Christmas Lights at Hall Lees Park, Matlock

Christmas Lights at Hall Lees Park, Matlock

Again this year I've stood in Hall Lees Park until I can't feel my fingers, to try and grab a shot of the lights!  This was a 3 second exposure. Every year the lights are set out in the park although there were less to see in 2020, no doubt to restrictions

The Haw Lees (as the area was then called) was originally two fields on the east bank of the River Derwent lying between Matlock Bridge and Matlock Green. 

Occupying an enviable spot in the centre of the town, Hall Leys Park has always been one of Matlock’s visitor attractions, as well as an attractive place for residents to enjoy a restful or activity-packed hour or so

Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents Newsletter: December 2017

MATLOCK 37 BAKEWELL 7

A great day down at Cromford where we hosted our friends from along the A6. This was preceded by our best ever Vice Presidents lunch with 95 VPs and guests attending including our NLD President and officials from Bakewell.

The VP office sincerely thank all those who attended and for raising a fabulous sum of money for Motor Neuron Disease which was prompted by Doddie Weir prior to the Scotland vs New Zealand match recently. Doddie has set up a foundation UK wide to generate funds for this terrible disease and we here in Derbyshire have a MND unit where the fantastic sum raised of £730 will be going. Once again thank you all. Also thanks to those who made the lunch a success (kitchen and bar) especially Les Davis who chaired the event in his own inevitable  style and Ian McCluskey who had a difficult job of arranging the whole event over 2-3 months. 

A report of the Blue Boys game can be downloaded from: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/teams/9812/match-centre/0-3830198

We get it before the Matlock Mercury! Thanks Tony.

And photos from Paparazzi Baker on: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/photos/matlock-37-v-bakewell-5-788122.html

Next week, 9th December, the Blue Boys travel to play Coalville and on the 16th December they entertain Dronfield at Cromford Meadows. Both games will kick off at 2.15pm. So please continue your valuable support for one of the best supported clubs in Derbyshire.

MATLOCK LADIES

Matlock Ladies continued their progression with a development game against Amber Valley. Photographs can be downloaded from their Facebook page – Matlock Ladies RFC.

Yours in Matlock Rugby

David Hood

Vice Presidents Office

Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents Newsletter: October 2017

BLUE BOYS SQUEEZE A VICTORY OVER NEWARK RFC 36-33 !!

Please note that all reports can be downloaded from our web site now and in the future on:

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/news/results-from-the-weekend-21st-22nd-october-2017-2046996.html

Also the 1st XV match report on:

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/teams/9812/match-centre/0-3830194

Along with Paparazzi Baker’s photographs of both the Blue Boys versus Newark RFC and Matlock Ladies versus Chesterfield on Sunday:

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/photos/

At present the 1st XV have no game this Saturday (watch this space) whilst the 2nd XV play Sutton Bonington away and the 3rd XV play Mansfield in a friendly away. All kick offs are 3:00pm. 

Please note that all kick offs from Saturday 4th November are 2:15pm

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MATLOCK RUGBY VICE PRESIDENTS LUNCH – 2ND DECEMBER

Yesterday my VP colleague, Ian McCluskey, sent out the following notice which I would ask you to note:

"I am pleased to announce that the lunch is already a sell -out !

If you have only just sent in a booking, please reply to this email and I will let you know the status of your booking.

We will be operating a reserve list for any more bookings received after today and will replace any cancelled booking from that list.

I will keep those on the list informed when and if cancellations are registered with me.

Thanks as always for the support of all VPs towards the Club.

With kind regards,

Ian McCluskey."

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours in Matlock Rugby,

David Hood

Vice Presidents Office

Awards presented to 2 long serving members of staff!

At the commemoration event of Chris Loeber’s work with the Greenaway Workshop, Laura presented awards to 2 long serving employees of the workshop, pictured below.

They read, Robert with 30 years service and Barry with 20; who was appropriately wearing the England Rugby shirt. Chris would have been very happy.

 

The Blue Boys are back in action!

31st August 2017

On Saturday, the Matlock Blue Boys will start the season off with an away game against Ashbourne RUFC, kicking off at 2.15pm.

This will be a double header cup competition NLD and Derbyshire Cup for the 1^st team.

For those who have paid their VP subscription you will see from the fixture book the league competition will start next week with the 1st XV away at Ilkeston.

So nothing to do?

Well then, head over to Ashbourne and give the Blue Boys your support in this double headed cup fixture.

Vice Presidents Newsletter- March 7th 2017

Dear Vice Presidents,

VICE PRESIDENTS LUNCH

I start this newsletter by thanking our Vice Presidents and their guests who attended our successful lunch on Saturday. I am sure you will agree that it was a most enjoyable day in the company of our NLD President, Jeff Mapp, our Coalville visitors and many sponsors. Thanks also go to Ann and Gordon Statham who travelled all the way from Haywards Heath on Saturday morning to renew their ties with the Club. In fact Gordon played alongside Dave Ramsden, who looked after them royally. Thanks go to our 'professional' auctioneer, VP Adrian Fidler, who persuaded, cajoled and bullied bidders to part with £150 which will go to the Derbyshire Air Ambulance, an organisation that will also benefit from Adrian's endeavours to celebrate his 25 years in business. Please see attached flyer for his auction at Edensor on 23rd March. Well worth supporting.

The most abiding memory I am sure we will take away from this event will be the recognition of the Honorary Life Membership awarded to Terry Boswell. As you know Terry was very emotional but pleased that he could attend. Photographs can be downloaded along with snaps (if we can call them that!!) of the day including the rugby action from the links below including Matlock Senior Rugby on Facebook. 

You will also see our under 15's squad taking a well earned break from their car washing duties,proceeds of which are going towards their rugby tour. Well done lads.

MATLOCK 1ST XV  5 COALVILLE 1ST XV 27

The above scoreline certainly took the gloss off the day but all credit to Coalville who showed strength in their commitment. Colin's photographs and Tony's match report can be downloaded from: 

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/photos/matlock-5-v-coalville-27-724274.html

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/teams/9812/match-centre/1-2158827

Next Saturday the Blue Boys travel to Kesteven with a 3pm kick off. Please find a location map below:

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/kestevenrfc/contact/

MATLOCK 2ND XV  &  MATLOCK 3RD XV

Our resident scribe, Chris Loeber, sent his excellent report for the 2s and 3s as follows:

"PAVIORS 2nd  32   MATLOCK 2nd 32
64 points - shared equally. What a game!
The second's rarely get anything other than a good beating when they venture across the border to Nottinghamshire and on Saturday travelling to face a side who play in a higher section of the Pennant with a much changed team the prospects didn't look good.
However, it is a measure of the ever growing playing strength of the Club that the seconds were bitterly disappointed to only come away with a draw. Fielding 3 17 year olds Matlock were 20 - 17 down at the interval, leading 32 - 22 with 10 minutes to play and had to settle for a draw.
Could Matlock have seen the game out  - well with experience perhaps they could. The test for the team is to win the next time they find themselves in the same situation.
Our strength in depth is improving  - the second teamers must now start to put pressure on the firsts.

This week the eggs went to winger Rich Cook - back on leave from the RAF he found himself on the wing and flew (!) in for a couple of tries.
BELPER 2nd/3rd 5  MATLOCK  3rd 34
Bruce's boys recorded an excellent win down the valley at Belper. With a squad of 22 ( several of whom were told that there was nothing to this rugby lark ) Matlock ran away with the game in the second half - surely we can't have been the fitter team!
PLEASE NOTE - This week the second's take a rest and the thirds face Tupton at Cromford. It's rumoured that this will be another fun Friday under the lights. We'll make sure a message is circulated during the week.
Chris."

DON’T FORGET TO BOOK FOR OUR 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Yours in Matlock Rugby

David

The latest Matlock Rugby News- February 2017

OVERVIEW

MATLOCK 1ST XV NEWS

You may or may not know that the Matlock 1st XV game against Spalding was called off yesterday as a result of an accident to one of the cars bringing the Spalding players over to Cromford. Dave Toone has spoken to Spalding this morning and its just minor injuries, couple of broken fingers he thinks but relayed the club's best wishes.

MATLOCK 2ND XV  51  ASHBOURNE 3RD XV 5

Matlock Blue Boys had the Meadows to themselves and coach Chris Loeber and his team submitted the attached report including a few words on the thirds:

'Paparazzi' Colin Baker, undertook to take as many photographs of this game under terrible wintry conditions, so hopefully the following link will give you an idea of what the players and Col had to endure!!!!

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/photos/matlock-2nd-xv-40-odd-v-ashbourne-2nd-xv-5-720784.html

VICE PRESIDENTS LUNCH

I would appeal to those Vice Presidents who have not booked and paid for the lunch on 4th March to do so as quickly as possible. Please contact Ian McCluskey. See attached.

Those who are attending can you ensure you bring down the usual 'high quality' items for the Les type raffle and auction!! Look out those unwanted Christmas presents including after shave and alcohol! Thank you.

90TH CELEBRATIONS – 1ST JULY 

As you know from previous communications we are also taking bookings and payments for the above event. Please reserve through David Hood in the absence of 'Les the Oz lover'.

FIXTURES – 18TH FEBRUARY

The 1st and 3rd XV squads will travel the 'long distance' to Ashbourne with a 2.15 kick off whilst the 2nd XV host Mansfield at Cromford also with a 2.15pm kick off. 

Ashbourne RUFC location: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/ashbourne/contact/

Please support the Blue Boys.

Yours in Matlock Rugby

David Hood

Matlock Vice Presidents

Chris Loeber Report

It was winter down at the Meadows. However, snow on the surrounding hills and cold hands didn’t stop Matlock and Ashbourne providing excellent entertainment in advance of the England game.

With the first team game having been postponed at short notice the seconds were heartened to see so many first teamers down to support them. With first team coach Mike Brookes also on the touchline there was added incentive to impress.

And impress they did. Ashbourne are always proud and committed. It seemed that Matlock would have it all their own way but, after 15 minutes of dominance the score was 5 all! But on the back of a dominant scrum we started to produce some stunning rugby. 17 year old Sam Doiley made his senior debut on the wing. His first 2 touches brought him 2 tries – there’s nothing to this senior rugby lark is there!

All the backs excelled and with Conor Laughnane leading a forward surge to the line the game was won by half time. Matlock didn’t ease off and scored a number of team tries in the second half. Phil Braund crossed for a hat trick the best of which being when he was on hand to finish off a move that went through 10 pairs of hands.

Ashbourne stuck to their task but the result was convincing. In fact the only uncertainty was the score – was it 10 tries or just 9? On Sunday Chris Buckley was moved to comment that although his kicking was “ a bit off” it was much better than that Scottish guy who missed from in front of the posts!

Matlock – Tom Stokes, Harry Stephenson, Conor Laughnane, Dave Ball, Matt Fenton, Phil Braund, Stef Jackson, Rory Cookman, Chris Perry ( capt) Chris Buckley, Sam Doiley, Marcus Bolam, Mike Gunter, Mark Thornley, James Waterhouse. Replacements: Elliott Boam, Luke Howard, Curtis Bolam, James Harrod.

So the seconds maintain their position at the top of their Pennant League and are in League action again this Saturday when they entertain Mansfield 2’s.

Bakewell 2^nd 5  Matlock 3^rd 7

Sadly this game was abandoned just into the second half following a serious knee injury to a Bakewell player – we wish him a speedy recovery.

Matlock Rugby News- January 16th

Please find below the latest Matlock Rugby news, provided regularly by Matlock Rugby Vice President David. 

_________________________________________________________________

THE 2NDS AND 3RDS TAKE PRIDE OF PLACE THIS WEEK

Our Paparazzi took the long journey to Chesterfield to take action shots of the Matlock 2nd XV's victory over our neighbours Chesterfield Panthers by a score line of 35 points to 19. Pictures can also be seen on the Matlock Senior Rugby Facebook page including a fabulous photo of Tupton and Matlock 3rds.

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/photos/chesterfield-2nd-xv-19-v-matlock-2nd-xv-35-715669.html

Our resident scribe Chris Loeber sent me the under noted reports for both the 2s and 3s who travelled a long way to Tupton and a great day was had by all including our foreign export Paul Emerson. 

"Yes, 2 good wins although the 2’s was a funny game – good photos from Colin (paparazzi) though.

Chesterfield 2^nd 19 Matlock 2^nd 35

5 tries, 5 conversions, 5 yellow cards – a funny game!

The seconds maintained their position at the top of their Pennant league in a match which started with much promise but which deteriorated to near farce when the referee decided that nearly every penalty offence deserved a yellow card. A depleted Matlock pack found themselves spending the final minutes of the game desperately defending their own line.

The lack of a first team fixture gave Tom Cruttenden the opportunity the get some good pitch time and Marcus and Curtis Bolam both made a welcome return to the second team fold.

As with many games this season the forwards laid sound foundations and the backs showed they had the pace and power to score from anywhere on the pitch. Tries came from Mike Gunter (2), Chris Buckley, Harry Hunt and perhaps the best of the lot from Marcus Bolam. Chris Buckley converted them all.

The most impressive try wasn’t allowed! A sweeping move from near our line, running back a Chesterfield kick which resulted in Harry Hunt scoring beneath the posts was brought back for a somewhat surprising forward pass.

Tupton 2^nd 7   Matlock 3^rd   57

A stunning result for the 3^rd’s against a strengthened Tupton team.

Captain Bruce Johnson had assembled an outfit blessed with experience and pace (some had experience and some had pace, but none had both!)

As with all games with Tupton the match was played in tremendous spirit with both victors and vanquished enjoying a crisp winter’s afternoon in the true spirit of rugby.

This week the seconds are looking for a pool fixture – hopefully at home whilst the thirds entertain Chesterfield 3rds in a Pennant League game (kick off 2.15)"

Once again, many thanks Chris for your hard work with the future of the club!!

  

FIXTURES FOR 21ST JANUARY

Matlock 1st XV are back in action down at Cromford against Notts Casuals whilst the 3rd XV play Chesterfield also at home. Both games kick off at 2.15pm. At the time of going to press the 2nd XV may have the chance of playing the Derbyshire 2^Nd team Cup game against Ilkeston, we await news.

MATLOCK RUGBY VICE PRESIDENTS LUNCH

Please remember that our next Vice Presidents Lunch will be on Saturday 4th March at the Club House. Our opponents that day will be Coalville RUFC. Early bookings are being taken but an official notice will be going out in the next couple of weeks. We would ask you to book and pay in advance which will allow us to plan and cater for such a big club event.

MATLOCK TOWN FOOTBALL SPORTSMANS DINNER

Our Vice President Tom Wright who is the Chairman of Matlock Town Football Club has asked me to circulate the attached. If anyone is interested in attending please contact Tom directly.

LASTLY PLEASE NOTE THE 1ST JULY IN YOUR DIARY FOR THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AT COUNTY HALL

If you want more details, please contact me at the VP Office on 07951 268678. There is no point contacting Les as the lazy bugger is lying somewhere in Western Australia comforting a kangaroo and getting very hot to boiling!!!

Yours in Matlock Rugby

David

Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents

Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents- Latest News

Please find below the latest news from the Matlock Rugby Team, as provided regularly by David (Matlock Rugby Vice President).

A HAPPY, HEALTHY, PEACEFUL AND SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE AT MATLOCK RUGBY!

MIXED FORTUNES FOR THE BLUE BOYS AT NEWARK

NEWARK 1ST XV 18 MATLOCK 1ST XV  17

Prior to the match Vice Presidents Tin Bestwick, Andy Shooter, Ian McCluskey and yours truly were hosted by President Alan of Newark Rugby to a fabulous lunch. As soon as the final whistle blew both club officials expressed their views on the refereeing and as you can imagine we were in agreement. Having said that their report can be read in full from the hyper link below. Again many thanks to our scribe, Tony Hooton.  

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/teams/9812/match-centre/1-2158796

Our 'paparazzi' Colin Baker has posted photographs of the game and they too can be downloaded from the below link. There are a couple of shots of our 2nd XV coming out of the changing rooms. Hopefully we will have action shots in the future, maybe next week?

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/photos/matlock-17-v-newark-18-714592.html

NEWARK 2ND XV 15 MATLOCK 2ND XV 19

Our 2nd and 3rd XV 'scoop' and coach, Chris Loeber, posted his following report:

"The seconds and thirds welcomed the New Year with just one fixture – the 2^nd team away at Newark. Unfortunately we were unable to honour the 3^rd team game at Worksop due to lack of numbers with 3^rdteam talisman Bruce away terrorizing the locals on the ski slopes of Andorra!

However the 2^nd team recorded an excellent 19 – 15 victory at Newark. Newark were one of only two teams to have beaten the seconds prior to Christmas – a 33 – 32 thriller early in the season, so it was very pleasing not only to avenge that defeat , but to do so without playing at our best.

Some post Christmas blues, or was it the after effects of over indulgence, resulted in a rather stop start performance with the team not being able to impose their free flowing style on fairly strong opponents who play in the league above us.

Having said that we did score “ the try of the season” when a break from our own 22 saw the ball go through numerous sets of hands with skipper Chris Perry being on hand to go over.

Our other tries came from the excellent Harry Boyd with Harry and Chris Buckley each adding a conversion.

From a Club point of view it was very pleasing that two 17 year olds were in the second team squad, Mark Thornley and Joe Thompson.

This Saturday the second return to league action with an away fixture at Chesterfield. The thirds are looking for a pool game – isn’t it about time we played Tupton again!"

SATURDAY 14TH JANUARY

As we go to press the 1st XV do not have a fixture next Saturday but as Chris Loeber states in his report the 2nds have an away fixture over the hill at Chesterfield with a 2.15pm kick off. I look forward to seeing support for the Blue Boys against our near neighbours.

FINALLY SOME SAD NEWS

JAMES GEORGE

Last week I received the sad news that James George has died. His brother and Matlock Rugby Vice President, William George, contacted me and has asked me to communicate the following through the Newsletter:

"Dear David,

Sad news I am afraid – my brother James George died on the 2^nd January 2017 after a year long struggle (bowel cancer).  He was only 63 and played for Matlock in the 70s while a student and then joined Waterloo where he played in the first team for a season before moving away in the course of his medical career.

He leaves a widow (Angela) and daughter Jennifer.

He was diagnosed on Xmas Eve 2015 and at first chemo and radiotherapy appeared successful but in late summer a further scan revealed trouble necessitating further radio therapy. He gave lectures in Glasgow and London to fellow physicians about 6 weeks before he died.

James was  consultant physician in Carlisle until he retired about 18 months ago but remained active in research and part time work until shortly before his death.  He leaves a wife (Angela) and daughter Jennifer.  The funeral has been provisionally arranged for Saturday the 14^th in Carlisle Cathedral.

He remained interested in Rugby and attended many internationals both at home and abroad.

There may be some members who may remember him as a fierce and able wing forward (much better than me) and will be interested to hear my news."

On behalf of the Club I have extended our sympathies.

 Yours in rugby,

David

Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents

P.S. don’t forget to book your place on 1st July to celebrate the Club's 90th anniversary also the next VP lunch on Saturday 4th March (details of both events to follow)

Matlock Christmas Market

This weekend was the Matlock Christmas Market in which I helped out as a volunteer.

Matlock kicked off the festivities in style and put on a market of gargantuan proportions full with Christmas activities and over 100 market stalls.
The market boasted free entry and an array of activities including:

• Reindeer
• Santa's Grotto
• Traditional Christmas Cuisine
• Huge Fairground
• Craft Stalls
• Pony Sleigh Rides
• Christingle Service 

Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents Newsletter- 19th December 2016

Please see below the latest news from the Matlock Rugby Club:

As we are entering the festive season it gives me great pleasure to publish our last Newsletter of the year with the news that all Matlock Rugby squads were winners on Saturday! Congratulations go to all including our coaches and back room staff. 

WEST BRIDGEFORD 1ST XV 15 MATLOCK 1ST XV   19

The Blue Boys made it four in a row with a narrow win in Nottingham as can be seen from 'Scoop' Tony Hooton's report here.

'Paparazzi' Baker has uploaded his usual standard of photographic genius too:

SCOOP LOEBER REPORT

West Bridgford 2^nd   14    Matlock  2^nd   22

"Unfortunately, there was only one game for our 2^nd and 3^rd teamers as Derby, not for the first time this season, called off the 3^rd team game on Friday evening – too late for as alternative fixture to be found. So it was either Christmas shopping or a trip to West Bridgford with the seconds. Fortunately, Bruce had already his presents bought and wrapped, so a very full Love Bus went to Nottingham.

Bridgford play in the League above us (where we want to be next season) and to come away with a hard earned, but well deserved win, was very pleasing.

Unfortunately, Harry Morton suffered a serious knee injury and our very best wishes go to him.

HALF SEASON REPORT

One of the senior club’s aims at the beginning of the season was to put out 3 sides each week, and I’m delighted to say that we’ve achieved this. Great credit goes to Chris Perry with the seconds and Bruce Johnson and Lee Brant (Milky) in the thirds. They move heaven and earth each week in the form of lots and lots of phone calls, texts, messages and Facebook posts to ensure that we get 3 teams on the pitch.

Of course, if the playing experience isn’t positive and enjoyable, guys will perhaps play one week but not the next. The 3rds have a fine group of senior players who are determined to introduce our youngsters to everything that’s right about senior rugby.

The seconds have great promise and potential. Essentially a young side, they are held together by a group of senior players who are keen to pass on their skills and experience and who demand that the side plays an open attacking style. Jonny Bunting, Elliot Boam, Adam Twyford and Chris Buckley (aided on occasions by Paul Lane) are the glue that makes this team successful.

Finally, it would only be right to report that the seconds (or at least one of their number) were again involved in a punch up on Saturday. Prop Daz Smith took part in a charity boxing night in Nottingham, where he lost on points but did make a mess of his opponent’s face and helped to raise £10,000 for cancer research. Well done mate.

Merry Christmas,

Chris

MATCH DAY – 7TH JANUARY 2017

Both the 1st and 2nd XV are at Newark RUFC on Saturday 7th January. The 3rd XV will be away to Worksop. All games will kick off at 2.15pm

Location details can be downloaded as below:

Newark   

Worksop 

Please continue supporting the Blue Boys!!!

DON’T FORGET – SATURDAY 1ST JULY 2017 

Matlock Rugby will be celebrating their 90th anniversary with a fabulous black tie dinner/dance with top notch entertainment and a wonderful speaker. No not our own Les Davis, he is organising the extravaganza!!! The event will be held in the Members Room at the Derbyshire County Hall in Matlock. As some of you know Les is off to Oz at the beginning of January for 10 weeks and has asked the Vice President's Office to help promote and sell tickets in his absence. Price for this not to be missed event will be £50 per ticket

This is a club function so can I ask if you have any influence in generating financial support from the business community to sponsor parts of the function such as the champagne reception, canapés, table decorations, tombola prizes, etc will be gratefully received. Please let me know sooner rather than later.

Please note that there will be 12 tables x 10.

Finally, may we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year coupled with Blue Boy success for the rest of the season!!!               David Hood & Ian McCuskey