President’s Update – January 2025

Hello again!

I trust that you are all well and that you and your families enjoyed a festive Christmas and a Happy New Year!

As part of the lead up to the big day, I attended my Club’s Christmas Party for the Minis and Juniors – one word…Chaos!!  That said, if ever I needed to be reminded of the magic of the season then the arrival of Mr and Mrs Claus did just that!  I’ve also been reminded of the tireless efforts of our Volunteers who make things happen every week in the NLD – there’s an opportunity to recognise them through the RFU Honda Volunteer Recognition Scheme – please take it!

The Rugby season continues apace with just the one weather interruption so far for which I am sure we are all grateful – a Saturday without Rugby seems like a Monday to me!

On a more serious note, I am to attend an “engagement event” soon as the great and the good of the RFU attempt to connect with us in the Community Game.  We of course have our excellent Representatives who carry the name of the NLD to Headquarters but I’ll be interested to hear what is to be done to address the concerns that are often raised from all points of the CB.

I am a great believer in talking with people as I travel around but surely it’s the listening that is important?  The old idiom that says there’s “None so deaf as those who will not hear” is perhaps quite apt so let’s hope that they bring their hearing aids!

Now, back to what we all enjoy – Rugby!  Without wishing to tempt fate, we are moving towards one of my favourite times of the year – the Six Nations!  The competition is finally almost upon us and this is a great time to renew rivalries as we take the opportunity to channel our “inner Coach!”  Predictions will be made, advice will be freely available and hopefully we’ll get some decent Rugby – only time will tell.

Since I last wrote, my visits to our Clubs has continued and in this edition I’d like to focus on a very enjoyable day spent at Paviors.  One of the NLDs longest standing Clubs, I’d like to thank Boyd and his Team for their kindness in hosting me.

From the guided tour of the excellent new extension to talking through the provision of Players food on a budget from the Kitchen Volunteers (and everything in between!) – it seems that there’s a real zest for making our Clubs as great as we can.

In terms of Rugby, those hardy enough to brave the cold were treated to two excellent games with the Colts preceding the Seniors.

Returning to my earlier theme of Volunteers, I’d like to acknowledge the contribution made every week by our Referees.  Never an easy task being surrounded by at least thirty “advisors” on the pitch and many others off it, we should all remember to thank  them whatever the outcome so – thank you!

The next couple of months will, in many ways, define a Clubs season with the conclusion of the Leagues and the move into the Cups so may I wish you all well in your endeavours.

Finally, I’d like again to place on record my thanks to all of you that contribute to the game in whatever way you do.

Bob Curry
NLD President