Cornish Pirates AGM Report 2024

By Phil Westren

Holding their Annual General Meeting in the Pirates ‘Westholme’ clubhouse last Thursday evening, for Penzance & Newlyn RFC there was much to commend in what has, and is, being achieved.

After an initial welcome to the meeting from Club President Terry Drew, he asked all present to observe a minute’s silence in memory of members who had sadly passed away since the last AGM. Also confirming that he was stepping down from office, his many years of service were acknowledged with worthy applause from the gathering. Phil Westren advised that Terry played for the club’s Colts team back in the late fifties, and he later featured for the club’s senior teams before joining the committee and becoming a stalwart club officer in roles including Assistant Treasurer, Club Administrator, and, for the past decade, President.

In his last report as Club Administrator, Terry congratulated the Cornish Pirates on their achievement in finishing last season second in the Championship – their highest ever league placing. He also thanked the efforts of all those involved the Pirates Amateurs, the Youth Section, the Ladies/Girls, the Squash & Racketball club, and all cherished volunteers.

In the apologised absence of the Treasurer, Lewis Adams, on his behalf Chairman Scott Dugdale advised that the club was sound financially, normal operations have been resumed, and the commitment to the upkeep and enhancement of the club has continued. Whilst costs have remained stable, the club has yet again invested significantly in the pitch and attention has been given to make repairs in the clubhouse during the year. Upgrades have included new flooring in the bars and security lighting in the car park, plus opening hours have been extended. Scott said that, overall, he was happy with figures financially, plus he acknowledged the appreciated efforts of Lewis these past four years and those of his father Mike Adams for 10 years prior to that.

The dedicated Chairman of the Youth Section, Euan McNeill, spoke again about another busy past season for the Mini, Junior, and Colts teams. Volunteer numbers are good to help coach and administer the 250 plus players, and the section is financially stable.

All reports during the evening were suitably adopted and appointments to the Management Committee confirmed. A replacement will be sought for Scott Dugdale in the role of Chairman, who was honoured to be nominated and to accept the office of President, and to be made a Life Member. Scott played Mini-Junior rugby for the Pirates and later, on his return from the Army, for the senior teams. He became a committee member, a driving force also for the Pirates Amateurs, and has been Chairman of Penzance & Newlyn RFC for the past 10 years.

Four new committee members were ratified and welcomed, namely Adrian Bick, Dave Faull, Emma Simons, and Peter Whyte, who will join existing members Joff Collins, Scott Dugdale, Rhodri McAtee, and Martin Murrish. Lewis Adams was once again appointed as Treasurer, as was Euan McNeill in his role as Chairman of the Youth Section.

In his closing remarks, Scott advised it was hoped that the Pirates Amateurs will come under the umbrella of Penzance & Newlyn RFC, and it was important also for unity to prevail and for everyone connected with the Pirates to work positively together. He thanked his fellow committee members and club personnel such as Geoff Read, who has been helpful to him, and pleased that many good things have been done is aware that there is much more, as ever, still to do.