It hardly seems a moment since September but as we are approaching Christmas, we are nearly halfway through our 150th anniversary season, so this seems like a good time to reflect on the successes to date and to look forward to plans for 2025.
Before getting into the specifics, I have observed how the anniversary season and its associated imagery and events have struck a common chord amongst all constituencies of the club and galvanized it in a way that we must build on as we go into subsequent seasons. Rugby at grass roots level is a continuous struggle and only those clubs that have a clear identity and a singular purpose are likely to prosper.
We have already run three very successful events in the Ladies’ race night, the Oktoberfest and the Jingle and Mingle; I am delighted that the Ladies set the ball rolling because five years ago, we didn’t even have a Ladies section. The Oktoberfest was a huge success, and I would like to thank Andy Appleyard and his team for making it such a great evening. This was a very popular evening, so much so that this is likely to become an annual event in the club`s social diary. Finally, to Jill and Megan Harding and their team for making the Jingle and Mingle such an enjoyable Christmas warm up and for contributing to the 150th fund.
Throughout our planning, we have been careful not to overlap with the routine club events and inadvertently “rob Peter to pay Paul” so, as we approach Christmas, we will enter the cycle of Christmas lunches and events that the club normally runs.
However, as we enter 2025, there are a number of events under the 150th banner that are planned; we kick off with a wine tasting evening in January (look out for information regarding this soon!) and our showpiece “Lunch with the Lions” event is now confirmed for April 5th. Watch this space for further news on this but this will be a fantastic event in Lions year when we will be hosting three Lions’ Legends.
I mentioned above how encouraged I have been with the engagement across the club and I am particularly pleased with the plans of the minis and youth section, energetically marshalled under their Chair, Nicky Griffin. They will be running a quiz night in the new year (date to be confirmed) and an end of season event for the whole section. These will be important events for us as a whole as we continue our efforts to ensure engagement with all parts of the club.
As the season draws to a close, we will be hosting a St George’s lunch on Friday April 25th 2025, which, if successful, will also become an annual event. Our 150th celebrations will then be finished off with a Black Tie Gala Ball at Hilltop House in September 2025, date to be confirmed.
Of course, the 150th anniversary season will end in May next year and eventually pass into the long history of Macclesfield Rugby Club. However, if you want a permanent mark of the season, there are still spaces available on the tile wall as you enter the club. The first batch of names will be going up in the next few weeks so space is starting to run out – if you want your name, family or business recorded for perpetuity, please contact Andy, our club manager, who will make the necessary arrangements.
Finally, as we approach Christmas, I`d like to thank you all for your support during this very special season I hope to see many of you down at the club to enjoy the various festivities. Whether you’re a regular on a Saturday or Sunday, or a dedicated supporter, may I take this opportunity to wish you a very happy Christmas with your families and a peaceful and prosperous new year.
Pete Harper
Proud President MRUFC
