November has started with a most incredible effort by many to make some wonderful events happen and to cement our place at the heart of our community.
It started with our annual fireworks event. In the weeks leading up to 4th November our volunteers did a great job planning and implementing our best event to-date.
As well as fireworks we had two bands, stilt walkers and fire-eating acts and over 4500 people came to Silver Leys and left well entertained and without incident.
With high sales and our event sponsors giving us great support, the fireworks team will be making a significant contribution to club funds, and re-investing in equipment for future events.
I said in my speech on the night that on 2nd November the back pitches were a rugby club, by 5pm on 4th November they were a fireworks event arena, and the next morning we were rugby ready again. A great effort by many volunteers from all sections of the club.
How could we follow that? Well, we did.
Len Lindop our President, was inspired by an Armed Forces Day at Taunton last season, and he instigated our own event on Armistice Day, 11th November, ironically when Taunton came to play our National 1 fixture.
The marquee was decorated with poppies, the pitch was adorned by poppies and the “Lest we forget” message (great work Garsons) and an excellent lunch was made memorable by some emotional speeches and the presence of many local veterans.
I must thank our sponsors, including Club Stortford our Internal Sponsor, many who hosted veterans on their tables and as always supported the club.
At pitch side, with four teams lined up, along with our Veteran guests and the Airforce Cadets, all were taken through a wonderful Last Post and two minutes silence. You could hear a pin drop.
The 1st XV played in specially designed shirts which have been auctioned, raising money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
On Sunday, both at the club and at the college, two minutes silence was observed with great respect by the hundreds of children and parents who were there. I had the pleasure of being at the College to join our Minis in their act of remembrance, which included the Last Post being played on phones by the Coaches. It was really special.
I am not going to attempt to name all of those who volunteered over the two weekends. You know who you are and I am really proud of what you have done as you should be.

Well done everybody.

BSRFC – One Club in our Community

Steve Dunkley
Chair BSRFC
chair@bsrfc.co.uk