Membership 2009/10 Season

I am pleased to say membership continues to grow year on year, particularly our youth section, now totalling over 150 minis, midis and junior players. This trend can only be healthy for the club – present and future.

Membership is a vital source of income, supporting running maintenance, buildings and grounds, playing costs, club coach, referees, insurance, rates and utilities, plus occasional busses for away trips (a treat these days).
The Club Treasurer is finding it increasingly difficult to balance the books. Many other South West Rugby Clubs are not as fortunate - Membership alone is not sufficient to meet all financial demands and income needs to be generated elsewhere. The business side of the club, hiring facilities and the bar-take generates a certain amount of income; we do however rely very heavily on the generosity of our Sponsors who continue to contribute large sums of money.

As a committee we believe the balance of our income is wrong, as money generated by membership, match fees and the business element of the club should cover most of these outgoings – leaving sponsorship to help improve the overall club, playing, training, plus club facilities.

We have successfully obtained a generous grant from a local charity enabling us to carry out major refurbishment during this summer break, revamping the Kitchen and the Showers for players and referees. Plus with other money generated smarten up the club areas.

It is hoped these changes will ensure the club once again becomes a venue of choice for entertainment locally.

Another important factor is that we build on the success of last years Playing results – as success increases the numbers of spectators – therefore the likelihood of increased bar takings.

The introduction last year of Programmes saw a significant increase in takings on the “gate” – something else that helps to generate income in an area we must continue to exploit.

Categories of membership are as follows:

Senior Player - £50

Colts - £35

Vice President - £65

Gym Member - £75 (all players have automatic gym membership)

Senior Member - £25

Senior Citizen - £20

Junior Player (up to U16) - £25

Mini/Midi Player - £20

Family - £50


Sponsors – Gold, Silver & Bronze categories – for more information on Sponsors please contact Lawrence Austin on 07968429317.

Vice Presidents – this is an area I would like to see an increase in numbers as this is an ideal type of membership for ex-players who wish to continue supporting ORFC – names are annually placed in the fixture card, rather than just “fade away” stay linked to the club for not a huge amount of money – if nothing less it is a good way each year to meet old friends during the General Sponsors & Vice Presidents buffet lunch.

Gym Members – these are non-playing members, the gym is managed by Lee Carey, anyone interested in using a well stocked weights gym contact Lee on 07886177684.

Social Member – Our Licence only allows Club Members use of our club and facilities, members may sign in a guest. To book the club phone Sylvia Langan on 0183755705. Many use this type of membership to gain a car parking permit that enables members to use the car parking facility when picking up and dropping off primary school children.

Senior Citizens – Over 65 and still want a game, pay £20 rather than £60! Seriously this is a new category introduced this year, it does not however apply for Vice Presidents.

Family Membership – Includes 2 adults (including playing member), 2 playing children.

Astra Turf Charges – Will be on top of the Membership fees.

Overall the membership for the club is much improved and reasonably healthy – Rob Ewen the Membership Secretary holds a database of all Members, which is constantly updated, if you wish to join the club in any category or your details have changed please contact him by e mail r.ewen@bigfoot.com

Remember ORFC is an ALL Members Club, if you want to use the club and drink with your mates pay up, £25 as a social member must be worth it.

We are looking forward to another great season, be part of the team and join the club in a form of Membership that suits you!