Presidents Report

Vaughan

Unfortunately, because of personal and work commitments, Vaughan McInnes has resigned as President. During the eighteen months he was President, Vaughan worked tirelessly to ensure that the club continued as one of the strongest (and in our eyes, the best) in the Illawarra District. The club is extremely grateful for his efforts.

Stuart

I was appointed by the Committee to the position of President following the resignation of Vaughan. For those who do not know me, I am one of the foundation members of the club and have held almost every position on the committee over the years, including President on two occasions. If you see me on the verandah on match day, please don’t hesitate to come up and introduce yourself.

Communication

It is essential that the club keeps everyone up to date on what is happening. We need to inform our supporters of events both on and off the field. We also owe our sponsors the widest possible acknowledgement of their support of the club. The publication of this newsletter is the first step towards opening the lines of communication. One of the problems has been that we have not had a Newsletter Editor. If anyone is interested in filling this position, your help would be appreciated.

If you know of anyone who is interested in the club and would like to receive the newsletter, please refer them to the website - www.camdenrugby.com.au to register.

Justin Le Good has revived the P.A. system at the club house. However, it needs upgrading and we have asked for quotes to do this. And it has been suggested that provision be made for the coaches to be able to communicate with players by SMS messages (not as an alternative to attending training) and we are investigating that.

FOOTBALL

Seniors

There are good numbers with fresh reserves in each grade. It is especially to see good attendance at training.

2nd Grade is currently equal first and 3rd Grade is running second. Unfortunately, 1st Grade have not been able to sustain their spectacular start to the season. They have, however sustained the indomitable Camden spirit. It was pleasing to have an opposition supporter compliment our players for their tenacity to the final whistle when playing competition leaders, Vikings, a couple of weeks ago.

Last week all grades had good wins against Engadine Lions and this week will face a strong Shamrocks club.

We are now in 5th place on the Club Championship ladder.

Juniors

We have teams playing in the Under 8s,9s,11s,12s,13s,and 18s. All are extremely keen despite the fact that the competition is a bit disjointed.

We are down in numbers in the juniors this year and will be making every effort next year to increase the numbers to last years level.

Retention & Recruitment

We have just appointed a Retention & Recruitment Sub-committee to be chaired by Paul Clapson, a very experienced player and coach. The primary aim of the sub-committee is to retain all players and coaches (both seniors and juniors) and to put in training methods to improve their skills. No doubt it will also look at positions which may need to be strengthened and endeavour to recruit new blood.

Clubhouse

Vaughan McInnes put in a great deal of work last year and was successful in obtaining a number of government grants. Under sponsorship of Camden Council, we were given a Federal Government grant to lay inground irrigation and returf the 2nd field. This was done last summer.

With the assistance of our local State M.P., Geoff Corrigan, we were given 2 grants for clubhouse improvements – the first to renovate the canteen and the second to build a tractor shed and storage facilities. The canteen is now almost completed and we are about to start on the tractor shed. Many thanks to Dave Gleeson and his “Tradies” for their work.

The road has been repaired but the recent rains have again damaged the edges. We have plans to paint the clubhouse and to renovate the bar area. Hopefully this work can be done during the off season. Also during the summer, the first field will have major top dressing and leveling work done on it.

Hopefully, in the near future we will be able to appoint a Planning & Development Sub-committee to plan medium to long term improvements to the grounds and the clubhouse. However, we need some keen volunteers for this.

I apologise for being so long winded but thought that it was time all interested supporters were given a summary of what is happening at the club.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Annual Luncheon

This will be held at the clubhouse on Friday 6th August. The guest speaker will be Chris Hickey, the NSW Waratahs coach. Places are filling fast. For bookings ring Tony Souter on 0438 649 549, Bryan Herd on 0418 448 172 or Ken Macaulay on 0414 545 472.

Sponsors Day

This will occur on Saturday 14th August when we meet Avondale at home. Invitations will be sent shortly.

Semi Final

We will be hosting semi finals in all three grades on 12th September. A big crowd is expected and we will require plenty of assistance.

Presentation Night

Presently planned for 23rd October. More details to follow.

A.G.M.

Will take place at the clubhouse at 6pm on 5th November.

Cocktail Party/Ball

In the early stages of planning but possibly at the Camden Valley Inn on Saturday 6th November.

Musters

If there is sufficient interest, we will revive the Musters i.e. drinks on the clubhouse verandah from 6pm on the 1st Friday of the month during the off season

Cheers

Stuart Hill