I am sure everyone concerned is excited about the increasingly green front pitches, and i am happy to report that indeed the first phase of works are now complete. The agronomist call this second phase 'sward establishment'; we would say grass growing. Either way, we really need plenty of April Showers and sunny days, hopefully for most of the summer!

The Contractors will be coming back intermittently to mow, fertilize, top dress and reseed as necessary, if we are lucky and do not experience a long heatwave/drought, i am told we will have phased use for next season, by which they mean perhaps one game a week for the First half of next season, possibly building to two games a week after Christmas? There will be then a further batch of works at the end of next season, which basically is additional drainage which will join up to the exiting system.

Now although it is still looking that the whole project will come in around the original budget, there have been additional costs, beginning with Legal expense last Autumn and possibly watering/irrigation if weather isn't kind, and although there is a little contingency still, and the RFU have some flexibility, i along with most people would love to finish this project properly. So we will be launching a new fundraising initiative soon, with the aims to being able to buy new posts, flags, fencing and possibly some additional bench seats, i am getting some quotes and as soon as i have these we will set a target, hopefully we can put on some events, look for local sponsors, I believe we have lost some key members of the Club recently so perhaps memorial benches may be a good idea? Even naming the pitches after companies or Individuals, all of this will need Co-Ordinating, so at this weeks volunteers evening we will be seeking helpers and ideas. If you wish to help, feel free to contact the club.

Adam Tunesi.