TYNEDALE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED Founded in 1876 at Hexham

Registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 (Register No. 29666R)

President J.M.D. Coulson Management Committee Chief Executive D.F. Hamilton Hon. Secretary W.D. Stewart Hon. Treasurer D.F. Hamilton Chairman of Rugby A. Kerr Property A.C. Curtis Communications I. Lewis Marketing G. Dodd Fund-raising M. Fieldhouse

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (PART I) 2006. Notice is hereby given that the annual general meeting of members (Part I) of the club will be held in the clubhouse at Tynedale Park, Corbridge, at 7.30pm. on Thursday 27 July 2006.

AGENDA 1. Apologies for absence

2. Confirmation of the minutes of the AGM’s held: Part I - Monday 27 June 2005. Part II - Tuesday 18 October 2005. (Attached on Pages 12 and 13)

3. To receive the Annual Report (pages 2 – 11)

4. To confirm the election of Edward Robson as an Honorary Life Member of the club as prescribed in Rule 5.5.

5. To approve the management committee’s decision to offer a new category of membership of the club, to be called a ‘Youth parent member’.

6. Election of:  The officers of the club  Members of the management committee Nominations for officers, and management committee members should be sent, duly seconded, to me as Hon. Secretary at my home address, 2 Beech Hill, Hexham, not less than 7 days before the Annual General Meeting as prescribed in Rules 8.3.1 and 8.4.1.

7. To empower the new Management committee of the club to:  Enter into contrtacts with builders, architects and professional consultants to enable an extension to the existing clubhouse to be built.  Enter into an agreement with Corbridge United Football club, granting them a 25-year lease of the new extension, priority use of two soccer pitches and use of other facilities – as explained in the Chief Executive’s report on page 2 of this Notice.

8. Any other business of which due notice has been given, sent to the Hon. Secretary as prescribed in Rule 8.5

9. To hear any other relevant matter for the consideration of the new Management committee (Rule 8.1.12).

W.D. STEWART. Hon. Secretary.

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TYNEDALE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED

ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEASON 2005/2006.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT Once again we are holding our Annual General Meeting in two parts. Consideration of the Financial statements for the preceding financial year have been adjourned until AGM (Part II) later in the year. Part I is to be held at 7.30pm. on THURSDAY 27 JULY 2006, and will deal with the nine matterss on the agenda for the meeting shown on page 1. I draw to your attention three new items this year – 4, 5 and 7; the election of an Honorary Life member, the setting up of a new category of membership, and a request for the approval of members for a completely new development at Tynedale RFC – an agreement to share facilities with Corbridge United Football club – and I should like to expand upon this last matter to enable members to come to a decision at the meeting.

AGREEMENT WITH CORBRIDGE UNITED As I reported at the 2004 AGM (Part II) and both 2005 AGM’s and in my Chief Executive’s report last year, negotiations have been taking place between representatives of Tynedale RFC’s Management Committee, Corbridge United, Leisure Tynedale and the Football Association, to look at the possibility of entering into an Agreement to develop changing-room facilities and pitches to accommodate junior football teams at Tynedale Park. Towards the end of 2003 the football club were seeking a venue to develop football in the area. We had 35 acres of land, much of it unused, and were talking to a number of sporting bodies to find partners who would share our facilities and running costs. At the same time we had a need to raise funds to provide disabled access and disabled toilet facilities within the existing clubhouse. We also saw a future need for separate dressing-rooms to accommodate Ladies rugby teams. The more we discussed the situation the more the two schemes appeared to complement each other. However, funding was a problem. Neither we nor the football club could bridge the gap between the costs of each side’s schemes and our sources of revenue. The rugby club could not afford the full costs of the improvements in the disabled facilities; the football club had a substantial shortfall, even after obtaining promises of 50% funding from the Football Foundation. We are now close to resolving those two problems. Firstly the Football Foundation offered to pay 50% of the Rugby club’s disabled access costs – since they would have required those facilities on a stand-alone project. Secondly, the Football Foundation have increased their offer on the changing-room extension from 50% top 69%, to cover the perceived shortfall, and the football club are completing revised application forms. We, as the Management committee of Tynedale Rugby Club could not allow these possible developments to proceed any further, without obtaining the support of our members in general meeting. To extend the clubhouse and offer a 25-year lease to a new partner (Corbridge United) and to enter into an agreement with that partner for the use of some of the club’s pitches and other facilities are such huge changes in direction for this club, and the new Management committee will need the club’s general support in continuing with the project. I would like to make a few specific points:-  Tynedale Rugby Club (TRFC) would continue to own all the land at Tynedale Park.  The rugby club would be the contracting party dealing with builders etc.  Corbridge United (CUFC) would obtain a 25-year lease on the changing-room extension.  Priority use of the new changing-room facilities would be a) Female sport; b) Football players; c)Rugby players (for tournaments etc.)  The leased premises would revert to TRFC if CUFC ceased to exist.  TRFC would have exclusive use of the 1st XV rugby pitch and priority usage of rugby pitches and the Dyvel’s training pitch.  CUFC would have priority use of two football pitches.  A Standing Committee would be formed consisting of representatives of TRFC and CUFC to determine the usage of facilities. It would have delegated powers, subject to the approval of the Management committees of both clubs. Benefits of the scheme to TRFC would be:-  We would comply with Disability legislation – at half of the projected capital costs.  TRFC would have separate changing facilities for girls/ladies rugby teams.  TRFC would have access to extra changing-rooms, toilets and a meeting room for tournaments.  We would have partners continuing to share the costs of maintaining pitches and paying rent for the use of the new extension. 2.

 There would be a new improved entrance to the clubhouse on the eastern side of the building.  Toilet facilities inside the clubhouse would be improved.  We would retain priority use of all rugby pitches - but mini/juniors could use football pitches on Sunday mornings if weather conditions allowed.  We would have the opportunity to improve revenue through an increase in bar/catering/room letting income. I would appeal to you, therefore, to support your new Management committee, by attending the AGM on 27 July, and voting in favour of the proposal to give the committee power to enter into the relevant contracts and finalise the agreement with Corbridge United. The proposal has the full backing of the outgoing Management committee.

SEASON 2005/2006. The start of the season continued to be dominated by the effects of the flooding last year – with the insurance claim only being finalised in January 2006. The Colts hut was refurbished and final repairs were carried out. The Environment Agency then began slow and damaging remedial work on the flood banks around Tynedale Park, and although the work on the flood defences has been completed – the impact on our pitches, stand and access roads was significant – some of that restorative work has still be to carried out. 6,000 tons of clay was imported to upgrade the defences, by inserting a clay core in the floodbank – then replacing some of the topsoil. Damage to the car-park was repaired before the end of the season. The other work is ongoing. As part recompense for the damage the Environment Agency paid for new safety fencing around the first team pitch. UPV fencing and gates were installed, a herculean task overseen by Edward Robson. Thanks go to Richard Parker, Dan Herdman, Mike Herdman, Edward Parker, Stephen Lumley and Hamish Smales and six others who helped Edward and John Lee, the groundsman, carry out the installation work.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE The committee had 12 meetings during the year with a 72% attendance record. This main committee seemed to function pretty well – but the sub-committee system was less successful. The most efficient sub- committee is the Communications and Marketing committee led by Ian Lewis, Gordon Dodd and Mike Fieldhouse. They produced minutes of their meetings regularly and their annual report appears later as a separate item. Disciplinary, Senior Rugby and the Playing sub-committees operate efficiently; Property, Development and Rugby Co-ordinating work less well, if at all.

ATTENDANCE AT MANAGEMENT MEETINGS (12 J.M.D. Coulson (President) 11 D.F. Hamilton (Chief Executive) 11 W.D. Stewart (Secretary) 12 A. Kerr (Chairman of Rugby) 5 M. Fieldhouse (Fund-raising) 8 A.C. Curtis (Property) 9 I. Lewis (Communications) 11 G. Dodd (Marketing) 2

PLAYING RESULTS – 2005/2006. Points Points Played Won Drawn Lost For Against 1st XV 31 20 1 10 841 545 Raiders 24 20 - 4 865 254 Grasshoppers 18 8 - 10 297 331 Veterans 8 6 - 2 277 94 The new season began with practice matches against the following teams:- 13 August 2005 v Hawick (HOME) 20 August 2005. v & Glamorgan Wanderers (HOME) 28 August 2005. v Falcons Development Team (HOME)

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The Raiders also had pre-season fixtures:- 23 August v Ryton I 3 September v Blayton II Players leaving the first-team squad for season 2005/06 included Andrew Robson (Border Park), and Edward Parker – who did, however, make a number of appearances to help our the team. Newcomers were Scott Breerton, Matthew Fieldhouse (returning), Neil Graham, Jock Harrison (returning), Rob Herdman (returning), Mark Honeybun, Cameron Johnston, Ben Marshall, Harry Monro and Hamish Smales. The 1st XV, and the Raiders played attractive rugby throughout the season. This is seen in the number of points each team scored (over 800 points) and also by the tries scored/conceded ratio. For the 1st XV in league fixtures the figures for the last two seasons demonstrate this point:- Tries Tries Scored Conceded 2004/05 63 74 2005/06 88 55 This confirms the point made by John Shotton in his Senior Rugby Report about the work done by Tom Borthwick and the coaching team to reverse the previous season’s trend. Players kept out of the 1st XV because of injury for most or all of the season were Ali Gray (knee injury), Rupert Neville (broken ankle), Barry Hills (groin operation), Grant Rastall, Rowan Brown (broken ankle) and Harry Monro (knee).

NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 3 NORTH – 2005/06. P W D L F A LB TB Diff Pts Bradford & Bingley 26 23 1 2 934 465 0 16 469 110 Nuneaton 26 21 1 4 705 382 3 12 323 101 Blaydon 26 20 0 6 789 386 1 14 403 95 Tynedale 26 16 1 9 650 430 5 9 220 80 Darlington 26 13 1 12 666 562 6 17 104 77 Preston Grasshoppers 26 13 3 10 763 605 3 13 158 74 Fylde 26 13 2 11 569 516 1 7 30 64 26 12 1 13 565 581 7 5 -16 62 Macclesfield 26 10 2 14 560 521 5 8 40 57 Cleckheaton 26 11 0 15 476 550 7 7 -74 53 Darlington Mowden Park 26 10 1 15 472 578 3 7 -106 52 Leicester Lions 26 9 2 15 484 731 4 8 -248 52 New Brighton 26 2 0 24 358 1036 1 2 -677 11 Kendal 26 1 1 24 297 923 1 1 -626 8

PROMOTION AND RELEGATION Promoted from National Three (North) into National Two – Bradford & Bingley, and Nuneaton. Relegated from National Three (North) – Kendal and New Brighton. Relegated from National Two into National Three (North) – Orrell Promoted into National Three (North) – , Morley and West Park (St. Helens).

IST XV COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS SEASONS. Adjusting the scoring to the system used before 2004 we can compare the five post-Foot & Mouth seasons:- Lge. Lge. Season League P W D L F A Diff Pts. Pos. 2001-02 N3N 26 14 0 12 530 528 2 28 5 2002-03 N3N 26 12 1 13 561 582 -21 25 7 2003-04 N3N 26 12 1 13 472 406 66 25 7 2004-05 N3N 26 13 1 12 512 58 -86 27 5 2005-06 N3N 26 16 1 9 650 430 220 33 4

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EVENTS Numerous rugby, social and fund-raising events were held, including:- Rugby events International Schools Tournament 4 September 2005. Northumberland U18 v Yorkshire 6 November 2005. Northumberland U16’s v Lancashire U16’s 27 November 2005. Falcons v Stellenbosch University 3 December 2005. Falcons U18 v Border U18 8 March 2006. Northumberland Ladies v Canada 14 March 2006. Northumberland U20’s v Cheshire U20’s 19 March 2006. County Regional 10’s tournament 12 April 2006. Tynedale mini-festival 30 April 2006. Northumberland v Yorkshire county match 6 May 2006. Social events Beer Festival 16/17/18 June 2005. Oxford v Cambridge lunch 6 December 2005. Mini Christmas party 18 December 2005. Club Dinner Dance 28 January 2006. Past Players’ lunch and Club Party 25 March 2006 The grounds were also used for outside events:- Spirit of the Horse 27 April – 12 May 2006. Northumberland County Show 28 May 2006. Steam Traction Rally 10/11 June 2006.

CONGRATULATIONS TO:  6 Tynedale RFC members, Simon Allan, Ed Holmes, Andrew Murray, Jamie Murray, Stephen Lumley and Mark Price who took top honours at a lunch sponsored by One North East5 – the ‘Pride of Tynedale’ event - for their efforts in the ‘Running for Ali’ relay around the 14 Rugby clubs in National 3 (North) – 700 miles in six days.  Tynedale RFC 1st Team Winners of the ‘Adult team of the year’ at the Sports Council awards.  Peter Telfer who won the Grant Thornton Bobby Wood Memorial Trophy as coach of the year at the same awards ceremony.  Graeme Dunn and Grant Beasley for being selected for the U18 International rugby squad.  Johnny Williams who was picked for the England Counties summer tour to South America – and was subsequently offered a full-time contract with Newcastle Falcons.  Tom Borthwick – NCA Coach of the Month for October 2005.  William Massey – runner-up for NCA Player of the Month.  Mark Honeybun – who played for the British Army on the Sevens circuit.  Cameron Johnston – Scotland 7’s squad – Dubai 7’s, South Africa 7’s.  Chris Davy – still a member of Tynedale RFC, a former full-back in the 1970’s on his election as President of the Northumberland on 22 June 2005.  Andrew Neal, David Hewitson and Edward Robson who were proposed by Tynedale RFC at the Northumberland Rugby Union’s ‘Value the Volunteer’ event as the club’s nominations for Club Volunteer (Senior Rugby), Club volunteer (Youth rugby) and Exceptional Senior volunteer respectively..

SPONSORS We are grateful to all those companies and individuals we are generous in their support for the club. In particular I should like to mention:- Troynorth Ltd. – our main club sponsor. James Little and his company continue to offer the main club and the Colts section the financial help which is vital to support rugby in this area. Patterson Ford who, through Ashley Winter, have continued to sponsor mini/junior rugby at the club. Members who sponsored individual players in the first team squad. UBS Laing & Cruikshank Ltd. New sponsors who funded club shirts, board advertising and the new 2nd XV CANDY league next season.

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OBITUARIES John Wilman – who died on 19 August 2005 from Motor-Neurone disease. John played for Tynedale in 1970/71 – then went to Vale of Lune, played for Cumbria for many years and was later a leading light at Kirkby Lonsdale rugby club. Tynedale are to participate in a 10-a-side tournament on Sunday 27 August in memory of John. All proceeds to be donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Dick Adamson – an exuberant support and ex-Tynedale player in the 1960’s, who died on 6 November 2005. Tom Macpherson – who died on 3 December 2005 aged 71. Tom was a well-known personality in Corbridge, serving on parish, district and county councils. He was steward at Tynedale Park for a short period. Barry York – who died aged 57. Barry was steward from 1977 to 1990. A very popular and witty companion, he built up a tremendous rapport with players and members of the club. Kathleen Walton – died on 24 December 2005, aged 41 years. Kath, who was Secretary of the Northumberland Show for more than 15 years, was the sister of club stalwart John (Chalky) White and a great friend of the club.

GENERAL  In the Under 21 Floodlit games held during the season there were twelve 10-a-side teams competing in 3 regional groups, A, B and C. Tynedale finished fourth of the twelve competing teams.  The club, like most clubs and public houses, had to comply with the Liquor Licensing Acvt 2003, and converted to a new licence by 7 August 2005 deadline.  Newcastle Falcons Academy/Development U16 and U18 teams will again be using Tynedale’s facilities for training for 5 sessions in July and August.  The International Schools Competition on 4 September 2005 was won by Filton College, Bristol, who beat RGS Newcastle in the final. Filton B won the Plate beating Northumberland Schools. Other contestants were Merchiston Castle, Edinburgh Academy, Fettes College, Kings School, Tynemouth, Tynedale Schools, Yarm School, Barnard Castle, QEGS Wakefield, The Cistercian College, Rosscrea, Eire, and Connacht schools.  The BBC filmed Ali Johnson and some of his friends at Tynedale Park and Wolf Hills on 11 January 2006 for a regional TV programme about Ali and his achievements. John Inverdale fronted the programme, and wrote about it all in the Telegraph. The film, ‘Inside Out’, was shown on 23 January 2006.  National Clubs Association (NCA) meetings for the Northern region were attended during the year to represent the club’s interests. The main discussion point has been the move (supported by a majority of the NCA clubs but not Tynedale) to increase the number of teams in Leagues 2 and 3 from 14 teams to 16 teams. For most clubs this is seen as an opportunity to increase income; for us it would only increase pressure on players, who already play too many games in a season.  The 1st team 7’s squad took part in the Spinnaka Festival of Rugby at Kingston Park on 27 May 2006, reaching the semi-finals against very strong opposition and losing narrowly to the Newcastle Falcons team.  Communications with members had involved 2 meetings (AGMs), 2 newsletters, an excellent web-site run by Wallace Cousin, information disseminated by Ian Lewis, and match programme notes.

THANKS In concluding this report I should like to thank all the club’s officers, employees and Chairmen of sub- committees at mini, junior, colts and senior levels. I should especially like to commend the work of our President MIKE COULSON for his efforts this year. Mike underwent quadruple heart surgery on 31 July 2005, and also dealt with the problems of dialysis throughout his year in office without ever failing to carry out his duties as President, Membership Secretary and Fourth official, and always appearing cheerful and involved in an amazing way. It has truly been a miraculous two-year Presidency and we are all indebted to Mike for his dedication and cheerfulness which have, at times, shamed the rest of us. My thanks also to Edward Robson and Bill Stewart who have helped me in so many unseen ways – and particularly for resurrecting the successful Christmas Draw. We have provided catering for a record number of events and functions. Throughout it all, Julie Sedgwick and Angela have been hard-working and good humoured. We owe them an especial vote of thanks, for their efforts which have been way beyond the call of duty.

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Finally, as usual, I must record my total reliance on rugby and other matters on the work of John Shotton. His energy and forward planning means that he solves problems almost before they arise. His support during the past season, has, as ever, been absolutely invaluable to me and to the Tynedale club.

Douglas Hamilton

NEXT SEASON – 2006-2007. Training begins on Tuesday 11 July 2006. Proposed pre-season matches will include:- 12 August 2006 . Tynedale v Stirling County (HOME) 19 August 2006. Aspatria v Tynedale (AWAY) 20 August 2006. CANDY League – 10’s competition at Tynedale. 22 August 2006 Tynedale v Falcons Development squad 26 August 2006. Tynedale v Harrogate (HOME) 27 August 2006. John Wilman memorial tournament at Kirkby Lonsdale.

THE ALI JOHNSON APPEAL In last year’s report, when the fund stood at £54,791, I commented that we hoped to raise in excess of £100,000 for the Ali Johnson Trust. The response from clubs, companies, individuals and various organisations has been exceptional. There have been social evenings, a sponsored abseil, a Midsummer Golf Marathon, a Pigeon Shoot, a Boat Race, a Cricket club challenge and “Family Day”, a Peasants Ball and dozens of fund-raising activities – showing great imagination on the part of individuals and groups, all concerned to raised funds to support Ali’s recuperation. A special mention should be made for the Golf Tournament and Dinner at Slaley Hall, organised by Andrew Laidler, which raised a staggering £41,000, and the Runner Day mentioned in the Chief Executive’s report – which raised £23,000. These, like many of the other activities showed great commitment by supporters and a willingness to give up their own time. The club’s website shows the following breakdown of funds received:- Ali Johnson Trust Fund Rugby clubs 23,308.59 Rugby Trust Funds 18,500.00 Personal 12,939.00 Company 39,444.08 Special Events 110,233.05 Collections, Misc. 15,484.56 TOTAL £219,909.28

However, there have been further receipts recently, so we expect that total to be just under £250,000 later this Summer. This is an excellent response to the Appeal. The trustees of the fund, the Appeal committee and those concerned with Ali’s welfare would like to thank all those who have helped by contributing their time and money to this worthwhile cause.

Edward Robson. Chairman.

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SENIOR RUGBY REPORT Although the first XV finished in their highest position (4th) since we came into the National leagues, the season can be probably be described as slightly disappointing, when you consider the talent that the squad possessed! We possibly had the youngest squad in the league, the average being under 24 years of age, but with the injuries that we encountered during the season, and a certain lack of experience and size against opposition who wanted to play a tight game against us, we struggled and lost some of those games. We performed and in most cases were successful against the better sides at the top of the league, who played rugby and let us use our fast backs (probably the quickest and most exciting back division in the league in their day?). This was shown in the last league of the season against Blaydon, who we “demolished” and showed what we were capable of. If we can show more consistency, we should be right up at the top of the league challenging for promotion next season. In the National cup first round we had a difficult away draw at Nuneaton (who won promotion), and despite being behind at half-time, we won the game in the second half with a tremendous display against the elements. Then we were drawn away to National 2 Moseley, and, although we were well beaten, we played some good rugby and scored four tries. One of the pleasing aspects of the league was the work done by the coach Tom Borthwick, in tightening up our defence from last season, turning points for and against into a large plus. Everything augurs well for a successful season starting in September ’06. The Raiders had a successful season, but also a disappointing one! Losing only 4 games, finishing second in the Northumberland and CANDY league, but losing in the County Cup final to Morpeth against a team who on the day wanted to win more than we did. The Grasshoppers had the perennial problem once again; lack of players and inconsistency, which is something as a club we must address for next season. We must try to get regular management for consistency and organisation every week. The Veterans won the County cup final at level 5. We had too many good players at this level. At most times they were far too good for the opposition, making most games mismatches!! Probably half of the ‘vets’ squad could be, and should be, at least playing at “Hoppers” level, which would certainly help the club in games!! The newly formed CANDY league was overall a huge success, according to all the participating clubs, and all want to be involved next season. Special thanks to CANDY league administration, especially to Craig Johnston.

John Shotton Chairman - Senior Rugby

REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS

Northumberland Senior County Northumberland U20’s – Final, Twickenham William Massey James Rastall Jack Smales Hamish Smales Hamish Smales Jack Harrison Ben Duncan Andrew Ions Phil Belgian (Capt.) Jimmy Scott Edward Holmes Chris Hall Charles Catterall (Ben Marshall played for Yorkshire) Douglas Jupp Peter Southern Hamish Smales – England Counties v France and Aaron Charlton Tunisia Paul Scott Graeme Smith Cameron Johnston – Scotland Senior 7’s squad Andrew Murray and Scotland U21 World Cup Scott Breerton Matthew Fieldhouse Jack Smales – Bath University in BUSA English Plus Jamie Murray now back at Tynedale. Universities championship final.

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MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY’S REPORT Membership numbers continued to decline slightly in the season. One of the factors was the need for members paying by Standing Order to alter their mandates, after the bank required the club to open a new account following our registration under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965, and members choosing to let their ‘sleeping’ mandates lapse. The figures for the different membership categories were as follows:- Season 2005/06. Season 2004/05. Life 7 7 Full 108 110 Social 39 50 Lady 46 49 Patron 9 11 209 227 Playing members continued to pay their subscriptions through their weekly match fees and are not included in the above figures.

J.M.D. Coulson

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COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT – SEASON 2005/06. 1. In this season past, nothing has changed. Club v Country issues continued to bedevil the England national side in its climb back to a premier position in the sport. Too many negatives have attached themselves to the game recently. The pursues the centralisation of the administration with a consequential fall-off in volunteer support in the Constituency Bodies in an increasing reliance on professional activists. Some will regard this as a sensible step for a professional sport/business in this century. Others regret the passing of the amateur administrator after more than a hundred years. 2. Northumberland Committee. The Management Committee has instituted a successful working group to oversee the Strategic Plan for the Constituent body. The RFU has utilised the highly praised Development Plan introduced by new Vice President Andy Thomson as an exemplar to the rest of the country. The early planning enables projects to start from 1st September. The 2006/07 Plan majors on Colts and Under 18 players. 3. Competitions New trophies have been purchased and the new Junior League, to be known as the Northumberland County Leagues, will have 13 of the 46 teams in the Durham Rugby Union. 4. Governance Committee. This committee has an increasing role. The foundation of the facilities sub committee is dealing with a new round of CCDP grants. Amongst the priorities are the Tynedale floodlights, Morpeth changing rooms and lights erected this season at Berwick and Ashington. The Hamilton Report, on the health of Rugby within Northumberland, now five years old, will be reviewed. 5. Marketing and Communications The Volunteer awards held at Tynedale were a great success. Club Development evenings have continued to attract a good attendance. The Falcons’ hospitality initiative has proved most popular. 6. A dinner commemorating the County’s 125th Anniversary was held on 4 November 2005 at Kingston Park.

RUGBY After a sterling campaign the County side failed to stay in the first division, despite defeating North Midlands. The points differential fell short by 4. A full account of the games will be found in the Annual Report of the County, available shortly. It is pleasing to report the strong representation made by Tynedale players. Amongst those appearing on the team sheet were Phil Belgian (Capt.), Scott Breerton, Aaron Charlton, Ben Duncan, Matthew Fieldhouse, Ed Holmes, Douglas Jupp, Stuart Johnson, Andrew Murray, Will Massey, Paul Scott, Hamish Smales, Jack Smales, Graeme Smith and Peter Southern – 15 in total. County Caps were awarded to Scott Breerton, Aaron Charlton, Douglas Jupp, Stuart Johnson and Hamish Smales. Congratulations are offered to all. They are following some great Tynedale players. The Under 20’s side reached the final of the County Championship at Twickenham but were just beaten by Yorkshire 24-21 with a 78th minute try. Amongst the Tynedale players appearing were Jack Harrison, Ham ish Smales, James Rastall, Andrew Ions, Charles Catterall, James Scott and Chris Hall. This is a tremendously talented side with a great future potential. Senior Cup Tynedale I defeated Percy Park I 64-8 in the final to take the cup for the fourth time in succession. Senior Shield Tynedale Raiders were defeated 24-15 by Morpeth in the final. Junior Challenge Trophy The Tynedale Veterans are to be congratulated on a fine win in the final over Whitley Bay Rockcliff III, by 50 points to 14. A copy of the full County report will be available on request from me, when circulated.

John Saunders County Representative.

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MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS REPORT We have spent most of this last season developing a comprehensive marketing plan which has been agreed by the management committee and is not in the process of being implemented. Key points of the plan are:  Objective of the plan is to generate an incremental £20k income (profit) year on year to enable to club to operate with a positive cash balance and invest in appropriate developments consistent with its current amateur status.  Four recurring ‘anchor’ events will serve to generate the majority of the income - Autumn: Sportsman’s Dinner (Andy Laidler) - Winter: Boxing Day Fancy Dress Party (Ranald Harris) - Spring: 6 Nations Celebration (Gordon Dodd) - Summer: Tynedale RFC Carnival (working group to be formed) In addition to the four anchor events there will be other ‘linkage’ events to generate income:  Pre-match lunches (Scrap Douglas)  Post-match disco/band (Angela Johnson)  Private/Corporate hire – weddings, parties, seminars (Angela Johnson) All events will be supported by a comprehensive communications plan – brochures, posters, website, local press (Ian Lewis). A working group will also be formed specifically to identify further income generating opportunities via increased sponsorship and other commercial ventures using the assets of the club.

Ian Lewis Gordon Dodd Mike Fieldhouse

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TYNEDALE RFC LIMITED

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (PART I) OF TYNEDALE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED, HELD AT THE CLUBHOUSE, TYNEDALE PARK, CORBRIDGE, NORTHUMBERLAND ON MONDAY 27 JUNE 2005 AT 6.30pm.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from W. Dinning, W.E. Cousin, A. Smith, W.D. Stewart, A. Coates and J. Suddes.

THE MINUTES of the Annual General Meeting Part I held on Wednesday 2 June 2004, and of the Annual General Meeting Part II held on Wednesday 25 August 2004, were approved as follows:- Part I Proposed: L. Halliday; Seconded: J. Saunders Part II Proposed: A. Kerr; Seconded: J. Saunders

ANNUAL REPORT D.F. Hamilton presented his report, as Chief Executive, and the reports of the sub- committee Chairmen contained within the Notice of Meeting. He expanded on some points in the report, in particular the injury to Alistair Johnson and subsequent actions taken by the club to launch an appeal for Ali, and the flooding of 8 January 2005. Comments were invited on the reports and discussions took place. Reference was made to the Second XV league which Tynedale RFC were seeking to launch. Thanks were expressed to J. Shotton and C. Johnston for their efforts in getting the league off the ground, with 10 competing clubs. The Annual Report was approved on the proposal of A. Kerr, seconded by J. Saunders.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS The recommendation of the retiring Management Committee for the appointments of officers for season 2005/06 were accepted and elected on bloc on the proposal of E. Robson, seconded by J. Bell. Before moving on to the appointment of a new Management Committee, E. Robson said he would like to commend the retiring officers for the way they had dealt with the flooding of the clubhouse and grounds, managing to continue to honour fixtures without interruptions and re-opening speedily by the end of April. The President M. Coulson endorsed this view. He especially praised the work of A. Curtis, who had almost acted as a clerk of works throughout the crisis, and D. Hamilton in dealing with the insurance companies. The members of the new Management Committee, as recommended to the meeting, were also elected, on the proposal of K. Laidler, seconded by J. Shotton.

A.O.B. No business for which notice was required had been notified to the meeting. Discussions then took place on other matters for consideration by the new Management Committee. E. Robson updated the meeting on the Ali Johnson appeal fund, which stood at £76,000. The appeal’s target could be attained by the time of the Golf Day which had been arranged. D. Hamilton notified the meeting that training would start on 7 July 2005. Pre-season matches had been arranged. These and other important dates would be notified to members by way of a newsletter. He commented on NCA matters which had been discussed at that Association’s AGM, spoke about possible building development, and mentioned the new Marketing Plan for the club which was being drafted. There being no further business, the President thanked members for their attendance, and closed the meeting at 7.23pm.

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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (PART II) OF TYNEDALE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED EHLD AT THE CLUBHOUSE, TYNEDALE PARK, CORBRIDGE ON TUESDAY 18 OCTOBER 2005 AT 7.30pm.

Chairman J.M.D. Coulson presided. Also present were twenty-two members.

Apologies for Absence were received from E. Robson, I. Blyth, A. Kerr, H. Fletcher, M. McLoughlin and Mrs. F. Saunders.

The Hon. Treasurer D.F. Hamilton presented the Accounts and Balance Sheet for 2004-05 and explained that the meeting had been delayed by the floods earlier in the year. He went through the accounts and clarified all points raised by members present. A further meeting was required with the Loss Adjusters with regard to loss of profits. On the proposal by J. Austin, seconded by J.M. Clark, the report was approved.

D.F. Hamilton proposed, seconded by W.D. Stewart, that David Coates & Co. be appointed as independent examiners.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.35pm. with the thanks of all members to the Treasurer for his diligent work during the past year.

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TYNEDALE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED

Management Committee nominations to the AGM for appointment as Officers of the club, and members of the Management Committee, for season 2006/2007:-

President A.P. Deacon Vice-Presidents P. Davison W.R. Dinning J.B. Shotton M. Fieldhouse R. Parker Chief Executive & Hon. Treasurer D.F. Hamilton Hon. Secretary W.D. Stewart Chairman of Rugby A. Kerr Chairman of Property A.C. Curtis Communications I. Lewis Marketing G. Dodd Mini/Juniors J. Ritchie

Chairman of Senior Rugby J.B. Shotton Fixtures Secretary J.C. Johnston Teams Secretary I. Dodds Membership Secretary J.M.D. Coulson Chairman of Ground TBA Chairman of Selectors W.E. Cousin County Representative/Archivist J.H.G. Saunders Chairman of Colts J.M. Clark Chairman of Mini/Junior Rugby S. Henderson First XV Coach T. Borthwick Assistant Coaches R. Parker, A. Gledson, G. Taylor Fitness Coach K. Barclay 1st XV Manager P. Simpson Club Captain Phil Belgian Vice Captain A. Murray Raiders Captain TBA Raiders Manager P. Davison Grasshoppers Captain TBA Veterans Captain TBA Veterans Manager J. Eustace District Coaching Co-ordinator A.P. Deacon Community Sports Coach P. Telfer Gate Chairman J. Drew Child Welfare Officer N.Oliver Schools Competition A. Kerr Colts Coaches G. Sinclair, S. Dunn, G. Fleming, J. Oliver Match Doctor Dr. R. Scurfield Club Physiotherapist C.Cotterill Groundsman J. Lee Stewardess A. Johnson

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