As I’m sure everyone has noticed, the recent wet weather has made the last few weeks particularly challenging for all outdoor sports, and rugby is no exception.
Behind the scenes, we invest £16,000–£20,000 every year into maintaining our pitches. That figure reflects how seriously we take providing safe, playable surfaces for training and matches across the club. Even with that level of investment, prolonged periods of rain like we are currently experiencing test any grassroots facility to its limits.
Over the last three weeks, a committed group of volunteers has worked tirelessly to limit the worst impacts of the weather. Their efforts have helped ensure that, where possible, we’ve still had somewhere to train and play. This work often happens quietly, in difficult conditions, and without much recognition, but it makes a huge difference.
As the weather worsens again this week, it’s worth noting that we’re far from alone. Chesham Football Club has already had to call off their midweek fixture due to the rain, and many clubs across the county are facing similar issues. Saturated ground, standing water, and pitch damage are becoming unavoidable realities.
We will always do everything we reasonably can to keep rugby going at the club, but there are times when nature dictates the limits. We ask members to bear with us, even when frustration is understandable. Some decisons around how we can use the pitches may come late and may require us all giving a little bit of space to ensure everyone can get a chance to train where possible.
One example of the dedication within this club really sums things up: Longstanding member Dick King has personally invested a significant amount of his own money to purchase a tractor and slitter. This will allow us to carry out repair and recovery work ourselves as soon as we get a spell of drier weather, a remarkable gesture that shows just how much people care about this place.
Chesham Rugby Club has always been built on volunteers, goodwill, and people going above and beyond for the benefit of others. That spirit is very much alive, even if the pitches are currently waterlogged.
Thank you for your patience, your understanding, and your continued support. Better conditions will come, and when they do, we’ll be ready.
—
Karl
