Donegan steps up as Charlwood steps down.

The highlight of Calne RFC’s 2004 Annual General Meeting, held on the 14th of July, was the appointment of, last season’s players’ player, Andrew Donegan as 1st XV Captain. Donegan takes over from Mike Charlwood who stood down from the post due to increasing work commitments. Charlwood in his last act as team captain proposed Donegan as his successor.

Charlwood’s report on the season was very upbeat. He praised the long serving players who upped their playing commitment and availability from the previous season. He also complimented the new recruits for their enthusiasm and the immediate impact they made on the pitch. Charlwood noted some caution and encouraged the club to capitalise on its newfound momentum and keep pushing its development forward year on year.

Donegan accepted the nomination, and later election, gratefully and thanked Charlwood for his persistence and commitment though the last two years, which have not been easy for the club. Donegan said his main goal was to restore Calne back to its winning ways and turn the Recreation Ground into a fortress. To do this he called on the senior players to lead the way for all the new blood coming in. He said, "We have, and have had, some exceptional players at this club in the last 10 years, most of which are still actively involved with club in some way or other". He would like to see the senior playing contingent nurture, foster and mentor the young talent. As, he said, "There is no greater legacy to leave upon retirement then to pass on your knowledge and tricks of the trade, knowing that someone benefiting from your knowledge is knowing that a part of you will be playing for another 10/15 years".

Club Chairman, Sean Lambourne, was again unanimously re-elected. As one of the driving forces behind the recent resurgence of Calne RFC Lambourne was quick to praise those who had helped the club to progress so far so quickly. Special plaudits were heaped upon Alan Matthews MBE for his own role in developing the new junior section and his more recent appointment as the club’s coach. Lambourne also praised club Secretary, Peter Brummell, on his achievement of attracting shirt sponsorship, from two very prominent local businesses, for two of the junior section teams. Lastly, Lambourne congratulated, Clubman of the year, Matt Snell for his recent recruitment work, his role in founding the juniors and community 7’s tournament.

In what was proving to a very upbeat AGM, 1st XV player John Hope-Smith was elected as the new Fixture Secretary. Hope-Smith, who was recruited at the start of the 2003/04 campaign as a player, presented his fixture list to the members, which included eleven 2nd XV fixtures. Hope-Smith’s fixture list was very well received especially so as there will be an end of season fixtures or a mini tour to the south coast.

The 2004/05 seasons promises many things such as a junior section playing in Calne RFC’s famous colours for the first time ever, a bigger better pub 7’s tournament, the official re-instatement of the 2nd team and a trip away. And when you take a look at the new look team with its new captain and the added benefit of the excellent coaching staff the club now has, there can be no doubt that performances and results on the pitch will soon reflect Donegan’s objectives. Behind the scenes is buzzing too as the committee and volunteers are all committed to building on the advances made last season. For more information, or to join us as a player, please visit our website, www.calnerfc.co.uk.