Claverdon RFC

The day began at our Ossetts Hole Lane ground, where our founders saw our thriving Minis & Juniors section in action and toured the new facilities – the changing rooms, referees’ rooms, and physio/first aid room (though they joked they wouldn’t be putting themselves forward for selection without a bath in sight!).

We also had a hilarious moment with David Wildgoose and Richard Hoyland – Richard presented Dave with a 2026 AA map book! This followed their recent trip to visit Peter in Wales, where Dave had relied on his stellar navigation using a 1978 Ordnance Survey map . Let’s just say they could have shaved at least half an hour off the journey each way!

From there, we headed up to The Red Lion for the unveiling of a plaque at the very place where it all began over 60 years ago. Peter Braithwaite and Dale LeVack – the key inspiration and driving force behind Claverdon RFC – were joined by fellow Lions from those earliest days of the club: Rod Noon, John Simmons, Dave Wildgoose, Jem Byrne, Richard Hoyland, Tony Ingram, and Al Conway. All played a huge part in those formative years, and many continue to give so much to the club today.

It was only fitting that Peter and Dale unveiled the plaque – a lasting reminder of what they did all those years ago for CRFC. The Red Lion inspired Claverdon’s club colours of red and white and our proud Lion logo

It was a real honour for Jimbo as Chair and myself as President to stand alongside them. The plaque is not just a marker of where we started, but a reminder of the spirit, camaraderie, and passion that has carried us forward for six decades – and of the friendships formed on the field that are still going strong today.

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch, sharing fond memories and making new ones – a great reminder of what a truly special, unique club we have.

Although we celebrated our 60th last season, this year we continue to build on that milestone. A huge thank you to Simon & Becci at The Red Lion for helping us mark the occasion so perfectly, at the very place where it all began.

Here’s to the next chapter of Claverdon RFC