“Dear Jim

Just a note to say thank you very much to the Heath Old Boys Association for their very generous donation of £500 to help start our Club Development Fund Raising Appeal. I have attached a covering letter that is going out to the club membership which I have purposely mentioned your kind donation to show that the club and its Heath Old Boy members still have that connection – and long may it continue.

Once again on behalf of Heath RUFC thank you.”
Dave Grayson
Chairman
Heath RUFC – 15 th March 2007

Development of Heath RUFC and Fund Raising

Dear Club Member

As you are aware the club has undergone some significant positive developments on the field with the successful set up of the junior section, the regular success of the 3 open age teams etc.

This success coupled with the use of the clubs facilities by the Stainland Lions Runners, the Anglers, netball and others has put a great deal of strain on the club's already tired facilities and it's infrastructure. As discussed with you all at last year's AGM and at monthly committee meetings, various decisions at improving these facilities have been made and this is where we are at currently:

•  RFU funding applied for to improve the grounds and clubhouse. There was initially some lengthy discussion around security of the loan and the ability to repy. This was overcome but then we have had the RFU architects being very particular about the size of the changing rooms, showers and drying areas insisting that their specifications are met as a condition of the loan. This would lead to the proposed extension being twice the size as that proposed and the costs rising accordingly so we are now investigating a new build as an alternative and, in many ways, possibly a better way forward. Initial plans have been drawn up and are to be submitted in time for the next review meeting of the Rugby Foundation, which is to be held in April. The outcome of this meeting will then determine how we move forward and the final decision will then go to an EGM.

•  Your committee feel that waiting any longer on the matters below is inappropriate and we must start to do work on key areas identified for development, be it from a health and safety perspective or presentation. To this end work will start immediately on building the new entrance to the site from the other side of the garage. You will have seen rubble being stacked there to form a base for this entrance and the entrance will be completed by the start of next season.

•  Funds have been secured to finish off the stand to incorporate terracing, seating and to possibly enclose the sides of the stand. Again this will be completed by the start of next season.

I am now at a point of launching a ground development appeal fund to raise £50,000 and have already secured our first £500 cheque from the Health Old Boys Association, which is sat in a separate interest bearing deposit account.

A more detailed fund raising portfolio will be published later and it will allow people from all income brackets to contribute no matter how large or small the donation.