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Mark Brocklehurst reflects on his new role and the recent changes at Bolton Rugby
Jill Rowbotham8 Aug - 15:28
New President and Chair appointed
"Bolton Rugby has been a huge part of my adult life and being a part of the team that was able to shape the culture and development of the club has been very rewarding. Joining from Sedgley Park back in 1988 where I played alongside our outgoing President Paul Fernside I arrived at Bolton in time to see the move from the old council pitches to the brand-new set up at Avenue Street, things weren't straight forward, as many old boys could attest, but the transformation from "pub team" to the highly respected and nationally recognised club of today has been remarkable.
To hold the post of Chair for 20 years is too long, far too long, so it was vital to ensure we had a dynamic team of people bringing fresh ideas and perspective to ensure the club moved forward and didn't stagnate. Working with people like Les Towler who has devoted so much to this club that a few words wouldn't do it justice, suffice to say that Les is the lifeblood of the club. There are too many people to thank on behalf of the club but our outgoing President Paul Fernside was relentless in wanting to drive the club and in particular the senior section forward, he hands over to another stalwart John Kelly who will no doubt follow Fernie's lead and is a very safe pair of hands. Finding a replacement with the wherewithal, time and passion was never going to be easy but when Mark Chappelhow finally agreed (it took a few years) to take over as Chair I was absolutely thrilled to be passing the baton to such a capable and ambitious champion for Bolton Rugby, I have no doubts that the club will continue to thrive under his skilled leadership.
Whilst stepping down from the Chair role I will continue to look after the Community aspect and look forward to working with the new team in making Bolton a diverse and inclusive club that is welcoming to everyone.
Volunteering, as most of you will know, can often be demanding and occasionally frustrating but I can honestly say that the pleasure and satisfaction I have enjoyed and seeing the club develop and prosper has made everything completely worthwhile."
To hold the post of Chair for 20 years is too long, far too long, so it was vital to ensure we had a dynamic team of people bringing fresh ideas and perspective to ensure the club moved forward and didn't stagnate. Working with people like Les Towler who has devoted so much to this club that a few words wouldn't do it justice, suffice to say that Les is the lifeblood of the club. There are too many people to thank on behalf of the club but our outgoing President Paul Fernside was relentless in wanting to drive the club and in particular the senior section forward, he hands over to another stalwart John Kelly who will no doubt follow Fernie's lead and is a very safe pair of hands. Finding a replacement with the wherewithal, time and passion was never going to be easy but when Mark Chappelhow finally agreed (it took a few years) to take over as Chair I was absolutely thrilled to be passing the baton to such a capable and ambitious champion for Bolton Rugby, I have no doubts that the club will continue to thrive under his skilled leadership.
Whilst stepping down from the Chair role I will continue to look after the Community aspect and look forward to working with the new team in making Bolton a diverse and inclusive club that is welcoming to everyone.
Volunteering, as most of you will know, can often be demanding and occasionally frustrating but I can honestly say that the pleasure and satisfaction I have enjoyed and seeing the club develop and prosper has made everything completely worthwhile."
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