COCKLES MEMBERSHIP OPEN

Hi All

ERFC Membership 2020/21

We hope that you, your families and loved ones are all safe and well at this time. We have all experienced challenging, difficult, uplifting and rewarding times since the abrupt end of last season in March. We applauded our NHS, Key Workers and Carers for their commitment during this time. The Cockles are extremely appreciative.

Now we need you to return to Exmouth RFC. Or even join us for the first time. We extend a warm welcome to everyone, to a new, very different kind of rugby season. I am writing to invite you to renew your membership of Exmouth RFC. We value and need all your support across our Junior & Senior teams and much wider club.

• We are pleased to confirm that membership rates remain the same. Please check the different options.
• Please note the Ways to Pay. For your ease we encourage BACS Electronic payment. Andrea will be happy to see you (socially distanced) at the club if you wish to make a card payment. All details are contained on the form. You can email, post or bring your completed Membership Form and/or payment to the club. Please keep a close eye on club opening times as they are currently restricted.
• Please Remember – Your current Membership Card will be Reactivated, once your payment has been confirmed. Only totally new members will receive a new membership card. Car Park Permits can be collected from the club as they become available after your payment is confirmed.
• We retain the Members’ benefit of free admission for all the Cockles’ League games. Conditions apply and the details are contained within the membership form. Please always have your Membership Card on you when you visit the club at any time. You can only receive benefit on production of your card. Please note that match day parking is limited.

It is important that we have your correct, up to date details on file. Once completed, please return to Andrea Smale, Membership Email, together with the relevant membership fee.

We as a club are committed to being fully compliant with regulations and our own privacy policy can be viewed on our website. If you do not wish to receive emails anymore, you can opt out at any time.

OUR CLUB

During last year, all our Senior and Junior teams throughout our club continually displayed great pride on and off the pitch. Our support from family, friends, clubs and associations has been tremendous. Importantly our Sponsors help us to keep rugby going throughout the year, we clearly could not do what we do, without input from all. Your time, support and financial assistance in a generous way, make us a great place to visit. A Massive Thank You.

Nick Smith continues as Director of Rugby, with Roger Holman as 1st XV Manager. The 2nd Team under the guidance of Mark Wathes, with Richard Haynes bossing the Nomads. Steve Perry as Head Coach with his coaching team, will seek to get the best from all our players. Guiding our Colts, Andy Churchill has worked to form a promising squad of lads to our Under 18s this season. Some will make their senior debut before the season ends.

Our senior sides are committed to play challenging and exciting rugby. Our 1st XV continues in the South West Premier League. Our 2nd XV in Devon Merit Table 1 (defending Champions), the Nomads remain in the Devon Merit Table 2 (Runners-Up last term) and our Colts will be in league action.

Our Juniors are strong across several age groups however we are always looking for the next generation of junior to senior players, as well as coaches, referees and team support. It is particularly exciting to see our Girls rugby taking shape and ready to grow. I am indebted to all age group coaches, managers, parents and supporters who make Sundays such a fun, friendly and safe experience for all. Simply superb. You did this.

Off the field, Dr Simon Kay and Tammy Emmins with our valuable medical team provide first rate assistance, recovery, rehabilitation and fitness; second-to-none in the South West.

Volunteers are needed thought out our club e.g. social media, design, match days, fundraising & events etc. If you can help in any way, please feel free to speak directly to me or Graham Price, Vice Chair. We will be pleased to listen and welcome your help. For contact details email me below.

The new season not only brings exciting rugby action, this will be with some huge challenges on club resources and financial provision. We continue to deliver playing pitches (grass or artificial), playing & training equipment, team kit, extensive laundry, complimentary junior and senior players food, medical support across our club and running a clubhouse including all its services and costs, for the benefit of our members and community. With little or no revenue coming in since March, your membership is vital for maintaining our commitment to you and facilities for use.

Any additional UK Government, NHS and Rugby Football Union guidelines relating to Coronavirus, will also be in place. Thank you for your support and adherence to any request relating to safety and hygiene, whether playing, as a spectator or supporter. We want to ensure that the home of The Cockles is a safe place for all.

There will some exciting events and activities as well and we would like you to be a part of this. Our Patio Bar is currently open on Friday and Saturday, with a few weeks of live rugby on TV. (booking essential)

To All. Thank you for being the most important part of Exmouth Rugby Club. We look forward to a successful season and hope to ensure an enjoyable experience being part of your club. The return to rugby timeline is mapped out by the RFU, however we are still uncertain of exact dates. We have reached a stage to start playing some touch rugby and we must plan to be ready for action when given an understanding of official start date.

We do have our NatWest Workforce Weekend over Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September (postponed from June), more details coming soon on how you can help.

Please follow your rugby club on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter for news, events and activity to come throughout this season. #bepartofit

Cheers to you.

Ian Harris
Chair
Exmouth Rugby Football Club
chairman@exmouthrugby.co.uk