To all members
As you are aware Old Reigatian RFC will be celebrating its 100th year in 2027-28. We have a wonderful archive of material nearly all of which survived the fires 10 years ago. This material is being used by myself and Peter Tharp to write The History of Old Reigatian RFC for publishing in the autumn of 2026.
In addition, we are looking to add to the photographic collection, particularly of the Team photos from over the years. Currently we have many of the years up to the 1990s but lack all bar 2 of the 90s and the same for the 2000s for the 1st XV. But we would also welcome those of the other sides, As, ExAs, B1s, B2s, Nondescripts/Evergreen/Badgers vets, Under 21/22s and across the Minis, Juniors and Girls sections.
There is one piece of memorabilia that I’m very keen to find. The Club from 1928 to 1999 would issue a fixture card to all members as well as friends of the club and other clubs. We’re not so sure when these stopped being printed but we do have a copy of every card from 1928-29 to 1999-2000 except 1982-83. So, if any of those who played/supported the club that year has one would you kindly donate it to the archive. We also have a wonderful collection of the teamsheets that used to be posted every week to the members full of information, not only of who was playing, the opposition, previous weeks results but bar rotas, tea ladies, pitch marking and the entertainment that happened almost on a weekly basis. These started in 1965 and we have 1968-69 sheets and then 1974 – 1999. Again, if anyone has kept any from the 60s and early 70s, we would welcome copying and adding them to the collection. We’re not sure what happened from 2000 on until such time as technology took over.
Eventually we will be digitalising most of what we have as well as establishing a library of the interesting papers and records.
If you can donate material, please email it to me or leave it at the clubhouse, clearly marking who you are, what you’re donating and any history that goes with your donation.
Thanking you for your support
Phil Smith and Peter Tharp
ORRFC Archivists
