Jim Chapman
Jim Chapman, ex Secretary, President and Hon. Life Member of the club. The untimely death of Jim took away from all of us the lively personality and impish sense of humour which were suich an integral part of Club life. The herculean efforts generated by Jim, together with others in the successful move of the Club to Tynedale Park, were typical of the legal expertise and efficiency which were the hallmarks of all that Jim undertook. His soubriquet of "Mr. Tynedale" was one that he quietly enjoyed and also so richly deserved.

Rowland Charlton
Rowland Charlton was a generous and unstinting supporter of Tynedale RFC. Although the significant contributions made by him over many years were characterised by the anonymity with which he made the donation. The substantial financial support that he gave both in relation to the construction of the new Stand, and the erection of the Club floodlights, will long be remembered by those who were actively involved in these projects. A quiet unassuming man, he enjoyed both the game and the company of those who were involved in it.

Dai Hopkins
Thirdly, David (Dai) Hopkins, a long-standing player, at prop initially, but later as a second-row forward, he was an integral part of the renowned Tynedale scrummage in the 50's and 60's. Dai was also a member of the General Committee, a Selector and an enthusiastic and vocal supporter of the club for many years.

League
The 1st XV played in a 12-team league on a home and away basis for the first time - with 22 league fixtures in the season. Other results of the RFU Commission Report involved new requirements for the registration of players and contractual considerations.

Gate Receipts
As a result of having 11 home league games, gate and programme receipts had increased to £3,537. The league game against Wigton on 9/4/97 had drawn the biggest crowd.

Jimmy Bell
Jimmy Bell - who returned as Chairman of the Ground Committee, was nominated to Hon. Life Membership of the club, in recognition of his devoted attention to all matters connected with the grounds at Tynedale Park.

John Cousin
John Cousin had retired from active gateman duties after many years of valuable service administering the gate.

Coach
The unfortunate late withdrawal of Matt Carter as coach, due to pressure of work, resulted in John Fletcher and Craig Johnston stepping into the breach - then Mick Mahoney, the former Gosforth coach took over.

1stXV
The 1st XV enjoyed a relatively successful season, beating Westleigh RFC, then losing away to Sandal in the second round of the Pilkington Cup.
The team finished third in North Div. I after pursuing Sedgley Park for most of the season.

10 players represented Northumberland in the County championship. The Raiders were affected by changed Courage league rules allowing 4 substitutes for 1st XV games. They lost 35 - 20 to Newcastle Gosforth in the final of the County cup.

CLICK HERE to view team and playing records for 1996-1997

Fixture/Membership Boollet (1996-1997)