DRUFC Covid Fightback Fund

Aim

In the wake of Covid-19, we need to fight back and ensure the sustainability of Dunstablians RUFC for future generations.

A moment of your time...

Please spare a moment to listen to the brief video interview with our Chairman, Jon Gilbert and to read about the vital role Dunstablians Rugby Club has in the local community and why we need your support for that to continue for future generations.

Finally, please browse the list of ‘Rewards’ we are offering you in return for your generous donation to our Fightback from Covid-19 campaign to see which is most appropriate for you, your family or organisation. 

There are new as well as existing Rewards to entice you to:

• re-join with 50% discount, if you are an existing member;
• come and enjoy your fantastic local rugby club at a special introductory rate, if you are thinking of becoming a new member;
• support us in any way you can as a business sponsor or volunteer;
• benefit from other rewards that are too good to miss.

Who are Dunstablians RUFC?

Founded in 1948 by the ‘old boys’ of Dunstable Grammar School, DRUFC has brought pleasure and friendship to many individuals and their families for over seven decades. In 1985 we moved to our present location just outside Dunstable, at Houghton Regis. We have grown to become an established rugby club within East Midlands and have over 450 members. 

What we have to offer our local Community

Adult and Youth Rugby

Up until the pandemic, DRUFC was a thriving rugby club. We fielded two Senior sides, provided a safe environment and coached Mini and Junior players in the age-groups Under 6 to Under 18, ran a Vets' team and a Ladies' Rugby section. The club was packed on Saturday match days and on Sundays the clubhouse and grounds entertained hundreds of children being coached or playing matches against other local teams.

Dunstablians 1st XV Squad 2020

Dees at the NPI Cup Final - Twickenham

Under 7s Mini Rugby

Rugby Before Lockdown

Our Social Scene

The club enjoyed a vibrant social scene and our excellent hospitality facilities were much sought after by the local community for children's parties, weddings, and other family celebrations.

Vice Presidents' Lunch

Set up for a Wedding

Summer-time Specials

During this summer, as usual we had scheduled; 'Summer Camps' for the children from local schools a marquee, in which we were due to hold our Club Presentations' night, a Summer Ball, a music festival, a family fun day, a wedding and a beer festival. We’ve had to cancel all of these events which has meant huge disappointment for those families and their friends who were looking forward to gathering and celebrating their special occasion and, above all, the club has lost those much-needed revenue streams.

Sportsmen's Dinner in the Marquee

Family Fund Days

Music Festival in the Marquee

Our Partners

Apart from coaching and playing rugby, we are home to:-

• Dunstablians Rugby Club Male Voice Choir, who meet weekly. They perform many concerts each year, mainly for charity. They have won several music competitions’ awards.
• Camera club who meet weekly
• Rugby Tots Chilterns – playing facilities for young toddlers 

• Chiltern Vehicle Preservation Group who have regular meetings at the club, utilising the space we have to show off members’ cars.

Sadly, our doors have been closed to all of these groups since lockdown.

Support from Our Local Town Councils and Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC)

Our local councillors and officers appreciate the encouragement and support we give families in the community. They see that our members are taught the core values of rugby and learn, from an early age, social as well as rugby playing skills.

As Susan Goodchild, CBC Councillor – Houghton Hall Ward puts it: 

"The rugby club, set within the heart of the Houghton Regis Community, has been a strong continuous bond between the people and the players.  The discipline underpins the values of healthier lifestyles and builds social skills, which so many of our children and adults have benefited from.   The social aspect is highly valued as a place where civic functions, celebratory events of all kinds take place and where there is opportunity for the community to socialise and build lasting friendships”.

Why Do We Need Your Help Now?

Our Vision for the future

Over the next 10 years, approximately 7,500 houses are being built around us. We are, therefore, embracing the potential of becoming the main community centre for the many thousands of families who will be able to take advantage of the fantastic facilities we have to offer.

With the major housing developments planned around our grounds, we recognise that there is a need to plan for the future so that we are prepared for the anticipated influx of players, especially in the youth age groups (6 to 17), as well as a significant increase in our social membership.

Our vision is to grow and continue to be a thriving, successful sporting facility for Dunstable and Houghton Regis and especially for the new development which will surround the club.

…but that is our longer-term goal. In the meantime…

We need to recover and survive

We must survive the devastating impacts of Corona virus and prepare ourselves for the future expansion of the club.

Your Donation now will help us recover quickly from Covid

Although we have reduced overheads all we can, our costs are still running at around £1,500 per month. In addition, all revenue streams have been cut-off since the end of March, which is why . . .

We need you, our players, volunteers, sponsors and members of the public, to support us and ensure the sustainability of DRUFC. With your support and attendance, we can recover quickly from this crisis and get back to those fun days before Corona Virus.

Please check out our list of amazing rewards being offered, in return for your generous donations.

New and Existing Members (50% discount)

Grab this unique opportunity to gain a full year’s membership at a special reduced price that recognises, not only the financial hardship that many are suffering, but also the reduced availability of our facilities during lockdown. Please choose a reward most appropriate for you: Faithful Families – Calling All Senior Players (Male and Female) -  Supporters, Volunteers and Sponsors - Vice Presidents. There are several other additional rewards you can add - Wall of Fame, Buy a Brick or receive Beer Tokens.

Post Covid - our Youth Section enjoying exercise and having fun again

New Social Members (special introductory rate)

For a special introductory donation of just £15 (normally £60), we welcome anyone in the local community to join us as a social member. While Covid-19 continues to put us all at risk, come and enjoy the vast open spaces, the “Dunstablians Outdoor Bar”, BBQ area and other facilities we have at the Rugby Club, Bidwell Park, Bedford Road, Houghton Regis. It’s a great social scene.

Social distancing - no problem! 

Corporate/Business Sponsors

We are appealing to any business in the wider community to support DRUFC, your local rugby club, and take advantage of this special, half price Corporate/Business Sponsorship package, which includes a Pitch-side Advertising board and many other benefits. Alternatively, if you wish to sponsor a player or a set of Youth team rugby shirts, please choose the Player Sponsorship or Mini/Junior Team Shirt Sponsorship reward. 

... and so - be sure to select the "Reward" most appropriate for your donation.

Please note:

If we can raise over £10,000 from over 100 supporters there is potential for the amount raised to be doubled with the match-funding opportunity on offer from the Sport England – Active Together campaign.

Thank you for your support

This project successfully funded on 7th September 2020