Officers

OFFICERS AND CONTACT

The 2011 - 2012 season is a proud landmark for Holt RFC, with the club celebrating its Golden Jubilee. The Club has come such a long way in the intervening 50 years, and I am sure our founder members would not only be proud, but amazed by the size and scale of our Club and everything we have achieved both on and off the pitch.

I am certain that they would never have imagined that they would one day see a product of the club represent his Country, and soon appear in a World Cup. I am sure you will all join me in wishing Ben Youngs and the England squad every success in the World Cup in New Zealand this autumn. It seems much longer than a year since I was congratulating Ben and his family on his first England cap and his first try which we featured in last season’s Club Handbook. I know that those Club members who are from outside England would also want me to wish good luck to the countries of their birth.

The 2010 - 2011 season was again, a truly momentous one for Holt, perhaps not only remembered for achievements on the field, but the bad weather that played havoc with fixtures for all our teams.

Our 1st XV not only achieved promotion to London North East 3, breaking Club and Eastern Counties records on the way, but was also one game away from playing at Twickenham, losing to the Honourable Artillery Company in the regional final of the RFU Junior Vase. We are truly proud of their achievements, especially as well over half of the relatively young and small squad are products of our Mini’s and Youth System. Our 2nd and 3rd teams again fought hard to consolidate their respective Merit League status, with dwindling playing numbers meaning further opportunities being given to our younger players. Again we are proud of the hard work put in by many people.

Our Minis enjoyed successes at all of the Norfolk Festivals, and had many notable victories during the season. Our own Kingswood Festivals, which last season saw almost 1,500 children participating, are recognised as amongst the best and most competitive in the country. In the Youth Section, our U14’s made it to the Norfolk Plate final and our U13’s won the Norfolk Cup in a close and truly dramatic final, which I am sure, was all the sweeter for being against our close neighbours, rivals and friends, North Walsham! The standard of youth rugby at Holt continues to attract clubs on tour from afar, and our teams have more than held their own against them.

As I referred to at the start of this message, the club is celebrating its 50th year and there are a number of events to celebrate this occasion. I would like to thank Roy Lawrence and his committee for all of their hard work in organising these,and would encourage all Club members to support these events and help celebrate Holt RFC’s continued successes.

The hard work on the field has been more than matched by the outstanding efforts of our excellent and enthusiastic band of committed volunteers, who have worked hard to overcome the economic conditions, help meet our legal requirements, and maintain and consolidate the financial stability of the Club, which is the envy of many other sports clubs in the county. This has allowed the Club to continue to invest in facilities and infrastructure, most notably to our new and improved kitchen. Further improvements will also be made to the Club entrance and car park this season. The Club has also invested heavily in coaching, referee and associated courses and I would like to thank and congratulate all those who have undertaken these.

My one area of concern is that all of these achievements have been made in a climate which puts pressure on player numbers, at both senior and junior levels, and indeed our volunteers behind the cenes. I do ask that all members do what they can to help the Club to address this, and encourage new people to join the Club.

Once again we must all ask ourselves - not only what our Club can do for us, but what we can do for our Club.

All that remains is for me to wish all at Holt RFC, continued success for this season and the future, and here is to another 50 years!.

Richard Seaman - Club Chairman

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