22 October 2010

Dear Member/Supporter,

From a general membership perspective, everything in the garden appears to be rosy….fantastic results from every section of our club, record gate attendances on 1st XV matchdays, increased membership and bar revenues, increased rental and hire of facilities, new Ripley’s Bar delivering superb lunches with the help of the Butcher & Grill and a brand new Club Shop thanks to the continuing support of “Serious Stuff”.

Just when most of the boxes seemed to have been ticked, the Clubs central heating system, with the original oil fired boilers, has reached the point where we have no option other than to renew the entire system! After weeks of research, the decision has been taken to award this significant contract to Carshalton Boiler Services who are commencing the work on 1st November. The cost of this work will be in the order of £30.000.

I am absolutely delighted to advise you that our friends and colleagues in the Obolensky Association have agreed to fund a significant proportion of the total cost. The Obolensky Association for those members who don’t know helps the Club where it can in matters that affect the Club’s long term interests. Over the years they have generously contributed to the ground’s safety, clubhouse refurbishment, an enhanced changing block and main gates.

The contactors have requested a deposit of £14.000 which has now been paid. This was made possible by the generosity of a member, on a short term loan basis while we await the Obolensky Association funds to be available to be drawn upon.

Having exhausted the potential of loans or grants from sporting bodies or charities we need to fund the balance and as this is a one off cost not in the club budget we are looking for our membership to help.

As a member and supporter of this great club you can help in 3 ways:-

(i) If you feel like you would like to make a donation to this project please contact me direct on theadairs@btinternet.com or on my mobile 07836351532 or call the club office on 0208 8766044. All contributors will be entered into a specific prize draw where autumn international tickets will be rewarded to the winners.

(ii) You can help the Obolensky Association replenish their funds for future projects of this nature by becoming a member, please see their website www.obolensky.org for details or contact Peter Smith on 01932 224366.

(iii) Support the Obolensky Association by attending their dinner on Wednesday 16th February. The dinner will be held at Rosslyn Park , a famous rugby player will be guest of honour, name to be confirmed nearer the date.

Any help with this project would be greatly appreciated, I look forward to seeing you all at tomorrow’s big game as the 1st XV take on Stourbridge in another fantastic National 1 clash-2.30 pm ko!

Kindest regards,

JOHN ADAIR.
Chairman.