Effingham & Leatherhead RFC - Presidents Preface

I feel this should always be the case and we make no exception in this our 40th year. We no longer have to mention fires as this now seems a distant memory and without doubt we have moved on and are fully utilising the great facilities we now have.

We have Nigel Maycock as our new Chairman ably supported by his wife Jane and Keith and Dawn Melior step down after 5 impressive years and an incredible amount of hard work. Keith was asked to consider who should take over from him well before his term was to end and he duly paved the way for his successor. I personally thank him for making a good choice for this very important role and know the Club has been left in good hands. I am sure everyone would want to thank Keith and Dawn for everything they achieved during their period in office and we now look forward to their continued contribution in the many roles that they have kindly agreed to be involved in. To avoid any chance that he may slip in to some form of easy life Keith has also agreed to become Chairman of the KGV Management Committee. Maybe he considers this to be some form of relaxation after the rigours of Rugby Club Chairman!

Part of the way forward has been the appointment of a new Coach who has joined us with a view to being heavily involved in all parts of the club to enable a continuity from Minis to Juniors and through to Seniors. Martin not only has the right qualifications and experience but great enthusiasm and a very positive attitude towards what can be achieved. We approach the new season with anticipation and I know Martin is looking forward to working with John Coles to further strengthen an alrelid/ thriving Junior Section and establishing good links with the Second and 3rd Team Players. The "club. feels that our future lies in developing to the highest possible level the standards of our Juniors and Minis to provide players who will not only be pushing for 1st Team places but also capable of playing for National League Clubs. Particular attention will be paid to the integration of these players from Junior to Senior Players and we feel sure everyone will give Martin their full support.

We always appreciate the contribution of all our Sponsors but I would like to make special mention this year of Eddie Saunders and Oakline Construction who have not only agreed substantial financial contribution to help the development of Junior Rugby but also very kindly agreed to resurface the Clubhouse floor and redecorate the walls as part of his continuing support of the Club.

I end by thanking everyone who helps in any way at the Club and ask everyone to volunteer for some small task as the more people who help the easier it becomes.