In these times it doesn’t take much to get me excited so I was thrilled to hear on the sport’s news this morning that professional teams are being allowed to organise training pods - now I know we’re not in that category, but with 3 months to go to the start of the season, things are feeling more optimistic! As usual though, we will have to wait and see and play the patience game.

Ross Cowie our Fixtures’ Secretary was able to tell us which teams would be in London North 1, obviously, we say goodbye to North Walsham (promoted) and say goodbye to Woodford a & Ruislip (demoted) - welcome to Belsize Park (North West London), Leighton Buzzard (Bedfordshire) and our old adversaries Thurrock (Essex).

Unfortunately, I can’t bring you the interview with Karl, our Chairman, as he has been unwell (not COVID) - we wish you a speedy recovery Karl and look forward to hearing from you soon. However, Brian Borges, your Past President, was given this photograph by a friend who found it under her floorboards during her house refurbishment.

“ The Gazette article was written by a pioneer of BBC live sports broadcasting. It also mentions our founder N. Pertwee and J. Motum who was infamous for being one of the 57 old farts at the RFU derided by Will Carling back in the 1990s. Carling was arguing in favour of paying players - I’ve heard that somewhere before!

All the best until next week - send me any news you might have to: maggiew234@gmail.com

Take care & stay safe,

Maggie - President CRFC

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