As another season comes to a close, it is important to reflect on what has been another significant year for our club, both on and off the field. Across all sections, we have continued to make progress, strengthen our foundations, and build for the future while remaining true to the values and traditions that define us.
One of the most encouraging aspects of this season has been the continued growth and
connection across the club. The development of our Colts and Women’s sections alongside
the senior sides reflects a club that is evolving in the right way—more inclusive, more
connected, and increasingly representative of the wider rugby community we are proud to
serve.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of so many people behind the scenes. I extend sincere thanks to all volunteers, supporters, sponsors, members, coaches, players, and families. Community rugby clubs simply do not function without the commitment, generosity, and goodwill of people willing to give their time and energy for others. Much of this work goes unseen but is deeply appreciated and essential to our continued success.
I would particularly like to thank Theresa and her team for their enormous ongoing
contribution. The organisation required to keep a club of this size running smoothly is
considerable, and the inclusive environment we are building is a direct reflection of their hard work and care.

Our sponsors also deserve recognition. In challenging economic conditions, maintaining
sponsorship is not easy, and their continued support reflects the strength of relationships built over many years.

Special mention must go to Simon Johnson and Dave Trewella for their outstanding work
maintaining the playing surface. Despite heavy usage and difficult weather, the pitch has
remained in excellent condition, providing a strong platform for rugby across all levels.
I also want to thank Dawn and Derek Ladner and the 200 Club. Over many years, your
support has enabled important developments, including gym equipment, honours boards,
team dress shirts, and contributions towards the floodlights.
The installation of the floodlights has been a major milestone this year and represents a key
investment in the club’s future. It will significantly improve training and facility usage across
all sections. Alongside this, the updated honours boards ensure our history and achievements continue to be properly recognised and preserved.

Financial stability remains a priority, and I would like to thank Claire Martin and her team at
Perfect Sums for their continued work in managing the club’s finances responsibly.
Turning to rugby matters, I thank all players, coaches, management teams, and support staff for their efforts throughout another demanding season. Week after week, you have
represented the club with pride, commitment, and resilience. I also extend my gratitude to the wives, husbands, partners, and families whose support and patience play a vital and often unrecognised role in everything we do.

Special mention must go to Jeff Till for his continued work in the physio room. His expertise
is invaluable to players across the club. Likewise, James “Bondy” Mills has become an
important part of the senior setup over five years as team coach driver, and his contribution is greatly appreciated.

On the field, the 1st XV have shown on many occasions that they can compete with the
strongest teams in the league. While consistency at key moments has sometimes been the
difference between winning and losing, the potential within the squad remains clear.
The 2nd XV have also continued to develop well, finishing the season with an excellent
victory over league champions Wiveliscombe. Particularly encouraging has been the
continued emergence of young players progressing into senior rugby.
Seeing players who have come through our Mini, Junior, and Colts sections (now nearly 400 strong) representing both the 1st and 2nd XV is extremely rewarding. It is a testament to the long-term work of everyone involved in youth development. Sustainable success depends on developing and retaining homegrown players, and long may that continue.

Our Women’s team also deserves enormous credit. Their progress on and off the field has
been outstanding, and entry into the NC3 League is a significant achievement and an exciting step forward for the programme.

The Colts have also had an excellent season, winning their league and continuing to
demonstrate the strength of the pathway we are building within the club.

Looking more broadly, we should all take pride in what this club has achieved over many
years. The league structure has now been running for 38 seasons. Since promotion from
Level 5 to Level 4 in 1987/88, the club has maintained its position across Levels 3 and 4 for
37 consecutive seasons, including 10 seasons at Level 3.
Across that time, 154 different clubs have competed at these levels. When measured by
longevity and consistency, we rank fourth among clubs including Cambridge Rugby Club,
Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club, Rotherham Titans, Plymouth Albion, Esher Rugby,
Richmond Rugby, Redruth Rugby Football Club, Fylde Rugby Club, Blackheath F.C. and
Rosslyn Park F.C.
For a small-town club to stand among such company is a remarkable achievement. It reflects the resilience, consistency, and commitment of generations of players, volunteers, supporters and committee members who have built and sustained this club over decades.

On a personal note, my time as President has now come to an end. I have been involved with this club for around 63 years in one capacity or another, always trying to contribute in some small way. It has been an honour to serve as President for the past six years, and I am
sincerely grateful for the opportunity.

I would like to thank my colleagues on the Executive Committee, particularly outgoing
officials Keith Huxtable, Roland Woods, Paul Woolgar, and Nick George. Each of you has
provided commitment, experience, and steady leadership that has made a real difference.
I also wish the incoming Executive Committee, and especially my successor Ralph
Tregonning, every success. You take on a club with strong traditions, high standards, and a
committed membership, and I am confident it will continue to thrive.

As I step away, I leave three thoughts. First, never let your heart rule your head—passion is
vital, but judgement is essential. Second, always strive to maintain the moral high ground;
how we conduct ourselves matters as much as results. Finally, take pride in serving this club.
It is a special place with a history and spirit few can match.
Thank you all for your support, friendship, and commitment over so many years. It has meant a great deal to me, and I remain immensely proud to have been part of this club’s journey.

Dave Penberthy
President Redruth RFC