Thank you to everyone who attended last week’s Club Development Workshop with **Alex Roe from the RFU**.
Your input, honesty and passion for Romsey RFC were hugely valued, and we want to make it clear that **everything shared in that room has been listened to and is already shaping our plans.**

This workshop was an important moment for the club. It confirmed what we already know—that Romsey RFC is built on a strong community spirit, brilliant volunteers, and a genuine “club for all” ethos—but also highlighted where we need to improve so we can grow sustainably and keep rugby thriving in Romsey.

✔ What’s Happening Now

The full output from the workshop has already been:

* **Shared with the Executive Committee**, and
* **Initial discussions held at this week’s full committee meeting**, so we can turn your ideas and challenges into clear priorities for the rest of this season and into next.

These insights are now guiding our **club development plan**, helping us focus on: community visibility, player pathways, facilities, volunteer support, and improving internal and external communications.

We will share a more detailed summary and addendum of the workshop notes shortly.

✔ Immediate Actions Already Taken

A number of suggestions raised at the workshop have already been acted on:

### **Improving Communication**

* **Adam (Hon. Secretary)** will now circulate **highlight-only minutes** after each Exec meeting
– top 8–10 decisions, updates and projects.

### **Events & Community**

* **Events Team is now in place** for this season’s Dinner Dance (May 9th).
Tickets are **on sale via Ticketpass**.
* Increased planning for community‑based activities is underway.

### **Facilities & Clubhouse Improvements**

* **New toilet block planning** has moved forward and we’ve ordered technical drawings.
* **Blinds** for the area behind the big screen have been ordered.
* **Club memorabilia** is being measured and prepared for **TVBC‑compliant acrylic frames**, helping turn the clubhouse into a true rugby home. We’ll start with old pictures in the stairwell.
* **Pool table options** and potential clubhouse impact are being reviewed.
* **Gym requirement** has been formally raised with the landlord for discussion.

These are the first steps of many, and we’ll keep everyone updated as work progresses.

## **✔ How We Will Keep Everyone Informed**

A recurring theme from the workshop was communication—making sure updates travel clearly from committee → coaches → players → parents → volunteers.

To improve this, we will be:

* Publishing **regular short updates** on the website and Spond
* Sharing **Exec highlights** after every monthly meeting
* Coordinating cleaner information flow via age‑group managers
* Using Spond/WhatsApp for **quick wins and timely reminders**
* Sharing a **club-wide seasonal plan** once priorities for 2026/27 are confirmed

We want every member, parent, volunteer and player to feel included in what the club is doing and where we’re going.

## **✔ What Happens Next**

We will meet with **Alex Roe from the RFU again on 17th February** to work through next‑step planning, validate our development priorities, and ensure we’re on the best path for sustainable growth.

This is the start of a bigger, more structured development journey for Romsey RFC, and we’re committed to doing it transparently and together.

## **Thank you**

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the workshop.
Your ideas, concerns, and aspirations are shaping the future of our club.
Romsey RFC is special because of its people and community spirit—and together we’re building something stronger.

If you’d like to get involved or support any of the projects mentioned, just speak to a committee member.