It’s been sub-zero at Kingsey Road for much of December with more postponements than matches, but I’d like to extend much warmer Christmas wishes to everyone connected to Chinnor RFC Thame.

As we approach the half-way point it’s appropriate to reflect on the season so far. It feels like a different world when the grounds were rock-hard back in September, and the grass was burnt dry. Since then, there’s been an incredible amount of activity on and off the pitch. Minis, junior and senior rugby, contrive to thrive. Social events have been back in full swing with the successful Picnic Ball and lederhosen fueled Bavarian Night. Thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors for making this happen and to every member for supporting these key fundraisers.

Over the past month, our Club and members have experienced some highs and some real lows. Highs being the Founders’ Day lunch, Kites win at Quins, Wildboys win at Marlow, the Minis Festival, and the recent away win at Hull. Lows - the Esher game, County Cup defeat to old rivals, the departure of a DoR, postponement of the Red Roses visit, and the incredibly sad news of the sudden passing of stalwart member, Gary Pudwell.

For those of you that didn’t know Puddy, he was special. A gifted prop, honest and super loyal, he was proud to support his Chinnor home and away. He leaves a gaping hole, and the huge numbers at his funeral echoed this reality.

We have all recently seen the troubles at top Premiership clubs and the turmoil it causes to all concerned. This has acutely reminded me that we can’t take our beloved clubs for granted. Like a family we rally around each other, pull one another up and start to gradually mend the difficulties and pain we all feel after a loss on or off the field. Characteristics like resilience, and values like respect, are what we endeavor to embody in our young players at Chinnor, these help us keep moving in the right direction from one generation to the next.

It’s a huge pleasure to welcome Nick Easter as our new Director of Rugby. Nick’s playing and coaching experience at the highest level gives us a timely boost as we aim to regain ground up the National 1 table after an unsatisfactory season so far. We all wish Nick and all our players, senior and youth, the very best for the second half of the season. We are hoping to attract the biggest crowd of the season to the Friday Night Lights game against Rosslyn Park on Friday, January 6 and it would be great to see you there.

Wishing you and your families a restful but enjoyable Christmas and all the very best for 2023.

Yours sincerely,

Nick