First - Brian Howells, with great support from Diane, has filled the role for 17 years. A very, very long time. How do you follow someone who has dedicated so much to the Club and our members? Someone I look up to and admire.
Second – When initially approached in my usual “playing for time” stance, I asked to see a job description.
Thirdly – I understood the role was defined as a “figurehead” – not really me, I am more of a grafter, a doer, (as anyone that saw me play rugby would testify to).

So how have you ended up with me?
1. Nobody else stood.
2. I was told I could write my own job description.
3. Did I feel I could make a difference? It is all very well complaining about the Club and what we don’t like but standing on the outside has never been my style – so I agreed to give it a go. Brian’s last General Committee meeting ended with a plea for us to seek and secure more volunteers. He stressed that the more we pull together the stronger the Club.
My greatest passion for this Club is on the rugby side, so my first task is to see that the rugby & our current AND future playing members move up the Club’s agenda. Mine was not the only “new” role. Wayne Tredwell and Rick Percival both stood as Trustees and were voted in. Both are still playing members of the Club so can add greatly to any debate around the playing side at trustee’s meetings.

I believe I can add value to three key areas I think we can improve upon. This note is part of the first of the three “Comms”, - “Communication”.

I aim to try and write a monthly update for the website. Far too many rumours, ill-informed judgements have been made about what is happening, has happened and what should happen. I will try and overcome some of these by keeping you, the members and those interested sufficiently in the future of the Club to review the website regularly, as informed as I can. I will also try and set up a process whereby members can ask pertinent questions and, where possible provide answers.

My second “key area” is “Commercial”. The structure of the Club is overseen by a CIO, (Charitable Incorporated Organisation). Formed primarily to protect the members from any unexpected and unknown liabilities, the CIO is unable to “trade” so the CIO is the sole shareholder in the Thurrock RFC Trading Limited. This operation runs the bar and oversees the main commercial activities of the Club. However, we also rely heavily upon sponsorship and Michael Silk & Mark Burrows, together with support from a number of people, is working hard to develop that side of the Club. Anyone, who knows of any potential sponsors please channel them Mike’s way. Our membership fees are used primarily to support the infrastructure; sponsorship contributes greatly to funding the rugby playing side.

The third of my 3 x Comms is “Community”. We provide a great place for many sporting and social activities, young and old. It is only through chatting to the people involved that I discovered we are helping a group of people who would not normally be given the opportunity a chance to enjoy the pleasure of rugby. I asked for a brief note from Ian Robinson who sent me the following:

Mixed Ability Rugby at Thurrock Rugby Club is built on the values of inclusion, respect, and passion for the game. Our team welcomes players of all abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels—whether you're new to rugby or have played before, there's a place for you here.
We’re proud to have four fully qualified rugby coaches leading the way, bringing over 15 years of combined experience in playing and coaching. Their dedication is at the heart of what we do: to encourage, nurture, and teach the game we love in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
Our aim is simple: to make rugby accessible to everyone, build confidence, and create a strong sense of community through sport.
No trials, no pressure—just rugby for all.
Come join us and be part of something special. ”

The Club is providing coaching and facilitates to a group of 20 – 30 people of mixed ability and a mix of ages, the opportunity to have a fun time at the Club. Something worth letting people in the area know about.

I am now boring myself so apologies if this has dragged on.

The 1s first game will be at home to Campion on the 13th September, the Ladies first league game the Sunday after v London Irish. The men then play Campion again on the 20th September, in the new Community Cup competition but this time away at Campion.

Thanks for reading; if you did.

Mike