IT has been a busy summer for Okehampton Rugby Club in many ways. The July annual meeting saw the creation of a new Limited company, which now has five directors with newly elected Phil Martin joining club chairman Robert Barkwell, treasurer Toby Daniel, secretary Dave Potter and junior section chairman Robbie Curtis.

The club appointed joint membership secretaries in Sylvia Langan (senior section) and Kay Bickley (juniors).

Club secretary Dave Potter told the Times that extensive work has been carried out on both of the main pitches at the club to prepare them for the 2011-12 season, with further work to improve the drainage of the back pitch.

He said: 'Repairs to the drainage system on the back pitch were carried out by club volunteers Ted Cann, Dave Stevens, John Martin, Jan Valance and Ross Campbell. Then Simon Essex, owner of the Ashbury Golf and Leisure Complex, lent his land drainage machine to further improve the drainage. Following this work the pitches were harrowed, re-seeded and had fertilizer applied. Now, as the season approaches, both pitches look in excellent condition.

'Alongside this a project is running to provide a training facility for the whole club on land at Brightley for the whole club to use. Providing lighting for the dark evenings is the most expensive item, and also includes car parking, drainage and the ongoing maintenance. Planning permission has been applied for and extensive fund raising is required to pay for the costs of this project.'

The playing programme for all Okehampton teams, from first XV to U7s starts Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4. The first Western Counties (West) league home game is against St Austell on September 17, while the second XV are at home against Devonport on September 10. Entrance for the first XV home games remains at £3 for this season.

Social and fundraising events planned for the autumn and winter:

n Saturday, September 3: Incorporation Celebration — the evening will start at 6pm, with a photograph of the whole club together in one big group. Hog roast at 7 pm.

n Friday, September 30: Pledge Auction — this is a major fundraiser for the club. Offers of goods or services to be auctioned on the night would be most welcome. Go along and bid for some exciting items and help the club fund its major project, the Brightley Training Facility.

n Friday, October 14: Curry night with chef Dave Wills.

n Saturday, October 22: Skittles evening.

n Friday, October 28: Quiz night compiled by Bob Tully.

New members to the club, whether players or social members, are always welcome at the club, the club needs your support.

Dave added: 'A club like Okehampton RFC relies heavily on volunteers to carry out every function from grass cutting to secretary, from white line painting to chairman, from dressing room cleaning to team managers.

'Without such people the club could not nor would not have existed for more than 125 years and will not continue to exist in the future without the continued support of its members in every area of the club. Players, juniors, parents, social and retired members all have a part to play in the success of the club. Long may it continue!'

For more information see its website http://www.okerugby.com">www.okerugby.com or visit the clubhouse.