“THE 2024/5 season will see us celebrate our Sesquicentennial (150th had to look it up!), reported Wellington Rugby Club’s secretary Ashley Colman at the club’s annual meeting.

“As a committee we are determined to put all players past/present, young/old (er!), boy/girl, at the centre of everything we do. Heritage playing shirts have been ordered for all age groups and we will be announcing several events in the coming months.

“Off the field, phase one of the Beech Grove project nears completion. We have been able to carry out the works due to a generous £80,000 grant from SW&T council from the Infrastructure Levy placed on new build homes in the Area.

“Keith Hazelden and his team have laid new drainage, dug out new culverts and landscaped and levelled the playing areas. This will eventually allow for a new training area with floodlights and additional junior pitches for our thriving Mini and Junior section.

“Despite initial “hysteria” from sections of the Wellington Community, the club has at all times followed planning, ecological and arborist advice prior to commencing the project. The club has spent a significant amount in ensuring that all guidelines have been followed and are delighted that in September we will be planting circa forty semi mature trees at the top and bottom end of the site.

“Further work this summer will see the erection of a boundary fence and enhancements to current drainage. Everyone is to be thanked for their hard work and perseverance over a number of years and, in particular, Phil Braddick for his crucial involvement.

“Work is also ongoing to revamp the top bar and entrance hall. Thanks go to Matthew Colman and Phil Braddick who have spent many hours selecting what memorabilia to use and the many volunteers who have given up their time to assist with the redecoration. We hope you will all enjoy the space when we open in September.

“Finally, can I thank everyone involved in making our club such a special place to be. We are blessed with a fantastic set of players, members, and supporters and without you we would cease to exist. We are one of the oldest clubs in the world and to survive and thrive for 150 years is a magnificent achievement. Let us enjoy the celebrations, raise a glass to Red and Blacks past and present and look forward to the next 150!”

Meanwhile treasurer Dave Wicks, who is stepping down after nearly ten years in the role, reported a working loss of just under £6,000 for the year, much of it due to a huge increase in energy prices.

He was thanked for his efforts over the years by president Matt Colman, particularly during ‘Covid.’