Alex was named Club Person of the Year and also received a Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer Recognition Programme certificate from England Rugby, acknowledging his outstanding contribution during what has been an unprecedented season.

Kirsty was awarded the Cyril Perry Shield for Mini & Junior Club Person of the Year, with the honours presented by Club Chairman, Simon Vickers and President, John Ashfield.

Gary Pudwell was awarded Honorary Life Membership for his outstanding contribution to the Club and we will be producing a separate article to reflect that.

Our Club Person of the Year award recognises a Member for their cumulative work in making the Club a better and stronger organisation.

Simon said: “This year we recognise and thank Alex Bond for all that he has achieved and created in his work at Chinnor RFC Thame. Alex was Club Secretary for several years, as well as coaching our Mini and Junior teams. Very recently, he has been instrumental in kick-starting and encouraging a Girls programme which now has more than 40 participants enjoying what the Club offers each week. This initially meant identifying, meeting, and encouraging new coaches and parents to the Club.

“He also led the DIY SOS team during the last lockdown to improve facilities and has also arranged the planting of new trees to improve our environment and still has time to coach the Colts and Girls teams. Plus, there was a real team effort with Julia with the Build a Bench family day and we formally thank them for donating the benches.

“In addition to this, Alex has provided professional support and advice regarding Club improvement plans which we will hear more about later. We have much to thank Alex for and we recognise his work, commitment, and good advice in this award.”

Kirsty started as a first aider in 2016 and has headed up the Mini & Junior first aid group of volunteers over the last three years.

Simon said: “Kirsty has ensured essential equipment and supplies are available and maintained, but importantly has ensured qualifications and standards are up to date. Ironically, she has also twisted a few arms to run courses and make sure we have good representation across the youth section. She has also had to implement COVID first aid protocols quickly and efficiently to protect volunteers and players.

“She follows up personally with the age group she supports, contacting parents and players to check on well-being when we know they’ve had a knock, while encouraging first aiders to do the same to support the community culture we’re developing. She will also be taking a more active role with Club safeguarding next season. Always available, always helpful, and always wearing a pink hat, the Mini & Junior Club Person award goes to Kirsty Johnson.”

Three of our Members were also recognised for their long service, dedicating a combined 44 years to coaching our Mini & Junior players. Thank you, David Cook, Craig Parkin and Alan Burnett.

Special thank yous and acknowledgements were also given to the following:

Amanda Pearce Higgins – Thank you to our Non-Executive Director with responsibility for Community Engagement, Equality and Diversity. Amanda has played an integral role with the return of women’s rugby to the Club and formation of the Kites, as well as supporting our Community Department which is powered by Community Group. Amanda is now moving on and we would like to thank her and wish her all the best in her new role with the MCC.
DIY SOS work group (Families, adults and players from Colts, U15s and Girls age groups) - Thank you for your time during the last lockdown and effort in making improvements to the look, the paving, access and safety of the Club.
Doug Humphries - We would like to thank our COVID officer for stepping up to take responsibility for the safety of our Club, Members, and visitors. He has taken this very seriously and the hard work has certainly paid off with age groups returning, matches being played, small events working well in the marquee and infections kept to a minimum. Doug has had a significant impact on our safe return to the Club.
Fran Ronan – Expertly spearheading the formation of the Kites, with player numbers growing all the time and women’s rugby successfully becoming a strong part of our Club again. Thank you, Fran.
Friday Club - Here every week with an ever-increasing job list, a team of upwards of 20 maintain the Club, mark lines, cut grass, paint the fencing and clubhouse walls plus many other less glamorous jobs. The backbone of the Club – thank you!
Jerry Austen-Smith - During a year with little or no matchdays, Jerry has been a constant link with local businesses and sponsors, and this has been instrumental in keeping our head above water with limited income.
Sean Reid – Sean has done a fantastic job as Membership Secretary, taking the role to another level and putting in place processes which have improved the experience for everyone. As Sean steps down from the role, we would like to thank him for his time and efforts.
Will Brewer - Some people are here everyday. The job of the Club Steward is never dull, add to that COVID then it’s been a unique experience and one that Will Brewer has done with a smile on his face, hard graft and an empathy to Members that has been appreciated.