This Saturday we’re pleased to be welcoming Affinity Packaging to Lightfoot Green as main match sponsors of the 1st XV game with Sedgley Park.
Affinity Packaging have a particularly interesting connection with the 1st XV as owner and director Chris Dew is the father of current 1st XV Head Coach Garth and is a former captain and coach of the team himself.
Chris Dew, owner and director of Affinity Packaging
Ahead of the game on Saturday we caught up with Chris to ask him some questions about the business and to get his thoughts on rugby matters too.
Who are Affinity Packaging and what services and products do you offer?
Affinity Packaging is an innovative printed packaging manufacturer based in Leyland.
We specialise in bespoke print and packaging for all market sectors, from initial design concept through to high quality delivered product – we are truly Passionate about Packaging.
Our portfolio includes large well-known brands as well as other smaller private label businesses.
We are certified against British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard and are also committed to sustainability holding the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation.
Our core area is the Folding Carton market where we have an excellent reputation for quality and service and, we are told, being ‘nice people’ to do business with.
Our product and service range includes:
• Printed Folding Cartons
• Printed Corrugated (E & F Flute)
• Litho Laminated packaging
• Point of Sale
• Plastic printing
• Technical and Graphical design
• Window patching
• Folded leaflets
We focus on the North of England with customers in a wide variety of sectors.
Why are Affinity Packaging keen to sponsor a 1st XV game?
Affinity came into in existence in early 2014 when I led the buyout of Leyprint – a company that was established by the Mould family in Leyland over 100 years ago as a general printer and which incidentally used to print the Hoppers programme.
We are a locally based business with strong family links to the club and we felt the match day experience was a fitting way to say thanks to and celebrate with our customers, suppliers and others involved in making our first year a success.
Why should Hoppers members consider using Affinity Packaging?
We would be absolutely delighted to talk with any members or supporters who might require bespoke packaging for their business.
As former Hoppers 1st XV Captain and Coach, what first brought you to Lightfoot Green?
I was transferred by ICI to Thornton Cleveleys from Liverpool in the late 1980’s and relocated to Fulwood with Jane, Zoe and Garth.
I stayed with Waterloo for a season after relocating as they were battling to survive in Courage league 1 but was eventually lured to Hoppers by the likes of Keith Aitchison, Dave Percy and Dick Greenwood amongst others, having been badgered by Billy Beaumont every week to go to Fylde.
It was a good decision as I liked the down to earth atmosphere of the club and although I was an ‘outsider’ I was made very welcome.
What is your fondest memory from your time at Lightfoot Green?
Too many to mention but I guess the senior highlight was being part of the coaching and management team that helped us gain promotion to National 2 in 1999.
The other occasion was the game against Northampton in the cup – what a day!
Hoppers Mini/Juniors also provided some great occasions and memories over the 10 years I was involved.
As former coach yourself is it strange to see your son, Garth, now taking
up the role?
It is a bit odd.
I coached Garth at Hoppers from the age of 5 to 15 until he left to go through the England Junior set up.
Throughout the time I was a 1st XV coach he came to most training sessions and matches and was the kicking tee carrier and water boy supporting the likes of Loughy, Chessie and Bill Bailey.
Now they are looking to support him in his job – a bit of role reversal!.
That he is in charge at a relatively young age makes me feel old but exceptionally proud!
7) As a proud Welshman, can Wales win the World Cup?
Of course they can – why would I say anything else (sorry Kez)!
8) What is your prediction for the game on Saturday?
It will be a tough one for sure but if they play with the attitude they have had in the last 2 games they should edge it.
We hope that Chris, his colleagues, clients and guests have a great day with us at Lightfoot Green on Saturday.
