An informal gathering of rugby enthusiasts, which took place during the winter of 1948-49, at the Links Hotel, Skegness, led to the formation of the present Skegness Rugby Union Football Club.

The inaugural meeting at the Links Hotel was held on 24th February 1949. Veterans who played war-time rugby were numbered among the founder members of the third local rugby club. There had been two previous clubs founded in 1924 and 1934 respectively but neither had lasted for more than three years.

Prime mover among the founders was Mr J A C Baker-Beall, then assistant manager at Lloyds Bank, Skegness who became founder-secretary. Very largely due to his personal drive and enthusiasm, the club found itself able to field a strong 1 st XV and a competent “A” XV during the next three or four seasons.

Probably the biggest contribution to rugby football in Skegness came from Mr G R Bell. As a founder member he played in the backs until 1951 and later, as a Three Counties referee, handled the majority of the club's home matches for over 20 years. He was the club's President and life member until his death in 19??

The only other founder member living in Skegness is Mr Melvyn Moffat, former landlord of the Links Hotel, which was the club's first headquarters.

From 1971 until 1985 the headquarters were at the White Hart, Burgh-le-Marsh, where rugby players from all over the county enjoyed the hospitality of the then landlords, Rob and Caroline Watson.

From 1950 to 1956 the club promoted the 7-a-side tournament of the Lincolnshire Rugby Union. This was an Easter Monday fixture and when the event was moved to Lincoln, Skegness held its own tournament for 2 more seasons.

Since 1987 the club has been running a very successful veterans tournament in September every year, with teams participating from all corners of England . Skegness have yet to win their own

During the season 1958-59, a shortage of players forced the club to limit its fixtures to ‘A' sides, but by 1983-84 the club was able to field two sides again and has done so to the present day.

The junior section of the club was first started in 1990 but didn't survive past 1995. Happily the Junior Section was restarted in 2003 and has progressed to become a thriving part of the club.

In 1985 the club built its own premises at Wainfleet Road Memorial Playing Fields, on land owned by East Lindsey District Council, and with the co-operation of the Indoor Bowling Club. Crucial financial help was given by Bateman's brewery, and the Sports Council, and many of the members contributed their time and skills to the actual construction work. The clubhouse was then extended in 1995 and partly refurbished in 2004.

Historical content thanks to Bas Major, life member, player and chairman over many years.

Skegness Rugby Union Football Club

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