The Main Committee of B&S RFC met on Tuesday evening this week (21st April) by video conference. It was thought beneficial to keep all the members of the club updated on some key items discussed.

The Lockdown Continues

In line with current government guidance, the club will continue to be mothballed as the national lockdown continues. The government extended the measures initially put in place on 23rd March for at least another 3 weeks from 16th April. So, the club will continue to be dormant until the end of the first week of May at the earliest. The committee will continue to review the situation in light of further updated guidance and will communicate this accordingly.

But vital maintenance work continues

Our loyal band of volunteers continue to undertake essential maintenance work and oversight down at Portway, to ensure that the facilities are kept in good order. Thanks to all involved!

We have looked to keep operating costs as low as possible and sought financial support where available

Like all businesses and other organisations, this is a challenging time for the club financially. Our treasurer, assisted by other committee members, has been proactively looking at ways of minimising costs and this has included action with utility providers and other suppliers, such as Fairways, Biffa, BT etc.

We have also had on-going dialogue with the RFU/NMRFU and have followed up on advice and support being given to clubs. This has included actions such as deferring VAT payments, obtaining a business rates refund and investigating other sources of funding available.

Whilst starting to plan for next season

Playing and watching rugby seems a distant pleasure at the moment, but the rugby community in general and B&SRFC in particular are already planning on the assumption that the new season can begin as normal in September this year.

We have applied to re-enter the leagues system and Dr Lou and Clive Chapman are already looking at how we can build on the many positives that came out of the truncated 2019/20 season. The Age Grade Section are also starting to plan for the new season

Off the pitch, we are looking at a number of new initiatives that could support the club, both in terms of footfall and finances, and the 2020/21 season budgetary process has begun.

AGM date put back by two weeks - now 16th June

It was agreed that the Club AGM, pencilled in for 2nd June, would be put back by two weeks to Tuesday 16th June at 7pm. By doing so, the committee felt that there was more chance of being able to stage it physically at Portway.

An agenda and associated papers will be circulated in due course, along with our plans to have videoing conferencing facilitates (Zoom or similar) for those who won’t be able to physically attend for various reasons.

Changes in Personnel

Current Director and Club Treasurer Richard Smith advised the Committee back in mid-January of his intention to step down from all roles at the end of the current season. He is, however, continuing in his current role up until 30th June this year.

With the sad passing of or Club President Mike Norman in February, the club has now two key roles to fill and this will be a particular area of focus for the committee in the coming months.

200 Club continues, with a 6 month “Super Super” draw in prospect

With no 200 Club Draws being able to be made in March & April, Mike Podmore has confirmed that there will be a “Super Super 200 Draw” covering the six-month period March – August 2020 inclusive. This will make for a very healthy prize pot when the draw is made at the end of August/early September (precise date to be confirmed).

The 200 Club will then revert to its monthly cycle for the new season starting in September. Those of you who want to join the 200 Club should contact Mike directly (email mike@lyttelton.plus.com).

More than ever, when things start to go back to normal...

The club continues to be run by a relatively small group of volunteers. When normality returns, the need to extend this cadre will be even greater. Think what you can do to help support YOUR club.

I hope this brief update is useful, but should you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact me or my fellow Main Committee Members.

Please keep safe and well in the meantime.

Kind Regards/COYBs

Jeremy Smith
Membership Secretary
on behalf of the Main Committee, Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Football Club