Published: Friday, 21st March, 2008 09:00
'Burn future again in doubt
By Atholl Innes
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Walkerburn president Malcom Ormiston and club officials look back at Walkerburn's fine history - but is there a future?
Pic by: John Robertson
ONE of the oldest rugby clubs in the country is facing closure for the second time in six years.
Walkerburn Rugby Club is threatened with being kicked into touch – and this time it could be for real.
Only months after the SRU published its plans to grow the game in the next five years, Walkerburn could join the rugby drain as the sport battles with decreasing numbers.
Now the Caberston club may not survive long enough to mark its 125 birthday in 2009.
Former coach and now a passionate member, Ian Millar, has called a special meeting on Sunday, March 30, at 3 p.m. in the clubrooms in a bid to stave off execution.
Millar has written to all members ‘urging you to attend’ – or, he warned, the club could fold by the end the season.
He admitted: “It has become harder in recent years for the smaller clubs to survive – fewer players, sponsors, voluntary workers and regular games. Walkerburn has been a prime example of this.”
And he warned: “If we do not act now, the club will become part of the past history of Walkerburn.”
A lack of helpers and fixtures has been at the root of the current problem.
The club plays in the Edinburgh & District League, where the fixtures have been disrupted with matches called off due to bad weather or clubs unable to field teams.
This has meant that officials have been unable to have regular games and attract sponsors.
“If we are forced to close, it will mean fewer fixtures for other clubs in the league,” said Millar, “and will have a knock-on effect on the league.”
The club struggles to put 15 players on the field – and hopes to rebuild its association with Peebles.
Talks are due to take place next week between Grant Fraser, a committee member at the ‘Burn and who coaches Peebles Colts, with the Peebles Development Officer, Graeme Patterson.
“We have to get rid of the dinosaur image (Peebles versus Walkerburn) and put aside any prejudices for we are strong enough to attract players,” said Fraser. “I believe we have the potential to make it work.”
Walkerburn president Malcolm Ormiston, who has been associated with the club for 38 years, added: “A few extra bodies would definitely help. But, you know, if the players do not have regular games, they get fed up and stop coming to training.
“I do hope that the club survives.”
And Millar continued: “If the club is to survive, it needs more members and players. The committee needs help now.”
This weekend Walkerburn travel to play St Boswells at Jenny Moore’s Road at 3 p.m. Players are asked to report to Caberston clubhouse at 1 p.m. Please contact Alan Clinch (07912950531) for call-offs etc.
There is also a disco in the clubhouse at 7.30 p.m.
Meanwhile, plans are well in hand for the popular sevens on May 3, the dinner on May18 and the agm on June 21.
But the most important date is Sunday, March 30.
And it is hoped that as many people as possible will turn up and help to keep the club alive.
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