Club History
In the late 1960's, a group of local residents were looking for the opportunity to form a rugby union club. During 1968, the opportunity presented itself, when, differences between Blackett Hutton Foundry Football Club and Lord Guisborough arose over lease arrangements for the Belmangate ground - in particular, the rental fees charged. The lease arrangement and the playing of soccer were cancelled.
The rugby group, led by Henry Bell, jumped in and very quickly a twenty year lease agreement was signed. Thus, during the season 1968/9 we started playing rugby in Guisborough at the Belmangate ground. Blackett Hutton had sited on the ground a wooden hut, which they used for changing purposes. The club purchased this for the princely sum of £25.50, and used it for the same purpose.
Two or three years later, feeling the need for a club bar, rather than entertaining in local pubs (usually The Anchor), members, led by Harry Peacock, modified the hut to improve the changing arrangements and also to provide drinking facilities. The first registered member of the club was a guy named O'Connor. Interest in the club developed over the years, with the number of senior teams increasing to four by the early 1980's.
During the 70's/80's, a very successful colts team was being run by Dennis Ramsey, and with 1990 came the formation of the junior/mini section. This has been a very successful venture, with many 'glory days' and producing quality players, who are now achieving county, regional, and national honours. The original hut lasted until the late eighties, when the mice were taking over and more importantly, we could not insure the premises.
Financial support was obtained from the brewery, and on the same site the new clubhouse was opened by Lord Guisborough on 1st October 1989. The occasion was celebrated, in the presence of the Yorkshire President, with a match between Guisborough 1st XV and a Chairman's Select XV. Today, we remain the junior club of the area, playing Durham & Northumberland League rugby, but, more importantly, enjoying a reputation as a good, social club.