The Club General Committee Minutes books record:
September 1973
First session for Mini rugby being organised by Bill Brown
October 1973
Bill Brown reported that 40 boys had turned up for the first session and hoped for more support from club members. Mr Rivett expressed thanks for the work carried out.
November 1973
Sunday Nov 18th Mini Rugby Tournament at Marlow
January 1974
It was agreed that M George’s name be put on the board after his donation of one hundred pounds to mini rugby.
W Brown was running the mini rugby with the assistance of six or seven adults. There was no objection to an informal sub committee which would assist it close ranks with the colts though members should belong to the rugby club.
February 1974
Mr Brown reported that this continued to flourish. Practice balls, kit & a cupboard had been purchased. A film night was proposed for Feb 28th and a tournament on March 31st involving other Bucks clubs. Preliminary plans were discussed.
March 1974
Mr Brown reported that plans were well advanced for the Club Tournament on March 31st. Teams had entered. Thanks to another generous donation, teams were now adequately kitted.
APRIL 1974
Mr Brown reported that the tournament was a huge success thanks to the hard work by all the Mini Committee and others who helped referee when the County refs failed to turn up. Wycombe boys won 2 out of 4 cups. Plans to enter the Marlow Tournament on April 7th were well advanced.
AGM on 16 May 1974
Non voting playing members under 15 years on the 1st Sept – 25pp/a
Bill Brown elected as Mini Rugby Manager
Chairman’s report – Another highlight was the Mini Rugby Tournament where Bill Brown’s enthusiasm inspired many offer of help from Club members and parents alike. The result was a very enjoyable afternoon for over 500 young players and many envious onlookers. A lot of work giving a lot of pleasure.
June 1974
Mini Rugby can be insured as one team.
The Mini Rugby Tournament organised by Milton Keynes was too early in the season.
D Scott reported that the Thames Valley group of Mini Rugby supporters representing 11 clubs had met and A Hale (Chiltern) was elected Chairman, P Richardson (Marlow) Secretary and K Williams (Marlow) Treasurer. It was agreed each club pay a subscription of £5 per annum. Various amendments of the laws as suggested by High Wycombe were accepted. Kicking, putting in the ball and scum half play. (These were subsequently accepted by the RFU in writing the initial laws of Mini Rugby). There would only be 5 tournaments allowed per season. 15 a side matches were needed for the over 12 year olds.
It was agreed that an Enrolment and Indemnity form be used for players. It was thought that the Council would allow grids in non playing areas.
July 1974
The Thames Valley Group had met again. Badges had been ordered for our players
August 1974
To get more VP’s it was suggested that parents of Mini players should be approached on Sunday mornings. C Phillips pointed out that this had already been done in the letter to parents of last year’s Mini players.
September 1974
Mr Brown reported that the first session had been held on Sept 1st with about 40 players. He anticipated this to rise after schools had been notified.
October 1974
Mr Brown reported that members had increased to between 100 and 120. Posters had been supplied by Mr M George advertising the Minis. 7 teams (1 x U8, 1 x U10, 2 x U12 and 3 x U14) had been entered for the Chiltern Tournament on Oct 20. Badges had been provided for the boys. Discount arrangements with Woodward & Stalder had been agreed. A strip for Under 16’s was urgently required. Mr Read agreed to provide the funds but stressed the need to look after it. More practice balls were required. Great difficulty had been found in finding room to change and several Committee members had received abuse from footballers (Nothing new here – Ed) when they were asked to move. The Chairman agreed to contact the Council asking them to remove the footballers with the exception of two teams by the end of the month.
November 1974
Mr Brown reported that membership stood at 140+ with weekly attendance about 100. Shirts for the older boys had been ordered. Bill Williams was to attend a coaching conference. A request for help from more playing members in coaching on Sundays was made. At the Chiltern tournament our Under 14’s A & B reached the final and the Under 10’s the Semi-final. It was reported that changing was even more difficult with the footballers but they were leaving soon.
December 1974
Advance plans for the tournament were being made. E Hancox was arranging for 8 trophies to be made paid for by club members. Fixtures for Under 14’s and Under 16’s were being arranged.
February 1975
Mr Brown reported that several inter-club games had been played and plans for the Wycombe Tournament were well advanced. The Beaconsfield Tournament on March 2nd and Marlow Tournament on April 20th had been entered
March 1975
Mr Brown reported that everything was going smoothly for the tournament on March 23rd. 68 teams would be competing.
April 1975
We had an excellent tournament. The general standard has increased considerably. Mr Brown and stewards/Mimi dads are to be congratulated
AGM May 1975
G Brown elected Mini Chairman
June 1975
T Williams noted the differences between school and club attitudes
Just to jump a few months
December 1975
Thames Valley Committee have, via Bucks RFU, been in discussion with the RFU on variations between standard and Mini rules
