Dear all,
The next twist and turn in the COVID situation is approaching and from Thursday it seems obvious that the rugby club activity will cease until at least the 2nd December.
We are not 100% sure to what extent this effects the whole club operation e.g. the provision of takeaways. There are always grey areas where we have to wait a few days for the official instructions to be delivered by the government and the RFU. I understand that the full details of yesterday’s announcement will be released on Tuesday. Once we have read and understood them, we will pass on any updates. However, what is clear is that rugby activity, meeting up socially and using the Bar are banned from Thursday.
Thank you all for your continued support of this club and each other, it has been so heartening to see how you have all rallied round during these difficult times. The management team at the club will be spending the next few days and weeks putting together the best rugby club experience we possibly can in the run up to Christmas and beyond.
Look after yourselves and your families and keep an eye out for updates.
Mark Fisher
Chair, Chobham RFC
Flapper ( AKA Ian White) RIP
It is with great sadness that we must tell you Flapper passed away Saturday morning, 15th August 2020, at home with his wife Bernice and sons Zak & Jacob at his side. Bernice has asked that we remember him, he was a husband, father, friend to many and hero and friend to many at Chobham Rugby.
He has been fighting pancreatic cancer and since being diagnosed in February has had a very positive outlook on life.
Flapper played his formative years at Esher and following his work with developing their Colts and Academy players was made a Vice President at the club. He then found a renewed zest for rugby through the 13 man version of the game and with the influence of Grant Smith came to Chobham Rugby to see out the twilight of his playing career – oh how wrong was he!!
Flapper was a huge influence with the Devils developing and nurturing young players through to senior rugby in his early time at Chobham Rugby.
He was a tour legend and “what goes on tour stays on tour!!!”, but his legend was made at Paignton in the 30m sprint (run (dawdle (walk) down the right wing, his shorts falling down over his knees and being tripped by them to score over the line.
Two seasons ago, as ever with Flapper, the little butterfly morphed into a new phase of his career and got involved with Chobham’s Mixed Ability side, the Surrey Chargers, he took on coaching and mentoring. Flapper was helping Mike O’Regan in fundraising in their quest to get to Cork for the Mixed Ability RWC 2020. Sadly due to Covid it was never realised, but he has left a legacy that will always be remembered.
The other side of Flapper is just as remarkable, his two sons are international ice hockey players, he and Bernice would travel the UK (as well as Europe and North America) supporting their boys. He also had a great passion for fishing.
Everyone at Chobham Rugby offers our condolences to Bernice and the boys.