January Newsletter

I am writing to invite you to the club for the annual reunion and also to tell you of some recent changes and some forthcoming events at the club.

Sadly just prior to Christmas, Bruce Williams our Chairman for the last 3 years had to resign for personal reasons. This vacuum has temporarily, but thankfully, been filled by our vice chairman Richard Hopkins. The AGM as normal will have to decide on a successor.

A new look has been given to the coaching set up at TOR with the arrival of Andy Gibbens as head Coach, He joins assistant coach Paul Reed and Andy Quinlan fitness and conditioning coach. Andy arrived just after Christmas and has already made a big difference to the playing side. Please come along and support whenever possible. Di Huggett has also taken over as Clubhouse manager in October and is keen to get more use out of the premises. For bookings contact her direct on 07825134348 or dianehuggy@btinternet.com

We have also started a new website www.pitchero.com/clubs/tor/ which for the time being will run alongside our existing site www.torrfc.co.uk until everything is transferred across.

It may initially look more commercial but is very interactive and easier to update at short notice. Have a look at the site and register as a supporter for updates.

The Annual Reunion this year will be Sat 31st March 2012. The day will take the usual format. Gathering from 1200, Beef Buffet luncheon from 1300, Tor v Gordano in the league from 1430. All former members, players and supporters are welcome. There will be a charge for the meal payable on the day. For those of you that have attended before you will know it is well worth it. We would appreciate an idea of numbers attending if you could please use the reply method on the form attached.

Some of you are already members and for those not already in receipt of their membership card please find it enclosed. A proposal has been made to the committee, which will have to be voted in at the AGM that a Perpetual membership be created. This will apply to 3 membership categories. Playing £45, Non Playing £12 and lady associate £7. The proposal will mean that if someone sets up a standing order of £1 a month, in the case of Non Playing, this will guarantee that individual against any membership increase for the life of the Standing Order. It is anticipated that membership will have a long overdue price rise next season, so becoming a member now is a good way of locking yourself into a set price for life. Obviously being a standing order you can stop it at any time. Paid life membership is still a great deal and is one off. Members can also benefit from keener pricing at the bar, from reduced price clothing and access to member areas on the website. £1 a month from all former members will make us financially secure. The AGM is on the Wed 6th June, when we drink for free all the beers, ciders and lagers left over from the Beer Festival.

There are further ways in which you may wish to support your local rugby club to ensure its survival in these austere times. The 100 club is drawn monthly and costs £1 a month to join with 50% of the takings returned through cash prizes each month. Express interest on attached form.

The PAST PLAYERS ASSOC was started this season as a loose social gathering of past players to get you back into the club. We meet on the second Tuesday of Odd months at the club. Individuals can come along with the knowledge that there will be someone from your generation at the club. The next gathering is Tuesday 13th March at 7.30pm. The last one we had a fun quiz which will be repeated next time, different questions though. Wives/girlfriends welcome.

Easter sees the annual fixture between Tor and Butleigh contesting the Phil Gristock Memorial Trophy. This is on Easter Monday 9th April. Club open from 1200, KO 1430hrs. Come along for a good social afternoon of rugby.

The Annual dinner dance will be held in a marquee at the club on Friday 1st June 2012. Tickets will be available soon from the club. Why not arrange a table of 10. Dancing will be to a live band into the small hours. This will be followed on Sat 2nd and Sun 3rd of June by the 3rd Glastonbury Beer festival. Checkout www.glastonburybeerfestival.co.uk for more information. www.pitchero.com/clubs/tor/ has information on lots of other forthcoming events.

We are always looking for volunteers to help out at the club. We have a general work party at the club on the second Sunday of every month where anyone is welcome to help with general chores from 1100-1300. FREE BEER at 1300 for all helpers. Next is Sun 12th Feb. You may wish to help in other ways. One former player is doing his bit by running the 100 club. Another does his bit by eradicating moles for us. It all helps to reduce work for others and reduce the ever increasing cost of running the club. If you wish to advertise your skills and services on the website we are happy to help. Please let us know your requirements.

Lastly it has become apparent that as time goes by contact details become out of date. Even if you don't want to sign up to anything please complete and return the attached form so I can update our data base. Email is cheaper for the club and you, but if you wish we will still use the postal service. As always if you know someone who may not be on our database please pass this on or contact me with their details.

We look forward to receiving your support in person, financially or both at the club soon.

Kind Regards

Malcolm Dykes, President