Page 3 - GRFC NEWS SUMMER 22

Rob has mentioned elsewhere that even though we haven\u2019t played as much rugby as we\u2019d have liked over the past couple of years due to matters beyond our control, we haven\u2019t been idle.\u000AMost significant is the decision to build pitchside Mini/Junior/Kites Changing Rooms and Toilets. By the time you read this you may be aware that whilst we were in receipt of a grant from SportWales and have a legacy in the form of monies arising from all of the fund- raising that Shan Thomas, Geraint Skyrme and many more organised when we bought our pitches, we still need additional funding to complete the changing rooms and toilets aimed at mini and junior players down on the pitch. We have a number of initiatives to that end, so if you see an opportunity to \u2018Buy a Brick\u2019 or get involved in any other means of boosting funds to keep up with the price of materials, please jump at the chance.\u000AAudio Visual Conferencing Facility\u000AProbably not a phrase you expected to read, but with the benefit ot part-funding from the Arwain Community Venue Fund we now have a mobile conferencing suite in our function room. Using a broadband connection we can host conferences, training sessions, seminars\u000Aor meetings that allows access to remote users who can see everyone in the meeting in person. Anything that\u2019s on your laptop can be shown on the 75 inch TV screen and meetings using Zoom, Teams., etc., are meat and drink. The Choir are already using the system to access and show YouTube videos or other choirs performing new songs \u2013 and of course it\u2019s a great, giant, TV!\u000AIt\u0027s a great aid for businesses and/or voluntary organisations (we\u2019re looking to offer yoga classes with the instructor based in Wiltshire!) and if sponsors or others want to take a look or book the room with the suite for a session, just get in touch with any \u2018Committee Man\u2019 or the girls behind the bar.\u000AClub D\u00E9cor and Fittings\u000AWe have invested in a re-painting regime and have just had blinds (general and black-out) blinds fitted in the Function Room courtesy of a grant from the WRU. The next step is to repair and re-surface the dance floor in the same room and we\u2019re looking at a vastly improved lighting set up that will make the room an attractive venue for all sorts of social, educational and business gatherings.\u000AOn the prosaic front, we\u2019ve just bought a new dishwasher for the kitchen \u2013 not romantic, but symptomatic of the grist to the mill that goes into running a great rugby club.\u000AThe Future\u000AThere\u2019s plenty to do; we\u2019d like to replace the furniture in the bars and the windows are in desperate need of attention. We are ambitious, resourceful and energetic, so we\u2019ll get there \u2013 if you have any ideas for raising money and/or spending it, just speak to a \u2018Committee Man.\u2019\u000AAs we say, ever onward, ever upward.\u000AYours in sport,\u000APeter Weavers\u000AVice Chairman\u000AWALES TICKETS\u000AWe have tickets available for members for the following Autumn internationals.\u000A5 November All Blacks 3.15pm \u00A375 , \u00A370 and \u00A340, under 17s - half price\u000A12 November. Argentina 5.30pm \u00A325 and \u00A320, under 17s - half price\u000A19 November. Georgia 1.00pm \u00A315 and \u00A310, under 17s - half price\u000A26 November Australia 3.15pm \u00A335 and \u00A325 - under 17s half price\u000AEmail Lawrence.duffy@hotmail.co.uk Call 07968 187012\u000A03\u000A Gwernyfed RFC\u2019s Vice Chairman Peter Weavers outlines the ongoing development of Club facilities...\u000AEVER ONWARD & UPWARD\u000A Gwernyfed RFC\u2019s Youth XV Manager Rob Morris looks back on a testing yet really rewarding season...\u000AA CHALLENGING SEASON!\u000AMany questioned whether we were going to be able to field a youth team this season as numbers were low. This was mainly due to the change in the \u2018two year\u2019 youth team as opposed to the traditional \u2018three.\u2019\u000AWe began with a hard core of eight to ten keen players. A lot of work was needed to recruit old and new players to fill the gaps which was a weekly challenge. However, week on week as games arose, we successfully managed to field a team, sometimes however, travelling with just 13 boys. We must pay thanks to those Under 16 players who were eligible and stepped up to support the team. Every player, when involved, gave 100% effort and played some very entertaining and creative rugby. We had some good victories at\u000Aboth home and away and even in the games we lost, every individual fought to the final whistle.\u000AThe season ended with many players feeling positive and ready for a full season ahead, and looking forward to welcoming the new players to join the team, again with many talented and committed boys looking to strengthen the team. May we take the opportunity here to thank all the previous coaches who worked tirelessly with all the junior teams over the seasons.\u000AAs coaches we look forward to working hard with the players for a successful season and continuation of Gwernyfed RFC Youth.\u000AYours in GBW,\u000ARob Morris\u000A SUMMER 2022\u000A