Dear Members,
As I’m sure you are all aware by now the 2019/20 season has now been bought to an abrupt end by this devastating world wide COVID-19 virus and the need to for us to do whatever we can to reduce its spread. As of Monday 16th March we had no option but to put Reading Abbey RFC into lock down and suspend any activities within the grounds, the club house and the gym. We had already cancelled last weekends mini festival which at the time many probably felt was a bit premature but now seems to have been the right decision to have made. At this point no one can give us any real idea of when we can get to meeting up together for training or matches again but at present its looking quite possible that this might well affect next seasons pre-season training as well. All you players do what you can individually to keep as fit as possible and keep your fingers crossed that we get back to some form of normality as soon as possible. Obviously this Coronavirus will have a far greater impact on all of our lives other than just rugby and the health and well being of our members is far more important that just wondering when we can get back to playing rugby. As a rugby club and a business the financial impact on the club being locked down is massive. With the club not having any income from our bar, hall hire or kitchen and the likelihood of our summer events which generate our biggest income having to be cancelled its going to be a tough time. We will still have all the normal bills to pay out with our only income being senior subscriptions on DD and the 200 club, so remember these are 12 monthly payments so please don’t decide to take a summer payment break.
Well the only thing to add now really is lets take the advice the experts give us and hope for an early breakthrough with finding a vaccination. I wish you and your family’s well through these difficult times and I will ensure we update on any changes at Abbey rugby club.
Kevin Gingell
Abbey RFC
PS: There are oldies out there (like me) and those more vulnerable. You might not be able to visit but keep in touch and do what we can to help each other.
PPS: Any ideas on helping each other through these difficult time are worth sharing.
