HCRFC New President Update July 25

Dear Euan

It has been a busy but rewarding first month as Club President, as I get to grips with the role and pass on the Rugby Chair to Liam Flanagan. My thanks go to Dave for his hard work during his time as President. I’m looking forward to chatting with many of you over the season to share ideas and priorities.

Each month, I will highlight key current club priorities based on committee updates so everyone stays informed on what is happening behind the scenes.

CLUB PRIORITIES

1. Electrics & Energy Efficiency

Following the AGM, we’re progressing with upgrading our clubhouse electrics to meet regulations and improve energy efficiency. Business Energy Scotland will soon carry out a site visit, and we are exploring funding options including CARES and CLLD grants.

2. Cricket & Rugby Development

Cricket continues to grow, and we now need more volunteers to support Junior coaching and player development. If you are interested in helping, please contact cricket@helensburghcrfc.co.uk.

On the rugby side, the section are laying the groundwork for implementing the new development plan proposed at the AGM for next season.

A key focus for the Club is boosting visibility and recruitment through stronger social media and marketing. To lead this, we have launched a new Club Social Media & Advertising Team. If you have skills in design, content creation, or social media, and want to help grow the club then please get in touch with myself. We would love to have you on board.

3. Club Structure & Development

We’ are in early discussions with Thorntons Law about becoming incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) as mentioned at the AGM. A members’ EGM is planned for September 2025, with full guidance to follow. At the same EGM we would like to deliver the overall Club Development plan to members for the future.

4. Website & SPOND

A new Club website will launch in July with gradual migration from Pitchero. Rugby has trialled SPOND for membership and team management, and we are reviewing it for wider club use. More updates to come on transitioning members to the new systems.

5. Ground Equipment

With our tractor needing continual repairs, it has become unmanageable so we have sold it for £3,000 and purchased a 2nd hand versatile replacement. We are looking to rationalise other older equipment to offset costs, improving reliability and reducing the future maintenance burden, and hopefully allow Tom more time to crack on with ground works.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

British & Irish Lions Series

After consultation with members we will be showing the Friday and all Saturday Lions fixtures over the series. After discussing with Sky Business, we secured a special 2-month deal (costing £900 + VAT). This also allows us to show some top cricket matches.

To help cover costs, non-member bar prices have been increased with busy Highland Games, charity football matches and other events in the calendar and will be reviewed after the summer. We will also run raffles and other events during matches to help offset the cost of the Sky package.

Membership Cards

From 1st August, membership cards will be required to be shown at the bar for member bar prices due to the noticeable difference in non-member vs member takings. Please do not be offended if asked for your card. If you need a card or an updated one, contact Chris Bull (hcrfc2014@gmail.com). We are also working on digital options alongside the new website for the future as an alternative to carrying cards.

Sponsorship

We are also pleased to announce that Roof Class Scotland are now a new Rugby 1XV Shirt Sponsor for the next few seasons. It is fantastic to have them on board. In addition they are also supporting both cricket and rugby with their advertising trailer which will be positioned once the weather is suitable.

ON THE PITCH

Rugby

Our May KC Sport Management 7s & 10s (also sponsored by Abbott Risk Consulting and Sportz Journey) and Minis Festivals were a huge success for the Club and the community. With over 50 teams, across 6 pitches, and plenty of action across the weekend, thank you to Tom and the grounds team for getting these pitches ready. Congratulations to our various age-group winners, and a special thanks to Alan & Linda Lawson for presenting the awards on the Saturday and for donating a Bill McLaren commentary sheet, which will soon be proudly displayed and to Helensburgh Fire Brigade who attended our Minis Festival.

Cricket

Shearwater Helensburgh 1st XI (Western Premiership 2)

Win: Helensburgh (256(cc)/5(50)) Vs SM Cricket Stirling County (166(41.2))

Loss: Langside (60(cc)/4(9.1)) vs Helensburgh (58(22.1))

Loss: Helensburgh (196(41.5)) Vs Kilmarnock (294(cc)/8(50))

Loss: Glasgow Accies (74/1(18.3)) Vs Helensburgh (73(30.4))

Shearwater Helensburgh 1st XI (Rowan Cup)

Loss: Stirling County (94/2(11.3) Vs Helensburgh (93(19.2))

SMS Ardencaple Helensburgh 2nd XI (Western Championship 4)

Loss: Ardencaple (129(cc)/9(40) Vs Inverclyde (132/7(33.5))

CricIndex Helensburgh U14s (WDJCU U14 League)

Win: Helensburgh (40(cc)/1(5.1)) Vs East Renfrewshire (39(9.1))

Loss: Hillhead (153(cc)/1(20)) Vs Helensburgh (70(15.2))

Loss: Helensburgh (123/8(17.6)) Vs Prestwick (163(cc)/7(20))