Since coming to North Berwick in 2002, I have been an avid supporter of School rugby and subsequently Club rugby with my son and son in law having played for both.
Before commenting on the AGM itself, I would like to pay tribute to Ken Muir for his recent period as President. Ken managed to successfully juggle several competing demands in his keenness to move the Club forward. We are fortunate to be able to retain Ken's input with rugby coaching and he has kindly agreed to Chair the Club's Sports Committee.
The AGM itself was comparatively well attended with around 30 present. Ryan Telfer gave an excellent presentation on a proposed Management Structure which was well received but like anything it will only be as good as the individuals who populate it. In that respect we currently have a great need to find a replacement Treasurer for Peter Sanderson who has indicated his wish to stand down. I’m sure Peter will welcome individuals contacting him if you have any suggested people in mind. Additionally, the role of Vice President was suggested with the proposal hopefully being endorsed at a future EGM. Such an EGM will also be required to sign off the accounts as the requirement to have an AGM didn't fit with the timing of the completion of the Accounts. Additionally, Victoria Hogg also indicated that she would be happy to do another year as Club Secretary with Johnny Hall and Colin Buchanan happy to retain their current roles. It was also agreed that Stuart Lorimer and Finlay Mitchell continue as Captain and Vice-Captain respectively. All were duly congratulated.
Peter Sanderson then also gave a presentation on the Accounts. Although not yet finalised it was clear that we are spending more money than we are bring in compounded by the fact that some of our sponsorship arrangements are coming to an end. As a starting point we hope to do some work on the whole area of sponsorship, building on the good links that have been established to date. It is also vital that we use our Clubhouse effectively by maximising the money coming in over the bar while seeking to increase income from private parties and functions. I know that Megan our relatively new Clubhouse Manager shares this ambition.
On Saturday I was delighted to visit the Rec to introduce myself to some of the Mini coaches, players volunteers and spectators while watching the Youth game v Boroughmuir later in the morning. The sense of enjoyment was palpable which reflected the tremendous efforts people were putting in whether as a player or as a coach.
Saturday 5th September marks the beginning of the formal season with a home match against Ross High preceded by a Puffin Gannets match. As part our plan to increase income through the bar there will be live music with the McCabe brothers playing following our first match. It is hoped that a burger stall will also be available.
This will be followed by a major Minis Festival here at North Berwick on the Sunday. I hope on all these occasions we will see a good turnout of members to support our respective teams in a way that recognises all the hard work that has been done on the training field.
In conclusion, I think its fair to say that I’m only beginning to understand the issues that relate to the four dimensions of the Club i.e. the Senior team, Puffin Gannets, the Youth teams and the Minis but hope that Members feel able to contact me by e mail on mcduncanson@btinternet.com or mobile 07850 740235 if there are particular issues they want to raise. Together I am sure we can make the Club even more successful on and off the field while playing a pivotal role in our local community.

Best Wishes

Murray Duncanson, President, NBRFC