I'm raising £3,000 for a sports project

During the third week in March I am going to set off from Winchester to attempt to walk the South Downs Way to Eastbourne, only a couple of months before my 75th birthday, to raise funds for Uckfield Rugby Club.

Why Uckfield Rugby Club? Uckfield Rugby Club was founded in 1967 as effectively a working mans Rugby Club. The first games were played on part of Lady Baxendale’s land in Framfield. A bit later, a pitch was created in a field opposite the Barley Mow pub, on what was the A22. Later Lady Baxendale allowed the Club to play on some land behind the Barley Mow which ultimately was sold to the Rugby Club. It was just over 30 years ago that the Rugby Club transferred to the current site with a new clubhouse.

The Club currently runs a first 15, a second 15, a Veterans over 35 side and a ladies side. In addition to this, the Club has a vibrant youth section which runs teams from under 17 down to under 5 for boys and under 16 to under 11 for girls. The men’s side of rugby has about 100 players available for selection, the ladies have 30 players available for selection and the youth section has about 215 children in total. The Club therefore is providing organised rugby matches for close on 400 people. Some of the original players from 1967 are still involved with the Club today as evidenced by the Friday Gang who prepare the pitches on a Friday prior to Saturday’s matches. It is this continuity which, in my opinion, gives the Club a very special feel.

Uckfield Rugby Club does not just organise rugby. It is involved in many community activities which have included in recent years organising an annual bonfire and fireworks, entering floats for the Uckfield Carnival, organising a Christmas Pantomime and being a venue for Park Run. Unfortunately, over the last few years the Club’s expenses have exceeded the Club’s income, which is why I am attempting to walk the South Downs Way to raise some much needed funds for the Club.

On a personal level, my two sons, Will and James, got their first taste of rugby playing in the youth section some 25-30 years ago. Will represented Sussex at under 18 and he then went on to play for Didsbury when he was at Manchester University and then Worth Old Boys and finally Uckfield when he came back to Sussex. After University, James was a one-club man playing for London Law Society for approximately 10 years, of which he was Captain for two seasons. James had representative games for Surrey.

The family tradition continues with my grandson Harry playing for the under 15s.

The total walk is about 170K which I am planning to do over 9 days. I am going to attempt to do a daily blog on the Club’s website so you can check my progress.

I will be paying all of my costs for the trip personally so that any funds donated will go direct to the Rugby Club. The last time I did a charity walk, which was about 7 years ago, I ended up by having to have a hip replacement. I only hope that the other hip lasts for the duration of this walk.

With three matches of the current season to go, Uckfield Rugby Club currently sit at the top of Sussex Division One. Hopefully sufficient points will be gained over the remaining three games which not only give the Club promotion but also the Championship.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any support that you are able to give to the Rugby Club.