Summary of supporters evening

By THe Bee Hive
March 7 2012

Chris kicked off by reiterating the objectives for Season 2011/2012 and beyond (presented at the supporters meeting in August 2011) Short-Term 1. To secure the funds to enable the first team to compete in National Division One in a respectable manner with due regard to player welfare. 2. To win more matches than we lose 3. To build stronger links between the M&J section of the Club and the first team so that, in time, more local players can play for the first team. 4. To make a more visible contribution to the local community (schools, other rugby clubs etc.) 5. To attract more financial support for the Club in the form of sponsors and benefactors. Long-Term 6. To develop the Club, with the first team performing at the highest sustainable standard, run on sound professional and financial principles, that the local community can be rightly proud of.

These objectives remain our objectives. We will continue to fight to maintain our status in National 1 and we will continue to grow our club both commercially and within the community.

Next season, be it in National One or Two, will once again present challenges in terms of raising funds, retaining our best players and managing our overhead costs. We will not operate beyond our means and we need every ounce of support that local businesses and supporters can give.

We will look to consolidate the club next season and become ONE club. The proposal is to ‘merge’ committees with M&J’s and to establish a strong Colts team. We will also continue to explore the options open to the club to establish a senior mens team.

The issue of Portway was also discussed; we have successfully held three fixtures there (and won two of them!). The reality is we (B&SRC Ltd) do not own Portway, the Debenture holders do. We will continue with our dialogue with the Debenture Trustees to facilitate an agreement whereby all fixtures (Bees, Seniors, Colts & M&Js) may be played there. This may take time and the Bees have a commitment to Solihull Moors for a further season at Damson Park.

On the field, Rusty acknowledged that results have not been good enough. As you would expect Rusty didn’t make any excuses, he did say that since Christmas the team were operating as a unit and the results have improved. All the boys are focussed on winning as many games as possible between now and the end of the season. They have not given up and the support on match days makes a real difference so stay behind the lads. #keepcalmandcarryonrucking

Finally Chris and Rusty paid tribute to all the volunteers who help keep our club alive. Without the help of the volunteers we would not be able to operate