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Adrian Johnson – In Memoriam

31st March 2021 Simon Ballard — 4 Comments
Tim Johnson’s uncle Adrian
Adrian, who was Club Chairman; Tim Johnson’s uncle and Timmy Johnson’s brother, died on Tuesday 23 Mar. Tim has shared these original photos of Hatchley Barn being built by him and other players and would like to recognise Adrian’s contribution. Tim adds….
“It is with sadness, that I announce that Adrian Johnson has passed away peacefully at home.
Adrian played forWoodbridge Rugby Union Football Club during the 70’s, whilst his real sporting passion was hockey and cricket, where he represented Suffolk. Adrian gave up playing rugby after breaking his leg!
Along with many other players, and his brother Timmy Johnson, Adrian was fundamental and a driving force in buying the land and building Hatchley Barn (see pictures), the foundation of the Club that we love so much today.
Adrian was lifelong supporter of the rugby club and always keen to hear match updates from his nephews and niece Ollie, Ed, Magic and TJ whenever we had the chance to discuss rugby”.
Adrian Johnson in Memoriam

Successful Woodbridge Home & Away Challenge

12th March 2021 Simon Ballard — No Comments
Home & Away banner square

Woodbridge School and Woodbridge Rugby Club teamed up to promote a fitness and wellbeing challenge. The Woodbridge Home & Away Challenge ran until March 7 and aimed to help students and young players get away from their screens and participate in physical activities during lockdown. The event was open to all students, staff and members and the wider community.

Participants had to select a destination in the UK that meant something to them and their household – perhaps a favourite holiday destination, or maybe the university town they hope to go to.

Then they calculated how far the destination was from their home in miles and then undertake exercise activities that get them that distance.

It could be walking, running, riding or even dancing. Prizes will be awarded by a joint school and club judging panel for the longest distance covered, and the most fun and creative ideas, images, videos and tracking map diagrams.

Every completed challenge received a certificate and prize draw entry.

WRUFC helps Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service fly

24th February 2021 Simon Ballard — 1 Comment
Suffolk-Fire-and-Rescue-drone-team

 Woodbridge Rugby Club was glad to accommodate a different type of practice last Saturday, 20 Feb when ex-player and Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service Chief Pilot; Adrian Mason, asked for help.

Adrian and Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service Drone Pilots, Laurence Dalziel, Mark Daly & Peter Watson-Brown needed to practice with one of the Service’s hi-tech drones. Woodbridge Rugby Club’s three, quiet, Covid-hit pitches, usually bustling with local rugby, provided just the spot.

Adrian was the first into the Drone Pilot role and, from its beginnings just over two years ago, the team, based at Woodbridge Fire Station, is now used extensively by the Fire Service and the Police.

As Adrian says: “Most of our work is helping the Police to find missing persons. The drones have thermal imaging cameras which makes them particularly effective. The latest drone is the fourth update of its kind and live-feed capability is planned shortly. This training is vital in our role of finding missing persons where, during a normal week we can expect to be called upon 2 or 3 times, day or night. The only limiting factor is the wind but we can handle winds up to 33mph”.

Adrian, who attended Club sponsor; Woodbridge School and played for the Woodbridge Warriors senior men’s team between 1987-90, recalled tracking down one escaped felon in the reed beds of the River Orwell at night using thermal imaging as well as finding people that wander, confused, from traffic accidents.

Club Vice Chairman Simon Bennett commented: “Like all sports clubs we are struggling through lockdown, but the Club supports the community and, when a local key worker and ex-player needs a favour we are delighted to play our part.”

Neil Montgomery In Memoriam

2nd February 2021 Simon Ballard — 1 Comment
Neil Montgomery

Neil Montgomery died 11th January in Ipswich hospital from Coronavirus at the age of 89. He had been a Vice President and an active member at Woodbridge Rugby Club for many years. The last four years he had been a volunteer at the club in the position of Assistant Safeguarding Officer. Many will recognise him as he walked around the pitches on a Sunday morning with his boxer dog Finsbury.

Neil had lived in Woodbridge since 1995, he served on Woodbridge Town Council and had a spell as mayor between 2003 and 2004. He had held other volunteer roles in the community including Sutton Hoo and the Woodbridge Society. He was also involved in the building of the skate park in Woodbridge.

A funeral for family only will be held on February 5. His wife Jane is saddened that a wider invitation could not be given.

It is proposed that we put on a VP lunch in his honour when it is feasible at some point in the future.

Message from Chairman Tim

3rd January 2021 Simon Ballard — No Comments
Chairman Tim
First of all, I would like to wish you all on behalf of Woodbridge Rugby Union Football Club a happy New Year..
As a Committee, we have taken the decision to extend our winter break for ALL forms of rugby activity at Hatchley Barn, until the government reviews this situation on Monday 18 January.
Whilst Under 18s organised sport can continue under Tier 4, we feel that for the time being the right decision is to extend our winter break.
Your safety, health and wellbeing are always our main concern and we must continue to protect each other, this time by staying at home, in line with government advice and unfortunately stay away from Hatchley Barn.
We will keep this under close review and ensure that we review any further guidance from the RFU should this be forthcoming before Monday 18 January.
This is not a message I wish to be sending out and I am sure you will share my disappointment but agree it is the right decision. With the vaccination programme starting there is an end in sight but we must continue to protect each other.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Hatchley Barn very soon.
Thank you.
Tim Johnson
Chairman
Woodbridge Rugby Union Football Club
chairman@woodbridgerugbyclub.net
07823 558804

Woodbridge v Southwold

3rd December 2020 Simon Ballard — No Comments
WB v Swold 2 Dec 20

WARRIORS V SOUTHWOLD

2PM SAT 19 DEC AT THE BARN

Bar Open 12.00pm

Lunch served (outside) at 1.30pm – £13.50 for

Beef and Guinness Stew, Mashed Potatoes and Veg

Cheese, biscuits, grapes and celery

+ first pint

Mulled wine – £3.50 a glass

Lacons Encore on tap

Normal COVID measures including at seat service for food and beer

Let Sally know if you are coming 07718 656290 or sallyward4@btinternet.com

Club closed until 2/12/20 Lockdown update

5th November 2020 Simon Ballard — No Comments
Club Closed

Update from the Chairman 5/11/20

Yesterday, Wednesday 4th November we closed our doors for Lock down 2.0.

As a Club your health and wellbeing are important to us. We want you and your families to be safe. Please follow the government guidelines. We hope this lockdown will help the UK get back to some normality as soon as it can.

The RFU has just communicated that “With effect from tomorrow, we return to Stage A on the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap. This means that no competitive or formal rugby activities can be undertaken until at least Wednesday 2 December. While group training sessions are banned, a maximum of two players can participate in socially distanced (two metres plus), individual training sessions outside without sharing equipment”.

When we receive further updates from the RFU, along with government guidelines, we will be ready to adapt and implement whatever is needed to ensure rugby returns to Woodbridge Rugby Club as soon as practically possible. Until this point the Club grounds and clubhouse will be shut.

As a Club we have already demonstrated that we can adapt through implementing safe ways for the return of rugby and as such come together as ‘One Club’ stronger.

What I can promise, is that your committee and your Club will be here for our members when we are able to return.

Stay at home, stay safe and I look forward to welcoming you back when it safe to do so.

Tim Johnson, Chairman, Woodbridge Rugby Club