COUNTRY MEMBER
The Rose talks to Mike Williams on why he decided to become a Country Member of Melrose Rugby
ROSE: Hi Mike, Welcome to the Melrose Rugby family. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
MW: I live in Consett, County Durham, right on the A68. Basically, I turn right out of my house, and then take one of the UK’s most scenic drives up to Melrose. I’ve a girlfriend called Natasha and between us we’ve two kids, two cats and two dogs! Workwise, I launched a nano coffee roastery, Eclectic Coffee Roasters, in January 2023 and it’s going and growing from strength to strength.
ROSE: What is your relationship with Melrose Rugby?
Mike and Natasha
MW: I’m a lover of all things The Borders. It’s a magical and mystical land. In a former life I reckon I must have been a Border Reiver! I remember years ago, on the way up to Edinburgh, I stopped off at Melrose for the first time. I took up a walk up the High Street, and stumbled across the magnificent Greenyards, like a cathedral, a place where the Melrosians come to worship their beloved rugby team.
Since then I’ve spent many happy holidays in and around Melrose, and this season I felt a calling to come and watch Melrose RFC live. My first match was Melrose v Heriots and what a sun basked day that was.
ROSE: Why was it important for you to take out Country Membership?
MW: Country Membership is such fantastic value for money, and at the same time it brings much needed revenue to the club. Being a member certainly brings about a feeling of “belonging” which is what Melrose Rugby is all about, belonging to the Yellow and Black family.
“...BEING A MEMBER CERTAINLY BRINGS ABOUT A FEELING OF “BELONGING” WHICH IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT...””
As well as that, becoming a Country Member helps the club in a small way to grow even stronger, helping to invest in the teams and local community.
ROSE: How do you keep in touch with what’s happening at The Greenyards?
MW: Mainly via Facebook and Instagram, and also the weekly email. The Comms Team at the club do a cracking job overall and should be applauded.
ROSE: When should we hope to see you again in person at a match?
MW: 9th for the Edinburgh Accies match - can’t wait!
ROSE: Lovely to talk to you Mike, and look forward to catching up with yourself and Natasha on
9th November.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Mike’s company Eclectic Coffee Roasters recently sponsored the Man of the Match which was awarded to Struan Hutchison.
A huge thank you to Mike for presenting the award.
If you’re interested in sponsoring a future Man of the Match award, please get in touch at gm@melroserugby.org