'The Buckie-Milk Tour'

Earlier this year I was asked if I would agree to organising an end of season club tour in the Spring of 2012.

Although somewhat reluctantly I decided to set the ball rolling mainly because I strongly believe that ‘touring’ is an important part of club rugby particularly at our level of rugby as it gives players an opportunity to play against different opposition but more importantly builds up club spirit which we hope will encourage players to up their commitment to our club next season. 

While there were a few players who were keen to perhaps head across to a European country the general consensus was that we should keep the cost of the tour as low as possible with a view to hopefully maximising the number of players who could go ‘on tour’. A return trip to Belfast was also suggested but again a number of players were of the view that we should go somewhere different.

To that end I contacted a number of rugby clubs in Ireland and I am pleased to confirm that Sligo Rugby Club have kindly agreed to host us next Spring. (See their club website at www.sligorfc.ie) with accommodation having been provisionally booked for 2 nights in Sligo (see at www.harbourhousehostel.com)

The ‘Buckie-Milk Tour’ as it will be affectionately known has been arranged for the last weekend in March with the tour bus/coach leaving Blairgowrie on the morning of Friday 30th March returning early evening on Sunday 1st April 2012.

Based on say 30 ‘tourists’ the cost of the tour will be approximately £150 (including coach travel, ferry fares, accommodation & tour jersey) but this will decrease depending on how good you are at fundraising.

We already have approximately £1000 in the tour fund thanks to our Casino Night, various raffles and Webbie’s ‘petrol money’ from last season. It is the intention to hold some more fund raising events after the New Year (perhaps a Race night and a ‘Cow Pat’ fund raiser) and however much each individual raises will determine how much they will have to pay.

For example if you sell say £60 worth of ‘Cow Pat’ squares this will be deducted from the cost of your tour effectively reducing the cost of your tour to £90. This was originally the aim of the recently held Casino Night but only 7 people (5 players) sold their ‘Casino Night Spin’ sheets but in doing so have already reduced the cost of their tour by £40. (Worth noting that when we went to Belfast in 2007 some players raised enough to cover the full cost of their tour!!)

If you wish to go on the 2012 Club Tour to Ireland please let me know or enter your name on the sheet pinned to the changing room notice board. A £25 deposit (non returnable) will be required from each ‘tourist’ before the end of December and any further monies due will be required by 17th March at the very latest. Can I also remind all potential ‘tourists’ that they must be paid up members of Blairgowrie Rugby Club – if not please pay membership at the clubhouse a.s.a.p.

Slim