive of a place in the Hellenic league if they win the league. They are determined to go all the way!
Gala Wilton too, will not be giving up the title chase, however, for the “neutrals” in the Community, what a tremendous position for these clubs to be in and what a tremendous advertisement for the standard of football being played in the Longlevens.
As we go to press all the Longlevens Men’s teams are enjoying successful seasons too, each team is currently, in the running for promotion either as Champions or as Runners Up.
Further growth of the Youth section continues, with 2 -3 Youth teams being welcomed to Longford lane from the Infants football academy for next season. The Youth section is thriving and with the help of funding from the Gloucester City Council for equipment there is a regular monthly Youth Club Night, which allows both Players and Parents to enjoy a night out in the club house.
The Club is developing strong links with the University of Gloucester through several, separate initiatives which include: Student Coaches assisting with the Youth teams; The players from the University Ladies Team having the option to play for Longlevens Ladies at week- ends and the Longlevens Youth Coaches in conjunction with the University will offer a weekly Football “Mash Up “ event probably at the University Campus. Basically, the “Mash Up” encourages boys and girls, in the 14 -16 years age group, to come along and enjoy an organised “kick about”.
This activity is due to commence after Easter once arrangements are finalised. It is proposed to canvas local schools to take part also.
For more details contact: Dennis Barnsley 01452 611694 or 07880 784596.
Monday, 24 March 2014
Longlevens RFC: Off to Twickenham?
At the Longlevens Rugby Club we have a similar story for the 1st XV team are through to the semi- finals of the National Junior Vase; a competition open to the leading teams, representing each County in England. Longlevens became Gloucestershire County Champions back in October last year and since then they have beaten the representative Club teams from Somerset, Cornwall and Wiltshire to become champions and representatives of the South West Area.
On Easter Saturday, April 19th, the Club is to play away at the London Area champions, Battersea in the semi- final. The match is expected to be an epic encounter with both teams playing for the opportunity to play in the final at Twickenham in May. Over 200 supporters will make the journey, all with the same aim: to see their team reach the Vase final!
The squad has a good blend of youth and experience, and is made up predominantly of players who have progressed through the club’s junior ranks to the senior squad. Of these, there are 6 young players who are in the 17 -19 years of age group; including Team Captain Jed Jones, who leads the team, both by example and authority. Jack Beck, Ross Preedy and Oliver Deacon are tremendous young players, whose fathers have also, represented Longlevens RFC. Club President Rich Yorke has sons Mike and Harrison in the team, whilst in Tom Griffiths; they have an England International at U16 level. These players certainly endorse the success of the clubs Youth policy!
Richard Rudge, the 1st team Player Coach, U14 Coach and Club Chairman has been associated with the rugby club for over 30 years, since joining as a junior at 12 years old. Richard is tremendously proud of their achievement, but he too would love his team to play at Twickenham and allow this team to demonstrate just some of its potential. I’m sure we all (footballers included) wish everyone at Longlevens RFC every success in their Semi Final and hope that they achieve their ambition and reach the Twickenham final.
Finally, how fortunate we are as a community, to have such successful sporting teams in Longlevens. With both Football and Rugby Clubs enjoying success, and demonstrating that they can each provide a platform for all budding players to achieve their full potential within the sport of their choice under the Supervision of Qualified and Experienced coaches.
On Easter Saturday, April 19th, the Club is to play away at the London Area champions, Battersea in the semi- final. The match is expected to be an epic encounter with both teams playing for the opportunity to play in the final at Twickenham in May. Over 200 supporters will make the journey, all with the same aim: to see their team reach the Vase final!
The squad has a good blend of youth and experience, and is made up predominantly of players who have progressed through the club’s junior ranks to the senior squad. Of these, there are 6 young players who are in the 17 -19 years of age group; including Team Captain Jed Jones, who leads the team, both by example and authority. Jack Beck, Ross Preedy and Oliver Deacon are tremendous young players, whose fathers have also, represented Longlevens RFC. Club President Rich Yorke has sons Mike and Harrison in the team, whilst in Tom Griffiths; they have an England International at U16 level. These players certainly endorse the success of the clubs Youth policy!
Richard Rudge, the 1st team Player Coach, U14 Coach and Club Chairman has been associated with the rugby club for over 30 years, since joining as a junior at 12 years old. Richard is tremendously proud of their achievement, but he too would love his team to play at Twickenham and allow this team to demonstrate just some of its potential. I’m sure we all (footballers included) wish everyone at Longlevens RFC every success in their Semi Final and hope that they achieve their ambition and reach the Twickenham final.
Finally, how fortunate we are as a community, to have such successful sporting teams in Longlevens. With both Football and Rugby Clubs enjoying success, and demonstrating that they can each provide a platform for all budding players to achieve their full potential within the sport of their choice under the Supervision of Qualified and Experienced coaches.
Hucclecote Netball Club: A National League Team!
In line with our aim to promote local clubs in our Community, in this edition we focus on the Hucclecote Ladies Netball Club (HNC). The club is unique in that from its humble beginnings as a village team it has developed into an “elite” Netball club now recognised both regionally and nationally, as a Netball hub for any players with the ambition to succeed at Netball.
The club has been in existence for over 30 years and now boasts 7 senior ladies teams, 5 teams for girls from U12 to U16 and for the younger ones between 7 and 10years old Fun games and friendlies are organised.
The 1st team are in the National Premiere League 1 which involves travelling to play teams in London, Bath, Leeds, Oldham and as far away as Hartlepool! The squad are currently in 4th place in the league and expected to finish there with one game to go! They always “hold their own” in what is a very competitive environment. The squad has a blend of youth and experience, including players who have represented their country at International level. These include: Paige Reed, An England U17 player and Rosie Allinson who is the U21 Shooter for England!
Premier First Team Manager and current Chairperson is Sue Wainwright who helped to start the club back in the early 1980’s, she was instrumental in initiating Hucclecote’s success, by encouraging the club to grow and open its doors to the many talented younger players at the club today. Sue and Coach Chrissie Weaver, have a very talented and well organised squad.
In line with the club’s ambition and continuous improvement policy, Chrissie was recruited before the start of this season on the basis she was best equipped to take the club forward. Her previous role as a Welsh Junior Coach gave her the credentials Hucclecote were looking for! Chrissie is from Cardiff and travels each week to attend Coaching sessions in Cheltenham and matches wherever the location may be, whilst being paid travelling expenses only! Apparently, this is typical of the Netball players and officials at the Hucclecote club. Although local players are involved, there are also several players who travel from Cardiff, Bath, Marlborough, Swindon and Worcester to train and play at HNC.
The HNC Youth policy is certainly paying dividends. Weekly training sessions are held at Cheltenham Ladies College as there are no suitable facilities in Gloucester. All age groups are always well attended, as ambitious players and parents devote both time and expense to ensure that these young players get the best coaching and playing opportunities that are available. The junior section is particularly strong with over a 100 players attending the Coaching sessions every week. That is quite a commitment, but it is a standard expected of netball players with the ambition and potential to become Internationals and that in itself epitomises exactly what the Hucclecote Netball Club can offer!
To put this clubs achievements into perspective, consider this: HNC is recognised as a feeder club and stepping stone to the England National Team! The Super League teams of Bath and Loughborough will gladly send players to Hucclecote to gain experience before they move to Super League and England duty! Despite their success in this sport, HNC have considerable expenses to meet each year and without any current sponsorship, self-funding is essential. Players, Coaches and Officials contribute extensively to meet costs of playing, coaching and providing their own personal kit!
HNC, is undoubtedly, a Community treasure, but, does any business in the Gloucestershire area realise what a hidden gem we have in our midst? Perhaps someone may recognise the sponsorship opportunity on offer by HNC, who are already are established in the Top National Netball league, just one level below the Super League which is now being televised on Sky sports! Surely, it cannot be long before the coverage is extended to National Premier League 1 which of course will include HNC.
Before meeting with Sue, I did not realise the status of the Hucclecote Netball Club in the National Netball arena. However, we should all recognise the important role that this club plays in our Community and the high esteem and recognition placed on the club by the National governing body – England Netball.
Finally, potential sponsors, why not take the plunge and contact Sue Wainwright on: 01452 619106 / 07760 491703 to discuss this sponsorship opportunity!
The club has been in existence for over 30 years and now boasts 7 senior ladies teams, 5 teams for girls from U12 to U16 and for the younger ones between 7 and 10years old Fun games and friendlies are organised.
The 1st team are in the National Premiere League 1 which involves travelling to play teams in London, Bath, Leeds, Oldham and as far away as Hartlepool! The squad are currently in 4th place in the league and expected to finish there with one game to go! They always “hold their own” in what is a very competitive environment. The squad has a blend of youth and experience, including players who have represented their country at International level. These include: Paige Reed, An England U17 player and Rosie Allinson who is the U21 Shooter for England!
Premier First Team Manager and current Chairperson is Sue Wainwright who helped to start the club back in the early 1980’s, she was instrumental in initiating Hucclecote’s success, by encouraging the club to grow and open its doors to the many talented younger players at the club today. Sue and Coach Chrissie Weaver, have a very talented and well organised squad.
In line with the club’s ambition and continuous improvement policy, Chrissie was recruited before the start of this season on the basis she was best equipped to take the club forward. Her previous role as a Welsh Junior Coach gave her the credentials Hucclecote were looking for! Chrissie is from Cardiff and travels each week to attend Coaching sessions in Cheltenham and matches wherever the location may be, whilst being paid travelling expenses only! Apparently, this is typical of the Netball players and officials at the Hucclecote club. Although local players are involved, there are also several players who travel from Cardiff, Bath, Marlborough, Swindon and Worcester to train and play at HNC.
The HNC Youth policy is certainly paying dividends. Weekly training sessions are held at Cheltenham Ladies College as there are no suitable facilities in Gloucester. All age groups are always well attended, as ambitious players and parents devote both time and expense to ensure that these young players get the best coaching and playing opportunities that are available. The junior section is particularly strong with over a 100 players attending the Coaching sessions every week. That is quite a commitment, but it is a standard expected of netball players with the ambition and potential to become Internationals and that in itself epitomises exactly what the Hucclecote Netball Club can offer!
To put this clubs achievements into perspective, consider this: HNC is recognised as a feeder club and stepping stone to the England National Team! The Super League teams of Bath and Loughborough will gladly send players to Hucclecote to gain experience before they move to Super League and England duty! Despite their success in this sport, HNC have considerable expenses to meet each year and without any current sponsorship, self-funding is essential. Players, Coaches and Officials contribute extensively to meet costs of playing, coaching and providing their own personal kit!
HNC, is undoubtedly, a Community treasure, but, does any business in the Gloucestershire area realise what a hidden gem we have in our midst? Perhaps someone may recognise the sponsorship opportunity on offer by HNC, who are already are established in the Top National Netball league, just one level below the Super League which is now being televised on Sky sports! Surely, it cannot be long before the coverage is extended to National Premier League 1 which of course will include HNC.
Before meeting with Sue, I did not realise the status of the Hucclecote Netball Club in the National Netball arena. However, we should all recognise the important role that this club plays in our Community and the high esteem and recognition placed on the club by the National governing body – England Netball.
Finally, potential sponsors, why not take the plunge and contact Sue Wainwright on: 01452 619106 / 07760 491703 to discuss this sponsorship opportunity!
Holy Trinity Church: Fund Raising event
Since locating to Longlevens in July last year, the reverend Gwyneth Gibbens , the vicar at the Holy Trinity Parish church has been delighted at the generous contributions, made by her parishioners towards the upkeep of the church. The latest Charity event is planned for Saturday evening 26th April when a Family night is planned in the church hall. There will be professional entertainers in the form of a singing duo: Turquoise Nights and Phoenix, a local belly dancing troupe that will ensure the evening caters for everyone. Peter Braun, Chairman of the Neighbourhood Partnership, is organising this event for the parish and is hoping to add a significant donation to the Church Electrical Fund. So put the date in your diary and contact Peter via the Holy Trinity Church for more details.
Thursday, 23 January 2014
A Comprehensive Business Start-Up Course for Women
Price:
£99.00*
including all materials and tuition
Time:
9.30am to 2.30pm
Date:
Tuesdays only 21st Jan – 18th March
(no session 18th Feb)
Venue: Farmor’s School, The Park, Fairford,
GL7 4JQ
Starting
and running a business takes not just an idea but motivation, time, energy and
skill. This is an opportunity to explore what’s involved and see for yourself
just how easy it can be to set up and run your own business.
If
you have a business idea, a hobby you’d like to make money from, or are simply
wondering if you’ve got what it takes, then this course is for you. In the
company of like-minded women you will learn a great deal, have a lot of fun and
cover topics that include:
·
What is an
Entrepreneur?
·
Why choose
self-employment?
·
What are the
skills and qualities of an entrepreneur?
·
Work-Life-Balance
and your vision of your future.
·
Business
Plans. What are they and who are they for?
·
You as your
best marketing resource and use of social media for business.
·
Managing
paperwork, your finances and what the taxman needs.
This flexible and comprehensive course,
specifically designed for women, will answer your questions, help you risk
assess your ideas and support you in exploring how being self-employed might
work for you. The course runs one-day-a-week over an 8-week period. There is no
session in half term week.
*A new partnership with Adult Education in Gloucestershire allows us to
offer free places to qualifying participants. Please just ask if you think you
might qualify.
For more
information or to book a place
Email: sjm@sjmcoachingandtraining.co.uk or Tel: 01386 701868
Email: sjm@sjmcoachingandtraining.co.uk or Tel: 01386 701868
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
Welcome to Longford!
What a welcome awaited Lewis Gordon has he moved into his new home in Longford from South Gloucestershire. Lewis moved to the Longford Lock Barns off Tewkesbury road on the 2nd January, just as the post-Christmas deluge and storms were about to take hold. Though he had been warned of potential flooding in the area, he quickly realised after parking his car, on that first day that there could be a major problem!
His new and concerned neighbours advised him that he should park his car on the higher ground on the opposite side of the Tewkesbury road if he did not want his car to become submerged! Lewis promptly responded, as the courtyard began to fill up rapidly under the torrential rain which the Courtyard’s single grid could not cope with. He was informed that during the famous floods of 2007 the lower two rooms of his accommodation, the “Chauffer’s Cottage”, had been entirely flooded too. Lewis did not hesitate and moved all his furniture and belongings to the upper floors as a matter of urgency, before deciding to stay with friends for a couple of nights. Fortunately for Lewis, remedial work on the flooring had been completed since 2007, which prevented any water entering the property on this occasion. Nearly a week later as the water started to subside, he was able to start a “normal” existence in his new Longford home. Lewis is very philosophical about the whole episode which he has tagged as an enlightening experience. The photo shows Longford Lock Barns about a week after the deluge still with a water depth of over two feet.
For the residents at the top of the Courtyard there was an eerie feeling of deja vu, as they had not forgotten their experience of the 2007 floods. Brenda Halls from the “Wagon House” remembers vividly how her home, although built at a higher level than the Courtyard, had all the downstairs rooms flooded at a cost of thousands and a great deal of disruption! Whilst her insurance company made full compensation, inevitably the insurance premiums have since become astronomical. On this occasion, although the water did not actually rise above the courtyard wall (approx. 6ft in height), Brenda and her husband could not wade through it to get to their car. The alternative route to the road was a trek through a field at the back of a neighbour’s house!
For the residents of Longford Lock Barns this was considered a “near miss”- the risk of flooding is a constant threat for them, and unfortunately, it is one which they all have to live with.
Flood Defence Success
On a brighter note it was good to see that the flood prevention work completed around Cypress Gardens and Evergreen Walk has had a profound effect. The stream flowing adjacent to Cypress Gardens now has a monitoring mechanism installed which controls the amount of water running through the stream. It is linked to the main reservoir and once a certain water level is reached in the stream, the water entering from the reservoir is significantly reduced to prevent the stream water rising above the banks. It has proved to be a really successful project, for which the Environmental Agency should be highly commended!
There was not a single sand bag in sight on my visit to the area and Patricia Carter a resident of Cypress Gardens, who lives adjacent to Evergreen Walk was delighted with the results. Patricia added that memory of 2007 was now despatched to “history”, for not only have there been tremendous flood defence developments, but the whole quality of life for the local residents had been improved greatly too.
It was also noticeable that a section of fencing, which is about six feet in height, has been erected and strategically placed, adjacent to Evergreen Walk. It appears to provide additional support to the electronically controlled system and forms an integral part of the overall flood defences. Presumably, the barrier would also prevent any egress of water from the stream escaping into the surrounding residences.
When we assess the amount of flooding that has taken place recently in the South West of England, it is worth remembering that we should always be prepared for the unexpected, as both the weather and the seasons become increasingly less predictable.
His new and concerned neighbours advised him that he should park his car on the higher ground on the opposite side of the Tewkesbury road if he did not want his car to become submerged! Lewis promptly responded, as the courtyard began to fill up rapidly under the torrential rain which the Courtyard’s single grid could not cope with. He was informed that during the famous floods of 2007 the lower two rooms of his accommodation, the “Chauffer’s Cottage”, had been entirely flooded too. Lewis did not hesitate and moved all his furniture and belongings to the upper floors as a matter of urgency, before deciding to stay with friends for a couple of nights. Fortunately for Lewis, remedial work on the flooring had been completed since 2007, which prevented any water entering the property on this occasion. Nearly a week later as the water started to subside, he was able to start a “normal” existence in his new Longford home. Lewis is very philosophical about the whole episode which he has tagged as an enlightening experience. The photo shows Longford Lock Barns about a week after the deluge still with a water depth of over two feet.
For the residents at the top of the Courtyard there was an eerie feeling of deja vu, as they had not forgotten their experience of the 2007 floods. Brenda Halls from the “Wagon House” remembers vividly how her home, although built at a higher level than the Courtyard, had all the downstairs rooms flooded at a cost of thousands and a great deal of disruption! Whilst her insurance company made full compensation, inevitably the insurance premiums have since become astronomical. On this occasion, although the water did not actually rise above the courtyard wall (approx. 6ft in height), Brenda and her husband could not wade through it to get to their car. The alternative route to the road was a trek through a field at the back of a neighbour’s house!
For the residents of Longford Lock Barns this was considered a “near miss”- the risk of flooding is a constant threat for them, and unfortunately, it is one which they all have to live with.
Flood Defence Success
On a brighter note it was good to see that the flood prevention work completed around Cypress Gardens and Evergreen Walk has had a profound effect. The stream flowing adjacent to Cypress Gardens now has a monitoring mechanism installed which controls the amount of water running through the stream. It is linked to the main reservoir and once a certain water level is reached in the stream, the water entering from the reservoir is significantly reduced to prevent the stream water rising above the banks. It has proved to be a really successful project, for which the Environmental Agency should be highly commended!
There was not a single sand bag in sight on my visit to the area and Patricia Carter a resident of Cypress Gardens, who lives adjacent to Evergreen Walk was delighted with the results. Patricia added that memory of 2007 was now despatched to “history”, for not only have there been tremendous flood defence developments, but the whole quality of life for the local residents had been improved greatly too.
It was also noticeable that a section of fencing, which is about six feet in height, has been erected and strategically placed, adjacent to Evergreen Walk. It appears to provide additional support to the electronically controlled system and forms an integral part of the overall flood defences. Presumably, the barrier would also prevent any egress of water from the stream escaping into the surrounding residences.
When we assess the amount of flooding that has taken place recently in the South West of England, it is worth remembering that we should always be prepared for the unexpected, as both the weather and the seasons become increasingly less predictable.
Hucclecote Rugby Club – Gloucester’s Leading Amateur Rugby Club
As one of Gloucester’s leading amateur rugby clubs Hucclecote RFC have been established for nearly 50 years.
Originally Founded as Hucclecote Old Boys in 1968, by Tony Wainwright, the club was based at the old Hucclecote School and it was not until the school closed in 1987 that it became HRFC.
From those humble beginnings, the club can now offer rugby to three senior teams, several junior teams, and Mini rugby sessions for infants and a Ladies team. There is, also, a thriving Club House, which provides a social hub for players and supporters alike.
The senior 1st team play in the Gloucestershire Premier League and consistently manage to hold their own against high standards of opposition including Stroud Rugby club, the Gordon League club, and current league leaders Newent RFC.
The Club is delighted to have the former Wales B International Andy Phillips as the Senior coach and is proud of the fact that there are about twelve players aged U21 in the Senior squads, these players have developed through the Junior teams and played rugby at Hucclecote all their lives! More good news for the clubs future is the progress of the current U14 squad who have the potential and quality to continue this development process through to the senior teams.
Junior and Mini Rugby is a Thriving Section of the club! Coach Ray Davies, who has responsibility for all the Junior teams, has between 150 -200 junior players regularly attending the coaching sessions, which are held at the club on Sunday mornings from 10am. There are 10 junior sides, with ages ranging from U6 up to U16. Whilst all the teams are regularly involved in friendly matches and travel around Gloucestershire and the Bristol area to play matches. They also play in the prestigious County Cup, a trophy that everyone in the junior teams would love to win for their club. Currently, most of the teams have an abundance of players; however, the recently formed U16 team cannot yet field a full team and are in urgent need of young players. Therefore, anyone in this age group who has played or wants to play rugby should contact Ray directly, preferably by email on raydavis@blueyonder.co.uk or Tel No: 01452 558915.
Unfortunately, the Ladies Rugby team at this time is also struggling for players, and Coach Nikki Gordon is keen to recruit either new or established players to boost the squad. The team play in the Midland league which provides a very good standard of rugby, and training takes place on Wednesday evenings. So if you are 17 years of age or over and are interested please contact Nikki on 07725 910472, I’m sure she will appreciate your interest.
Chairman / Secretary, Mark Howkins has been linked to the club for about 38 years; during this time he was a regular member of the senior teams. Following retirement from playing, he continued to offer his services to the club in a number of different roles as a Committee member before accepting the Chairmanship, whilst combining the extensive duties as Club Secretary. Anyone who is interested in playing or becoming a club member should initially contact: Mark Howkins on 01452 611864.
Tony Wainwright continues his long standing association with the club as Club President, he is always active; if he is not coaching, refereeing or running the line, then he will be cooking up food for the players after training! Tony’s lasting memory, which to date is the pinnacle of the Club’s achievement was reaching the semi -final of the Pilkington Shield in 1994, when the Club, Tony and his team were robbed of a trip to Twickenham by a missed, last minute penalty, which went narrowly wide of the goal posts!
It is on this solid foundation that the club is formed and judging by the enthusiasm generated by Tony, Mark and their fellow committee members the club will continue to progress as a valuable social asset within the Hucclecote Community.
Originally Founded as Hucclecote Old Boys in 1968, by Tony Wainwright, the club was based at the old Hucclecote School and it was not until the school closed in 1987 that it became HRFC.
From those humble beginnings, the club can now offer rugby to three senior teams, several junior teams, and Mini rugby sessions for infants and a Ladies team. There is, also, a thriving Club House, which provides a social hub for players and supporters alike.
The senior 1st team play in the Gloucestershire Premier League and consistently manage to hold their own against high standards of opposition including Stroud Rugby club, the Gordon League club, and current league leaders Newent RFC.
The Club is delighted to have the former Wales B International Andy Phillips as the Senior coach and is proud of the fact that there are about twelve players aged U21 in the Senior squads, these players have developed through the Junior teams and played rugby at Hucclecote all their lives! More good news for the clubs future is the progress of the current U14 squad who have the potential and quality to continue this development process through to the senior teams.
Junior and Mini Rugby is a Thriving Section of the club! Coach Ray Davies, who has responsibility for all the Junior teams, has between 150 -200 junior players regularly attending the coaching sessions, which are held at the club on Sunday mornings from 10am. There are 10 junior sides, with ages ranging from U6 up to U16. Whilst all the teams are regularly involved in friendly matches and travel around Gloucestershire and the Bristol area to play matches. They also play in the prestigious County Cup, a trophy that everyone in the junior teams would love to win for their club. Currently, most of the teams have an abundance of players; however, the recently formed U16 team cannot yet field a full team and are in urgent need of young players. Therefore, anyone in this age group who has played or wants to play rugby should contact Ray directly, preferably by email on raydavis@blueyonder.co.uk or Tel No: 01452 558915.
Unfortunately, the Ladies Rugby team at this time is also struggling for players, and Coach Nikki Gordon is keen to recruit either new or established players to boost the squad. The team play in the Midland league which provides a very good standard of rugby, and training takes place on Wednesday evenings. So if you are 17 years of age or over and are interested please contact Nikki on 07725 910472, I’m sure she will appreciate your interest.
Chairman / Secretary, Mark Howkins has been linked to the club for about 38 years; during this time he was a regular member of the senior teams. Following retirement from playing, he continued to offer his services to the club in a number of different roles as a Committee member before accepting the Chairmanship, whilst combining the extensive duties as Club Secretary. Anyone who is interested in playing or becoming a club member should initially contact: Mark Howkins on 01452 611864.
Tony Wainwright continues his long standing association with the club as Club President, he is always active; if he is not coaching, refereeing or running the line, then he will be cooking up food for the players after training! Tony’s lasting memory, which to date is the pinnacle of the Club’s achievement was reaching the semi -final of the Pilkington Shield in 1994, when the Club, Tony and his team were robbed of a trip to Twickenham by a missed, last minute penalty, which went narrowly wide of the goal posts!
It is on this solid foundation that the club is formed and judging by the enthusiasm generated by Tony, Mark and their fellow committee members the club will continue to progress as a valuable social asset within the Hucclecote Community.
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