Dear fans, and everyone and anyone connected with Whitehaven RLFC; from sponsors to volunteers and those people who support us via the sweep and on the stall on market days – there are so many of you it would be impossible in the space allowed to mention you all individually. On behalf of the board of directors and all concerned with the club’s welfare, can we wish you a prosperous 2018. This year was challenging as the team played extremely well but alas at the last hurdle we faltered by the narrowest of margins – one try at Barrow! Sadly there wasn’t an upsurge in attendance figures and the knock-on economic effect of that, together with the loss of nuclear and other sponsorship and a significant drop in central distribution, has made trading extremely difficult.
The board has worked tirelessly all year to keep the club solvent – a most difficult and often thankless task. They have, though, sacrificed much – in time, money and family – in order to keep going.
I specifically want to thank my fellow directors for all their unstinting work throughout the season; it’s not an easy job. It has been a pleasure and an honour to have been your chairman.
Next year of course sees a very significant date in the club’s history – our 70th anniversary. We all hope we can make it a memorable year. The competition within the league will again be fierce and our coach has hopefully drawn together a team that can once again compete to the very end and bring us the success we all desire – so good luck to you and the lads from all of us. Sustainability is one of those ‘buzz’ words that is often bandied about nowadays, yet its meaning can be obscure. In 2018 as a major initiative from the club and in line with the 70th celebrations we are hoping to announce plans to make a start on what we are tentatively calling ‘The Purdham Building’.
New Year message from Whitehaven RL chairman Tom Todd On behalf of the board of directors and all concerned with the club’s welfare, can we wish you a prosperous 2018. This year was challenging as the team played extremely well but alas at the last hurdle we faltered by the narrowest of margins – one try at Barrow! Sadly there wasn’t an upsurge in attendance figures and the knock-on economic effect of that, together with the loss of nuclear and other sponsorship and a significant drop in central distribution, has made trading extremely difficult. The board has worked tirelessly all year to keep the club solvent – a most difficult and often thankless task. They have, though, sacrificed much – in time, money and family – in order to keep going. I specifically want to thank my fellow directors for all their unstinting work throughout the season; it’s not an easy job. It has been a pleasure and an honour to have been your chairman. The competition within the league will again be fierce and our coach has hopefully drawn together a team that can once again compete to the very end and bring us the success we all desire – so good luck to you and the lads from all of us. Sustainability is one of those ‘buzz’ words that is often bandied about nowadays, yet its meaning can be obscure. In 2018 as a major initiative from the club and in line with the 70th celebrations we are hoping to announce plans to make a start on what we are tentatively calling ‘The Purdham Building’. Among other things it will increase the capacity of the sponsors lounge, with perhaps a new bar and bigger kitchen, state-of-the-art toilets, a laundry room, office space and an outside seating area – again for that elusive ‘summer rugby’. I will finish with an appeal for everyone in the town and its environs – the business community and the public – to pull together to help the club through what will prove to be another financially very difficult season. Please join the sweep, come down on match days and volunteer. Support Andrew on the market, drop into the club for a pint or give us your thoughts and suggestions. But more importantly, come to the games. Finally for those of you who have lost loved ones in 2017 our thoughts at this time of year go out to you and may you find the peace and tranquillity you deserve. My sincere best wishes to you all – Tom.
Tommy Todd
Chairman Whitehaven Rugby League Football Club