Dear Club Member,
I hope you have recovered from what was a simply incredible finale to the league season, at Mansfield Park last week? The spirit, determination, and desire shown by our Robbie Dyes in digging deep to win the Premiership Play-Off Final, was outstanding, and showed what that Green Jersey means to them. Equally the way the town rallied round the lads made for an atmosphere which was absolutely electric.
As you know, Hawick Rugby Football Club, one of the most respected in the Scottish game, is about to celebrate its 150th anniversary in season 2023-2024. The Club has a proud history and has produced sixty male international players, three of whom, Stuart Hogg, Rory Sutherland and Darcy Graham are in the current Scotland squad, and six female internationalists including Lisa Thomson and Lana Skeldon, who represented their country in the recent Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.
Another Hawick rugby player was denied, through tuberculosis, the Scottish cap he would almost certainly have won, but he went on to attain worldwide fame and universal respect as “the Voice of Rugby”, his name, Bill McLaren.
We at the club are working on an extensive program of events to commemorate and celebrate the clubs wonderful achievement, with the highlight of the celebrations being a prestigious marquee Dinner, on the hallowed turf of Mansfield Park, where so many household names from Scottish Rugby have played.
On the evening of Friday 17 November, 2023, Hawick RFC, in association with the Bill McLaren Foundation will be commemorating the Club’s 150th anniversary, and also paying tribute to ‘Oor Bill’, following what would have been his 100th birthday on October 16th this year.
The dinner will include a wonderful 3 course meal, keynote speakers, a Q&A, together with an auction and other entertainment, with the cost of a ticket being £85.
This email is by way of an invitation, to ask if you as a member of the club would like to attend the dinner. We know from the initial interest expressed, that this event will be heavily subscribed so we are very keen that our valued members have the opportunity to reserve their place, by intimating their interest in replying to this email. Please can we ask that you advise us by March 31st if you as a member would like to reserve a seat.
If you are a Green Room Member please can I ask that you confirm your interest directly to Gus Neilson by email on neilsons88@gmsil.com.
While all other members please comfirm your interest either to Malcolm on mal61grant@gmail.com or John on johnthorburnbmf@gmail.com to reserve your place. We are not asking for payment at this time, however we will do so in due course ahead of the new season beginning.
For your information, some of the other exciting initiatives planned during the season are:
A special publication of memoirs and stories from ‘150’ club members and players, past and present together with some notable guest contributors.
An exhibition detailing the history of our great club, to be held in the museum at Wilton Lodge Park, and a re-enactment of the clubs first game, which was against the men of Langholm, this to be played in period dress,at Buccleuch Park, the site of the original match.
These three projects, together with many more being worked on, will show how the town of Hawick and the game of Rugby Union have been inextricably linked throughout the clubs history, and how Hawick’s contribution to the game of rugby in Scotland and further afield is unique.
Once you have taken the time to consider this opportunity, we would be very grateful
if you would be kind enough to let us know if you are keen to attend.
Equally should you have any questions, please email or call, either John Thorburn or Malcolm Grant, who would be happy to help.
Thank you for your kind consideration
Yours sincerely
Ian Landles (President)
John Thorburn (Honorary Secretary)
Malcolm Grant (Vice President)
On behalf of Hawick RFC
Contact details.
John Thorburn –
Email – johnthorburnbmf@gmail.com
Tel- 07929 655132
Malcolm Grant –
Email – mal61grant@gmail.com
Tel- 07880 701574
