On behalf of North Shields U10, U9 and U7's can I express our gratitude to all those involved with youth rugby at Gateshead. We had a fantastic morning at Gateshead (27/4/08). Hopefully we can continue this home and away fixture next year.   

I am emailing you about a website I have set up while playing rugby for Newcastle Falcons, www.everythingrugby.com. It has now been launched and we have 80 clubs involved at the moment with numbers growing month on month. The site is designed to allow grass roots rugby and professional rugby to exist side by side on one site. We aim to become the number one site for rugby in the UK and we are proud of what we have developed so far. There are several features on the site currently including tools allowing clubs to post news for free but there are more to come including online coaching. It would be fantastic to have Gateshead RFC involved in the site. Perhaps you might like to have a look at what is on the site, we are sure you will like what you see. If you have any questions relating to the site then please do not hesitate to send me an email and I will do my best to answer them for you. tom@everythingrugby.com  

I have been asked to pass on our thanks to you club coaches, players, parents and supporters who came to North Shields RFC to play at U7s, U9s and U10s last Sunday. Our coaches have mentioned that they had an excellent morning and that your contingent showed a fantastic attitude to the game and that the parents & supporters were also a great credit to the game of rugby. It was also mentioned that your teams were well disciplined and had an excellent approach to the game. Further praise was also given to me from our kitchen staff who pointed out that the players from Gateshead RFC were some of the nicest and politest that we have ever had at the club.

Our coaches are very keen to have a return fixture at your club, where we would hope we too can conduct ourselves in such a manner. Please let me know if you have any available Sundays for the remainder of this season. I would be most grateful if you could pass on our thanks and compliments to all from your club who came to NSRFC last Sunday (10.2.08).  

I very much look forward to meeting the "other" Hedley Lawson at some time in the future. Hedley Lawson Santa Rosa, California hlawson@mflex.com  

Kia Ora all, just a quick note to say hello and hope everyone had a great new years and christmas. No doubt you guys would have had a few beers. Chur Ngatai  

Really enjoyed my visit to Gateshead, excepting the result. Looking forward to seeing you all at Bower Park on the 15th. I edit the programme at Aspatria. Can anyone provide a potted history of the club? The more humour the better. Half a page would do. Please email to cleggbarney@aol.com by 12th, if possible.  

Just like to say how great the RFC is run, every child has a chance to have a game,unlike his past foorball team,when at only 7 was dropped?? Ive never been a follower of Rugby but i have to admit now, it is a real challenging sport with manners and true grit. It has converted me totally.  

Well done - my first visit it to the site it is good. From a country member  

Just a short note of belated thanks to Gateshead RFC for sending over Damian, Chris, Lewis, Sunny and Martin (better know over here as Douggie, Owl, Gibbon, FBI and errr… Martin) to play with us in Toronto this summer. The lads were a pleasure to have and contributed to a great season for the Toronto Scottish. In their actions on and off the pitch they did themselves and Gateshead proud, leaving tacklers (both male and female) in their wake. They were a pleasure to have here and we look forward to seeing them again in the future. We hope this is just a first step in developing a relationship to build the experience of young talent within both our squads. Good luck this season James Mead President Toronto Scottish RFC   

Good site, particularly like this easy to use guestbook idea. First time I have come across it. Looking forward to our visit this coming weekend. Last playing visit for me was against North Durham. Is Tiffany's still open or am I just showing my age.  

I have just chuckled my way through the match report of the 4th Team against Ripon. Well I think it was the 4th team , Steve Havery, Stu Marshall, Paddy Douglas, when I last played for the Fell (sorry Gateshead), I was in the 4th Team and they were all playing in the 1st's. Great report, nice to hear names from the past and it brought back many happy memories. I am up this weekend to take part in my 25th Great North Run and hope to see some of the Gateshead boys at the start. Keep it up.  

THANKS TO EVERYBODY AT GRFC FOR INVITING US TO YOUR FUN DAY FIRST CLASS STALLS,FIRST CLASS FOOD,FIRST CLASS ENTERTAINMENT,FIRST CLASS FOOTBALL (BOYS&GIRLS)MOST OF ALL FIRST CLASS ORGANIZATION ALL YOUR HARD WORK PAID OFF WELL DONE LOOK FORWARD SEEING YOU NEXT YEAR OUR WEBSITE IS CHESTERGIRLS1.PICZO.COM  

I'd just like to say thanks to everyone at GRFC, and especially Lar for inviting us again to the fun day. All the players & parents had a cracking day and the football played was great. See you next year.  

The girls really enjoyed the tournament, unfortunately not too many tournaments around for the girls that I know of (www.walkercentralgirls.piczo.com sign guestbook if anybody is aware of any more). Lar, keep up the good work and count us in for next year, two teams if that's ok at the under 12's or whatever girl ages you come up with - note that no girls should be playing football below under 10's competively FA ruling so no girls under 8's team - a shame as many clubs have girls at this age wanting to get into football. Many girls at under 10's, 12's and 14's - they have two age groups in one team - unlike the boys - hope this helps mate  

Congratulations are in order this year as winner's of the boy's U9s competition. Hope you can attend next year and play in the U10s, please continue to promote the event throughout the season and I am sure I'll have no problem attracting teams from all areas of the North East. Again can you please pass on my thanks to children and parents who are attached to your club as they have provided much need support for the last 2 years. Cheers !!!!   

JUST LIKE TO SAY THANK'S FOR THE INVITE TO YOUR FUN DAY TOURNAMENT AND TO ALL THE OTHER TEAMS FOR MAKEING IT AN EXCELLENT DAY, I KNOW IT'S RFC FUN (DAY)BUT IF POSS COULD YOU NOT HOLD IT OVER 2 DAYS BOYS 1 DAY GIRLS THE NEXT DAY, YES LAR MORE WORK BUT MORE MONEY FOR THE CLUB MORE HAPPY CHILDREN.   

Thank you for inviting us again to you Gateshead RFC Funday Football Tournament. For a 2nd year running it was a pleasure to play in and all my parents (and especially kids) really enjoyed the day. Keep up the good work Lar. CU Next Year  

Reply to Phil Williams. Congratulations on your teams success and hope to see your club defend your title next year. Many thanks for your support. Cheers.  

Thank You for inviting Lumley Ladies u/11s football team to your festival today. I was an extremely enjoyable day and a well organised tournament. Hope to see you next year. Many Thanks  

Best of Luck to all @ Gateshead for the season 2007 - 2008 you keep improving Year on Year. I'm sure it will not be the last promotion you gain. Regards Brian  

Had a great night catching up with you Thursday night regulars in the club. I must make sure my next visit isn't too far away. Thanks Ronnie for the drinks, I will make sure it's not 14 years till I buy you one back. I've left my mail address with the club, so contact Phil Walton if you want to get in touch. All welcome to visit down under!  

Good to catch up with Sid as he passed through Melbourne the other week. Would have liked it to have been longer as it has been a while. Last time I saw hime he was on his first by pass! Hope one day to see a few more of my old mates from North Durham days, perhaps in 2010 when expect to be in the area. Good luck in the new season.  

Have fond memories of playing for Gateshead Fell Colts many years ago (1979-82 if memory serves. Live on Dryden Road subsequently, but been in Hong Kong for long time now. My lad now plays for Hong Kong Football Club minis, which prompted me to search out this site. Looks great! One question, is it possible to purchase club rugby shirts? I'd love one for attending the Hong Kong Sevens, which we do every year - could arrange collection so they wouldn't need to be sent all the way out here. Grateful if anyone could advise on markclift@cyberport.hk Cheers and keep up the great work  

Congratulations on your win, things just keep getting better and better at GRFC..  

Great site....... was surprised to see that Paddy Douglas and Tommy Tate are still playing. Last time I spoke to Doddsy I said I would pop in for a pint when I was next in Newcastle. Must do that. It just seems like yesterday that I played for the Fell colts and then remember fondly those Boxing day/new years day derbies between Fell and North Durham. Good luck for the rest of the season. Be interested in hearing from any of the old players that knew me leeadamson1876@btinternet.com  

The match at Alnwick RFC Saturday gone was a credit to both sides great advert for our game,so looking forward to the Stockton game  

Hi guys, For those of you ever considering visiting my Island please feel free to contact me at my email address: tomja@hotmail.com. Best of luck for the rest of the season boys!  

best local site around, 4th team fantastic-keep it up  

I am immiediate past Chairman of Napier Pirate RSC, been in NZ since 1971, visited your club rooms 1991, originally from G/Head,played a few games on Nth Durham field when at Windmill Hills school. Best of luck for the season to all grades.Great site !!!!  

It was great to look at the pics on your websight, and see some mates.I spotted Ernie Maddison and Ed morley disguised as old men with grey hair. I have lived near Bath for 20 years now, and always call the ground when I visit my dad in Washington, but you never seem to have a home fixture when I,m around.It was great to see your successful youth sides, I help run Bath youth, my son sam is an under 16 ( fullback ), probably the first and last McMeekin to be born with pace. All the best to you all.  

hello everyone cracking website hope to get up to watch a few games next season not been up in a while good luck everyone again  

IS GATESHEAD AND GATESHEAD FELL THE SAME PLACE. I WAS CLUB STEWARD FOR GATESHEAD FELL MANY YEARS AGO AND HAVE JUST FOUND THE WEBSITE, JUST CURIOUS AS TO WHY THE NAME CHANGE AND WHERE ARE PEOPLE LIKE IAN CLARKE AND BRIAN DURHAM?  

Just wanted to let you know that we visited your website and enjoyed it very much. We have been to the UK several times on tours and have a player on our team that is from Newcastle.

www.highschoolrugby.com  

It was great to see some old friends at the Ponteland game, which, in the end was a hard earned but justified result.

Good luck to a 'proper' rugby club for the rest of the season.  

Reply to Dave Kennedy Washington RFC. Dave thanks on behalf of the club for still fullfilling the fixture and turning up with such a large and enthusiastic squad, whom to your credit aquitted themselves well. On that showing you will go from strength to strength. Good luck for the future.  

Apologies for changing our game against your club this Saturday at such short notice. Unfortunately we could not get access to changing facilities and with us being newly formed we had no alternative facilities. Look forward to the game. Thanks again Dave Kennedy  

Starting Front Row for my team the Toronto Scottish, Saturday July 23rd consists of 2 Gateshead players Kieren and Damian with me the old fart at fullback..  

Nice to see Graham Veale contacting the club. I remember the incident mentioned by Ollie Graham; must have had at least 20 pints thrown over him to douse the flames. My favourite recollection is of the 1st team coach at the time, John Banks, referring to the back row as being made up of 2 dwarves and a DIVVIE (Graham, Keith Wheatley and Stu Cameron) to which Stu indignantly shouted up "I'm not a dwarf!". Take care Graham nice to hear from you.  

Cracking site. Good to see old faces still playing (how old is Fawcett senior??). I'm now coaching mini rugby with Blaydon but am thinking of starting playing again - might turn out against some of you for the 4ths!  

Good to hear from Graham Veale again! My abiding memory is him sitting in the "Loonge" at North Durham with his recently applied dressing for torn knee ligaments going up in flames courtesy of Keith Wheatley. Keep in touch Graham.  

Came across your website and it brought back a few good memories. I played for North Durham in the late 70's...early 80's and recognized a few names on the pages (is John Convery really still playing? - I'm impressed!). I'm presently living in Yellowknife in Canada's far North and would love to hear what's happening to any former teammates. Anyone who wishes to contact me, post your message through the website or club and I'll respond.  

Nice site. I've put a link to it from mine. Forced to play rugger at Gateshead Grammar and hated it but inspired by Johnny W and now finally being of rugby playing build I am considering taking the game up . Is 56 too old to start, do you think?  

Message Great website. Brings back a lot of memories of my playing for the Fell 1955 to 1965. Best wishes to any old friends that are still at the club.  

New site looks ace! Very professional like! P.S. How much is Gav showing off about being in America?  

Just realised the site was up and running again, fantastic. Heading home in a few weeks after spreading the rugby word accross the pond, (visit ualbanyrugby.com) looking forward to getting back to the club. Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALLA, sorry i missed it.  

back in the country so will see people when i get up north, in holland playing cricket  

Nice to see the website up again after a short while off the web. We will see you all next season in D&N II as we just managed to avoid relegation.  

Im looking for a old war friend, think he still plays for you all or just stands around looking whats going on! I think he has put on alot of weight since I last seen him, but If Charles Wilson, is still around can you all ruck him for me at training & tell the pieman to get in contact. Good day old chaps!  

Hey guys. Hope everyone is well and the club is still playing hard. Just a note to tell everyone I will be back in the UK in mid april and will get up to see people after that. Make sure you give 100 and get the positive results you want. Later  

Hey fullas. Well done on the win on the weekend. Good to beat those ones. Hope you guys can string a few wins together so that you don't have to stress at the end of the year again. New Zealand is treating me well, just getting into spring and thinking about the cricket season. Anyway,hope you are all well and good luck for the upcoming games. Nutz  

Hey guys hope ur all well,playing good rugby and ejoying life.I`m still playing for my local club and we are top of our fixture good luck for your season hope its a goes well. Have a couple of wifebeaters for me and hit the town hard Cheers .  

Have just seen Newtons photo's of the 1990 celebration - thanks Newt - Redhead is a Viking compliment! On my birth my Grandfather was quoted as saying, "Gladys you have been in the sun too much". Happy to say I have still a radient complection, probably enhanced by stealing a gorgeous Cumbrian woman and many days on the Fells - our Fells are a bit higher than yours. I am now with Kirkby Lonsdale RFC, I would like to see Gateshead coming over here for both senior & junior matches, the hospitality is first class. If you are over this way call in: John & Ruth Anderson High House Whittington 2 Miles S Kirkby Lonsdale 015242 72664 Best of luck for 03/04 John  

Just met one of your old boys out here and wanted to have a look at the website. All the best for next season.   

Message Enjoyed looking at your website. Brings back memories of my old North Durham days  

What a relief! Having seen the 3rd/4th team photo's on the site I can now look in the mirror without too much worry. It's cruel to make such old looking people play rugby. What's puzzling me is where is he? He's always there! Been No.1 man forever! I mean Paddy, Mr "Fell" Douglas, who taught me everything I know about Rugby (songs that is). Paddy have they really put you out to pasture? Last game we played together, Cork 1843, I ended up in stitches - again. Wimpy Ward and grumpy Tomes still on front page though, expect the others still have buy all their drinks for them. Just joking really. Great to see players still complaining about training, tracksuits, food - it's the same in every club. Enjoy what you've got - a great club, and make the most of it. The nearest I get to action these days is demonstrating body swerves and loop moves to the U12 mini's, and embarassing myself at the corporate circus at Twickenham by telling customers about all the great games I played in??? Any other oldies out there? Best wishes, and apologies for using the "F" word  

Nice to keep up with the results at the club from foreign lands and to see some old names still putting in their time to a club which remains in my humble opinion the top in the north east.See you all soon once the snow has melted in the mountains. Great site but youre missing vital stats like for example the first gateshead player ever to be sent off(me)  

I used to work with Eric Hunter, and Alan Havery, and also knew Gordon Hunter,and his lads, I was wondering if you could pass on this email address because Ive been living in the States for 5 years now, and never did get to say "so long" I was wondering what they're up to now....if you know them please have them contact me
Thanks Appreciate it, Jim Charles,[used to work at Crossley Birtley] JCHAR1952@AOL.com   

Interesting site especially reading about Tomes mk II,Dad Allan played rugby with a few of my fellow committee men David Lyall and David Aitken to mention 2 My claim to fame is playing in a Hawick trial with him but didnt get asked backafter that.  

Hi to all who remember me! Browsing through the site almost makes me feel like playing again - OK Phil, I can hear you asking "When did he start?" I presume Milne & Bruce are still providing anyone who'll listen with the benefits of their in-depth analysis and incisive insights of the Game? Good to see the club is thriving. A happy and succesful New Year to all at Gateshead RFC.   

I'm an old North Durham boy (late 60's early 70's). I visited the new club in December 2000 and meet up with some of the "old boys" from the club it was great to see the old faces, Dodds, Bruce, Millom,Crabtree, Tate brothers, Palmer,Hudson etc. I still look through the team selections and see familier names, presume they are sons of players I knew and played with. Good luck for the future and may be I will see some of you out here on my home ground next year, as Perth hosts two of the England games in the world cup. It is worth a visit and a tour, but remember our season is April to September.   

REGARDS TO EVERYONE, KEEP BUMPING INTO U ALL, HOPE THINGS ARE GOING WELL, HOPE TO POP DOWN WHEN THE FINAL PART OF THE B ArCH FINISHES.V. Soon lOVE TO U ALL. ANY BODY HEARD FROM WOODY?  

Just got the site from my brother David, Hi to all. Following Super 12's NSW, still go to all the live games I can, any one coming for the world cup drop me a line. love to hear from any of the boy's I ran out with!!   

GREAT WEB SITE...IT BROUGHT BACK MANY HAPPY MEMMORIES, BUT SAD TO HEAR ABOUT RONNIE JOHNSTON. GOOD TO SEE SO MANY OLD FACES WITH VERY LITTLE HAIR BETWEEN THEM.I'M STILL PLAYING FOR DISS RFC ,BUT VERY BADLY AND EVEN SLOWER THAN BEFORE.HOPE TO VISIT THE CLUB SOON. GOOD LUCK FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON .  

Great site! Well done Phil Young, it bring back a lot of memories!  

I would like to thank Graham Wood and Phil Young for hosting my visit. I very much enjoyed my scoring run out on the 4th team. I had a great time meeting up with the old North Durham lads. There is truely no place like the Newcastle area. If anybody is passing through Memphis and fancies a game or a beer please look me up: http://memphisbluesrugby.com/  

The web-site gets better each time I look at it, although I thought the looks in the 1st team front row might of least of changed since I was last there!!! (Burns,Kell,Marshall). The hair seems to be getting a bit thinner though. Have you guys ever thought of touring Toronto??? mwalexander69@hotmail.com  

Just a quick note to say what a great website, although you made a slight mistake, our number eight should have stayed on the third team pitch, we think he's too fat...We agree with Huntley who mentioned to him throughout the game that he was slighlty too portly... Anyway great site, goodluck for the rest of the season..  

Message : thankyou for the good "old fashioned " hospitality bestowed upon us during our christmas visit to gateshead. we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. a special word of thanks to paddy,phil,ronnie and lee,allof whom made us feel at home - it felt like we had known you all for several years !!! also thanks to tim for arranging the accomodation. if ever you any gateshead rfc supporter visits south africa please do not fail to contact us. regards to all  

Message Great web site, some of you guys look a bit older than the last time I saw you, but Im sure you'd say the same about me. Keep up the good work. The photos of xmas brought back some good memories.  

Merry Christmas to all. Hope you all enjoy your white Christmas, I only had the two but I am missing them already. It is not the same as here we sit outside in the sun etc. Looks like there has been some good rugby played throughout the club, keep it up. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Jon  

Pleasant surprise to find you site. Haven't visited "The Fell" in over 20 years, so you brought back many memories. Do you sell Gateshead RFC shirts? ps Tell Ronnie he's looking younger than me! dhope10158@aol.com  

It's great to see you all on the net! Great web site too - it makes us homesick! Love to you all, Jenni and Stewart