As we all come to terms with the implications of an extended lockdown until at least mid May, I wanted to thank you all for your continued support of the Club at this extraordinary time and to let you know that the Board continues to work remotely in many different ways to benefit the future of rugby at HHRFC.

Huge congratulations to Heath 1st XV under the coaching team of Ross Chisholm, Jim Taylor and Martin McTaggart on gaining promotion to London South 1 next season. A new, exciting challenge both on and off the pitch and even greater encouragement to get new, improved facilities available at Whitemans Green as soon as possible.

Many of you will have seen that Ross was able to announce this achievement to the squad via a Zoom conference call, trying to continue the sense of camaraderie and shared success that has been so important this season.

Our plans during the off season include work to improve the pitches and hopefully reduce the impact of future bad weather at WG and BFF for all rugby across the seniors, colts, junior and mini age groups.

The Club was eligible to apply for a special COVID-19 grant via Mid Sussex District Council to compensate for lost income during what is normally an important end of season period at the Clubhouse. The process proved to be straightforward and the funds are already in the Club's bank account.

We are searching out appropriate opportunities for grant funding for the new Clubhouse at Whitemans Green and are very grateful to our Main Club Sponsor Fairfax and its education foundation Fairfax Building Young Futures for their continued vocal support and commitment to delivering the Clubhouse Project as soon as possible. We are working with local and national politicians to expedite this process and are grateful to them all, particularly Mims Davies MP, for their ongoing support and encouragement.

Our relationship with California Raisins as Junior Club Supporter comes to an end in June this year and we are very grateful for their support over the last two seasons. If you know of a suitable corporate partner who would be interested in teaming up with the Club to sponsor this key section of Youth Rugby at Heath, please contact the Club here.

The Club continues to secure significant local and national rugby press coverage for both the Club and our sponsors meaning this opportunity provides considerable payback for our partners in terms of building profile and fulfilling social corporate responsibility goals. The earlier we have a new junior partner in place the more we will be able to plan ahead and maximise the relationship next season.

Although there will be no training or matches in the foreseeable future I hope that you are all keeping fit and healthy. This current interruption to normal life makes us all recognise the things we value and miss most and I know rugby at Heath is something that many of you rely on for social and sporting reasons. Working in line with RFU guidelines, we will do everything we can to get rugby back at Whitemans Green in a safe and secure way as soon as possible.

Many thanks to all our many volunteers, coaches and team admins who have supported the day to day operation of Heath this last season under extremely difficult circumstances given the wet winter weather and then the impact of COVID-19.

Stay safe everyone, stay home and I look forward to seeing you all again very soon.

with best wishes

Mark Newey, HHRFC Chairman