As we approach the Easter holidays and look forward to the months ahead, I wanted to thank you all for your continued support for the Friends of Chobham Rugby and would like to update you on news and activities planned for 2024.
As the playing season approaches its business end Chobham Men’s 1st XV find themselves 7th in their first season in Regional 2 Thames. Whilst some recent results have not gone their way it has been a very good start to life back at level 6. The Women’s 1st XV has found the going tough this season and are in the company of some very strong league opposition but recently achieved a very creditable home draw against Wasps Amateur Woman. Mini and Junior rugby continues to thrive with a good number of colts stepping up successfully to the senior sides.
In January, following a request from the medical team at Chobham, FOCR was able to assist a member of the Women’s 1st XV by funding a specialist scan for a persistent injury, avoiding a lengthy wait for treatment on the NHS. This is at the core of what FOCR do and we were pleased to support the player and medical team.
FOCR hosted a hugely successful and enjoyable supporters’ lunch at Fowlers Wells in February and over 100 sat down to a fantastic meal prepared in house by the clubhouse catering team. This year we were joined by Roger Dakin, who acted as MC and had the crowd in stitches with his anecdotes and unique brand of humour. This was made possible by the generous sponsorship of local IT company, LAN Support.
Looking ahead, FOCR have organized a Golf Day on Friday 31st May 2024 at Chobham Golf Club. 18 holes will be played with a carvery meal and free raffle, priced at £60. The last event was great fun and was attended by nearly 100 golfers of all ages and abilities. This is being hosted by Vince Kerr so to join us please contact him on 07557 440939 asap as places are limited.
It’s a very sobering fact that Prostate Cancer kills a man in the UK every 45 minutes. But early detection results in an over 90% chance of survival or cure. FOCR will again be promoting a Prostate Cancer Screening Event on June 15th 2024, with local charity, Cancer Testing South (CTS). Last year we signed up over 150 men from inside and outside of the Club, and several cases for urgent follow up were identified. This year the event will be jointly promoted and will be held at Chobham Golf Club. In recognition of their work, FOCR raised and donated over £1000 for CTS at the supporters’ lunch in February 2024.
On Thursday 25th July 2024 we will be holding another of our very popular Summer Luncheon’s at the East India Club in London. This has always proved popular and is now firmly established in the calendar. Arrangements are being finalized and more details are to follow but hold the date!!
FOCR have agreed to purchase a pitch side advertising board to promote their work, and this will be appearing shortly.
Chas Gregory and Al Hunter have been working on our web presence and the FOCR website will be available in Spring 2024!!
Don’t forget that if you know of groups or individuals within the Club who need support with issues of Health, Welfare or Education please get in touch chairman@focr.co.uk and the FOCR committee will happily consider their case.
If there are FOCR’s who are not members of Chobham Rugby Club but would like to receive the club’s weekly newsletter, please e-mail comms@chobham-rugby.co.uk to add your e-mail address to the circulation list. This can be deleted at any time.
Lastly, I am happy to report that we have signed up several new members since my last update and I would like to thank all of you for your continued support, particularly those who contribute via their monthly donations. If you or someone you know would like to join us, please contact Will Woods info@focr.co.uk
Here’s looking forward to the spring and hopefully a little more sunshine!!
Mike Riley
Friends of Chobham Rugby
m 07770 584371
e chairman@focr.co.uk
Supporting health, welfare and education of the Chobham RFC rugby family
March 2024
