Stewarts & Lloyds RFC

Hi everybody, I hope you are all fit and well.

I sit here struggling to type with fingers so tightly crossed it hurts. Let it not be the last time I address you under a cloud of despair but let it be the first of many new and happy celebrations of our shared experiences and rugby life.

It comes as no surprise that the ethos behind our Club motto of One Club – Our Club has been mirrored as a Nation. The coming together with strength and determination in combating this pandemic; regardless of individual political persuasion or bias will become scripture in our heroic history. With that light at the end of the tunnel getting forever brighter, I cannot be anything else but thankful with a deep meaningful respect for those that have endured personal and family illness, bereavement or a disturbance to their mental wellbeing.

As a Club we have worked tirelessly over the last 12 months with the obvious priorities being financial stability, club maintenance and the continued engagement of you, our membership. I am very pleased to confirm we have succeeded on all three counts. We are bigger, we are better and more importantly we are back with rugby once again returning to Occupation Road.

Last weekend saw a highly competitive and successful senior inter club tournament with 50+ players demonstrating the current revised format and on Sunday we had the return of mini junior fixtures, all of course in accordance with RFU rules and the government restrictions, a feat in itself. I apologise it was not advertised but we cannot have spectators or “events” of such a size under the current legal requirements, thus we are restricted to organised outdoor sport only. A couple of last year’s racing snake wingers and silky smooth centres have decided on a positional change and to become props. It would appear they have been in serious training during lock down to get that prop/beach body look.

The proposed club extension incorporating a disabled lift and disabled toilet facilities is progressing with small steps. The plans currently sit with the local planning authority and we are hopeful of a positive outcome very shortly, which will enable us to move forward with the tender process.

For many people there is a big circle around the number 17 on this month’s calendar. To have a beer not wearing hat, gloves and a coat whilst sitting in a field will be a welcome return. The clubhouse will be Covid Secure and re-opens on Thursday 20^th May. Watch this space for the Club protocol renewal.

It seems the Storks have been busy as there would appear to be lots more babies and toddlers around the club at the moment, which is fantastic, congratulations to all. I am not sure if it’s a direct result of “lock down 1 – the baby maker” or having exhausted Netflix of any decent films or maybe it’s just the chaps being sober on a Saturday night! 

It only leaves me to say on behalf of the Club, a massive thank you to all those that have contributed in many different ways to the beating of this pandemic and you should be rightly proud one and all. For me I must thank all our club members who have given unwavering support from day one. 

If you only take one thing away from my message, let it be that “as a member of S&L (Corby) RFC, should you need help or support, that door will always be open.” Please do not suffer alone.

It’s going to be a great Christmas!

Adey Mitchell

Chairman