President Swain made honorary life member at club’s 100th annual meeting

Members of Newark Rugby Union Football Club have given the honour of life membership to Alan Swain for his contribution as player and administrator.

Alan, who has been president for the last four years and has led the club’s fund raising effort to build the new clubhouse, was made a life member at the club’s 100th annual meeting held on Monday evening at the Kelham Road HQ.

Richard Derry, the outgoing chairman, described Alan’s all-round contribution as outstanding, especially in the last four years when chairing a fund raising team which has financed the building of the £1.4 million clubhouse.

The facility is expected to be completed in the early autumn when Newark start a new season in Midlands Two East North.

Richard said Alan had “led by example” and that his efforts had been “quite amazing." He added: "The club owes him a huge debt of gratitude and the award of life membership is very fitting and deserved."

Alan, who is a former club captain and chairman of rugby, praised the efforts of the players over the last season.
The first team finished fourth in the league while special mention was made of the under-18 girls’ squad who reached the national final while the under-14 boys won their age group in the Notts, Lincs & Derbys competition.

The contribution of another key individual in the building of the club’s new facility was also recognised.

David Pick was awarded the John Lawrence Clubman of the Year Trophy for his efforts as project manager in the building of the new facility which started three years ago.

The John Lawrence Trophy is presented annually in memory of the club’s former player.

Two other members were made vice presidents in long-time volunteer Terry Edwards and youth team coach Steve Hogg.

Two new directors – Tim Barker and Mark Staines – were elected in an overhaul of the club’s board.

The new president will be John Coles, a life member and former captain.

Andrew Fearn was elected chairman while Richard Derry takes on the role of vice-chairman.

All subscription rates will be raised by £5.

Elections at annual meeting - president: John Coles; chairman: Andrew Fearn; vice-chairman: Richard Derry; secretary: David Godfrey; re-elected directors: David Duddles, Alan Staines, Richard Staniforth, Matt Cove, Adam Doran; new directors: Tim Barker, Mark Staines.
Directors standing down: Alan Swain, Simon Wing, Alex Jackson, Peter Mitchell.