Dear members

 

As we approach the end of a year like no other, we want to wish our members and friends a very happy and safe Christmas and to thank you for the fantastic support you showed our club this year.

 

They say that a rugby team finds out what it’s made of when it's defending its line and we’d like to think that’s true for a club also. This year we had our backs to the wall but our members and friends responded to ensure that we will have teams back on the pitches as soon as it’s safe to do so and our club will continue to be a place for our members to enjoy rugby and each other’s company for a long time to come. 

 

Right across the board our members have shown incredible energy and creativity to deal with new realities. Our mini rugby boys and girls have more players out on Sunday mornings than ever before despite not being able to play any games – pity the first team that comes up against some of those sides. Our elder members have a thriving men’s shed that is proving to be a fantastic addition to the social life of the club with landscaping and online zoom meetings. At the other end of the spectrum our Under 20s have assembled an extremely talented group that are chomping at the bit to be allowed back on the pitch.

 

Our adult teams, men’s and women’s, have suffered the frustration of a stop-start year with unfortunately more of the former than the latter. However, we appreciate the phenomenal efforts that coaches, managers and players themselves have shown in supporting and encouraging teammates throughout a difficult year. We look forward to having all our players back on the pitch wearing the black and white as soon as possible.

 

Nowhere was the fighting spirit better shown than in the Bedrock campaign which will define our club for many years to come. There are few clubs that will remember 2020 with any fondness but in Old Belvedere we will remember it as the year our members and friends came together to support us in our hour of need – a real silver lining.

 

So, we hope you all enjoy Christmas and we look forward to 2021 in the hope that we will be meeting again in Ollie Campbell Park watching some great rugby and renewing old friendships.

 

Up Belvo, wishing you all a Happy and Safe Christmas.

 

Paul Cunningham                            James McCarthy 

President                                          Chairman