The Board has continued to meet regularly by video to monitor the Club’s situation. We all realise the devastating effect that the Coronavirus has had on our South Lakes community. I contracted the virus in mid-March and ended up in hospital, several other Club members were also affected, all of whom have thankfully recovered. The Club offers sympathy to those members who have contracted the illness or lost employment and will be facing much uncertainty.
It seems likely that the 2020/21 rugby season will begin only when it is appropriate to do so and that decision is in the hands of the RFU. There is no Fixture List available yet and starting senior rugby in September appears a remote possibility. We may, however, be able to start Mini and Youth training and discussions are ongoing as the lockdown rules are amended.
The Club has also suffered because of the virus, with virtually no income since March and all summer bookings cancelled, or postponed. We had stabilised our financial position after the difficulties of the previous year and the timing of the pandemic was particularly unfortunate. Our staff members have been furloughed and the Club has been mothballed to reduce outgoings to an absolute minimum. The Club still has to pay, suppliers, insurance and utilities even though there is no income. We were fortunate to obtain the business grant from SLDC and that has helped us survive the last few months.
We remain incredibly grateful to our sponsors and thank you all for supporting us in these uncertain times. We look forward to welcoming you back at Mint Bridge as soon as it is safe to do so. There will be no increase in Membership fees this year and we shall modify membership categories. In addition to the season ticket allowing entry to all home games there will be a basic Club membership so that members can pay on the gate as and when games commence.
Rather than ask for donations to support the Club we are asking players and non-playing members to pay their membership fees in August as usual. This support is appreciated and will help the Club sustain itself. We intend to open facilities as soon as allowed by the Government. Anyone who has financial difficulties in this regard may approach the Club in strict confidence to discuss how we may help with their membership fee.
Normally we would be planning for the AGM to take place at the end of July/beginning of August, but current regulations preclude a meeting of that size within the building. The Board has considered the possibility of holding a ‘virtual’ AGM but that presents huge logistical difficulties and we have decided to delay the AGM for the time being. In any event it must be held before the end of October and we shall announce the date as soon as possible.
Again, many thanks for everyone’s support as we work through these exceptional times. We shall keep in touch as we, hopefully, ease the lockdown.

Kind regards, Stephen Green
Chairman KRUFC