As the leaves begin to turn and the evenings draw in, there’s a sense of quiet confidence around Broad Walk. Since the summer, things have been progressing nicely across the club — from pre-season preparations to early fixtures, youth development to community outreach. The energy is focused, the commitment is strong, and the spirit that defines Charlton Park RFC continues to grow.

Whether you’ve been cheering from the touchline, helping behind the scenes, or pulling on the jersey, your support has helped set the tone for a promising autumn. In this edition, we’ll celebrate recent achievements, spotlight upcoming events, and share stories that remind us why this club means so much to so many.

Men’s Team Update – Building Depth, One Call at a Time

It’s been a busy few months for the men’s squad, with our summer recruitment campaign drawing nearly 200 enquiries — a remarkable response that speaks volumes about the reach of our Facebook adverts. Credit to Shae Tucker and Bill Sandison, who burned through most of their phone data fielding calls, chasing leads, and welcoming new faces. Their efforts have paid off: we’ve unearthed a few real gems, and the squad is looking stronger than the last couple of seasons.

Not every enquiry was quite what we expected — a surprising number came from overseas, and more than a few were from hopefuls thinking Charlton Park RFC was a football club. Still, the buzz is real, and we’ll be continuing the campaign throughout the season to keep the momentum going.

Thanks to this influx, we’re confident in our ability to regularly field a second team and possibly a third team — a huge step forward for depth, development, and club culture. We’ve also forged a promising connection with a French college based in Greenwich, and we’re hopeful this will become a steady pipeline of talent in the months ahead.

Women’s Team Update – A New Chapter Begins

Our Facebook campaign didn’t just boost the men’s squad — it also sparked interest from several women keen to get involved. One standout enquiry came from Jessica ‘Jess’ Dru, a former Millwall RFC player who’s recently moved south of the river. Jess brings experience, enthusiasm, and a clear vision for building a women’s section at Charlton Park RFC, and she’s already stepping up to help with coaching and development. Welcome Jess!

While we’re not quite at full team strength yet, the foundations are being laid. Training sessions are now running every Wednesday at 7pm, and the atmosphere is welcoming, supportive, and full of potential.

If you’re interested in joining the women’s team — or know someone who might be — we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at head_coach_women@charltonpark.org.uk or WhatsApp 07712 105710 to get involved.

Social Rugby – More Than Just the Game

At Charlton Park RFC, rugby isn’t just about the scoreboard — it’s about connection, camaraderie, and community. Our social rugby scene continues to thrive, offering a welcoming space for players of all levels who enjoy the game without the pressure of league competition.

Whether you’re returning to rugby after a break, trying it out for the first time, or simply looking for a runaround followed by a pint, our social sessions are the perfect fit. The atmosphere is relaxed, the banter is strong, and everyone’s welcome.

Training is open to all, and there’s always room for more. If you fancy joining in or know someone who might, come down and get involved — no boots, no problem, just bring your enthusiasm.

Want to play? Contact Nick Hollier at secretary@charltonpark.org.uk

Mini Rugby – Growing Strong, Together

Our Mini Rugby section continues to flourish, with a fantastic turnout at the Open Day on 30 August and a steady stream of enquiries since. At just £50 for the season — with no hidden costs — our subscription offers tremendous value for families looking to get their children active, engaged, and part of something special.

We’ll be running another round of Facebook adverts over the coming month to keep the momentum going and welcome even more young players into the fold. With this growth, we’re also looking to expand our coaching team to ensure we meet health, safety, and safeguarding standards.

If you’re available on Sunday mornings and interested in volunteering, training will be provided. Please contact Nick Hollier at secretary@charltonpark.org.uk. For more information about joining the Mini Rugby section, reach out to Taunia Mitchell at youth@charltonpark.org.uk.

Let’s keep building the future of Charlton Park RFC — one mini at a time.

Clubhouse & Grounds – Bright Lights, Fresh Paint, and Big Plans

It’s been a season of upgrades at Charlton Park RFC — and you’ll notice the difference as soon as you arrive. First up: the new floodlights. They’re not just bright — they’re blindingly brilliant. So much so, we’re now eyeing up 3pm Saturday home games during the winter months under lights… if we can get it past the RFU decision-makers. The deadline to register was 31 August, but the RFU contractor only signed them off last week. We’re appealing, and we’re hopeful.

We’re also gone greener, with solar panels due to be installed in the near future and ready to help cut energy costs over time. We’re just waiting on EDF to do their bit to get them fully operational.

Accessibility has taken a big step forward too. Wheelchair users can now enter the clubhouse with ease, and in the coming weeks we’ll be updating the steps from the car park and installing a wheelchair ramp to improve access even further.

Thanks to support from our community partners — the Junior Reds and a grant from the Football Association — we’ll soon be replacing the perimeter fencing. Inside, Terry Read has worked his magic with new lighting in the function hall and bar area, giving the place a real glow-up.

And yes, the sideline slurpers may have blown the building maintenance budget on paint, but the clubhouse and railings are looking fresher than ever. It’s all part of making Charlton Park RFC a place we’re proud to call home.

Pitch Perfection – Thanks to Colin, and a Little Help from Below

The grass is always greener at Charlton Park — and that’s no accident. Thanks to the tireless work of our groundsman and RFU pitch advisor Colin Wooster, we arguably have the best maintained pitches in Kent. Fixtures rarely fall victim to the weather, and the playing surface is a point of pride across the club.

So here’s a big thank you to Colin — your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. Keep up the good work, mate.

That said, summer droughts do take their toll, and we’re now exploring a long-term solution: the installation of a pitch irrigation system. Early investigations suggest we could drill a 60m borehole and tap into the natural resources flowing beneath our grounds. It’s an ambitious plan, but one that could future-proof our pitches for years to come.

Watch this space.

Venue Hire & Catering – A Hub for Celebration, A Boost for Rugby

Charlton Park RFC is fast becoming the go-to venue for local residents looking to host parties, weddings, and special events. With weekends virtually booked solid throughout the summer and midweek bookings steadily on the rise, our clubhouse is buzzing with life — both on and off the pitch.

The positive feedback flooding in across our social media channels is turning first-time guests into repeat customers, and the revenue generated from bookings and food sales is being reinvested directly back into rugby. It’s a win-win for the club and the community.

This is the moment where the committee would like to publicly thank Debbie Muir, Kelly Whelan, and ALL the dedicated staff working tirelessly behind the scenes. Your hard work, hospitality, and attention to detail have made this side of the business a true success — and we couldn’t be prouder.

Community Partnerships – More Than a Club

Charlton Park RFC is proud to be more than just a rugby club — we’re an asset of community value. Our doors are open to a wide range of local groups, and our clubhouse continues to be a hub of activity throughout the week.

We’re delighted to host the thriving Junior Reds Football Club, who train on Thursday nights and play their matches on Sundays. Alongside them, we welcome Subarashi Judo, Denver Junction Line Dancing, Universal Motorcycle Training, and the local Blood Donor Service, all of whom make regular use of our facilities.

At our recent Community Day, the Women’s Institute joined us with a table of their own, and we’re looking forward to collaborating on future events — including quiz nights and other joint functions that bring people together.

Community is at the heart of Charlton Park RFC. It’s not just something we support — it’s something we live by.

Minibus Plans – Driven by Common Sense (and £700 Coach Bills)

Our recent away trip to Heathfield & Waldron came with a hefty price tag — £700 for coach hire. With figures like that, it’s no surprise we’re now exploring the idea of purchasing a club minibus. Early enquiries suggest that a used vehicle could pay for itself within two years, based on current travel costs. It’s a move that would give us more flexibility, save money, and make away days a little easier to manage.

Of course, we’ll need a few things to make it happen — namely, a reliable minibus driver and a friendly insurance broker. If you know someone who fits the bill (or you are someone who fits the bill), we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s get this show — and squad — on the road.

Fire Truck Food – Burgers with Bite, Straight from the Engine

Charlton Park’s own Lee Syndercombe, along with club supporters Anne-Lice Costerg and Niall Seymour, have turned heads — and taste buds — with their latest venture: a decommissioned Dorset fire engine transformed into a sizzling food truck.

When it’s not out serving the local community at events, you’ll likely spot it parked up at the club, ready to dish out flavour with serious flair. If you see it on the move, don’t miss the chance to try their 6oz all-beef classic burger with skin-on fries — it’s a proper crowd-pleaser.

Big respect to Lee, Anne-Lice, and Niall for investing their hard-earned cash into something that brings people together and tastes this good. Fire Truck Food is officially on the map — and on the menu.

In Memory – Forever Part of the Charlton Park Family

Over the summer, we said goodbye to two cherished members of the Charlton Park RFC family: Private Epeli ‘Seni’ Senioli and Terry Hodson.

Both men brought warmth, character, and commitment to our club, and their absence is deeply felt. Whether on the pitch, in the clubhouse, or simply among friends, they helped shape the spirit of Charlton Park in ways that will never be forgotten.

You may be gone, but you remain part of our story. Rest in eternal peace.

Dates for the Diary – Vice President Lunches

Mark your calendars — the Vice President lunches are back, and the dates are set:

• 18 October 2025 – We welcome Park House
• 20 December 2025 – We host Beccehamian
• 25 April 2026 – Our final match of the season against Heathfield & Waldron

As ever, the host with the most is Chris Wheal, ensuring good food, great company, and plenty of club spirit. These lunches are always popular, so get your booking in early to avoid disappointment.

To reserve your spot, email chris@whealassociates.com

And Finally… Hats Off to Daren Parr!

A huge congratulations to Daren Parr, local resident and long-time friend of Charlton Park RFC, for making it all the way to the final four on the BBC reality show Destination X. So near to winning… but no cigar! Still, what a brilliant run — full of grit, charm, and classic Daren spirit.

We’re proud of you, mate, and we look forward to seeing you down at the club soon. The bar’s open, the stories are waiting, and you’ve definitely earned a pint or two.