October has been a crazy month for activity at the Club with the delayed start to the season putting real pressure on our volunteers and facilities as we coped with the increased number of matches being played and the growing number of people coming to watch them.

Across the club

So far this season we have seen over 70 senior men take part in games. Our senior men currently sit fourth in the table, with four points separating us from leaders Southwell. The new spirit on the field is being matched off it too, with captain Matt Walton organising some lively nights out, reminding many of us of what was the norm in years gone by. This Saturday we travel to Loughborough, who sit third — a fast, open game is expected.

Our women have also enjoyed just as strong a start, under the stewardship and direction of our new leadership and senior coaching team: Shaun and Jodie Turl, father and daughter, Steve Hogg (Backs), Ant Buckberry (Forwards) alongside captain Sarah Driver. The recent result against Mansfield, and our position of second in the league table, is quite extraordinary — something Shaun would not have thought possible when he arrived in the summer. I should also mention that last weekend we witnessed 110 Girls at training. This Sunday, the leadership team is running a taster session for all, before we entertain Boston Ladies in the league at 2pm. Shaun will be providing a more detailed update for everyone to read later this week. I have seen the draft. It's a good read.

It's also been a pleasure to watch our third team run out, supported by their families on the touchline. The Friday evening fixture against Southwell was a huge success. We will try to do more of this as we progress through the season.

Autumn Series

Last month I made reference to our Autumn Series. The Big One saw us entertain Southwell to a huge crowd, something we are incredibly proud of.

Tickets for the Legends Evening can still be purchased, and remember this is a charity event — we're raising funds alongside the Matt Hampson Foundation, with monies also going to MND (after your feedback. please note this is no longer a Black tie event) Hoggy's pop-up restaurant will be here in December.

A busy month

I mentioned that October was busy. Having three consecutive home fixtures is never easy. Our new Family Day proved itself to be a huge success and something we will run again — more feedback on the day would be most welcome, so let us know what we could do better.

It has also been magical to watch our mini age groups form guards of honour for our senior men and Women to run out to. Witnessing different sections of the club working together like this is so rewarding. It's also great to report that, year on year, the number of people attending our pre-match lunches is up — again, something we're incredibly proud of.

Newark Rugby Foundation

The other bit of good news has been the establishment of the Newark Rugby Foundation. Obtaining charitable status should allow us to secure outside funding, which in turn means we can do more for our community. Last week we also held our second apprenticeship evening for members, helping them think through their options of A-levels, university, or securing an apprenticeship with the ability to gain a degree qualification. Well done to Alan Staines and his board of trustees, who have done an amazing job. We intend to share more information on the Foundation over the coming weeks.

Coaching and refereeing

Looking ahead, I'd like to thank Tom Mapp for the work he is doing to improve the skills of our coaches. I also note we have a referees' course available to all at the end of November. Without referees we cannot hold games — the role is so important to us all. It would be a special day indeed if we could help one of our club members go on to officiate at Championship, Premiership and international level, in both our men's and women's games. If anyone would like to know more, just ask Ann and she will point you in the right direction.

Making the most of our space

As mentioned previously, we continue to look for a suitable partner to make use of our purpose-built medical room at Kelham Road — 18ft x 12ft, with heating, WiFi and all utilities included and free parking, for £5,200 per annum fully inclusive. If you know a physio or medical practice who might be interested, please get in touch. We're also still keen to hear from a yoga or Pilates instructor who could run classes through the week in part of the main clubhouse

Looking ahead

So what else? Well, we have circa 56 sleeps before Christmas. I can confirm that our traditional President's game will be taking place on Boxing Day — more information to follow.

In December, the 250 Lottery will also be announcing our next £1,000 winner. Remember to win, you need to be in the draw.

In addition, we are still looking for volunteers to help with the Vintage Tractor Show (thanks Picky for leading this) and our Christmas raffle. Can you help?

We are also looking for matchday sponsors for the remainder of the season. If you or your business would be interested, please get in touch.

Here's to a Busy November.

A huge thank you to everyone for making October special.

Yours in rugby,
David Godfrey

Chairman, Newark RUFC