Chairman’s Report 2021/22
It is very pleasing to be able to report our 1st team’s promotion to Level 5 in the new Regional 1 North West League. This was not confirmed until mid-May when, having tried and failed to play Douglas Isle of Man at home twice, they finally conceded that they could not raise a side and we were awarded the game. This meant that we overtook Waterloo for the third promotion place by one point.

Overall, we have had a successful season, but some injuries took their toll in the second half and we won only 6 games since the start of the year. Promotion means we shall join Kirkby Lonsdale and restore the local derby clash in a League, which has been reduced to 12 teams.

This change was delayed by Covid and is yet another blow to the Club’s potential earnings as the reduction in away travel costs is far outweighed by the loss of income from two home fixtures. The RFU promises a Cup competition in April to compensate, but details are yet to be published.

We have had success throughout the Club, from the 5-year-old Little Stingers (free membership next year) to the slightly older Auld Greys who have a large regular following playing Walking Rugby. The AGs have led the way in expanding interest in Walking Rugby. They recently had a successful Tournament with five visiting teams and an article praising the initiative published on the RFU website.

Our 2nds finished 4th in their League, the Under18 Colts came top of their League and won the Cup. Our Lady Wasps finished 4th in a small league and were frustrated by lack of opposition. We are proud that a good number of Kendal players were selected for the Cumbria County squads at Senior Men’s, Women’s and U17 level.

The Club is in a good place post-covid and many members and visitors have commented positively about the atmosphere at the Club. The Board continues to work hard to ensure financial stability and we are pleased to have recently co-opted Claire Park, who brings a wealth of experience from the Charity sector. We also welcome Laura Scott, as Bar Steward, to our team who manage the Club so well.

Volunteers are the backbone of the Club and Claire Park has recently assembled a register of volunteers and their interests that revealed 110 members were willing to help in various ways. Stacey Selby has made an immense contribution by taking on the organisation of the events and we are all very grateful to her. The formation of a Social Committee is yet another example of the strong community ethic within the Club.

Our accounts for the year ending April 2022 show the contrast between a ‘Covid’ year and a gradual return to ‘normal’ activity. Our turnover rose to just over £500k and we posted a profit for the second year running of £37k, up from £22k in 2021. We have also managed to reduce our debt burden by some £26k. Our commercial business is expanding, with an emphasis on trading through the summer months to ensure funds to support all our rugby teams. The contribution to income from camping, events such as the Harley Davidson Festival and weddings is essential to the overall success of the Club.

The Club has prepared a 3-year financial plan under the guidance of Billy Coxon and Helen Halsall, a Chartered Accountant and member of the Auld Greys. We are very grateful for their efforts. One of the worrying aspects for the future are our energy costs. The Club pays approximately £4,000 per month for utility costs. Our broker has advised that when our current electricity contract expires in January it is likely that our costs will increase by a factor of 2.5 resulting in £10,000 per month, which has to be found from our business. This is just one aspect of the coming economic crisis with interest rates rising in the face of inflation. The Club is not immune to these pressures and the Board is carefully monitoring our financial position.

Despite these difficulties we look forward to the new season with the Club in a good position to prosper, both on and off the field.
Stephen Green Chairman KRUFC