A CLARION call has gone out to former Weymouth Rugby Club players.

As the end of the current season draws near, the club is holding a social and buffet to thank all its players, supporters and volunteers for their support through the season and in the past.

Chairman Glyn Arnold said: “April 17 is the last game of the season and we want to bring old captains, former players and all our sponsors and volunteers together to thank them for all their support. The club couldn’t function without our volunteers.”

Weymouth Rugby Club is one of the oldest rugby football union clubs in the country, with its first AGM being held in 1872.

It is thought the club was disbanded during the First World War and started up again in 1923.

During the Twenties and Thirties matches were played at various grounds around the town including an old airfield at Westham, where there was a grandstand but no changing or washing facilities.

After the Second World War the club moved to a new municipal sports ground at Redlands and a small bar was established in an old Nissan hut, which was shared with the hockey and cricket clubs.

The hut had originally been used as a changing facility with inadequate showers until the council provided the existing facilities almost 40 years ago with changing rooms and baths.

The rugby club developed quickly during the 1970s, but as it grew alongside the hockey and cricket clubs at Redlands, pitch-sharing problems started.

In the 1980s the club moved to its present site at Monmouth Avenue, where it flourishes, with players aged from five to 62 and a full range of mini, midi, youth, colts and senior teams.

Glyn added that the club has ‘come on great guns this year’, even though there were times when the pitch was unplayable due to the impact of the Weymouth Relief Road and the need to re-grass the area.

“At this time we were able to use Wey Valley School for training and play and their help was invaluable,” said Glyn.

“But it has been a good season and we want to get everybody together, say ‘we are still here’ and have a good time.”

For further details about the club and the social, which runs from 1pm on Saturday, April 17, call club secretary Chris Davis on 07736 599021 or Glyn Arnold on 07707 036432.