Agenda of Petersfield RFC AGM7th May 2013 7.30 PM

There were 38 attendees, of whom 23 are current members of Petersfield RFC. These minutes are being circulated by email to all attendees. They will also be posted on the club website and an email sent to all members of the website telling them that the minutes are available.

1. Apologies for absence Simon Blumlein, Louise Weller, Bill White, Ruth Chinnock, Nick Smith, Dave Cosway)

2. Minutes of previous AGM: These were read and approved3. Matters arising; There were no matters arising4. Chairman’s report (Peter Caines)

Chairmans statement 2013

Stuart Barden asked me in 2008 if I would consider being club chairman, doesn’t time fly when you are enjoying yourself!!! However 5 years is long enough and the club needs fresh drive and direction which I feel unable to provide.

Back in 2008 the club faced different challenges mainly concerning the level of debt it inherited from the club house extension. I believe your exec has addressed this by reducing net debt from £177,000 to £105,000 an average of £14,400 for each of the 5 years. In future years when large capital projects need to be undertaken I would suggest the blueprint that Richard Bull established for the new clubhouse in 1988 be a more appropriate model rather than allowing one individual to manage the £470,000 changing room extension yes £470,000!!!!

However we must not dwell on the past and with the preoccupation with debt perhaps I am guilty of not addressing the current playing issues which face the club and in particular the senior section. I am aware of other clubs with similar problems and the levels of commitment and availability have obviously changed over the last decade but that should not be used as an excuse.

This club has grown , thrived and competed at all levels and it should never be forgotten that the clubs success has been built on all the great personalities and hard work of its members.

I would like to take this opportunity of mentioning just some of those individuals I have had the pleasure of working with over the last 5 years. Your outgoing president Paul Martin, your Chairman of Youth Stuart Barden, your club secretary Rob Mocatta, Siggy Golding past treasurer and past and current Directors of rugby Steve Penberthy and Scott Heffield. These individuals and many others have driven this club forward through both good and difficult times with their commitment, enthusiasm and unselfishness.

Sometimes too we are guilty of dwelling on the negatives, a conversation was relayed to me between a Havant supporter and a Petersfield vice president after a recent colts victory down at Havant. The Havant supporter had been associated with his club for 30 years and told the Petersfield VP that he had witnessed one of the best games of rugby he had ever had the privilege of watching at his club!!

Also if any of you were down at the club on Sunday you would have experienced a fantastically organised sevens competition encompassing all the generations played at the highest standard by mainly Petersfield born, bredand coached players. So I would like to end on a positive and upbeat note, Petersfield will continue to provide one of the best if not the best playing environments in the county we should all aim to work together to take this club forward for the next generation so that they too can enjoy all the great positives of playing good rugby with great people who end up being lifelong friends.

Thanks to everyone at the club who has helped and supported me over the last 5 years and to my wife Lucy who helped and supported me throughout and in particular helped me organise three consecutive rugby club balls which raised in excess of £25,000. I wish our new Chairman, President and executive every success in the years to come.

5. Secretary’s report (Rob Mocatta)

Club administration

Executive committee met 11 time – average of 6 attendees. (in line with last year)

2012/3 saw establishment of clubhouse committee and playing committee. Further changes planned for 2013/4

Club communicationi. Club website (www.pitchero.com/clubs/petersfield ) is major communication tool

ii. 580 members (507 last year, 370 in 2011)iii. 43 different administrators (38 last year)iv. Average 71 visitors per day (95 last year, 70 in 2011)v. Average of 308 hits per day

vi. Excellent press coverage organised by PRFC Press Officer Paul Harrington vii. PRFC secretary has actually read club rules this year.

Membership

Season 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 Vice Presidents 69 70 71 70 69 71 73

voluntary donation 36 36 32 35 30

Senior Playing 64 61 57 46 46 49 51

Non playing 78 65 55 74 44 33 45 Honorary (incl students) 3 3 55

Youth 345 385 368 327 347 383 319 Other (women, students, U19 colts) 21 12 0 10 9 6

Total 580 596 571 493 478 506 445

Clubhouse achievements

This year we have:

i. Got the café up and running

ii. Finished the club weights room

iii. Installed pool table

iv. Installed connecting door into roof space to increase storage space

v. Many many thanks to Janine and Gordon Eales

vi. Clubhouse volunteers and maintenance

Café : over £5,200 of income (after staff costs). Particularly popular at both ends of season. Many thanks to Wendy Wilson for running it.

Steady maintenance programme (thanks to Grant Wilson and James Blumlein) with planned improvements to front of clubhouse and storage over the summer (funds permitting)

International tickets

Season 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 Italy 22 6 25 10 53

France 46 53 71 4 92

Scotland 47 0 82 2 59

Wales 6 61 4 55 2

Ireland 12 56 2 55 7

New Zealand 54 89 117 107

Australia 44 63 67 69

South Africa 54 67 117

Total 285 328 435 126 522

Discipline

Excellent season for discipline throughout PRFC. No senior players red carded. One club member banned from PRFC.

Discipline committee met once for a colt who was banned for a month.

Summer activity

PRFC ran summer “turn up and touch” again last summer for12 weeks open to all from U13 up

Average of 30 players – 87 different players in total, (comparable 2011 was 100 players and average of 40)

Repeated this year. Wednesday nights from 7 to 8.15. Café will be open

Car boot sale May 19th

Considerable no. of summer bookings for clubhouse

6. Treasurer’s report (Trevor Wilcock)

Pre amble

• PRFC Regulated by FSA

• No Requirement for an audit, instead an Accountants Report

• 7 Accounts (part of Cox Manning) provided 2012 accountants report and have been engaged for 2013

• Signed 2012 and Draft 2013 accounts have been made available

P& LNotes 2013 2012

£ £

Turnover 71,620 65,857

Cost of sales (54,791) (47,035)

Gross profit 16,829 18,822

Administrative expenses (74,984) (87,641)Other operating income 66,215 70,344

Operating profit 2 8,060 1,525

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 8,060 1,525

Tax on profit on ordinary activities - -

Profit for the financial year 8,060 1,525

Debt Repayment for the Year 10,000 2,500

Cash & Loans

• The club refinanced in Jan 2012, consolidating into a single loan with the RFF and topping it up to £100k. Interest free to be paid over 10 years.

Loans as at 31/3/08 31/12/11 31/3/12 31/3/13£154K £78.7K £97.5K £87.5K

• Cash flow continues to be an issue with the club avoiding the need for an overdraft via the use of members loans and lenient creditors

At Cash in bank and in hand Members loans and lenient creditors

31/3/13 £9.42K £11.5K

How much does it costs to run the club

2013 2012 £ £

Administrative expensesPlaying costs 14,774 25,470Club house costs: 43,945 45,529General expenses: 15,426 15,003Finance costs: 839 1,639

Totals 74,984 87,641

Where does the money come from

2013 2012 £ £

Operating incomeSubscriptions & donations 42,169 40,644Workshops & tournaments (net) 711 790Grants & RFU funding 1,764 910Sponsorship 7,326 13,588Advertising and other income 11,794 9,093Social events, net (2,312) 1,334Development Fund release 269 269Clubhouse Extension fund release 1,125 1,125Capital 2012 projects fund release 3,369 2,590Interest Income - 1

Sub Total 66,215 70,344Bar, catering and events 16,829 18,822Total 83,044 89,166

Getting more income (Commercial committee) - 1

• Commercial committee looking at opportunities

• Sponsorship offerings being developed as basis for discussions.

• Main Sponsorship – One signed, two more in the pipeline

• Hand Book and Program Advertising

• Team Position Sponsorship

• Make more of the lunches - New themes to involve more people – and spread the load

Getting more income (Commercial committee) - 2

• Membership Card will be re-introduced with discounts at a number of local outlets, restaurants etc. - A Notice Board in the cafe and upstairs will be updated as to the details of the offers available.

• A Youth Parent has kindly volunteered to act as Grants' Coordinator, seeking grants from all sources

• Use the “Charitable status ” advantages

• Fund raising option only used for 1 or 2 events in the past – We can designate 12 – First will be the Ball in June

• Taxable versus tax free income

7. Director of Rugby’s report (Scott Heffield)(based on notes taken by PRFC secretary)

This was a season of transition with a significant number of players appearing in the first team. The 2nd and 3rd XVs merged in the latter part of the season, and we had over 20 Colts play senior rugby.

The 2nd XV’s playing record was very strong after Christmas, but the 1st XV managed only 2 wins and 2 draws. It is likely that we will be in Hampshire II next season.

Many thanks to all those who helped coach and manage and run the teams: notably Ali Butcher, Julian Blanks, Rupert Kellie and Jon Walker.

There will be new captains and Vice Captains for next season, but the coaching staff will remain in place.

8. Youth Report (Stuart Barden)

PETERSFIELD RFC – MINI & YOUTH REPORTS 2012/13 SEASON

U6s

Over the  2012/2013 season we’ve had over fifty different children aged 4 and up turn up and most weeks there are around thirty turning out whatever the weather – and we’ve certainly had some weather! We have introduced the 'rules' of the group which are part of the rugby code about learning teamwork and respect for both team mates and officials/coaches – listening, working together and above all having fun.

We have introduced a variety of skills such as warm ups and drills, handling and passing, evasion and support play through various games. We also had time to run a mini Olympics and take part in the Fun Run. We enjoyed our end of season party on 28th April which all the players received a medal for their participation. 20 of the group and their parents will also be attending a camping trip at the Bear Grylls camp at the end of May.

U7s

The 2012/2013 season threw in a mix bag for the under-7s. With 30 children to coach (all of mixed ability) our coaches did a stellar job ensuring that every child’s needs were met.

Coaching was divided into two groups – emerging and developed players so that no-one felt left out and in doing so, by the end of the season quite a few of our emerging players moved into the developed players squad, making the squad even stronger.

Like many other teams, training, matches and tournaments were hampered by the weather but this did not deter the boys. We took on every tournament with great gusto and the boys did Petersfield Rugby Club proud and brought three new pieces of silverware back to the Club.

Etihad Cup – through to the quarter finalsPetersfield Round Robin – WonOverton Emerging Spring Festival – Won

Vectis Tournament – Winners of the Plate

U8s

It has been a difficult season for many reasons, nearly all the tournaments we were entered into were either cancelled due to bad weather or we were thrown out at the last minute.

Many of the boys, having done 3 years of tag, didn’t enjoy doing yet another year. Bring on contact was the recurring theme. I’m sure the RFU could look at this transition year and make it a bit more interesting.

We did have some success at the tournaments that we did go to, we ended up as finalists at the Etihad cup at Harlequins and had a most enjoyable day out at Vectis on the Isle of Wight, finishing semi-finalists in the plate.

This was my 4th year as a manager and have enjoyed the role immensely, unfortunately, as you may or not know, my family and I are moving to Seattle in July and I am standing down. Worry not, I have a very good replacement in Matthew Elsom, who I’m sure will carry on the good work.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful coaches for all their hard work and patience, Craig, Stuart and Dan. Thanks also go to the understanding parents and the mostly enthusiastic kids, who, I have witnessed growing up in so many ways into really nice lads.

Special thanks go to all the other managers, who have been a great help, but the biggest thanks must go to Stuart, as without him I’m pretty sure the rugby club would be in a far worse state.

It’s been great being involved in such a fantastic club and I, Jack, Max and Nickie will miss our Sunday mornings playing and talking bollox. Soon to be replaced by little league, ice hockey and American football, oh joy!

U9s

The Mighty Under 9s had a fantastic season and made a seamless transition from tag rugby to the world of contact rugby. With a squad of 35 and an average of 25 children attending training every week the boys have developed brilliantly during the year working on the basics of tackling, straight running, support running, using the width of the pitch - letting the ball do the work and teamwork. The key objective remains that the kids enjoy

their rugby and we have worked hard to try and be inclusive and ensure all the players had a chance to play in the limited tournaments and games we played. The main problem this year has been the lack of competitive matches. `The weather hampered a number of tournaments including the Hampshire cup, but we also suffering due to other sides playing different rules (including the Etihad Cup), tournaments where our entry was cancelled and

other teams letting us down. This was an issue this year and something we are keen to address next season.

Where we did enter tournaments, we made the main semi finals in both at the IOW and also Pulborough. We also managed to play an exhibition match at half time on the main pitch at London Irish.

The Under 9s have built a strong squad with a a great team spirit and a great coaching team of 7 and we enter the next season as Under 10s with great optimism. A huge thanks to Grant the manager, the excellent coaching team, all the boys and the very supportive parents from the mighty Under 9s……

U10s

Another year of contact for the 10's and the introduction of the ruck and maul brought out the best in our small but committed squad.

We held our own in each match we played and from early in the season opposition teams noted how strong we were. 

The boys handled playing original rules well at the Etihad matches and enjoyed playing in positions. Again they played well against strong opposition. 

A shortage of competitions due to weather meant the squad were not tested as much as we would have liked. We especially missed the County competition but we were in the enviable  position of being able to field any of our team to produce a strong squad. We did however take the opportunity to play a curtain raiser touch game against USP on the First Team United Services pitch. The boys enjoyed the match and the  sausage and chips that followed as well as the goody bag. Some of the hardier parents and players even braved the cold to watch the Royal Navy beat the French Navy.

Once again the unwavering support of parents in staying to watch, helping out each weekend and at fixtures and communicating well led to a fun and stress free season, although a very muddy one!

This season marks the end of my 5 years managing this age group as I hand over to the very capable and well trained John leaving me with more time to fulfill my other club and County roles. 

U11s

It has been an eventful season for the U11’s, with our squad numbers remaining fairly steady- one or two losses to out of county sides who are not participating in the Pilot Scheme, but conversely one or two new members have joined us too. The dads that stepped forward to help at the end of last year have continued to assist with the boys’ coaching, and this has paid dividends in the progress made this season. Coaching has been more cohesive and structured as a result and enabled the coaches to tailor make sessions to play to the boy’s strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that all abilities are catered for and new skills are honed. We started the season with lots of new training kit provided by these parents kind sponsorship, and a new identity as the Griffins, to engender a sense of team spirit amongst the boys.

In terms of results, it has been a mixed bag, we have had little in the way of successes- we did however get through to the final in the Vase at the Isle of Wight, but losing spectacularly in the final, to come home with the runners up medals. The boys had though probably played their best rugby of the season so there was no shame in defeat! We have hosted the wettest, muddiest round robin tournament ever, which, whilst not producing any wins, was fantastic for team spirit, and appreciated by visiting teams, who marvelled at our determination to continue despite the weather!

We hosted the County Tournament for U11’s and I must thank all parents who came and helped on the day- a whole team effort produced a fantastic day, and thanks came from many of the participating teams. Needless to

say Trojans walked away victorious!

We have had some fun joint training sessions- both at home and away , producing a competitive edge to training- Portsmouth joined us several times as their own pitches were water logged and unplayable, and I think our lads learnt some new words as a result!!! At times the boys have been dispirited, as have some parents- with the pilot rules causing continued consternation amongst many.

This year we have made the conscious decision to only play out of county sides, if they play our rules, and have avoided playing to the old rules, to try to alleviate the problems of last season. This I think has been the right thing to do for maintaining confidence levels both for the

boys and the coaches.

Next season, we will continue under the Pilot scheme, and whatever challenges that may bring, but the coaches are more experienced, and qualified( or getting there) and this will hopefully reflect in the quality and standard of the rugby we anticipate the boys playing.

U12s

It has been a season of finding ourselves as the U12’s finish their involvement with midi rugby.

Starting the season with a massive high and a 14 – try win against Gosport, the season has had its peaks and troughs as players have found their own positions.

The spirit has however stayed very strong and The County finals proved a watershed as we came home without losing a game, going out on try count-back to Andover.

Throughout the season the players have raised their game and the fun element has remained, culminating in the disco dancing competition in

the IOW (what a sight!!) followed by winning the Vase Trophy the following day with a fine win over US Portsmouth.

We can do it … we just need to believe!

U13s

Petersfield U13s have had an excellent season. Really the only thing missing from it is a piece of silverware. We finished 4th in the Hampshire Bowl

Played: 17  Won: 11  Lost: 6

Points for: 537     Points Against: 373  Tries scored: 89

Coaches Player: Archie White Players Player: Joe Keohane  Best Newcomer: Rowan Mackintosh King   Most Improved: Spin Glancy

It has been a very successful team. The success built on the speed and

fitness of the forwards and the passing flare and pace of the backs.

Notable wins over both Portsmouth and US Portsmouth and a comprehensive ‘Mullering’ of Winchester.Only Farnborough, Havant, Trojans and Andover beat us (the last three of these were close).Will Glancy and Jeremy Kay have done a great coaching job this year.

U14s

It is no secret that the U14’s had collapsed as an age group at the beginning of the season. With a new setup, and much hard work from the Coaching Management Team (CMT), and with a rebuilt new squad, we now have 21 players at the close of this season.

We have had two great coaches join the team in Wayne and Fletty, and we have taken on and developed lads both completely new to rugby as well more experienced players. With reduced numbers initially we set up a special joint training alliance with Haslemere, ran double mid-week sessions, assisted in some school workshops, and fostered relationships with other clubs to share players and / or play reduced numbers. This enabled us to compete throughout the Cup competition and also play nearly a dozen Friendly matches. We have also competed in our first 7’s and

10’s competitions (wining trophies) and had our first Tour away !

Under the circumstances and as an emerging team the lads have done extremely well; Whilst we can not realistically take on and beat the ‘A’ teams from very large clubs just yet, we have often beaten ‘B’ standard teams and sometimes ‘A/B’ teams. The very respectable placing at the tour festival and recent Bowl and Shield wins, providing back to back trophies, reflects a growing confidence and skill base. Moreover there is now a

great team spirt and ethos in the squad, with each boy participating, demonstrating commitment, and a willingness to work for each other, and morale is at an all time high. Most importantly the boys are having fun, and hopefully we can carry this momentum through to next year.

Our CMT (Wayne, Fletty, David M, Paul W, Tim & Wendy, & Gerry) would like to thank the club, and Stuart in particular, for their support.

U15s

Played 9 Won 2 Draw 2 Lost 5

For 149 Against 248

The raw statistics do not tell the true story of the season. Apart from an initial heavy loss in a friendly game, we had 8 very competitive fixtures, and although we lost 4 of these, we competed well in all four of these games. It was a year of steady improvement for the U15s. The first few months of the season were a struggle to get enough boys for a competitive fixture, but the combination of new recruits and returning players increased numbers. This led to better quality training, improved morale and rising standards of play. We ended up with 23 paid up players and had 26 different players attend training. The most pleasing feature of the season is that we

did not lose a single player to another club. The highlights were good wins over Farnborough and Fordingbridge, and the two very tight draws against Tottonians and Alton B. Many thanks to coaches Martin and Rob, and a loyal and supportive group of parents.

U16s

The U16’s have had a mixed season, with only 17 boys regularly turning out most weeks. This season, Hampshire went back to a Cup Competition and after playing most of our games with only 15 players on the park, we finished the season strongly winning the Plate Play off Final.

I would like to thank our amazing Coaches Carl Forbes and Dan Oostie (with help from Nick Norman and Mark Butcher), who kept the boys enthusiasm and passion for playing rugby throughout the tough season. Thanks also to Scott Heffield, Tony Barnes and Derek White, who encouraged the boys that trained on a Tuesday night and to Janine, Gordon, Hendo and team for their fantastic efforts in the clubhouse. Roll on next

season, a new adventure for the boys – COLTS!!!!

Petersfield RFC Colts (U19s) - 2012/13 season review.

Having built on last seasons achievements, Petersfield Colts have had another successful season and delivered against all our pre-season targets;

· Provide Inclusive access to Colts Rugby through “Game-time” for any eligible player whatever ability, through use of the “Mustangs”. (Colts 2nd team)

· Build on the previous season’s league position to reinforce our position as one of Hampshire’s finest Colts teams.

· Develop and encourage Colts player integration to the Senior set-upThe Hampshire Colts league has a total of 26 teams split over 3 divisions. Our Colts finished in third position behind Havant and Jersey in Division One. Outside of the League we had notable victories in the National competitions against Sidcup and also Chipstead but were finally felled by a very strong Brighton outfit. The core of the team remained fairly constant with all three age groups represented (U17,U18 & U19). Performances peaked in the second half of the season with pleasing triumphs over old foes Winchester, Trojans as well as the ultimate League winners Havant.

Our Mustangs competed in Division three and finished in a mid-table league position having competed with the likes of Fawley, Gosport & Fareham and Eastleigh. The team struggled at times for numbers but spirit was always good and we managed to fulfil thirteen fixtures over the season.

We have enjoyed a repeat of last seasons efforts with regards to Colts to Senior conversion. Around 20 colts have represented the senior section during the season, some of them being regulars and clocking up over 10 games each, this as well as having 10 Colts players making 1st team appearances.

Senior Appearances - Toby Sydenham, Jack Glancy, Seb Tuff, Fraser Patience, Eryn Eales, Mike Robbins, Josh Hasslett, Aaron Cartwright, Dan Groves, Jack Lumbard, Jake Renwick, Max Kemp, Jamie McKay, Stu Ireland, Mike Voller, Barny Martin, Freddie McGuiness, Matt Lewis, Ben Wakefield, Kieran Harrington, Dan Dryden, Mike Dryden, Tom Briggs. *Bold Indicates 1st Team appearance.

The only real disappointment was the lack of numbers attending Training which eventually dropped to single figures with no distinct reason, though A-level exams / revision seemed to be the catalyst for the final demise.

Looking ahead to next season, on top of the changes in the Colts coaching positions, we will face further challenges. We have potential changes to the league that may see it become an U18 format; also we expect the lowest numbers transferring to Colts from U16 for some years. Singularly, either will likely see the demise of the short lived but very successful Mustangs...

Andy Patience.

Stu Barden’s AGM Speech 2013

Since Last year

Successful Youth Presentation in June – it was excellent and many Thanks to the Managers for their presentations

Another fantastic Workshop – Thanks to James Blumlein

A Massive – Record U6 Intake – Big Hand to Ruth Chinnock and Derek Eldridge for all her organising

One very successful and ….. One very wet Round Robin Tournament

Hampshire Festivals:

Mixed bag County Mini Tournament as the majority were completely washed out The U11’s and U12’s acquitted themselves well – with the U12’s not losing a game, but going out on try

count back – gutting let me tell you! The U13’s & U15’s were beaten semi-finalists in their respective cups U14 were beaten finalists U16’s winning a close fought Plate Final here against Portsmouth

On top of this U7’s, U8’s U10’s & U12’s all reached the finals of the Etihad Cup at Harlequins – a very good day after a poor knock out round

We cemented our relationship with Harlequins by running a Training Camp in February – as it transpired the biggest they have run outside of the Stoop – something we intend to repeat next season

While the weather did not help we attended as a club, Overton, London Irish Pulborough and the IOW Festivals as well as regular club games

On top of this we hosted a very successful Hampshire U11

On top of this the mini section undertook a Fun Run to raise money for the clubhouse

And Yes further on top of this… we took 100 Kids back to the IOW ….and it didn’t rain!

Great weekend had by all

Ladies & Gentlemen What a season!! … and again I have to say - do these kids have a good time or what!

None of this would have been possible without such a great group of Team Managers

Stand up – clap!

Without the Time and effort they put in week in week out come rain – and allot of rain at time ..and the odd bit of sunshine - we would be nowhere!

The Kids of course would not be playing rugby if it wasn’t for the dedicated team of coaches at each age group.

We are very lucky to have over 50 Dad’s give up their time not only on a Sunday …..but to attend courses and plan their sessions.

Something we intend to build on next season as Jeremy Sweeney and Simon Kelson take over the vacant mantle of coaching development – so expect more information and courses here in the future

This end of this season sees a few changes in personnel

We welcomed earlier this year – Louise Weller as the membership secretary – doing a first class job and has agreed to stay on next year

We sadly say a fond farewell to Nick Smith aka Mr Grumpy (although he has been happier lately) as he departs for Seattle

And we welcome Matthew Elson to Manage next year’s U9’s

Wendy Eves is also stepping down as the U11’s Manager and her wizard apprentice John Valentine is taking over

We also Welcome Jeremy Sweeney and Simon Kelson to the Coaching Development Role – so watch this space for training and input for all coaches going forward.

Thank You’s

· Tony Strickland – Pitch marking (bottle of Wine)· Clive Waller – coordinating refereeing (bottle of wine)· Dave Alexander – for his years of work as the Match Secretary and pitch coordinator – Dave is

leaving us to take up a role in Government with UKIP – so we wish him well· Paul Harrington for his Secretarial duties and his work with the Press and the Colts (bottle of wine)· Wendy & Tim – for all her efforts on top of managing the U10’s - Safeguarding, First Aid, Shop

sales … organising us full stop – (Guinness)· Wendy Wilson for her tireless work in café all season – now very much a jewel in the club crown

(flowers)

And for me a big thanks to two people who have made a massive different to this club this season.

They have worked tirelessly to clean it, sort it out, and be so very pro-active in supporting us as a section

· Janine & Gordon (Flowers & Southern Comfort)

And from me a special thank you for their help to James, Ben, Julia, Kevin and Matt Land for their efforts at the Pub 7’s last Sunday..

The Andy Millar Award .. an award to somebody in the Youth section who has out in outstanding work throughout the season

This year has seen some big nominations.

A massive shift in from Wendy Eves – U10’s manager, Safeguarding officer, Shop Sorter outer, First Aid – outside of looking after her family

Ben Chads – a huge effort in trying to sort out fixtures and festivals with weather and clubs playing havoc

Anne James and Ruth Chinnock have both put in lots of hours over their team managers roles in sorting out Festivals and Tours

But this year’s award goes to somebody who has stepped into the breach of a team that at the start of the year was down to seven players.

He has brought in some others to help, worked with another clubs team also in a bit of bother, communicated, hassles, cajoled and put his age group back on the map ending the season in a County Cup Final, a Tour to Bournemouth and a squad of 21.

The Andy Millar Trophy This year is awarded to Gerry Devlin

9. Election of officersThe club elected a new President, Clive Waller. The Honorary Secretary and the Honorary Treasurer were re-elected.

10. Election of Vice PresidentsThree new Vice Presidents were elected:

Steve Dryden

Will Glancy

George Rees

11. Any other business

The departing President (Paul Martin) made a short speech of thanks to all al the club, and he emphasied how much he had enjoyed being the President of the club, which he saw as one of “Hampshire’s finest”.

There were presentations to both the outgoing Chairman and President. There were also gifts of thanks to Luch Caines and Jill Martin (the latter in absentia).

Incoming chairman Stuart Barden made a presentation:

In 1980 – Margaret Thatcher was prime minister, Blondie was number 1 in the charts, Fame & Dallas the most watched TV programs, The Shining was released and there was no internet – how did a child live!

Jim Scoular – captain of Petersfield RFC and my school sports teacher, brought a gang of 13 years olds to Petersfied RFC from the other side of the hill … Horndean comprehensive –I met Rapley, Cuthy, Stubby and a few other faces who have been very much part of my life ever since.

33 years later, with a number of broken fingers, a shot liver, blown ears, having undergone knee & shoulder surgery and more aches and pains than I care to think about – I look back on that day as a kind of child abuse!

In those 33 years I have been to quite a few AGMs and watched a number of Chairmen be elected.

All good men, all wanting to make a difference, all trusted to run the club and improve it – I hope today ladies and gentlemen I don’t let you down

In the last decade I have seen Cliff Fairley stand up and ask for all your support, I have seen John Hartwig state what an honour it was to be chair and 5 years ago I watched as Peter Caines stand up and give a follow me once more into the breach speech.

For those of you who know me, certainly who have been in a changing room with me prior to a big game or recently involved with the youth committee will know that my inspirational speeches actually leave a lot to be desired:

given this, I thought tonight I would try and talk you through the things I think are important to the club at this time, things I think we should we should take on as a club – and I hope to do it with the use of an acronym that has certainly galvanised my age group this year.

F

Focus –

· focus as in define what we want/ where we want to be and put efforts into getting there.· tell everyone – what the targets are and how we aim to achieve them· lack of communication generally leads to frustration – so lets all talk about what we are doing

Fun –

· we are all volunteers – we need to make sure that we are enjoying what we are doing, we need to make sure we are creating a fun environment for people to be involved in, if we do – more people will want to be involved and right now I feel it is about getting people into this clubhouse, to play, to drink, to have a good time and want to be involved with the club

A

a-plan

· –(tenuous) – however if we have a plan and we all know what is going on, then there is more chance of that plan succeeding

T

team –

· the one thing that playing rugby does teach you – it is a team game and for me it is the same off of the pitch

· we do need the backs… it is true – the same way we do need all the elements that make this club and it is only by working together will be succeed

A

this year stands for academy –

· a group we are forming made up of u14’s/ 15’s & 16’s – providing them with high level core skills coaching, trying to improve them as rugby players for their sunday teams.

· it is not at all elitist – however, the rules set will be strong and the players need to buy in.· in return we intend to provide them with their own kit and feed them when they train.· the sessions will also be used to invite specialist coaches down to the club to train the kids and

provide coaching development opportunities.· Stevie P will be anchoring, working with the age group coaches and bringing in external coaches he

knows.· we have also approached Harlequins to provide us with players and coaches for a number of sessions · this is something new we are trying, to try and install rugby values into the kids such that their

transition into colts is easier

R

rugby –

· the reason we are here.· I think sometimes we get a bit caught up in things off the pitch and I think it is important that the

things off the pitch are there to enhance and support the actual playing of the games – for all ages

S

senior rugby –

· has not gone to plan in recent years, drop off from 4 to two teams, compounded by relegation to hampshire 2.

how are we going to address this!

· it starts with unity – all singing from the same hymn sheet, all on the same Petersfield side wanting to play for the club.

· to do this we need strong leaders and I am pleased to say that a number of people have stood up to be counted for next season

· Gareth Crane will be the 1st xv skipper· Ben Hooper and Jamie Williams have put their hands up to run the second team· Jon Walker will be looking to run a third team – enhanced by a vets fixture once per month.· around them a number of players have put the hats in the ring to help with the running of the teams-

so it is not down to one person having to put in lots of effort· Andy Patience is joining the coaching team to be headed up by Scott and involving Derek White,

Tony Barnes and Derek Eldridge· there is not one thing to fix and it will all be ok – there are lots of little things and this will take time.· it starts with unity, it involves players standing up and bringing in other players/ mates/ anybody they

can drag off of the street/ ensuring all the colts are playing/ ensuring everyone who is available is contacted and gets a game

· nobody gets away!· it also involves setting up an environment where players want to be here, playing and part of the club

– together · having just been on tour to Cheltenham (and survived) and having just seen one of the best pub 7’s

with lots of our players – the spirit of rugby football is definitely in Petersfield, its just gone a bit off track, something we intend to address next season

S

sponsorship

· for next season we have put together half a dozen people who are keen to work to attract sponsorship top the club in a joined up way.

· Trevor touched on a few things earlier and we are at a stage of defining what we as a club have to offer potential sponsors, once derived, we will be looking to use all avenues to try to attract sponsorship, money, components, good will into the club whilst making the sponsor feel part of the club

· watch this space!

E

enjoyment – as I have already said, we are all volunteers – we need to be enjoying what we are doing – let’s not loose sight of that

so ladies and gentlemen, I give you the base block, the very foundation of the Barden tenure as chairman – I give you FATARSE!

from my perspective,

· whether it be getting more kids and adults to play rugby, · getting the clubhouse used more, · coaching & player devlopment, · increase the bar takings, · making the pitches better, · obtaining more sponsors, · making the 1st xv soponsored lunches the social event not to be missed, · strengthening our links with the community· going on tour, · improving the clubhouse, · getting more people to come to Petersfield RFC – have a great time and want to be part of this club

there is - a huge amount to do

but I do feel that with …a plan we all buy into…everyone pulling as one club in the same direction …and with a fatarse…here is nothing we can’t achieve

There were several questions from the floor, notably from Jon Walker and Paul Harrington, but much of the information was answered in one of these presentations.