With just a few days to go. I wanted to send you a quick update and welcome note to the start of the new season that officially kicks off on Sunday, 7th September.

Last year we undertook a number of changes across Haslemere Rugby that resulted in a big impact both on and off the field. This year, I am delighted to report that we are continuing with our development plan with the aim of making the club one of the area's leading sporting and social facility for all ages, abilities….and genders (more on this below!)

Haslemere Club Development & Profile – RFU Accreditation
Firstly, I'm delighted to update that in addition to receiving Surrey RFU's Club Development Award last season, we are now officially on the 'Hot & Upcoming' list within Surrey RFU and have recently received RFU Club Accreditation. These awards do serve a purpose in raising the profile of the club as well as providing the chance to reflect on the progress and commitments made by so many of you. My sincere thanks to all those supporting the club – past, present and future.

Ladies Rugby
Hot on the heels of the UK ladies triumph at the World Champion earlier this month, I am very happy to announce that Haslemere will be launching a Ladies rugby squad this season. Final details are still being worked on but the initiative has received both the endorsement and funding from Sport England. Vicki Alexander, a highly experienced player/coach, will be leading the development of Ladies Rugby at Haslemere in tandem with John Hatcher, our Director of Rugby. Vicki's involvement will be in developing the game at the club as well as within local schools with sessions already started at Woolmer Hill School. This further enhances Haslemere Rugby's Schools & Community programme started and managed by John. This is a truly exciting development and we look forward to reporting more fully in the coming weeks.

2014/15 Club Calendar
Elsewhere on this site you will find an overview of the clubs playing and social calendar for the coming season. This is still subject to a few alterations but should provide all age groups with an oversight as to the exciting year ahead. As you can see we have a packed scheduled with a good blend of playing and social activities (more on the below) for all.

Waverley Minis Festival
In early October, we will be hosting the minis festival traditionally held between ourselves, Guildford, Camberley, Old Guildfordians and Cranliegh. Given the anticipated numbers involved, this will be run across 2 sites (Haslemere Club ground at Woolmer Hill and Highfield School). There will be more information coming out to to those concerned in the Minis section shortly. This will be a great opportunity to show the club functioning at its best.

Club Social Activities
For 2014/15, the club has a new Social Secretary (Brian Dean – U7 Dad) and an exciting new social calendar! We have a packed and a liver thumping social calendar that includes a Ladies Night, a Christmas Ball, a Summer Party, day trips up to Twickers to see the Quins as well as regular weekly / monthly pub and meal outings. An important note for your diaries is the aforementioned Haslemere Rugby Christmas Dinner Dance on Saturday 29th November at the Mandolay Hotel Guildford. Tickets now on sale (including early bird discounts) at the clubhouse and via Ged Hall at gerrard.hall@mac.com.

Sponsorship & Kit
For 2014-15, the club has a new official Sponsor that will mean for the first time in quite some while, all teams will have a 'one-club' training strip. Furthermore, the level of sponsorship means that all playing members (who have signed and paid) will receive an official club training top included as part of their membership. I will update on how members can receive a club top once the season is underway.

Online Membership & Payments
Many of you should have received notification of our new online payment system with an invitation to join / pay online. This will not only significantly streamline the club's own accounting practices but also make it much easier for members to subscribe and pay. Like any club, we rely on the prompt payment of subscriptions to function and provide the required level of service to our membership. I would urge all to use the new facility which can be accessed at http://www.haslemererugby.co.uk/payments

Volunteers and Supporters
Last but by no means least, we remain open to all offers of support by anybody wishing to lend any spare time to support the club. We are staffed entirely by parents and volunteers from across the local community. Whether on the pitch or helping out behind the scenes, if you can offer an hour or two or week, please let me or your year group administrator know.

I look forward to welcoming all current and prospective new members up to the club on September 7th.

Richard George
Deputy Chairman
Haslemere Rugby