Aberdeenshire RFC Centenary

FOREWORD
by Allan L. Maclaughlan - Club President

In welcoming you to read 'Shire's latest centenary publication I feel that a few words of introduction and explanation are called for.Those of you who were 'Shire members in 1975 will be completely familiar with at least half of this booklet which is in fact a reprint of the splendid document written and edited by former club captain lan David. When the 1992 celebrations were being planned lan willingly gave his permission for his work to be expanded upon and reprinted. The remainder of the booklet comprises a history of the club since 1975 together with an assortment of memoirs and articles written by club members both past and present.

To those 'willing' souls who have committed themselves to paper my sincere thanks for all your efforts and my profuse apologies for any harassment, haranguing and heckling to which I may have subjected you as a whole series of printing deadlines came and went. An acknowledgement must also be made of those archivists and hoarders who entrusted their troves of 'Shire memorabilia to me for research and reference purposes.

From the playing point of view the years since 1975 have seen 'Shire endure a down and up existence. From the comparative safety of division five 'Shire plummeted down the tables and out of National League rugby for two years, before returning and climbing steadily back to that former position. Off the field the club has changed beyond recognition. Ensconced in our splendid new facilities at Woodside and augmented with an expanding youth section as well as a ladies committee the club is constantly developing and improving.

The stories behind the joys and sorrows, the highlights and lowspots are contained in this history together with a record of the events of our year of celebration. These celebrations, however, would not have been possible if it were not for the support and assistance of the clubs in the north east, the N.D.R.U. and of Gordon Masson, President of the S.R.U. for season 1991-92. To them all I offer my sincere thanks.

To you the reader I commend this history of Aberdeenshire R.F.C. as an honest read about a great club.