This is not something that in my wildest dreams I thought I would be writing a couple of weeks ago. However, with all the changes to our daily lives which have now been imposed, I thought it important to write to you all to update you as to where the Club stands in these current circumstances.
The importance of the Clubs’ league positions - at all levels - has simply become unimportant in light of the current situation and under the instructions of the RFU and other sports bodies, all team sports at the Club have ceased for the time being.
Currently we have no indication as to what will happen to the leagues when we restart next season. The RFU is considering how to deal with the Leagues and will give guidance within the next couple of months. The Clubs’ view will be put to the RFU in due course.
Our Club is extremely fortunate to have the expertise of a group of experienced people who make up our Board and we are taking all necessary measures, both to mitigate financial damage to the club, and more especially to our dedicated staff. Our support for our staff is paramount and whilst we are maintaining current employment terms, the opportunity is being taken to reassign duties and look at opportunities for increasing support for the Club within the local community, minor refurbishment (primarily decorations) of the clubhouse, maintenance of machinery and all the multitude of other things that sometimes get overlooked in the normal frenetic pace of club activities.
Cancellation of outside events has been a daily occurrence over the past week and impacts greatly on the Club’s finances. However, the Government’s proposals should help us weather the storm in relation to general running and staff costs. We are extremely grateful to many of our suppliers who have agreed, for a couple of months at least, to a payment holiday.
The annual Ball, into which so much effort has been put, has of course been postponed. Current thoughts are to reschedule it, perhaps for September when, hopefully, this situation will have been overcome and we can all get together to celebrate.
Whilst the survival of the Club is important to so many of us, it is but nothing compared to the health and wellbeing of our families, members and friends. Everyone involved with the running of the Club wish to make it clear that we are here to help in any way we can, if we can.
I have absolutely no doubt that the Cobham Sports family and indeed the whole Country is strong and will come through this trial, able and willing to continue to provide support, fellowship and community sport for many years to come.
My very best wishes to all. Stay well and safe.
Lionel Frewin
President
