Pontypridd Supporters' Club - annual report

The high spot of out travels away was the Ayr trip for the British and Irish Cup.  How we had longed for a return of meaningful away trips over the dyke!

Two coaches of Ponty fanatics invaded north of the border to watch the win (we went up by trains, planes and automobiles as well!)  Thanks must be given to Phil Lycett for his sterling efforts in organising buses to all games. These sometimes ran at a loss and we can not carry such losses into 2011 as costs continue to rise.

On match days we continue, with other volunteers, to ensure that preparations are up to standard.  This includes an early morning trip to the ground and long stay afterwards to recuperate. Match day music and announcements are made via Supporters’ Club equipment.  We hope to upgrade the equipment but finances make this unlikely this year. 

Remedial work is carried out by a small (sadly diminishing) crew on Sunday mornings.  One wonders at the cost savings made by this committed band of workers.  If anyone wants to volunteer please do - we need you! The tea and toast club afterwards is also great fun.

The link with GTFM radio remains with the Friday preview live at 12.15 p.m. and the “Ponty rugby discussion” broadcast every Friday evening at 6.30p.m. with guests from the club and the wider world of rugby. Past items include chats with Grant Hibbered (N Z under 20s manager),J J Williams, J.P.R Williams, and a live link to Australia pre autumn international.  We also had the usual group of Ponty fanatics and one West Walian who actually believed “West is Best” - send for the men in white coats! 

On international match days the Supporters’ Club  prepared the venue for supporters to watch the games on our big screens. Food is now provided by the Club Steward - our thanks to Mark, Cheryl and the bar staff. 

In the close season work continued by our members and others to rejuvenate the club infrastructure.  A new shop carpet was four fifths paid for by us, also a new flat screen TV for the Lounge.

The AGM of Ponty Rugby Ltd is due to take place this autumn. We will meet prior to the AGM to ensure views are canvassed.  We keep our pledge that all views are heard, and as far as possible, complied with.  There can be no more democratic system.

I would like to remind members that all services provided by the Supporters’ Club come at no cost and membership remains free. No committee members receive any gratuities for their efforts.  In fact we usually end up paying more!  The only profits generated are from events, transport, or raffles and all money raised goes to the club. 

This year events such as the Christmas Dinner, New Year’s Eve and Player of the Year nights were a great success. Special thanks go to Carol Waughington, Sue Kingsbury and their organizing team and to the Grogg Shop for the wonderful trophies. The highly successful Quiz Nights are organised by our treasurer Chris Kingsbury. Despite losing considerable income the Supporters’ Club ran the ‘Golden Key’ draw now superseded by the Ponty Lotto.

Finally I would like to thank all who have helped make my job so enjoyable. I hit the big 6 – 0 this year and I see no young bucks coming to the fore - your help will be appreciated and the level of friendship is second to none.

Director of Finance Peter Howells values all the work raising in excess of £50,000 per annum (excluding his fee!). I hope I will continue to serve this wonderful club for many years to come -  your support, my health and god willing. 

Thank you and see you at Sardis Road and all other points of the compass where the Black and White armies go! 

Alun Jones – Supporters’ Club Secretary.