The club’s AGM was held on Thursday 26th July and the members present heard reports on the past year from club officers, received and approved the accounts for the year and were presented with the club’s latest re-development proposals for comment and discussion.
Club Chairman, George Erdozain, reported on a year of on field promotion and further off field progress. The club bounced back with an immediate return to National 2 North by claiming the Northern Premier Division championship. The senior squad and coaches are under no illusions though as to the stiff task ahead of them next season. George summarised the benefits of the AGP, the success of the women’s and mini-junior rugby sections and the struggles of the social rugby section. The sale of the car park to a developer also required the developer to create a 200 space car park at the rear as well as a capital receipt. He thanked all the staff, the management committee, the volunteers and the club’s many sponsors for their unstinting hard work and support over the year.
Looking forward the George welcomed new partnerships with UCLan, Sale Sharks and Kirkham Grammar School. He highlighted the work being done the club’s 150th Anniversary committee and looked forward to many events being planned for season 2019-20 our sesquicentenary year.
Martin Hothersall, the club treasurer, presented a detailed look at the club’s accounts and highlighted a successful trading year. The proceeds of the sale of the car park are ring fenced for re-investment in club facilities.
A brief review of last season’s senior rugby was presented by Craig Steel and he also explained the coaching set-up and player recruitment for the coming season.
The club’s proposed re-development plans for the club house were then presented by Graham Cox, the club secretary. He talked through the rationale behind the proposed construction and explained the potential phasing of the scheme. The drawings are available here. Preston Grasshoppers Presentation_26072018 Any comment or suggestion by members should be addressed to Graham via email initially at secretary@pgrfc.co.uk
Finally the management committee was elected. Michael Lough is welcomed to the committee replacing Michael Bailey as rugby representative. Mike Bailey will still be involved with senior squad recruitment and budgetary management. New President Keith Brierley was elected and welcomed. Keith closed the meeting by thanking outgoing president Hadyn Gigg for his fantastic support and leadership of the club during his 4 year tenure.
