Hello Again,
I seem to be opening every Chairman’s Chat by highlighting how busy we have been at the club in the previous month and this edition is no different. There is no doubt that the club is now back and fully open for business. We have seen our 1st VX, Sharks Women, 1861 and Swinton Lions all back in action down at the Heywood Road this past month. Whilst Brad and his team have been working hard in putting on non-match day functions, they also somehow managed to do two weddings in one day last week.
I would also like to welcome Dave Houghton (Bar Supervisor), Wendy Taylor (Club Admin/Functions), Ian Milner (Admin/Facilities) to the team. Along with our dedicated team of volunteers, they are working tirelessly behind the scenes and I would like to thank them for their fantastic efforts in getting us back and fully operational again for the start of the season. When you are next down at the club, take a minute to introduce yourself to them and say hello.
As said, rugby is back for all sections at the club, where we have already seen the 1st XV start their season along with the Colts, whilst 1861 continue their pre-season preparations. Before this week’s 1st XV home game vs Cambridge, we have the U15s licking off at 11:45am in a curtain raiser against Crewe and Nantwich, so pop down early and check out our future 1st XV stars.
Regarding this week’s home game, it was fantastic for us to confirm two weeks in advance that we have SOLD OUT our pre-match meals in the Suite. Although we are sold out upstairs in the suite, please note that we will be having pre-match food prepared by our Executive Chef, available to purchase downstairs at the kiosk in the Smithy Bar. Given how early we sold out hospitality for the first game, I would encourage members to book early for the next home game pre-match meal which is a fantastic ‘Bottomless Brunch’. This is phenomenal value at £25 for members, where food and drinks are included in your ticket during the set Brunch time. So, get booking early as tickets are already selling fast!
Last week we launched our away top and our home kit is being launched this week, which already sees record pre-release sales. Thank you to Liz (Chair M&Js), Stone (Social Media), Olly (Commercial Lead) and his team for the hard work they have undertaken to get this launched. You can order your replica kit on the shop webpage.
The Carrington clubhouse opened its doors last Sunday to the M&Js and was well received by all and it was such a buzz to see all the kids down there using it after training. If you want a double helping of Rugby this coming weekend, the Colts are playing their first home game of the season down at Carrington, with the Bar open from 1:00pm, why not pop down and support the lads?
For those that have renewed your memberships, please note that cards can be collected from the office at Heywood Road during the week (10:00am-4:00pm) or on match day, right up to kick off. For those still to renew you can do that via the webpage.
Finally, we will be announcing our 160th Anniversary events schedule in the coming weeks, we hope you will all look to come along and get involved in the events during the season, which will culminate with our 160th Anniversary Ball planned for next May.
Best Wishes
Scott Bambrick
Chairman Sale FC Rugby