THE annual meeting of Okehampton Rugby Football Club was held on July 28 at the clubhouse. Outgoing President Rob Ewen presented a cheque for £3,000 to Jonathan Bull representing the Royal Marines Charity. The money had been raised over the two years of Rob's presidency at the President's Day events held in May of both 2013 and 2014. The money will be used to support injured Royal Marines to overcome the horrific injuries sustained while serving their country in various ways throughout the world. Jonathan described the work of the charity and thanked Rob and the club for its donation. In his report treasurer Toby Daniel showed the club to be in good health financially, but he stressed that there was no room for complacency. The club had made a profit during the year, but had invested almost all of it into the new building which replaces the old gym. Long serving chairman Robert Barkwell thanked members for their support during the past year and for the hard work put in to keep the club going. Robert said that there was still a lot of work to be done, not least in the efforts to find new pitches so that the club can grow. He said that the club was a team effort both on and off the field. Outgoing president Rob Ewen took his turn to thank all those who had helped make the past two years a success, especially with the successful President's Days. Rob said that he had enjoyed his two years as president but now, at the end of his term, was going to stand down from the club committee. The new president for the next two years is Maxwell Turner, a long serving member of the club both as a player, committee member and volunteer. Overall it was a successful 2013-14 season for the club's sides. The first XV had mixed fortunes during the season and finished mid-table in the Western Counties (West) League, a bit lower than in previous seasons. However, the second XV had gained promotion to Devon Merit one after developing a strong side. The successful Okehampton Colts XV continued with their winning ways, this time taking the Devon Plate, beating Tavistock. The start of the new club year sees a complete change on the playing side. This year sees Philip Martin standing down as one of the club's five directors and he is replaced by Ross Medlyn. Long serving coach Brett Luxton had stood down in May and is replaced by Gareth Evans who has played for London Welsh, The Royal Navy and Plymouth Albion. Gareth has hit the ground running and is working the players hard at pre-season training. The club has a new captain in Tom Powell. Tom started his rugby career in the juniors and has progressed through to become one of the club's top players. The club wishes them all well in their new roles. There are pre-season games on Saturday, August 16, at home to Bude, and on Saturday, August 30, away to Crediton. The league season starts on Saturday, September 6 when the first XV is away to Torquay, while the second XV will be at home to Barnstaple. Kick off times will be 3pm until the clocks change in October. The club appeal for rugby supporters to back their local teams.