It was only 8 months ago that Dartfordians RFC held the great 100th anniversary dinner & dance at Twickenham, with the rest of the year flying past in a blur.

Whilst we head into the festive period and celebrate with family and friends, it also important to remember those who are no longer with us. The Dartfordians family has lost some great members in 2024 alone and I will be raising a glass to them all and thank them for their contributions to Dartfordians.

As the 2023/24 season ended the work at the club did not stop, with important remedial work undertaken on all of the pitches. The main pitch is now in the best condition it has been in since the full re-lay was undertaken several years ago and even with the wet conditions we have had recently, it has remained fully useable. To support with the ground maintenance over the coming years, the borehole has now been built and will allow the pitches to be watered in the dry summer months.

Throughout the season, to date, we have held many events supported by Megan and the team behind the bar and Steve and his team in the kitchen - thank you to you all. The recent lunch, ahead of the Mens 1s league fixture v Medway, saw 90 sitting down and enjoying great food and company.

Further events to come for the 24/25 season are as follows:
22.12.24 Xmas Lunch - SOLD OUT
18.1.25 Pre match lunch (Battersea Ironsides)
22.3.25 Pre match lunch (Reigatians)

On the pitch it has been a tough season to date for the Angels/Saints sides as inconsistent availablities, injuries and lack of opposition have meant not many games have been completed. The club is working to make sure we get as many sides/players on the pitch consistently.
The Demons sit 4th in Kent Counties 4, having played 12, won 6, drawn 1 and lost 5 - once the side gets injured players back then they will be continuing to push for as high a position in the league as possible. The Mens 1s are back in Regional SE 2 and working hard to ensure they win as many games as possible, currently sitting 3rd from bottom and with Thurrock away on the 21.12.24 and then Reeds Weybridge at home on 4.1.25 COYD!!!!!!

The Womens team is now in a much stronger position with a good number looking to play in the league fixtures and thanks to all for the hard work to stabilise this great addition to the club. We wish them well for the rest of their league campaign. The Girls U16s have been having a great season to date, representing the club in the National Cup. So far, they have beaten Medway and Tonbridge Juddians along the way and the club wishes them well as they look to progress in the competition.

To finish I would like to thank all of our members in whatever guise they get involved at the club, whether as a volunteer, parent, supporter, player, coach, referee/touch judge, bar staff, kitchen staff, physio and well being, kit shop, groundstaff and the club's management team. Thank you to you all for making our Club a welcoming place to come and play rugby, enjoy the benefits of doing so and for helping to build and improve, every year.

COYD!!!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.

Jarrod Lawrence

Chairman
Dartfordians RFC.