However, it’s worth first reflecting on last season’s achievements for a moment, with both the men’s and ladies’ 1st XVs finishing in the top half of their respective tables and the Swans winning the Alliance Cup. The Swans then entered into a partnership with premiership side Loughborough Lightning, providing exciting player pathway opportunities. Our junior rugby also remained strong, featuring several trophies, players being recognised at county level and some past players appearing at international level. Congratulations to all involved.

With good progress being made, it looks like the superb new changing rooms will be ready for the start of the new season. Contributing to the required investment, the Chairman’s £50K fund currently stands at £34K, including 53 individuals or families, and 7 company or group donations to the Wall of Thanks. If you would like to participate, now is a good time. You will be helping to reach our target during the coming months - please contact Tony Hinton fundraising@buckinghamrugby.co.uk.

At the Special General Meeting on 24th July a substantial majority voted to approve the formation of a limited company owned by the CASC, for the purposes of acting as a trading subsidiary of the club. The treasurer is proceeding with registration of the new company and advises that there will be no noticeable changes to the way that the club is run.

Your fixture card was sent to you with a copy of this letter, showing that league action kicks off on the weekend of 7th/8th September. Also shown are the lunch dates, which I anticipate will again be very popular this season – make diary notes now and book early!

14th Sep 2024: Sponsors’ & VPs’ Lunch – 1st XV v Bicester
16th Nov 2024: Chairman’s Lunch – 1st XV v Chinnor
7th Dec 2024: Supporters’ & VPs’ Christmas Lunch – 1st XV v Reading Abbey
15th Feb 2025: President’s Lunch – 1st XV v Bletchley
5th Apr 2025: Vice Presidents’ Lunch – 1st XV v Reading

Ladies’ Lunch – date TBA, please look out for my emails.

On the subject of emails, the application web form will be open at the end of the month for 2025 6 Nations tickets and I will be emailing the link. To get this, along with regular news of fixtures and events, your email address needs to be in my mailing list. If that’s not the case, please let me know vpsec@buckinghamrugby.co.uk

Further to my opening line, everything that we do relies upon on the generosity of our sponsors and the support of the volunteers who kindly give their time. I thank all of you who participate, particularly those of you do so every time a request goes out. However, and I say this every year, there are many who don’t and it would be good to see some new faces step forward this season please, particularly when the call goes out for help at the Beer & Music Festival. Just a couple of hours from many people, spreads the load and gets the job done…11th & 12th July are the event dates for 2025!

The 300 Club also raises valuable funds for the club and it’s open to members, friends and family. It’s £5 monthly, but provides the opportunity to win one of two prizes each month, sometimes as much as £500. Sign up and full details are available on this web site (see 'Shop' then 'Fundraising' to sign up) – please consider joining if you haven’t already.

We look forward to a great season of rugby, to continued success and to many enjoyable social occasions. There are few things better than a club lunch, followed by a match.

Yours,

Will Landon
VP and 300 Club Secretary