1. John Baker
Most of you will be aware of the terrible injury that befell John ‘JB’ Baker whilst he was playing for the Old Nicks recently. It is clear from the many messages we have received that everyone shares our concern and is keen to offer their support in whatever ways they can. JB continues to be well cared for by “Critical Care” at the John Radcliffe Hospital, but the future remains uncertain. The Club continue to work with his employers, Hawkins, and the RFU (specifically their Injured Payers Foundation) to plan and prepare to support JB in every way we can as things move forward. A small group has been established to act as a conduit for communications and support. We meet regularly and will report back as and when appropriate. In the meantime, I am delighted to share a ‘first-hand’ message that JB has asked, via Tina, to be shared with Club members: -

“Dear all, I am completely humbled by the love and support that I have been shown by everyone associated with the Banbury Rugby Club. I have received the most unbelievable care by the ICU nurses, physios and associated services at the JR hospital.

I was absolutely thrilled at hearing last weekend’s results which definitely made my weekend.

Tina, Sean, Georgina, and I are trying to navigate our way through what our very different future will look like, and I cannot wait to be back at the Club supporting and coaching in whatever timeframe is appropriate.

As per my message on the Centenary Wall, ‘THANK YOU’!

Lots of love

JB”

Please continue to keep JB in your thoughts and prayers and direct any messages you may have, questions, or offers of support through Matt Goode or Monty.

2. Forthcoming Social Events

The Festive Season offers the opportunity to celebrate with fellow members, family, and like-minded friends. Please make the most of the events we are planning and support your Club -

Pre-match Lunch – Saturday 14th December.
Following some late dropouts, we have a few places left at our Christmas Lunch, prior to our league encounter with Dudley Kingswinford. Book via Monty.

Christmas Singalong – Sunday 22nd December.
Our annual opportunity for an orchestrated knees-up. Free entry to all – the more, the merrier! Mulled wine, mine pies and a grand raffle. From 7pm, doors open 6.30pm.

New Year’s Eve Party – Tuesday 31st December.
Out with the old, in with the new. Live music, ‘Rose-tinted’ buffet, Late Bar! From 8pm. Open to all, advance bookings at £10 per ticket from centenary@banburyrufc.co.uk or via brufc/nye-party-tickets .

Pre-match Lunch – Saturday 11th January 2025.
A few places left at our first lunch of 2025 prior to our match against Syston. Book via Monty.

Burns Night – Friday 24th January 2025.
Everything you would expect from a traditional Burns Night. Tickets £40 per person available from centenary@banburyrufc.co.uk or via brufc/burns-night-supper.

3. Club Shop & Merchandise

There is still plenty of time to get some Christmas shopping in at the Club. We have plenty of stocking fillers and larger items too, if you are stuck for last minute ideas.

Opening hours between now and Christmas are as follows: -

Wednesday 11th December - 10am to 4pm
Saturday 14th December - 11am onwards
Sunday 15th December - 9am to 2pm
Saturday 21st December 12am to 3pm
Sunday 22nd December - 9am until 7pm (start of Christmas Singalong)

If you need to buy or collect anything outside these times, please email us at merchandiseshop@banburyrufc.co.uk

Thank you all for supporting the Club Shop so well this year.

4. Pre-match Lunches
Our pre-match lunches continue to be as popular as ever. If interested in a place in the New Year, the very clear advice is to book early!

Future lunch dates are shown below. Please reply to this email to book:

January 11th vs Syston
February 1st vs Stourbridge
March 1st vs Long Eaton
March 22nd vs Burton

5. Centenary Wall

Record your association with our great Club by securing a ‘tile’ on our Centenary Wall – or gift one as a Christmas present. Tiles available at £125 each – forms available from Monty or at the Club.

6.Centenary Book
The Centenary Book is coming along well. If you are spending time with relatives and loved ones over the festive period, who may have played or been associated with the Club, please talk to them about their time with Banbury RUFC. We are still very keen to get as broad a range of 'snippets' to add to the book as possible. If you collect any reminiscences, especially photos, drop us an email at centenary@banburyrufc.co.uk.

7. Membership Packs

There are still several membership packs at the club awaiting collection. Each one contains a gift so is well worth picking up. You can collect any time the shop is open, arrange a different time to suit you, or have the pack posted at a cost of £3. Any items not collected by 22nd December will be returned to stock. If you need help or further information please email neil.webber@banburyurufc.co.uk or membership@banburyrufc.co.uk

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families all the joys and happiness of the festive season and to thank you for your kind support of my special year to date. I look forward to enjoying the second half as much as I have enjoyed the first.

Merry Christmas to you all and my very best wishes for a happy and successful New Year.

In rugger
Monty

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BRUFC Centenary Brick Form

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