Dear Members and Friends of Stirling County RFC,
Well, yet another season has come and gone, and here we are poised to commence the
2008/2009 campaign at old Bridgehaugh once more.
As I am sure you will all agree it was with great relief that we managed to
preserve our Premier League Division One status last season. Relegation would indeed
have been a bitter pill to swallow, as Stirling County Rugby Football Club belong in
the top flight of the amateur game, and we must continue to strive for excellence
at the highest level at all costs, and give the youngsters in Stirling something
to aspire to as they grow within the game. The outstanding results achieved throughout
the Club truly reflects that County’s reputation as one of the foremost development
Club’s in Scotland remains intact.
Off the pitch, we are continuing to further enhance the playing facilities
within the stadium. Like most of the Hillfoot’s residents, you will have noticed
the flood-lights donated by Stirling Council which we installed on the training
pitch last year. I am pleased to report that grant funding has now been secured
to allow us to drain the training ground, and these works shall be completed in
readiness for the new season.
Financially, it hasn’t been an easy year, but I am happy to report that I am
still managing to invest the maximum funds possible into the game, fund our programme
of stadium improvements, and generally keep County afloat. Nonetheless, we shall
have to ensure that the Club continues to be well used throughout the year to
generate the funds necessary to keep us on track, so I would ask all of you to
promote our facilities far and wide, and help us fill the place. Clubs, meetings,
concerts, sales, auctions, markets, parties, weddings, and other sports, the list
is endless. You may be aware of small groups who are seeking a venue for meetings,
bring them here.
Finally, my thanks goes out to everyone involved at the Club both on and off
the pitch, and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the AGM on
Thursday 26th June 2008. The meeting is a great opportunity to be brought up to
speed on all County matters, and the more of you in attendance, the better the event.
With warmest regards to you all,
John Clarke
Club President.
