Cranbrook Rugby Club
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Cranbrook Rugby Club has a long history in the town and continues to play a vital role in the community.
The club has developed and maintains strong links with schools and community organisations and is widely recognised as adding significant value to the area.
Outside of hosting rugby festivals, County representative matches and County Finals, Cranbrook Rugby Club opens its doors to other sports like lacrosse, athletics, triathlon and cricket as well as hosting private parties, Comedy evenings and the local Slimmers Club.
Not only do we cater for sport but try to provide a hub for the local community.
Our email newsletter contains the latest news, viewpoints and events from the CRFC.
It is delivered for free, to registered subscribers, with occasional updates to report on topical events.
CRFC are delighted to announce that our main sponsor, Hire 4 Lower (Tool Hire & Sales) Ltd, has recently signed a new 3 year contract to continue sponsorship of the club through to the 2020/21 season. In addition to being a direct sponsor, Hire 4 Lower have supported the club in a number of other ways over the last 3 seasons, and owner and Managing Director Colin Tall who lives locally, as well as a number of the company's staff and clients, have also been regular visitors to the club at various matches and club lunches.
To mark the occasion of Hire 4 Lower's sponsorship renewal with the club, and to help support the new clubhouse building fund, Hire 4 Lower are very kindly running a promotion on their new Facebook page: For every "like" they receive from Cranbrook RFC or Cranbrook Ladies members, their families or friends, Hire 4 Lower will donate £1 to the new clubhouse building fund, up to a maximum of £1000. The promotion runs until the end of October 2018, and it would be great if we could all show our support for Hire 4 Lower, in return for the support they give us, whilst at the same time generating a nice donation for the club. Please follow this handy link https://www.facebook.com/TOOLHIRE4LOWER and get liking, and encourage friends and family to do the same, to maximise the donation to the club. (A Facebook account is required and you will be required to log in to "like" the Hire 4 Lower page).
We would like to thank Colin and Hire 4 Lower for renewing their sponsorship and for their continued support of the club, and we look forward to welcoming them at the club again in the near future.
Hire 4 Lower (Tool Hire & Sales) provide a reliable tool hire and sales service at competitive prices throughout London, Kent and the Home Counties. They serve a variety of high profile building companies, businesses and organisations, in addition to hiring to the general public. Trade accounts are available. Please contact them on 020 7091 9997 or info@hire4lower.org or visit their website to download a credit account application form. http://www.hire4lower.org/c/downloads/ . Discounts are available to CRFC members, please mention when ordering.
Given the current situation and the brave people on the front line at the NHS going above and beyond the call of duty, we donated some of our bar stock to Secamb at Paddock Wood. God knows when we are able to get back to some kind of normality and start playing rugby at the club but we wanted to make a small contribution to these first responders to show them that we really appreciate everything that they do for us #strengthandhonour #heroes #nhs #secamb
HIRE 4 LOWER FOR ALL YOUR TOOL HIRE NEEDS
TEL 0845 466 7777
EMAIL info@hire4lower.org
DELIVERING HIRE STANDARDS FOR LOWER COST
Letter from the Chairman to the members both playing and nonplaying of Cranbrook sports club
Firstly, on behalf of the committee I do hope that you are all staying safe and taking care of yourselves. We have a multifaceted membership and I’m sure that if help is needed by any of you that we can reach out to the membership on your behalf.
It seems such a long time ago we were playing rugby on Saturdays and Sundays, training on Tuesdays and Thursdays and getting ready for the cricket season. All the senior teams were playing to a high standard and not only were some of our junior teams looking forward to the resolution of various cup competitions but the mini festivals were due to be held at the end of March; in April and May most of our mini and junior teams were due to go on tour.
The RFU shut down the season; this resulted in fantastic news for the 1st team who have been promoted to London SE3, after being adjudged to have come 2nd in Kent 1 but with a better playing record than East Grinstead in Sussex 1. We therefore were awarded the play-off spot under the promotion regulations.
The fantastic Cranbrook ladies team finished 2nd in their league but both our team and Tonbridge Juddians who finished 1st were not granted promotion. Of course, there was sadly no opportunity to enter the play-offs as I know that our ladies’ team were keen to move up into a higher league next season.
The Nomads finished 3rd in the league where the top 5 teams were very competitive. Discussions are ongoing as to which league next season should be graced by the very competitive Nomads team.
I’m sure that we have all been following on various social media the online training that is being followed by our senior members. Chris Catt, the club coach and Peter Jovanovic the Director of rugby are very keen for any Juniors who have turned 18 to become involved in the senior sides of the club and they are all encouraged to contact Chris Catt to discuss what may be available for them.
I am personally very proud that the seniors are remaining in contact and keeping up the fantastic team spirit that was shown last season and I’m sure that the juniors and minis sections will be looking at ways to stay in contact and prepare for next season.
There is an interesting article on the BBC website by Laura Scott in which a public health adviser to the World Health Organisation says that the 1st type of sport to return should be community sport. It is well worth the read. Your committee will be discussing what steps and actions should be taken to protect our members when we are allowed to reopen the club. There are clearly obstacles ahead when looking at the question of any contact sport.
On a positive note your committee took a decision to spend a more than reasonable sum on the pitches. Sands pitch is now 9 years old and is of course our main physical asset which is admired by all other clubs in Kent. We have instructed Bourne’s to carry out extensive work on Sands, with other works being done on Moss and the training area.
One downside from our present situation is that the clubhouse development will have to be put on hold, as this is not a time to be seeking not inconsiderable funds from our members. It is so important to keep the club alive and of course at the moment without any income we are looking ahead as to what monies will be needed to ensure the future of the club. Fortunately, Mike McMinnies, our late President, made a bequest to the club which we are utilising for the works on the ground. It was Mike’s wish that everything be done to safeguard the club; we believe that by using his generosity in this way, we are carrying out Mike’s wishes.
Every member can help the club whether by ensuring next season that we are financially secure or by making offers of any kind to assist the club. Indeed, it may well be that members have ideas that will help us to continue the clubhouse development; any such ideas are always welcome.
We are very fortunate in the goodwill and support that has been shown to us by our sponsors; we do not pay players and all support from all sources contributes to the successful club that Cranbrook now is.
Our social secretary and ladies chairman Lindsey has grand ideas for a reopening party to which all sections of the club will be most welcome; the party will take place during the day and there will be live music and barbecue (subject to the weather course).
We had of course to cancel the Ball which under the guidance and leadership of Olivia Cornwallis with assistance from Alex and Tom Brooks, was going to be a great success. No new date has yet been found.
Finally, I must report on a very successful virtual awards evening held by the 2 senior men’s teams last Friday when 41 members of the club took part. They were delighted when Matt Dawson joined them for a short while. Thanks go to Chris Catt for organising the evening and the awards were given as follows: -
The Nomads- the Players’ Player- Joe Cordrey
the most improved Player- George Pay
the coaches’ Player of the Season Dean Blackford.
The 1st team- the Players’ Player Josh Curtis
the most improved Player- Luke Lafferty
the coaches’ Player of the Season Jack Lamb
The award chosen by the Director of rugby and the rugby management committee went to Josh Parkes.
Club colours were awarded to Josh Curtis and Rory Goodger.
Chris Catt was also pleased to announce that Ben Williams and Josh Pankhurst have agreed to take on the roles of assistant Forward coaches.
And finally, the AGM has been delayed at least until September. I know that this is a very exciting date in your calendar and our secretary Caroline will ensure that you are kept informed of the new date. We always welcome new members to the committee as we can always find a role that needs to be filled and so please do not hesitate to contact the committee in that regard.
Tim Fagg Chairman 29-04-20
The media programme for the HSBC home match on 28/09/19 can be viewed here
The media programme for the Whitstable home match on 09/11/19 can be viewed here
The media programme for the New Ash Green home match on 23/11/19 can be viewed here
The media programme for the Faversham home match on 14/12/19 can be viewed here
The media programme for the Old Gravesendians home match on 18/01/20 can be viewed here
The media programme for the Southwark home match on 25/01/20 can be viewed here
The media programme for the Old Whitgiftian home match on 08/02/20 can be viewed here
The media programme for the Kings College home match on 15/02/20 can be viewed here
The media programme for the Hastings home match on 29/02/20 can be viewed here
The final standings have been confirmed and we are now promoted to LSE3 next season. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, volunteers and Committee members for all their hard work and support throughout this season!
A day after playing in a very physical match against Hendon in the RFU Junior National Divisional Final, both Josh Curtis and Rory Marsh featured in Kent U20s 10-8 win over Hertfordshire U20s. Well done to both you lads!
Tom May is embarking on an ambitious running challenge next month.
He will be running the London Loop, a pathway/rail which runs 150 miles around London. He is setting off from Kingston Bridge on March 2nd and will be arriving back at Kingston Bridge on Saturday 7th March from where he will add just a few more kilometres and run to Twickenham Stadium and finish at the statue in front of the Marriott Hotel.
Tom has never run a marathon and is going to have to run six back to back - he acknowledges it is a mad plan but says that's what makes it a challenge.
Tom said: "Please do help and donate what you can or purchase some of the clothing that Raging Bull are putting together for the run and the supporters of it."
"I am running for Doddie as I want to be able to do something for my former team mate, he looked after me when I arrived at Newcastle so it's the least I can do to support someone who is such a great bloke. Former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow has recently been diagnosed with this horrible disease and I want to support him too. So many evenings on the road during my career were spent watching Super League. Rob was class and to help him in his time of need is something I'd love to be able to do".
"I am also running for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Close family members have died from cancer and my Mum is currently fighting lung cancer. It's something close to my heart so to be able to help fund a charity like this would be amazing."
"Please help where you can, it would make a massive difference to me when this run inevitably gets painful but also for the above. It means everything."
It is a fantastc challenge and we hope you get behind Tom, please visit his fundraising page:
Dad, Alan, who is a club member, also added "Obviously, both Jenny and I are both very proud of him, and if anyone is able to run some sections with him, it would be very much appreciated.
Tom’s email is tom@clubsportifgroup.com
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It is with deep regret that Cranbrook Sports Club must announce the passing of our beloved President Mike McMinnies on 2nd May 2019.
Mike was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, a loyal supporter and at all times wise counsel to the Club. Cranbrook Rugby Club was formed in its present form in 1958 following a game between some Old Cranbrookians and the School in 1957 in which Mike and his brother Dave played.
Mike was the first Club Secretary in 1958 and remained on the Committee for most of the following 61 years. Mike became President in the 1980s and was the soul and spirit of the Club. His comments and advice at Committee meetings were invaluable and with his encouragement the Rugby Club became the Sports Club, embracing cricket, netball and American Football. Mike fully supported the decision to improve the facilities at the Tomlin Ground.
Following his retirement Mike gathered his friends together at the Club on Thursdays to ensure the fabric of Clubhouse and Ground was in good order. Mike loved the Club and was there on Saturdays and Sundays to support all sections of the Club; he was very forward looking and thought that the advent of a Ladies team was great news.
How wonderful that Mike attended a Club lunch 26 days before his passing and as usual gave an urbane and witty speech.
Rest in peace, Mike. You will be missed by us all.
Our thoughts at this time are very much with Trisha and their children and grandchildren
Tim Fagg. Chairman
Age Grade Player Registration, formerly known as Youth Registration, becomes a fully online process from 2018-19. This reduces the burden on everyone and streamlines the process to help players, parents and volunteers in the Age Grade sections of our rugby clubs and in particular our Club Registrars.
It provides more consistent, accurate and usable information for clubs and the RFU to help players and parents enjoy their Age Grade Rugby and transition into the adult game. In addition it will ensure GDPR compliance and brings the process more in line with the adult registration process.
A simple process involves the parent or guardian of the player completing their details and those of the player, directly through an online registration form. This then triggers an automatic verification process for the parent/guardian and Club Registrar to complete and confirm that the player is registered.
In order to reflect the changes in the game in recent years, this system will now be called Age Grade Registration, not Youth. Registration of all age grade players remains a requirement in Regulation 15.
The online system means that the current paper registration forms will no longer need to be used. The parent or guardian is able to complete and verify their registration online, rather than writing out and handing over the form. The Registrar simply completes the process by reviewing pre-populated information rather than having to input it all into GMS themselves.
The new system will assist clubs with GDPR compliance and by creating and/or updating the single club membership profile for the individual.
Implementation of the new online Age Grade Registration process starts from the coming season in 2018-19. It will be further developed for September 2019.
A step by step guide for parents can be found here and the link in order to create an account can be found here
The Cranbrook sports club committee consists of a handful of volunteers who are tasked with ensuring that the club functions smoothly and efficiently. Contrary to folklore the committee members are not paid but give up their time willingly.
According to the RFU there are about 60 positions that could be filled on a committee. Currently we have about 15 or 16 carrying out those tasks. Although the committee only meets once a month to look at policy and confirm decisions taken by the subcommittees if necessary, there are decisions being made every week about organisation of events, referee liaison, fixtures at all levels, sponsorship related matters and other problems that arise daily whether great or small.
Several on the committee have been in post for many years, although this season we have recruited some younger members. The reality is that we need more younger members because it is important that we look to succession in order to develop the club in the years ahead; there are challenges in relation to the new clubhouse and to ensure our progress as a sports club. The cricket section have gone from strength to strength, the minis and juniors remain vibrant and it is to be hoped that in the near future promotion for our senior teams will be forthcoming.
Of course we have many volunteers on the playing side of the minis and juniors, but our playing successes could not happen without the administration behind the scenes.
We welcome anyone in the club coming along to committee meetings to see how we operate and the amount of voluntary work carried out. Please feel free to come forward and offer your services. The committee details are in the handbook or on the website. Thank you.
Tim Fagg
Chairman
Please refrain from parking on Angley Road and also do not park up on the pavement at Jaegers (or anywhere else for that matter). You will risk a fine from the Police and/or a few sharp words from Club Officials.
If the car park is full at the club then please use the parking facilities at The High Weald Academy further down the road next to the Weald Sports Centre.
PLEASE DO NOT PARK AT THE SPORTS CENTRE ITSELF!
NO PARKING ON ANGLEY ROAD!
ANGLEY ROAD SHOULD BE KEPT CLEAR AT ALL TIMES!
