After 15 remarkable years at the helm, it is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell and thanks to our esteemed Club President, Mark Wightman.
During the Royal Wootton Bassett RFC AGM held on Wednesday, Mark delivered a poignant announcement that marked the end of an era as he decided to retire from his position. With his departure, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy that has undeniably shaped and defined the modern era of our beloved club.
Mark was appointed as Club President in 2008, stepping into the role after the untimely passing of Peter Orton. Prior to his appointment, Mark had already shown unwavering dedication as a Vice President and loyal supporter - despite his own playing days representing Swindon RFC. In fairness, we don’t think Wootton Bassett RFC even existed back then! But his love for the sport and commitment to our club has been undeniable.
Beyond the rugby field, Mark's professional accomplishments are equally remarkable
A former president of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, Mark was also a partner of Carter Jonas (formerly Dreweatt Neate) and was one of the most respected chartered surveyors in Wiltshire.
His wealth of expertise and professional acumen proved invaluable during the club's transition to our current home at Ballards Ash, where his guidance and support ensured a smooth and successful relocation, and he was an ideal candidate to join the Executive committee to help fight our cause.
Speaking on behalf of the club, RWBRFC Chairman Chris Elias expressed his deep appreciation for Mark's contributions. "It has been a great privilege to serve alongside Mark over so many years. He has always said, from day one, that he didn’t wish to simply be a figurehead President, but wanted to roll up his sleeves and for it to be a working appointment."
"He has certainly done that, and apart from his technical expertise, he can always be relied upon to offer a warm welcome to visitors across all sections of the club, and is frequently seen with those sleeves still rolled up doing the washing up in the kitchen after club events."
"While Mark may be stepping back from his official duties, I'm sure we will continue to see a lot of him around the club. Indeed, even if you can't see him, you'll probably hear his voice echo around the grounds with those well-known catchphrases of his, 'Believe!' and 'Come on Bass!' "
In his outgoing comments as President, Mark took the opportunity to pay thanks to the many volunteers who make the running of our club possible:
"As you have heard tonight, the club is in a remarkably good place, in no small part to our amazing band of volunteers, best demonstrated recently at the recent Sausage & Cider Festival, which was record-breaking in so many ways."
"Special mention must be made of what has been achieved by the sheer hard work of our seniors over the recent seasons. They have raised our profile with clubs across southern England and earned us great respect with compliments from visiting clubs."
"We have been able to run four senior men’s teams (the only club in Dorset & Wilts to do so), with aspirations of adding a senior women’s team soon. Our minis, juniors and colts are a great success and the Ravens are growing, with great representation in the County team."
"We truly have created something special here. It has been a huge privilege and honour for me to have been a small part of it as President. But be quite sure, whatever I may have been able to do, the club has given me far, far more, in so many ways: a wonderful lifetime experience!"
"Thank you - Rugby First! Long Live Bassett! God Save The King!"
Looking to the future, the club's Executive Committee has unanimously appointed Andrew Gassor, the current Vice Chairman, as Mark's successor. While we embark on a new chapter, we will forever cherish the legacy that Mark has left on our beloved club.
So club members, players and supporters, let's come together to express our deepest gratitude to Mark for his unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership, and boundless enthusiasm.
