Author: Kerr Glen

Presidents Message April 2021

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Presidents Message 15th April 2021

 

Dear fellow Accies,

I hope you and your families all remain fit and healthy I’m sure a large number of you will have had 1 or both of your vaccines and the rollout is going really well- light at the end of the tunnel, at last!

First of all I would like to thank all of you who have continued to support the club through this difficult time by continuing to pay the membership subscription. It would have been very easy just to stop this given you have been unable to use the facilities, so a big thank you once again.

As I intimated above, we finally have some light at the end of the tunnel. We hope to open the bar on the week beginning 26th April, which is tremendous news. Given the current guidance, it will be outdoor drinking only, but hopefully the weather will be good and we get a bit of warmth. It will be good to see you all and get a catch up.

We do, however, have to wait on announcing the decision for definite until we have the new boiler installed. Unfortunately the boiler broke a couple of months ago and we have been getting quotes to undertake the work. James Frew Ltd will be undertaking the work and we are very hopeful work will be completed and all cleansing that is required will have been done by the 26th. Big thanks to Mick McFarlane and the sub-committee for their help with this.

 

The youth section have been back training and continue to train in good numbers, which is fantastic. We hope this continues and plans are afoot in preparing fixtures for next season, which I am optimistic will go ahead.

The Ladies section have started back too, but with restrictions, given the SRU guidance. The ladies section also took part in a fitness challenge through the month of February. Well done to all those who took part. It’s super to see new people coming along to try rugby and a big welcome to them. Callum Smith and Shelley Main have agreed to continue to coach, which is fantastic. Keep up the good work.

The senior men also took part in a couple of challenges throughout January and February. A team challenge versus Irvine Vics Amateur Football club, which I’m delighted to say the Accies boys came out on top in, and a team challenge within ourselves, which was fun. Some hard work was put in and it certainly kept up the desire to win and be competitive.

I’m really hopeful that touch rugby can restart 17th May and see a return to training. I know a number of the boys are enthusiastic to get back. It is also hoped that the club will have touch rugby again for all on Friday nights, so keep your eyes open for information on that and come along. Even if you have never tried it before, it’s a good, fun evening.

Mark Senter has agreed to return this season to coach the senior men which is great, and he is very enthusiastic about it. Mark never really got a chance last year and hopefully this year will be better. The boys certainly enjoyed the input that Mark had, and look forward to the coming season.

As regards next season, no decision as yet has been made on the look of next season. It is hoped that a competitive league will take place but this will be dependent on restrictions on social distancing and travelling in buses etc. The SRU are conducting a survey and the results should be back in May.

As you may know, it is our Centenary year next year. Plans are underway for the Centenary dinner and we will look at other ways of celebrating the year. Should anyone have ideas, please contact marketing@ardrossanrugby.com. A few members have volunteered to help with coordinating these and we will meet later this year to discuss. Thanks to those who have volunteered so far.

Financially, it has been tough, especially given the requirement for the new boiler. The sub- committee set up to look at the floodlights, continue to work on that. A big thanks to them, and to Sandra Bale and Ali Cairns for their help in applying for grants. We also would hope that functions can restart at some point in July/August which will bring much needed revenue into the club. Brian Campbell continues to do a superb job monitoring the finances.

Finally, my 2 year stint as President is coming to an end and I’d like to thank Dougie Tyler (VP), the committee, the volunteers and all of their members for their support and hard work over the last 2 years. It’s been greatly appreciated and the club would not be sustainable without it. I’ve enjoyed the experience of it and I’m sure Dougie will too.

The date for the AGM will be Monday 31st May and it would be great to see you all in attendance.

Please keep a look out on the website and social media for continued updates.

Please take care and I hope to see you all soon,

 

Peter Gossman

President AARFC

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bill Cochrane

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We are sad to report that one of the club’s oldest members, Bill Cochrane has died. Bill was over 90 years old and was a player for the club for many years. He lived just across the road from the clubhouse for many years and so was the first port of call when any problems arose.

Bill was a President of the club, and in recognition of his contributions, he was made a life member.

Our thoughts are with his family.

Centenary Dinner

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Centenary Dinner

The club is 100 years old next year and a centenary dinner will be held at the Seamill Hydro on Friday 29th April 2022 when hopfully there will be no covid restrictions. Please make a note of this date so as to avoid clashes like holidays, weddings and stag/hen parties!!!

The president is looking for ideas for other ways of celebrating the centenary, so if you have any ideas please contact Peter Gossman gossy09@yahoo.com or Dougie Tyler dougie_tyler@yahoo.co.uk.

COVID-19 Update September 2020

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Hello Accies.

Please be advised of a couple of reminders regarding the COVID guidelines for our club, they may vary from other clubs or sports, but such is life. We’re in a privileged position at the moment as we can move into modified contact rugby in decent sized groups while indoors we’re getting everything stripped back.

Let’s not mess it up and lose our privilege! So: we are still to sanitise hands on arrival and departure from the field, there’s to be no use of the changing rooms or showers at all, training equipment needs a wipe down/wash after each session.

On youth training sessions, parents are not to park in the club car park, follow the plan from your team manager.

If you are visiting the club for a drink or meeting, it’s a maximum of 6 people from no more than 2 households per table. Masks must be worn when not eating and drinking at a table. The bar staff will take your name and contact details, as part of the track and trace requirements.

Annual General Meeting 2020

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The Annual General Meeting of the club will take place on Thursday 20th August at 7pm

Any alteration to the constitution should be submitted to the secretary by July 30.

All those wishing to be office holders need to submit a nomination form by August 13.

Secretary, Financial controller, Playing convener, Youth convener, Communication and Marketing convener, Bar convener, House convener, Fixture and referees convener, Membership Secretary, Business convener, non-executive members (2)

All conveners should provide a report to the AGM. If possible this should be sent to the secretary in advance.

The following documents are available:

Presidents Message May 2020

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Message from the President – May 2020

 

Dear members,

I am writing during, what I’m sure, is a very difficult time for everybody. These are times none of us have experienced before and I hope that you, your family and friends remain healthy during this
corona virus pandemic.
I’m sure like me, you are all missing socialising with family and friends, sport, holidays (the list could go on), but it is obviously important that we adhere to the guidance issued in order to maintain our
healthy lifestyles and look forward to getting back to some semblance of normality, in the not too distant future.
With regards to the club, we are obviously closed but we still have payments to make. We have applied for a couple of grants, one to the SRU for a grant from the Community Hardship Fund; we
are currently awaiting their response. Brian Campbell has done a great job in managing our expenses and I hope that this will be sufficient enough to ensure we can still operate when we can eventually
open up again. Thanks Brian for your hard work in this area.
In the last few days, as you may have seen, we have lost Andy Duncan as our Development Officer.
Andy has decided to take a step in a different direction and has obtained a job in marketing. I am very thankful to Andy for all of the work and effort he has put in over the years. Andy has been
playing at the club since he was a boy and he has been an integral part of our club since then. As DO, he has done great work in the local schools and has really enhanced our youth section. Thank you Andy.

I, the club, and I’m sure all of you, wish him every success in his new career. I sincerely hope that Andy will continue to remain around the club in a playing capacity and provide some guidance as we
continue to strive to improve.
With regard to rugby, the season was brought to an abrupt halt and I’m sure all of our players, from mini to seniors, and supporters will have missed it. Unfortunately, the 1 st XV season was declared
null and void as there were a number of fixtures unfulfilled. I don’t envisage rugby starting anytime soon and some are of the opinion that it may not be until the end of this year or even January,
before contact rugby starts again. Hopefully this isn’t the case and we can get back to coaching, playing and supporting soon.
Lastly, we have a new coaching team for the ladies; Callum Smith and Shelley Main. Obviously this has come at a time when there is no opportunity to get started, but when the time comes, I’m sure
they will raring to get going. Good luck.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brian Reid in his former role as coach to the ladies. He was very dedicated and proactive. I wish Brian luck in his new role at Irvine Rugby Club.
I hope all of you keep safe and well and see you at the club for a much needed party when lockdown measures are lifted.

Take care,
Peter

President’s message- AARFC vs. Lasswade RFC, 3pm Saturday 7th March and Howe of Fife, 19:30pm Thursday 12th March 2020

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President’s message- AARFC vs. Lasswade RFC, 3pm Saturday 7th March and Howe of Fife, 19:30pm Thursday 12th March 2020

Unbelievably we’ve not played a game since our hard fought away victory to Murrayfield Wanderers on January 18th. Today we are back in action against Lasswade RFC, and we also play Howe of Fife on Thursday in our rearranged game from January, at Inverclyde Sports Centre, Largs. I expect both games will be extremely difficult, given both teams are near the top of the league.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to both Lasswade RFC, and their supporters to Memorial Field for today’s Tennent’s National League Division 3 game. Lasswade are having a very good season and are currently in 2nd position in the league and in the earlier fixture this season, Lasswade came out on top in a very competitive encounter. We will obviously be hoping to reverse that result in order for us to continue our push for promotion. Whatever the result, I would like to wish Lasswade a safe trip home and all the best for the rest of the season ahead.

Just a reminder that our rearranged game with Howe of Fife is on this Thursday, 12th March, 19:30 kick off, as both teams have a number of players away in Cardiff for the Wales game and requested not to play on Saturday 14th. This game will be played at Inverclyde Sports Centre in Largs. I would like to extend a warm welcome to the Howe of Fife committee and players and I would like to thank them for agreeing to play midweek. It will be our first game at Inverclyde on the 4G surface and I would expect a highly entertaining game. Therefore, if members can come along and support, that would be great.

Howe have been enjoying a good season and, at the time of writing this, lie just 2 points behind us in the league. Again, like Lasswade, Howe enjoyed the victory against us in the reverse fixture in another tight game, and we will be hoping that we can get the victory we need.

Unfortunately, it has been very stop start recently with the lack of games and very poor weather but we have won our last 5 games and we, therefore, go into the remaining games in a very positive mood and hopefully that positivity will shine through today. It is very tight at the top of the table with up to 5 teams vying for promotion and every game is a must win. Your support will be vital and it’ll be great to see you both home and away if you can manage.

I would like to thank our match sponsors for the upcoming games, Arran Dairies, Art’N’Joy, DW Skip Hire and Breen Roofing for their continued support, and to Neil Baillie and Wylie Nichol for sponsoring the match balls. Thanks again, it is greatly appreciated and the club is very grateful to all of our sponsors for their support.

Unfortunately our game away to Greenock Wanderers was postponed and is now on April 11th.

As you will most likely be aware the 6 nations is in progress at the moment. Scotland plays France on Sunday (8th) and with all games on in the bar, it would be great to have you come along to the club and support the nation together.

We have a couple of functions on throughout March and April, including Sponsors day on March 28th and the mini/micro fundraiser that evening. This is sold out but there may still be horses to purchase and your support in this would be hugely appreciated. If interested please contact Kimberley Guffie, via Facebook if possible. If not, please speak to myself and I can enquire for you.

In April we have ‘Accies Got Talent’. This has been hugely entertaining over the last number of years and is great fun. Tickets will be on sale soon, so please keep an eye out and come along for a great night.

For all other functions and fixtures, please visit the club website www.ardrossanrugby.com for further information.

Peter Gossman

President

 

Upcoming fixtures

Thursday 12th March- AARFC v Howe of Fife (19:30pm kick off at Inverclyde Sports Centre)

Saturday 21st March- Hillhead Jordanhill RFC v AARFC (3pm kick off) Spaces on the bus for supporters

Saturday 28th March- AARFC v Berwick (3pm kick off)

President’s message- Ardrossan vs. Strathmore RFC, Saturday 15th January 2020

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President’s message- Ardrossan vs. Strathmore RFC, Saturday 15th January 2020

Kick-off 3pm

As we’ve not had a home game since the New Year I would like to thank all of our members who
came along to our annual New Year’s day game between the Over 35’s and Under 25’s. Similarly to
the previous 7 years, the over 35’s won. It was a very competitive game and a great day at the club.
Big thanks to all of those who donated raffle prizes and provided food, and I hope all of those who
came along enjoyed the day.
After a 4 week break since our hard fought away victory to Murrayfield Wanderers, we are back in
action today against Strathmore. I would like to extend a warm welcome to Strathmore RFC, and
their supporters to Memorial Field for today’s Tennent’s National League Division 3 game. They have
had a good first half of the season and are currently in 7 th position but with 2 games in hand over
ourselves. In the earlier fixture this season, we managed a very good 36-26 win in a very competitive
encounter, so we know this will be a tough game and one that we need to win to keep up the
pressure at the top of the table. Whatever the result, I would like to wish Strathmore a safe trip
home and all the best for the rest of the season ahead.
Unfortunately, it has been very stop start recently with the lack of games and very poor weather but
we have won our last 5 games and we, therefore, go into the remaining games in a very positive
mood and hopefully that positivity will shine through today. It is very tight at the top of the table
with up to 5 teams vying for promotion and every game is a must win. Your support will be vital and
it’ll be great to see you both home and away if you can manage.
I would like to thank our match sponsors for the game today, McMillan and Cronin and Nellany &
Co Solicitors for their continued support, and to Alan Sutherland for sponsoring today’s match ball.
Thanks again, it is greatly appreciated and the club is very grateful to all of our sponsors for their
support.
Our next game is away to Greenock Wanderers on February 29 th . We normally take a good support
up there and this will be a huge game. Also, just to let you know that our rearranged game with
Howe of Fife is now on Thursday 12 th March, 19:30 kick off, as both teams have a number of players
away in Cardiff for the Wales game and requested not to play on Saturday 14 th . This game will be
played at Inverclyde Sports Centre in Largs. I know this is not ideal but we were keen to have a full
squad available for a very important game against fellow promotion chasers, Howe. I would expect a
highly entertaining game on the 4G surface, so if members can come along and support, that would
be great.
As you will most likely be aware the 6 nations is in progress at the moment. Scotland plays Italy next
Saturday (22 nd ) and with all games on in the bar, it would be great to have you come along to the
club and support the nation together.
We don’t have any upcoming functions coming up in February but please continue to visit the club
website www.ardrossanrugby.com for further information regarding upcoming matches and social
events.

Peter Gossman
President

 

Upcoming fixtures

Saturday 29 th February- Greenock Wanderers RFC v AARFC (3pm kick off)
Saturday 7 th March- AARFC v Lasswade RFC (3pm kick off)

Thursday 12 th March- AARFC v Howe of Fife (19:30pm kick off at Inverclyde Sports Centre)

President’s message- Ardrossan vs. Howe of Fife RFC, Saturday 11th January 2020

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President’s message- Ardrossan vs. Howe of Fife RFC, Saturday 11th January 2020

Firstly, I would like to wish all of our members and visitors a very happy new year. I hope everybody had a great time over the festive period. We had our annual New Year’s day game between the Over 35’s and Under 25’s, and similar to the previous 7 years, the over 35’s won. It was a very competitive game and a great day at the club. Big thanks to all of those who donated raffle prizes and provided food, and I hope all of those who came along enjoyed the day.

After a 4 week break, we are back into league action. I would like to extend a warm welcome to Howe of Fife RFC, and their supporters to Memorial Field for today’s Tennent’s National League Division 3 game. Howe have had a good first half of the season and are currently in 5th position but with 2 games in hand over ourselves, they have the opportunity to go higher than us in the league. In the earlier fixture this season, Howe won 26-20 in a very competitive encounter, so we know this will be a tough game and one that we need to win to keep up the pressure at the top of the table. Whatever the result, I would like to wish Howe of Fife a safe trip home and all the best for the rest of the season ahead.

Prior to the break, we had a very positive finish with 4 consecutive wins, 3 of which were with the bonus. We, therefore, go into the remaining games in a very positive mood and hopefully that positivity will shine through today.

I would like to thank our match sponsors for the game today, DW Parker Skip Hire and Breen Roofing for their continued support, and to Drew Kennedy for sponsoring today’s match ball. Thanks again, it is greatly appreciated and the club is very grateful to all of our sponsors for their support.

We had a very successful Christmas Party on the 21st December. Big thanks to those who came along and to Hayley Quinn for her great efforts in organising it. I’m sure this will be an annual occasion and hopefully members will support the event even better next year. We also had the quiz on 27th, again it was a great night. Thanks to Margaret Anderson for her efforts in preparing this and hopefully Margaret will do this again.

We don’t have any upcoming functions coming up in January but please continue to visit the club website www.ardrossanrugby.com for further information regarding upcoming matches and social events.

Peter Gossman

President