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21 September 2018 / Club News

News: Chairman's Resignation Update

Fellow members,

For nearly 50 of the 128 years Aberdare RUFC has been in existence, the Club has been my second home. First as a player then, at various times, as Coach, Team Manager, Committee member, Fixture Secretary, Youth Team Secretary, Club Secretary and, most recently, as Chairman.

My seven years as Club Secretary started in 1984 and were particularly demanding. The club was in debt and disrepair, and it took a lot of work from the officers and committee to turn it round. I was proud that when I stood down in 1991, the Club was in credit, newly refurbished and well set up for another few decades.

It is however my time as Chairman that has given me the most satisfaction. Despite once again taking over a difficult financial situation, we have witnessed over half a million pounds worth of investment in the clubhouse and playing facilities. This has resulted in the full refurbishment of the interior and exterior of the clubhouse, the installation of a disabled lift and new changing rooms down the Ynys.

None of what has been achieved for this Club, has ever been done by me alone. I thank the like-minded people I worked with along the way; in particular Gerry Thomas plus Humphrey and Dilwyn in the eighties and, more recently, John, Kath, Daz and the late Roger Kendall. All of them contributed to keeping the club afloat, sustaining its place in our community and, along with Ann, keeping me almost sane.

Despite these achievements, my time with the club hasn’t always been plain sailing. In 1973 I received a one month playing suspension. I deserved it, but overreacted and resulted in me playing in ‘exile’ for Glynneath RFC for 8 years!

When I reflect on that episode I realise that it taught me a lot. Not least that a rugby club, like any other community, should possess a culture based upon mutual respect, consistent rules, and strong family values. These principles can sometimes conflict with short term needs, but I believe that if the club is to flourish for another 128 years, they must remain the rocks upon which Aberdare RFC is built - no matter how tempting the easier option may seem at the time.

That said, I now realise that not everyone shares these views, and as such it is time for me to step down and let a new generation of officers lead the club in the direction they believe is right. It is for that reason I have resigned with immediate effect.

Though I wish my time as Chairman could have ended differently – not least because there is always more work to be done – I am confident the disappointment will pass and in time I will look back with both pride and satisfaction at how I, and others, chose to serve our community.

I wish whoever takes over from me all the best, and I will work hard to ensure an orderly handover of responsibilities. It has been a privilege and an honour to play my part in the story of Aberdare RFC. I wish for the club the best of futures.

Yours sincerely,

Bill

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