Belper RUFC

Message from Gaz Dakin, Club President

Well, here we are again at the start of another Lockdown and even more disruption to the game and club we love. You will no doubt all be aware by now that as a result of the Lockdown, all activity at the club needs to be put back on hold again. We are now back to Stage A of the Community Rugby Roadmap (https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/running-your-club/coronavirus) which equates to a position that BRUFC will be facilitating NO rugby activity until at least the 2^nd December 2020, and the clubhouse will remain closed.

This is most certainly not where we wanted to be, but it is where we are. So, let’s not be down about it though as despite a horrific year for both the club and the sport of rugby as a whole, we have done some great things. I am sure you will have seen the massive improvements to our facilities and how the AGR and Senior sections have resumed COVID Safe Rugby Activity for so many of our members. Credit needs to be given to the brilliant facilitation of this activity which has been led by  some fantastically committed key co-ordinators, but has also required every one of you to help and support our big little club in doing their bit, helping out and ensuring we remain COVID Safe. Rest assured we will resume this activity as soon as it is safe and permitted to do so, but for now we need to do our bit and reduce the risk of transmitting this virus.

In the meantime, the RFU is working to finalise alternative competitions models in place of the cancelled 2020/21 league programme. Participation will be entirely optional and will have no impact on promotion/relegation. They will focus on local cluster leagues and offer a framework for clubs to Return to Play (in some format once the RFU has government approval to do so). Maybe something to look forward to..

Key updates of note

Training for Coaches - All face-to-face RFU Coach and Referee Development Training has now been put back to the New Year. We will update you all when we hear anything new.

MOVEMBER - Some of our Senior players are growing additional facial fur for Movember – if you can, please support by donating at https://movember.com/t/belper-rugby-club?mc=1

Several ladies are doing the '60km in a month' challenge as part of the November fundraising activity.

Funds raised go toward supporting men’s health.

Membership – Whilst we know that activity has been limited so far this season, it is really important that membership fees are paid when due. I don’t need to tell you how important these will be for the club in continuing to facilitate activity, notwithstanding no income generation from the bar or facilities, but still many bills to pay.

Belper Goodies - With Lockdown affecting Shops and businesses – Potters Merchandising Emporium could be a good place to start for some of those little Christmas gifts. https://belper-merch.square.site

We will sign off with an important note. We are all too aware of how difficult Lockdown was last time. You are not alone and we as a family and community led rugby club are here to help. Continue to be active on social media, speak to each other when you can and most of all, do not be afraid to shout up if you need anything. We have a cracking Rugby Family here that would love to help where and if we can because that’s what families are for. We will see you back at Strutt’s very soon.

Yours in Rugby

Gaz

On behalf of the Executive Team