Rain at last, but the start of the season remains delayed. There is no game this week but the plan is to play our warm-up friendly against Nottingham Moderns on 12 September at Moorefields, subject to pitch conditions. We are trying to get another game in on 19 September and hopefully the season proper will start on 26 September at home to Evesham. We will keep you up to date with fixtures as arrangements proceed

The Colts have a game at Nuneaton Old Edwardians on Friday evening, kicking off at 7.30. This is subject to ground conditions, but as the Old Eds are located next to a river and they have been watering their pitches it looks as though it will go ahead

Also on Friday, Coventry RFC have invited our M&J section to act as guard of honour at their opening game at the Nick Newbold Stadium on Friday 4th September. Kick-off is at 7.30 and guard of honour takes place at 7:10. As part of our centenary celebration weekend, Cov have extended the discount tickets at £5 per adult and £2.50 per child to all of Leamington’s active members to attend the evening. Messages have been sent out to all age grades, men’s and ladies’ sides (colts have a game unfortunately) to book their tickets. If you are interested in attending the game to showcase our support for Leamington then please get in touch with Hayley White on 0788 130 5238 for information on how to book.

The big event this week is the Club Centenary Ball on Saturday and the tent is already up. It is more or less a sell-out with over 300 people attending - if anyone else wants to come, please get in touch with Mel Greenway on 07971 547827 asap to check for vacancies. Your table master will have all the details but the main points are -

1800 welcome - drinks reception
1900 guided through to marquee
1930 sit for dinner
2130 live music
0100 bar closes

Dress code for gents is either black or lounge suit or blazer with collar and tie Not sure about the ladies

Dick Ashley’s funeral will take place on Friday 11 September, beginning with the cremation service at Oakley Woods which will be for family and invitation only. There will then be a church service at Stoneleigh Parish Church at 12.30 followed by a reception at Leamington Rugby Club around 1.30 to which all are invited. There is no dress code.

Graham Messenger’s funeral will be on Thursday 17 September at Oakley Wood at 11.00

Another Centenary event is the Club “It’s a Knock Out”. This was due to be held in July but was postponed. It will now be held on the afternoon of Sunday 13 September, subject to ground conditions . It is open to the whole club and teams will be 6-10 people from age 11-16, or 16 and over. Entry fee is £10 per person. To enter - contact John Brear, Lucy Ramsbottom, or Hayley White

John Lyons, 01926 855787