Last month, you probably felt that all I did was complain about the weather!! February was not an easy month for the Club. Too much rain and then Flooding at Kelham road is Financially very damaging for the club.

So, what a relief it has been to finally witness some sunshine! The grass is growing, fixtures are being completed, and it’s been fantastic to see such a busy clubhouse as a result.

On the field, our 1st XV have been on fire, winning four of their last five matches and only once failing to secure a bonus point. We now find ourselves among five teams battling to stay up, making every game crucial. This weekend’s fixture against Sutton Coldfield looks set to be a cracker. With 160 people dining pre-match and the pitch in great condition—perfect for our fast, open style—everything is set for a great day. Will we win? Come down and watch. We’re expecting a bumper crowd.The lads really do appreciate your support. I’m currently trying to organise some more sunshine for the afternoon… fingers crossed!

As the season has progressed, it’s also been great to see significant improvement in our 2nd XV results. Our Colts are playing a vital role across both senior teams, while the Colts Development side continue to make excellent progress as they prepare for next season.

On Sunday, our Senior Women travel to Hull Ionians in style once again, thanks to the continued support of AB Project Management, for their penultimate fixture before hosting Scunthorpe on 26th April. Plans are already well underway for next season in our women's section, you will soon see that we are advertising for a new Head Coach, demonstrating our commitment to the women’s game and our ambition to progress up the leagues.

Last month, I also mentioned the start of tour season for our Mini & Youth sections, both girls and boys. This begins this weekend with our girls heading to North Wales, followed by our Under 13s Boys travelling to Northumberland. A huge thank you to all of our age group Volunteers who put these tours together and to the generosity of our sponsors who help make these special experiences accessible to all.

I would also like to recognise three very special individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure these tours can take place. They are true unsung heroes of the club: Mandie Larn (Safeguarding Officer), Lizzie Burton-Waring (RugbySafe Officer), and David Duddles (Safeguarding and NLD Liaison). Without their dedication, these tours simply would not happen. On behalf of everyone at the club, thank you for everything you do.

Off the field, we are still working to finalise a rearranged date for the Legends Evening—my apologies for the delay. The PING Golf day continues to grow momentum. We are also close to putting out a call for volunteers for the Nottinghamshire Show, which is a key fundraising event for the club, something that started in the early 1970's. Some of these funds have already been reinvested into kit for our volunteer coaches and post-training food for our senior players. We are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to avoid playing in a lower League next season.

Our £1,000 draw takes place this Saturday as part of our new 250 Lottery. A big thank you, as always, to Jean Lawrence for all her hard work in keeping everything running smoothly. Also a huge thank you to everyone who has joined. Your support makes a big difference, I can assure you.

Looking ahead, we are delighted to be hosting the Hubbard Scott Cup game on 4th April, kicking off at 2pm. This is always a special day as we remember Max and Ollie. Everyone is welcome, with an outside bar, BBQ, and live music from 4:15pm. Each year, the event grows bigger, and the funds raised for the Child Bereavement Centre in Newark and The Brain Tumour Charity are something we are incredibly proud to support. It’s also heartwarming to see so many former Kings Old Boys who formed part of our Mini and Youth section returning to the club—if only we could find local jobs for a few of them!

Next month, I will provide a full update on the club’s finances. I can also confirm that the Clubs AGM will take place on Monday 13th July.

In the meantime, I would like to wish everyone a very happy Easter. Enjoy your tours, family holidays, and time together—I look forward to seeing many of you at the club this weekend and on the 4th.

Yours in Rugby,
David Godfrey
Chairman