Members were welcomed to the Club’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 11 June 2025. Minutes of the previous AGM on 19 June 2024 were unanimously approved without correction or any questions.

A report on the activities across all sections in the preceding year was given by Club Chair, Sarah Tunstall, including: Senior Men having recruited a new coach and actively campaigning for new players. The Colts now have a dedicated Coach and improved connection to the Senior squad – five Colts made their debuts either in Blues or Stags games. Both Senior Women’s teams had a great season, supported by a growth in player numbers and only just missed out on top spots in their respective leagues.

Junior Boys had a successful season with growing numbers; and the Girls section, clustered with Didcot, continues to develop. The Minis are joined by new players throughout the season and enjoy fun times on Sunday mornings; and good results at festivals; culminating with our own, which the Women helped out with as Referees and cake baking. With the “Bulldogs” Veterans playing on Friday nights; and Touch and Walking rugby all year round, there always is some sort of rugby available to all our members.

Looking ahead, future plans include a new container for storage of training kit at the top pitches; improving communications; and social events in the summer during the Lions Test and Women’s World Cup. Longer term, investment in a pitch irrigation system; and reconfiguration of the Changing rooms are being considered. Finally, the Club’s Centenary is coming up in 2028 and volunteers to help with organisation of the celebrations are needed. (**)

Peter Lambert, Treasurer, presented an update on the financial position with continuing targets of generating cash to cover Capex; and making a Profit to enable investment back into Rugby - Membership fees and kit costs are being held at 2024/25 prices; and kit provided for Coaches. Also improving the Clubhouse and facilities, eg installation of LED Floodlights; Solar panels; and climate control in the Wickens Suite. Refurbishment of the Ladies and Gents toilets and redecoration in the Clubhouse with new flooring throughout the ground floor.

Regarding the Elections, Secretary Christine Morrell explained that they were being conducted under the existing structure in the ‘old’ rules with the Officers, executive Committee and Trustees, as well as the President and Vice President. The majority of current office holders were staying on and there were a couple of new nominations. In a series of votes, Members unanimously approved the (re-)election of:

Officers - Sarah Tunstall as Chair; Christine Morrell as Secretary; and Peter Lambert as Treasurer.

Committee - Brian Trott (Men’s Chair); Nicki Gray (Women’s Chair); Neil Lockhart (Juniors Chair); (Simon Best (Minis Chair); James McCarthy (Vets and Touch); Lauren Price-Richards; and Ross Smitheman (Coaching coordinator). There are some remaining vacancies which can be filled by co-option.

President - Trevor Coles. Vice President - David Jones had stood down and as there was no new nomination, the position will remain vacant until an election at a Members’ General Meeting (co-option to this role is not permitted).

Trustees - Don Cameron was elected, joining Lee Newton and Andy Street and Robin Varley who continue in their roles, while Adam Prickett retired at the end of his current terms of office.

Members also confirmed Honorary Life Memberships to be conferred on Nigel Beal and Richard Purton in recognition of their involvement and commitment to the Club over many years.

There was no other business this time except for the observation that the Club had neither informed nor consulted with Members before the RFU SGM in March when a vote of no confidence in CEO Bill Sweeney was being put forward. In line with overall results at the RFU SGM, the Committee had been in support of Bill Sweeney remaining in office; and for the RFU’s Governance review to be expedited - the open consultation on this on the RFU website will be publicised to Members (**).

The next scheduled General meeting is the Financial AGM, to be held before 30 November 2025.

Christine Morrell
Secretary
Email via: www.newburyrugby.co.uk/contact
16 June 2025

NOTES:
(*) Both Blues and Stags teams are looking for a Manager for next season.
(**) If you would be interested in helping out in any way, please let Sarah Tunstall know:
sarah.rugby.nrfc@outlook.com
(***) The RFU's consultatation form on Governance and Representation is available on:
https://tinyurl.com/RFU-consultation