Dear Trust Member,

Well, what an exciting start to the year it has been with Bristol lifting themselves to 4th place and taking Andy Robinson on as Director of Rugby. Who knows what next!

We have been busy off the pitch as well running the successful Q&A night with Head Coach, Liam Middleton and CEO, Steve Gorvett. Both gave useful insights into the running of our great club on and off the pitch.

In the December newsletter I said that I would let you know who was to be the lucky recipient of the Carol Humphreys Memorial Bursary. I am delighted to announce that this year it has been awarded to Bristol U18 centre, Lucas Slowik.

Lucas will be the able to accelerate his development with some new equipment and his parents will receive assistance towards the cost of travel to and from training. The total value of the bursary is £1,000 to Lucas. In future newsletters we will let you know how Lucas is getting on. I have included a profile of Lucas below.

I also said that I would let you know when the Bristol Legends v Legends match was to be held. This year it will take place at Clifton RFC on 5th May with a kick off time TBA. The match will be played with a mixture of Bristol Rugby Legends and Combination players on each side and will be played for the Children’s Cancer Charity, CLIC. I will announce more details nearer the time via the Trust website and in the programme articles. Please come along to what promises to be a fun filled occasion!

In support of the Clubs planned move to the redeveloped Ashton Gate we are to represent your views at a series of meetings with the Club. If you have any questions or suggestions that you would like us to air then please let me know at andrew.humphreys@adventus.co.uk.

That’s it from me for now.

C’Mon BRIS!

Andrew Humphreys – Chairman

I was born in Mačon, France on March 15th 1996 and moved to England when I was 3 years old. I now live in Bath with my Mum – Sophie - and older brother, Auguy. My Dad – Jean Christophe - lives in London and owns a restaurant and deli. I have many Interests out of rugby, I enjoy cooking and being in the water if that's swimming or at the beach. In the future I would like to travel and see the world.

I was 8 when my Dad took Auguy and I for our first taste of rugby at Bath Youth. I played for several different clubs at age group including Walcott & Corsham RFC. I suffered a double fracture dislocation in my ankle at U15’s but came back and played a full injury free season at U16’s.

In Sept 2012 I started at Filton College where Head Coach George Tavner changed my playing position, moving me from back row into the centre. I have surprised myself with some of the things I had achieved, I am now a member of Bristol’s Gold EPDG group and have played in all of the recent U18’s Academy fixtures, finishing 2nd top scorer in the country with 6 tries in 5 games. I have also been called up into the England U17’s training squad.

I would like to thank the BRIS Trust and it’s members for offering me the opportunity of receiving the Carol Humphreys Memorial Bursary for the 2012-13 season. My family and I are extremely grateful for the support of the Trust in helping me pursue my goal of one day playing 1st team rugby for Bristol RFC.

If you would like to see a video of Lucas in action then please click here

Lucas in action

Following last year’s successful Quiz Night which was won by 'The Defibrillators' the BRIS Trust will be hosting another Quiz Night at The Inn On The Green on Tuesday, 16th April (7.30pm start). The event will see teams of 4-6, including players and management, go head to head in a bid to win some excellent prizes.

Entrance is £15 per team (four to six maximum). If you would like to enter a team, please do so by choosing a team name and advising the number of members via email to enquiries@brist.org.uk.

Mike Jackson’s 11 year old son, Kieran, was diagnosed with a brain tumour and is currently having radiotherapy to treat the condition. Kieran, like his Dad, is a keen rugby player and so the aim of the Ball is to raise as much money as possible for this fantastic charity through the rugby community. CLIC remain wholly supportive of Kieran and his family throughout his fight against this terrible disease but all of this costs money and this is where your support is vital through these events.

Tickets are priced at £40 (A £20 deposit is required to book your place), which is a great price for an excellent evening’s entertainment. As well as having a great meal and the chance to pull a few shapes you will also be able to take part in a raffle with some great prizes and finally an auction. This promises to be a great evening for a great cause. For further information please contact Mike Jackson on 01275 265000 or by email at michaeljackson160@yahoo.co.uk

So, you’ve seen a few highs but more lows this season and now the team are turning things around. Come along to the Inn on the Green on Wednesday 23rd January 2013 to pose your questions to Head Coach, Liam Middleton as well as meet some of the players.

Chief Executive, Steve Gorvett, will also be there to answer any off field questions.

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