I would like to introduce myself to you all. My name is Gary Haycock-West, and some of you will know me well. For those that don’t, I have been a member of the club since early 90s when I played for a number of years (never at any high level, but a participating player until ill health curtailed my activities) and an enthusiastic supporter of the social elements of the club. I have recently been appointed Commercial Director of EGRFC and as a part of that remit I will be looking after a newly created Revenue Committee with the support of a group of members. The purpose of the Revenue Committee is to maximise the flow of incoming revenue, ideally via corporate sponsorships and by coming to beneficial arrangements with suppliers etc. and in this I need your help.

This is not a begging letter, and I’m not after your money directly. However, for the club to fulfil its aims to the community across all age groups, we are looking to develop our rugby community and looking to maintain and enhance levels of support and participation attained in recent history. A primary aim is to keep membership and our beer prices as low as possible, but we have to accept that without additional funding by external parties it would leave a shortfall in the finances of the club which would make the venture unsustainable.

Historically we have had great success in gaining support from corporate sponsors, both local and from further afield. These have normally originated from an introduction from a parent, a player or a friend and we absolutely wish that to continue. What we are seeking to achieve is to put together some clear structure for all to see. We envisage clear sponsorship packages for defined purposes, but intend that the committee can provide a team to meet potential sponsors and discuss options with a view to finding something to best suit all involved. Your contribution to the bank of ideas will be crucial - don’t think that any idea is too small or “part-formed” for consideration – we are very open minded to any suggestions that can generate money for club. Any new activities are envisaged to be additional to fund raising days that we currently undertake.

The other element which we would appreciate your input on is in relation to existing arrangements. We want to be really certain that we have not overlooked anyone or anything, so if you have brokered/entered into any arrangements with any suppliers etc. I would be very grateful if you could contact me and give me the details. My email address is GaryHW@EGRFC.com and you can email me directly from the website Contact page. I’d much rather be told twice than not at all! I also want to hear your ideas for the future, as well as details of any contacts you may have that may be approachable – we want to add them to our list!

Over the coming weeks there will be further communications regarding our targets and objectives for this season and beyond, giving us all something to aim for.

I look forward to hearing from you and gaining your support in our efforts to enhance and protect our fantastic club!

Thanks

Gary Haycock-West
Commercial Director – East Grinstead RFC Ltd