Dear Player/Parent/Guardian

Many of you will know that the Old Northamptonians Rugby Club is part of the Old Northamptonians Association. The association has four sporting sections: Rugby, Cricket, Football and Tennis, as well as being the body responsible for operating the clubhouse and grounds, which is on a 25 year lease from the School Foundation.

We are a non-profit making organisation, any proceeds are ploughed back into the development of the club and grounds. Over the years many people have voluntarily given their much of their time to running it. The growth in membership over the last few years (particularly the Rugby section) and the opening of the new clubhouse has meant that major changes to how the association is organised are urgently required.

As a result the Association is planning to amend its Constitution by proposing to become a limited liability company. This will have a small elected executive management board who will take all the day-to-day decisions in running the facility. Any operating profit that is achieved will continue to be reinvested in club and sports development. The board will report to a committee made up of 2 representatives from each sporting section, one from NSB & 2 social members.

Since the new clubhouse has opened, it has continued to operate with limited paid staff and the continued support of volunteers. To run it properly and professionally and give the service we all want, the association will shortly be advertising for a full-time manager with overall responsibility for the clubhouse and grounds.

The clubhouse is open to social and playing members and is currently open:

Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 8 pm -11pm, Friday 6pm onwards

Saturday 1pm - 11pm, Sunday Midday - 4pm.

The clubhouse is an excellent venue for private parties, daytime meetings and conferences. Rates are competitive with discounts on bookings for members. For further details contact Association Coordinator Bev Kevan on 07921 382324 (mornings only).

Although the income from private bookings is essential, it remains primarily a members club. When private events are arranged the lounge area remains open to club members. A number of social events for members are organised during the year and on these occasions members are charged admission.

Full dates of opening hours and social events are displayed by the front door and on the board by the entrance to the bar.

Although the new clubhouse has been operating since last July, there is still much the Association need to raise money for. Notably the spike bar/family room in the old changing rooms is costing over £80,000 to convert as well as many extras needed within the Clubhouse e.g. signage, kitchen equipment, pictures etc.

We would also like to thank the many of you who were involved in the recent Auction of Promises. It looks like we shall raise over £18,000, which is being split equally between NSB and the Association - our share to going towards the spike bar/family room appeal.