As we know, the prices of utilities, food, drink, services, labour, and materials are going up across the board. Clearly, the club is not immune to these increases and so just to stand still we need to generate more income. We are, however, more ambitious than that and we want to greatly enhance the facilities and the rugby offering for our members further.

It is also worth noting that we have managed to keep membership fees below the level they were at 16-years ago when I introduced my eldest lad to the club in 2006! Despite this we have still managed to,

Modernise the club’s gym
Refurbish the kitchen
Renovate the member’s bar
Extend match day physio cover to the 2nd XV
Provide new event shelters for the children
Install a new EPOS system

Future initiatives in the pipeline include:

Launch membership cards
Enhancements to the floodlights
Refurbishment of the patio
Refurbishment of the changing rooms
Activate the pitch improvement plan

To make this happen, an isolated increase in membership fees would be insufficient. What is needed is a balanced approach between member subs, sponsorship & fundraising, and the revenue we generate from the clubhouse and bar.

With this in mind, two NEW committees have been launched - Sponsorship & Fundraising, consisting of 12 volunteers and the Bar & Catering Committee are tasked with increasing revenue via events, venue hire, catering, advertising and sponsorship activities.

Returning to membership fees, we need to reset subs c.8 to 9% higher than last year AND take steps to ensure we recover membership fees from 100% of the membership. To cover both of these points we are introducing the following:

An early bird option - pay full fees in August and secure membership at last years rate.
Sign up before the end of September and payments can be taken in 3, consecutive, interest-FREE instalments .
We are introducing an Occasional Player (senior) option from September - Pay Social membership and then a match fee per game played over the bar on the day.

Finally, we have the hardship policy. We don’t want anyone missing rugby due to genuine financial difficulties in the household. Therefore, please talk to the committee in strictest confidence via Clubregistrar@camelotrfc.co.uk

At the end of the day its your club as a member. Please help us to help you, by providing the best rugby offering we can as every penny collected is invested in Rugby or facilities at the Club.

Yours faithfully

Nick Hoyes
Hon. Chairman