Newark RUFC is proud and delighted to announce David “Picky” Pick as our new Club President — a role richly deserved after a lifetime of service to the club he loves.

Born and bred in Upton, near Southwell, David chose Magnus Grammar School over Minster Grammar — a decision, he says, he’s thankful for to this day. It was at Magnus that his rugby journey began, playing tighthead prop for Notts and NLD and captaining the school in his final year, including in the fiercely competitive (and far from charitable) annual Charity matches against Newark’s first team.

David officially joined the club in the summer of 1976, going straight into the first team for his debut against local rivals Southwell. He jointly captained the Colts that same season, winning the Notts Colts Cup for the first time. He continued playing until a back injury and work pressures ended his playing days in 1981/82 — fittingly, his final season included a victory over Mansfield.

But David’s true legacy lies off the pitch. In 1984/85, he brought a scheme to the committee to extend the old timber clubhouse, personally designing and project-managing the build — the “Raise the Roof” campaign — while working alongside fellow members to construct it themselves. A plaque still marks the achievement: “Hunters Hobby – Pick and Plebs.”

Decades later, as Facilities Chairman and Director, David led an even bigger transformation: the 2014/15 scheme to completely rebuild the clubhouse into the flood-proof, modern facility we enjoy today — a £1.5m project he designed and helped deliver.

On retiring, David worked full-time on-site project managing the build from 2016 to 2018, and the “Tuesday Team” he formed — stripping the old building ahead of contractors CFConstruction — saved the club over £200,000 off the cost of construction.

David remains Director of Facilities today, leading a dedicated group of up to 20 club members who keep our clubhouse in the exceptional condition it’s known for — widely regarded as among the best facilities at our level anywhere in the UK.

I ran the Mini and Youth section for 5 years and coached both my children Harry and Beth in the section, and for 20 years I have been main link with one of our sponsors Newark & Notts Agricultural Society for the Newark Showground events where I am a Trustee

This season marks David’s 50th year as a Newark RUFC member. Few people embody the spirit and history of this club quite like he does, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome him as President.

A Special Mention: Theresa Pick

Behind every great contribution to this club stands someone who rarely gets the recognition they deserve. For David, that person is his wife, Theresa — his rock, who has been at his side and supported him in all his time and endeavours on and off the field at the club, including his first game and without whose support Newark RUFC simply wouldn’t be what it is today.

Theresa is one of many unsung heroes who quietly help hold this club together, and we want to take this opportunity to say: thank you.

Please join us in congratulating David on his new role, and in thanking Theresa for endless patience over the years.