TJRFC – The Commercial Development Committee
In a special tribute to the unsung band who make up the Commercial Development Committee, we asked them to tell TJs a little more about what they do. So, in their own words, we give you the CDC:
Ever thought behind the scenes about how the Club gets sponsorship and advertisers? How the match day programme and handbook gets produced? How we put together pre match lunches, arrange to have pitch side banners, post and flag protectors? How the new scoreboard arrives, even the production of car stickers? Yes, as Will Carling would say, it’s the ‘old farts’ known as the Commercial Development Committee.
In the old days, as one of the ‘old farts’ told me, everyone changed in a hut, washed their own kit and played in hobnail boots. Times have changed though, today a rugby club like Tonbridge Juddians is a dynamic and highly professional entity. The demands made on the finances of TJs are huge and this is where sponsorship comes in which is a vital part of raising funds for the club. Sponsorship brings businesses the flexibility to not only promote themselves but also entertain and interact with clients and customers. Needless to say, the more sponsorship we have the more beneficial it is to TJs. Therefore we need you, to help us get more sponsors, and therefore more income for the club.
The Club has excellent catering facilities. Before each home league game we hold a lunch, sitting down 2 hours before kick-off. For promotion of your business why not take a table to entertain current and new clients. Special rates are available to suit your requirements – just contact any of the following, Malcolm Baker 01732 838792, bakermf@iiscali.co.uk, Geoff Pettitt 01732 356818, geoffrey.pettitt@virgin.net or Mike Grasby 07989 492502, grasbys@inweb.co.uk.
It is a very busy time for the ‘old farts’ at the moment. We are striving to retain existing sponsors and advertisers as well as enticing new ones. However, it is a very delicate balancing act as we must ensure existing sponsors are given the opportunity of taking advantage of any new sponsorship opportunities.
Last year, for the first time we had a sponsor for the first XV and this year we are looking at floodlight sponsorship and also 1st XV kit bag sponsorship.
Profile is so important for the club and we are responsible for not only getting sponsors to sign up for pitch side banners, post protectors, etc but for getting them out to the pitch and erect (easier said than done at our age!). You will be also seeing more of our club scoreboard this season , farmer Rodney is helping by erecting it onto his Land Rover as its bl---y heavy (Thanks Eric) This would be a good time to say, that what goes up, must come down, so if you see us struggling after the match, please take pity on us and lend a hand with returning the banners etc to Nanny Eric’s new garage. Please be assured that all assistance will be gratefully received.
Please contact any of the below with your new sponsorship ideas and opportunities.
Malcolm Baker, Richard Barker, Tony de Guingand, Nigel Gatehouse, Fred Low, Geoff Pettit, Rodney Walker.
