The Kent Executive Committee was delighted to receive news of “the outstanding support Whitstable RFC received from Tommy Johnstone and Snowdown RFC……which truly exemplified the values of our rugby family”. 

Whitstable’s Mini-Rugby Secretary Rob Deardon has contacted us with details of the logistical support that they received on Sunday 22nd February. Rob writes:-

“As you’ll know, the relentless rain this year has left many pitches in a terrible state. We’ve had to cancel numerous fixtures since January, and it’s been disheartening to see some of our young players drift away from the game simply because they haven’t been able to get on the pitch.

Then, at 7pm on a Friday evening—after we discovered both our main pitch and our alternative Plan B pitch were unplayable—Tommy at Snowdon RFC stepped in without hesitation. He immediately organised for the Minis & Juniors meeting versus Dover to take place at Snowdown’s ground in Aylesham. Not only did he arrange access and  pitches at short notice, but the club also opened their tea shop to support the event.

Thanks to Snowdown’s generosity and Tommy’s quick action, what was heading towards yet another cancellation instead became a fantastic day of rugby. The kids played, enjoyed themselves, and left with smiles on their faces—exactly what grassroots rugby is about.

A parent commented that “the people couldn’t have been more lovely and helpful. Would definitely like to use them again”.

It was a brilliant demonstration of the community spirit we pride ourselves on in rugby, and we cannot thank Tommy and Snowdown RFC enough.”

Your Kent Rugby Committee commends Snowdown RFC (Tommy and his team of volunteers: Terry Jones, Raymond Dennis, Adam Dudfield, Ian Cartledge, Tommy Johnstone Snr and Libby Henson who cleaned the pitch, stand and marshalled the car park on a Sunday morning at short notice). 

We are always willing to receive and share examples of such kindness, best practice and support and if you want to nominate a club or team then please do send them to me as per below:-

Graham Withers
Kent County RFU
Club Development Chair

club-development-chair@kent-rugby.org