I hope you all had the best Christmas you could have had? As we say goodbye and good riddance to 2020 we look forward to 2021 and the resumption of ‘proper’ rugby for us all.

However, following yesterday’s Government announcement that Essex will remain in tier 4 I have decided that ALL rugby activity will remain cancelled until further notice.

With Southend, Rochford and Castle Point returning some of the worst figures for covid in the England, Essex declaring a state of emergency and Southend Hospital overwhelmed it would be reckless in my opinion for any rugby activity to continue at this present time. We already know that some members have got or have had covid, I do not want us to add to that list by someone catching covid whilst at the Club.

This means will have been fully closed again now many weeks with no real prospect of when we will open again. I personally don’t think it will be until maybe a date in Feb or maybe even March, I hope I am wrong and it is much sooner.

At 2 million vaccines a week we might have some headway by then which will allow us a return maybe to some sort of normality?

I know I have said this in the past but I think I must say it again. A massive THANK YOU to all our members and sponsors who have stuck with us through 2020. Without your monthly subscriptions, paying your 200 Club subs, making donations and supporting us in any way you can, alongside some very prudent financial planning we really would be in big trouble. As said above, it will be some weeks at least before normality returns so please stick with us for a while longer so that we can come back better and stronger. THANK YOU, again.

Earlier this year I relaunched the 100 Club as the 200 Club and many of you signed up. We now have 195 members of the 200 Club, so we have 5 numbers going spare. Surely there are 5 members out there who would like a number, or maybe one person who wants all 5? Or any combination. If you would like a number please contact Fred Webb who will arrange it all for with you. Contact him at janefredw@yahoo.co.uk.

As last season was halted for us all in February and we went into lockdown on March 23, no end of season dinners were held. One of those planned was to have Andy Goode as guest speaker followed by a live band. I rearranged that for 2021 not knowing then that we would still be dealing with this damn virus.

I set a new date for Friday 14 May 2021. This just might be one of the first dates we can all get together and have a meal and drink together inside the Clubhouse. So I am asking you to put this date in your diary and plan to come along. The Special Guest Dinner and Dance is open to ALL members. It has yet to be decided about last seasons cancelled awards presentations but I think it unlikely to be held at the event.

Therefore, as an over 18 years event I would love to see people from all sections of the Club come along, with or without partners, in teams or not in teams. Ticket prices will be determined to cover costs only. I will send out reminders and how to book tickets etc over the next few months but please make a note in your diary. Lets all have a great night together as ONE Club.

I said in another newsletter that as we continue to promote the ONE Club ethos when we can we will offer employment opportunities to Club members. Well, we have two exciting job opportunities come along. I will give some information on these below. If you, or someone you know is interested in finding out more about these employment opportunities then please send a CV to alan.edward.harvey@gmail.com .

AIG are looking for someone to join their kidnap and ransom team as an underwriter. This position would best suit an enthusiastic university or college leaver who is looking to take their first steps in the world of insurance. The job is based in the City of London. If you are the right candidate you will work with an International Team of underwriters servicing their clients and other Insurance Brokers globally. You will need to have a good command of Spanish and at least GCSE or A levels in all the core subjects including Spanish, all the better if you attained a degree.

The other position is for someone to become a Junior Business Accounts Technician at a Lloyds of London Insurance Broker. You will be an enthusiastic university or college leaver as well who is also looking for those first steps in the insurance business. Full training and support will be given and you will work closely with this Brokers Finance Team to ensure the smooth running of the Brokers finances. You will have attained good grades on maths at either GSCE or A level, plus the other core subject or maybe even a degree.

That is it for this January newsletter, looking forward to much better 2021. Happy New Year.

Ray Stephenson