Ninety years playing Rugby on The Common – now marked in granite as Marlborough’s Deputy Mayor, Emily Trow cut the Black and Gold ribbons, colours of the club’s playing strip, to formally declare the Memorial Wall open. Rugby on The Common, on the same pitches that are used today started in 1934. The wall of engraved granite bricks marks this achievement.
But Rugby in Marlborough goes back even further, a long way further back, and the (then) club as it was then was one of the founding members of the Rugby Football Union in 1871.
But in the present day, in the glorious sunshine of Saturday 5 April 2025, the Marlborough Rugby Club was a hive of activity. Nestled between the Dorset & Wiltshire RFU walking rugby festival and the two (winning) home games for the Club’s senior men’s teams, the short ceremony to unveil the Memorial Wall of engraved bricks took place.
The decision to mark the ninety years was taken last year at the point of the anniversary and since then the bricks have been offered – and already accepted by many – but there are still spaces for more bricks available, as eventually, there will be ninety mounted on this area of the clubhouse wall, one for each of the years since 1934. There are still a few spaces available and bricks can be purchased at £200. Below is the wall as it currently is and a few of the bricks awaiting installation:
In 2024 it was felt appropriate to mark the ninetieth anniversary with a lasting ‘memorial’ and the germ of an idea took shape. What was unveiled on Saturday, by the Town’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Emily Trow, is a very smart and visually striking installation of engraved bricks. There will be ninety in total – one for each year since 1934. And each brick can be bought and personalised for a modest donation of £200.
Funds raised from the brick ‘sales’ will help secure the Club’s future, towards the century on The Common and beyond, as it looks to consolidate its position as one of the highest-performing rugby clubs in the region. The men’s 1st XV play at Regional 1 level (the fifth level nationally) and the 2nd XV are in contention for promotion to Counties 1 level at the end of the season. Regarding the younger teams, the Colts (Under 18s), although narrowly defeated by Salisbury Colts in the County semi-final on 30 March have had four of their team selected for the County Under 18 squad, and six of the Marlborough Under 16 boys have played for Bath this season. Growing strength in depth The Club has some 250 young players in its thriving Youth Section, from Under 6s to Under 16s; young people who have come through the Youth programme include some who have gone on to play professional rugby, with a small number going on to represent England or Wales……
Chairman Howard Wilkinson is keen to thank publicly the many people who have helped deliver this project. Notable amongst this group: Mr Alec Thomas, whose short history of the Club features on the RFU website; Mr Brian Edwards, whose detailed historical research made it all possible; Cllr Emily Trow for cutting the ribbon and unveiling the wall on Saturday and all her fellow Town Councillors who have supported the Club for many years. And, of course, Martin Sly, the engraver, and his staff for their splendid work on the bricks and the installation. And, last but not least, Fiar Isle in the High Street at the top of Figgins Lane for the lengths of club-colour Black and Gold ribbons.
But for Marlborough Rugby, none of today’s successes would be possible without the hard work and foresight of all those connected to the Club, past and present. Be they the players of the 1930s or this season’s volunteers. Chairman Howard is keen to recognise the involvement and efforts of all those at Marlborough Rugby who have enabled the club to be where it is today – the Club Committee and all the volunteers who help deliver such a fabulous rugby community weekend after weekend, the players of all ages, and the stoic supporters (especially the parents) who brave the weather on The Common.
Last, but by no means least, the Chairman thanks all those who have purchased a brick – by doing so, they are helping cement the Club’s glorious past to its thriving today, and their generosity will help forge a bright future for all.
Review : Piaf at The Watermill – an emotional rollercoaster. Quelle merveille!
