The Oval Club was formed in 1998 by some Bishop's Stortford Rugby Football Club members who wanted to find a way of raising funds to improve the playing facilities of the Club with the mission statement:

'To contribute towards promoting the highest possible standard of rugby throughout Bishop's Stortford Rugby Football Club'

The Oval Club is an autonomous body and entirely independent of the Rugby Club's operations. None of the Committee members hold a position or appointment in the Rugby Club's infrastructure. The Oval Club does not seek to influence decisions of the Rugby Club. It responds to requests for financial assistance for projects which have been approved by the Rugby Club's Executive Committee and which fall within its mission statement.

Funds are raised by monthly contributions from the Members two thirds of which are set aside for Rugby Club projects with the other third reserved for social events for Members.

To date The Oval Club has raised over a quarter of a million pounds with the Rugby Club receiving more than £200,000.

The Oval Club makes contributions to the Rugby Club for one off projects which are of long term value and not part of on-going budget requirements. Often these contributions have been made to the Club to enable it to secure grants from the Rugby Football Union and other sources.

So far, major contributions have been made towards the cost of:

• Flood lighting the main pitch,
• Floodlighting the back field pitches,
• Pitch repair and maintenance,
• Improvement of the playing surfaces, including the purchase of a verti-drainer,
• Drainage of the back field pitches,
• Rabbit fencing,
• Replacement of goal posts,
• Refurbishing the changing room showers,
• Purchase of physiotherapy equipment,
• Playing equipment and travel costs for all teams,
• Supporting youth and mini through tours, kit and additional playing facilities,
• Junior coaching courses.

On the social side there are annual Members’ events. Currently these are:

- A self-supporting golf day at one of the local golf clubs,
- An Annual Dinner and Forum,
- First Team Home and Away lunches.

Through its contributions The Oval Club plays a considerable part in helping the Rugby Club enhance its playing related facilities for the use of all sections and members of the Club, including Senior Sides, Ladies & Girls, Colts, Youth, Mini and Touch Rugby.

Anyone who is interested in joining The Oval Club should contact a member of the Committee below.

The Oval Club Committee:

Robbie Kerr - Chairman
John Robinson - Secretary
John Power- Treasurer
Mark Caulfield
Mark Smith
Steve Wasley

November 2023