We have long wished to get more information out to the members regarding the running of the club. Transparency is importantly to all on the Board however finding time to do everything, as always, proves to be a struggle!

This, we hope, will be a monthly short summary of the board meeting and update to members on the big picture around the club. The format and style may be tweaked as we go, so any suggestions or comments are welcome.

At the December 2025 meeting the following was discussed:

• The Men’s rugby section is in rude health. One loss this season to Ryton for the first team however Novos remain top of the league. Three sides are being put out regularly and the mood in the group is high.
• The Ladies 1st team continue to face a challenging season. Whilst wins remain scarce, performances are improving and there is hope relegation can be avoided. The Second team are performing well and mood across the group is good. Various reasons for the challenges were discussed, not least the considerable travel the ladies 1st team face. The Club’s full support was again offered and future plans were discussed.
• The Youth sections both reported good health, although head of sections could not make the meeting. Fund raising to match funds from a grant was discussed and are in hand from the section. All who see opportunities to apply for grants are encouraged to do so, the board will provide information when needed.
• There is now a small ‘pitch marking group’ established to provide a back up / supplement the work done by the Friday crew. This will help keep our costs down and allow money to maintain the pitches themselves.
• The large works to the changing rooms, bar and the installation of the lift are largely finished. The whole Board and Club wish to thank APEX Services for their support and efforts in this. There is some snag issues with the lift, for which we are liaising with the installation company.
• The festive period plans are set, with bar opening hours. We hope to see as many of you as possible at the Jack Bolam memorial inter club game on the 20th, the John Elders memorial game on the 27th and or any of the times the bar is open in particular on New Year’s Day, 1pm - 4pm.
• The bar is in good health. The takings are up, as are profits. The extra selection seems to be going down well. Efforts from various sources are greatly appreciated. Notably the lunches organised before home men’s first team games have gone down very well.
• Overall the Club’s finances have improved considerably over the past 18 months. Whilst we are far from ‘comfortable’ the Club is starting to see An improvement and have made a start on paying off the loans from the NRU Trust. The patience of our suppliers, in particular APEX has been greatly appreciated. Whilst the picture is improved, this is more of a reflection on where the Club was 18 months ago, rather than being in great health now, the next calendar year will remain challenging.
• Whilst the bar has been going well, volunteering behind the bar has been sporadic. Unfortunately we have not seen the uptake we hoped for. To provide certainty, the Club will hire extra staff when needed on busy days. This will naturally hit the, thus far, positive income position. We will continue to ask for and encourage volunteer bar staff, this is important from a financial position but also a club culture point of view.

Should anyone have any queries please do not hesitate to contact anyone on the Board and thank you for your ongoing, membership, support and business!