There are, of course, more pressing issues around the country at the moment, but I thought I might update you on where we are and the direction of the Club.

As you know, we implemented quite strong measures that the Board saw fit in the circumstances to reduce our ongoing cost base. Many other clubs are now starting to follow suit as they realise that survival is key.

The Board is regularly discussing the matters arising and the future direction of the Club, but of course it is very hard to put dates and figures on things until we know when we can emerge and the landscape at that time. I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their consistent application towards the Club’s future at a time when their day jobs are also quite challenging.

What we can say is that we have a very much reduced cost base so we can wait and see what happens. There is a plan in place to try to secure grants that will provide a sounder financial platform for when we do come out the other side. Many other clubs have already started to approach their members and ask that they either forward purchase membership and season tickets or to make donations.

We did not want to do that until we were sure of our financial position, which we now are. We appreciate that this is a financially difficult time for all, but we would like to ask if you could make a donation to help us maintain the clubhouse and grounds during a period where we have no money coming in. We have taken the view that it is better to ask for donations rather than a forward purchase of membership and season tickets, as this just creates pressure at a later date. Therefore, we are asking for a donation of what you are able to afford and would like to contribute and we have set a target of £25,000, which would be an average of some £50 a member. By all means if you are able to contribute more, then that would be most welcome.

As mentioned above, the donations would be used for essential maintenance and preparation of the clubhouse etc to give us a flying start and will go some way to replace the many tens of thousands of pounds of revenue lost due to the enforced closure.

As to the shape of rugby next year at first team level, this is a changing picture. One thing for certain is that we will do our utmost to produce a squad that is more than capable of challenging in National League 1 albeit all clubs are accepting that our cost bases must be lowered. We are hopeful that as many of the current squad as possible will be with us next season. We now know the constituent teams and I have been lobbying hard for some regulatory changes that would reduce the burden on all of the National League teams in the dramatically changed economic circumstances the whole country will face. I will keep you updated on this as and when agreement is reached.

On senior and mini and junior rugby, with the help of our volunteers and players we will get out there as soon as circumstances permit.

We have decided that we will continue with our Community programme next season and while most tuition cannot continue at present, we are busy writing bids for grants as the indication is that the various bodies will want to stimulate this type of activity as soon as possible and that would be a good thing to be involved in.

You can make a donation to the Club by clicking here.

We wish you and all of your families well and look forward to seeing you at the Club as soon as we are all able.

Best wishes,

Simon

Simon Vickers
Chairman, Chinnor RFC Thame