Taunton RFC: A History (&Present Day Youth Involvement)
Mon, Apr 30th 2018 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Taunton Rugby club
Adrian Couchet, the guest of Johnny Dunk, joined
32 members to hear Jack Matthews (president) and John Wrelton (chair) from
Taunton RFC.
Jack presented a potted history of the club which was founded in 1875 mainly with players from local schools. The first club ground was in Holway moving to Priory Park in 1935.
High and Low lights were the first game against Lisieux in 1957 (an annual fixture for over 50 years), a serious fire which destroyed the clubhouse in 1959, 6 feet of snow on the ground and no rugby for 3 months in 1962, the start of the leagues in 1987 which took away some of the big name fixtures and the change to professionals in 1997.
2001 saw the move to the present ground and facilities in Hyde Lane. Currently there are 1,900 Rugby clubs in England alone - at the end of this season Taunton is ranked 64 which is pretty good for a relatively small town.
John outlined the youth programme which sees 350 youngsters (6 - 16) playing on a Saturday under the guidance of 65 volunteers coaches. They stress 5 core values: Team work, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. Most sections have a waiting list. There is some interest from girls but not enough across the ages to form a team.
Announcements:
Jane Hinton has written thanking the club for the £300 donation to Brain Tumour Research.
Unless you've signed the board - please let Keith Bigwood know asap whether you intend to attend the President's Party.
Ball draw won by David Montgomery (not present) so rolls over to £110.
Next meeting - Breakfast on Weds 9th May - opt in via Rory O'D.
May 14th - Meeting at Oake Manor. International Briefing (Redon and Project).
DR Mike King, SF Brian Kettlewell. Apologies to RA (if possible by Noon Friday though emergencies can still be accommodated until 9 30 Monday).
3 reminders -
If you are inviting a guest, be it personal or for the club, or if a meeting has more than one speaker it is important to notify the person taking apologies so that the correct number of meals can be ordered.
If you are listed as Duty Rotarian or Speaker's Friend it is your personal responsibility to arrange cover if you cannot attend.
At the recent AGM it was stated that committee reports would be posted on the Club website. So far there is one - others can be sent to the Secretary.
Jack presented a potted history of the club which was founded in 1875 mainly with players from local schools. The first club ground was in Holway moving to Priory Park in 1935.
High and Low lights were the first game against Lisieux in 1957 (an annual fixture for over 50 years), a serious fire which destroyed the clubhouse in 1959, 6 feet of snow on the ground and no rugby for 3 months in 1962, the start of the leagues in 1987 which took away some of the big name fixtures and the change to professionals in 1997.
2001 saw the move to the present ground and facilities in Hyde Lane. Currently there are 1,900 Rugby clubs in England alone - at the end of this season Taunton is ranked 64 which is pretty good for a relatively small town.
John outlined the youth programme which sees 350 youngsters (6 - 16) playing on a Saturday under the guidance of 65 volunteers coaches. They stress 5 core values: Team work, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. Most sections have a waiting list. There is some interest from girls but not enough across the ages to form a team.
Announcements:
Jane Hinton has written thanking the club for the £300 donation to Brain Tumour Research.
Unless you've signed the board - please let Keith Bigwood know asap whether you intend to attend the President's Party.
Ball draw won by David Montgomery (not present) so rolls over to £110.
Next meeting - Breakfast on Weds 9th May - opt in via Rory O'D.
May 14th - Meeting at Oake Manor. International Briefing (Redon and Project).
DR Mike King, SF Brian Kettlewell. Apologies to RA (if possible by Noon Friday though emergencies can still be accommodated until 9 30 Monday).
3 reminders -
If you are inviting a guest, be it personal or for the club, or if a meeting has more than one speaker it is important to notify the person taking apologies so that the correct number of meals can be ordered.
If you are listed as Duty Rotarian or Speaker's Friend it is your personal responsibility to arrange cover if you cannot attend.
At the recent AGM it was stated that committee reports would be posted on the Club website. So far there is one - others can be sent to the Secretary.
