- Thu Sep 24, 2020 9:08 am
#17778
It’s an interesting side to the debate, complex because everyone has slightly different personal circumstances.
One angle not yet raised is the social aspect of being a long standing season ticket holder. That’s me for well over 20 years (don’t know exactly how long), since together with one friend, I bought a half year ST offer, I think in a Dec. I also think this was the first year the half ST was offered, (can anyone date that?) but I may be wrong. We’d been buying match day tickets before that, and the east stand didn’t exist.
When the old tented east stand went up we secured seats on the North 10m line, one row from the back. The wind blew, the scaffold rattled, and we got to know those sitting around us. Several of whom I’m still in regular contact with. We went to away games, (anyone remember Craig Gillies scoring at Rugby?, running one in from our own half and looking like a giraffe on speed) nearly got locked up in Gloucester, met for pints, enjoyed many Christmas Curry Nights, and off season Summer Curry Nights too.
Along the way I’ve met several folk I’m happy to call friends, and many many acquaintances. (And one or two I’d happily avoid if I see them approaching along The Tything).
Before the sodding virus there were regular breakfast meetings, 7 or 8 people happily discussing everything, and sometimes even the rugby. That’s now become a regular evening Zoom meeting, we don’t agree about everything (or anything) and that’s good.
That’s my rugby crowd, and it’s different from my other friendship groups, and equally valuable.
With that aspect in mind, I’m happy to support by donating, mine happens to be on a monthly basis, so is easily stopped should catastrophe occur.
As others have said, for people who are under financial pressure it’s a no-brainer, get your refunds with a clear conscience, and for those who choose to donate it’s become almost an act of charity!
We all suspect this could get worse before it gets better, so keep it in perspective, keep safe, and enjoy whatever rugby you can get your (virtual) hands on. And if it all goes tits-up, support your local club, you’ll meet some decent folk.
Last edited by TeflonTed on Thu Sep 24, 2020 9:58 am, edited 1 time in total.