Further investment into drainage works of all the pitches and training areas of the field were approved and plans are in place in order to give the pitches the best chance of surviving the winter period.

The monthly Kingswood RFC Board Meetings are a vital part of Kingswood RFC’s existence. It is the place where all the Kingswood RFC Directors get together and propose, discuss and vote on key decisions that are vital to the clubs survival & progression. In order to keep a transparent line of communication to our members and supporters, we present to you the key information to come out of last night’s 2.5 hour meeting. In attendance were J. Stacey (Chairman) A. Bell (Hon. Secretary) N. Honeywell (Hon. Treasurer) D. Golding (Junior Chairman) S. Bailey (Vice Chairman) & R. Caines (Bristol Combination Rep).

NB: Full minutes of Board Meetings are available to Members upon request.

Club Finances

The clubs finances are in a healthy position, this is in part due to the fantastic response we have had from both the Senior and Junior sections in paying their 2016/17 Annual Subs. Our strong financial standing means the club will soon be in a position to formally apply for planning permission for the entire redevelopment of the clubhouse and grounds.

New Bar Till & Bar

The new bar till is up and running. Members are reminded that they must present their membership cards at the bar in order to receive the member’s discount. The bar refit is also underway which will give our bar a fresh new look and provide a lot more space for all the required equipment.

Lease Extension

After months of talks between Kingswood Directors and South Gloucestershire Council, we are pleased to report that the club is almost in a position to sign a new lease extension on Grimsbury Road Playing Fields, which will see it remain our home for the next 25 years. Talks have been ongoing as the Board continues to ensure the best outcome for the club and its members, but after positive talks last week with SGC, the Board are now awaiting the final version of the lease for consideration.

Community Standing

Directors from Kingswood RFC represented the club this month at the first meeting of the Kingswood Business Association. The group is made up of traders in the area and Kingswood RFC were invited along to talk about their recent “You Are Kingswood. We Are Kingswood” community engagement campaign. Traders in Kingswood are looking to build a stronger community and increase footfall in the High Street so the two ideas go hand in hand. Kingswood RFC have offered their support to the project and will help out where we can.

Pitch Maintenance

Bristol Combination Latest

Ben Breeze (Community Officer with the Bristol Sport Foundation) spoke at the meeting to say the BSF was concerned with the issues surrounding clubs being unable to field their lower sides. To address this, they have come up with a new initiative called Club 50, which they hope will rekindle the enthusiasm of ex-players. Although in early stages of planning, the concept is that ex-Bristol players and some Bristol Colts would turn up on a Saturday and play for clubs lower sides. They would also hang around after the game and chat to players. As an added incentive, anyone also playing in the game would receive a free ticket to a Bristol game. More information to be given at the next Combination meeting.

Paul Stenning from a company called WPA gave a presentation on Player Health Insurance and Rich Wilcox from Clifton Nash IFA’s spoke on Income Replacement Insurance. They outlined various options they have available to cover players loss of earnings through injury (not just rugby injuries). An example policy is £5pm for a 20 year old and £8pm for a 30 year old. If enough players show interest a presentation can be made at the club and if enough sign up to the policy then there could also be a sponsorship option. More information to be supplied to members once we have it.