The executive board have asked Graeme (Griddle) Riddle to become our next president, (subject to his election at the next AGM) and I am delighted to tell you he has accepted. For those who do not know Griddle I asked him to write a brief history of his time with the club to now, please see below.

I am also happy to tell you that Jackie Carter (Mrs C) has agreed to become the Presidents PA and provide vital admin support to this role.

I would especially like to extend my sincere thanks to Peter King, not only for his past presidency but also for his role this year as President Emeritus, allowing the club time to find the right successor.
Karen Newbury
Chair
Hertford RFC

Graeme (Griddle) Riddle

"Firstly, I must say what a huge privilege this is to be even considered for this role at the club that has played a huge part in my life since I was a small boy.

My first visits to the club were to watch my father on a Saturday afternoon playing for the Termites, unlike the fine specimens that represent this team now, in those days they were more interested in the pre-match cigarette and drinking their own body weight in the bar afterwards. Once of age I progressed on to be allowed to run touch for them.

Once my Father retired from the game I used to help him with his duty officers roles until I was old enough to do it on my own. By these days I was playing for the mini’s on a Sunday morning having started for the Under 8’s when I was 6, this was the youngest age group at this time.

I went on to play for every age group in the mini’s as well as the Youth sections before entering the colts while I was still a student at Richard Hale School. My big breakthrough came when I was 14 and Harlow Vet’s turned up with 14 men as luck would have it I had my kit with me and went on to help Harlow to a 5-0 win. When I was 17, I went on to make my first team debut in the 1991/1992 season. I was part of the National cub winning team and the team that got the club promoted to the National Leagues for the very first time. My final first team appearance coming in the 2005/2006 season before my knees finally told me enough is enough.

I moved on to coaching the second team forwards for 3 seasons which I found extremely rewarding job and was nice to give something back to the club. I have since continued to support the club on and off the field until the present day.

My coaching skills were called upon again when my eldest son decided to join the mini section and progressed through the age categories and has now progressed on to the main club. I am proud to say that my youngest son who plays for the under 8’s will hopefully keep up with family traditions and progress through the club.

I hope that if elected I will be looking to make the role my own, be an approachable President, open to new ideas, to unify the club and to build upon the foundations which are being put in to place to increase the success of the club for the future.

A huge thank you must go to Peter King for the great service he has provided during his tenure.

Cheers
Griddle"