Didcot RFC, who suspended their playing side 12 months ago due to dwindling numbers, hope to be playing friendly matches again this season.

The club's three-strong committee have called a public open meeting at Didcot Civic Centre on Wednesday, October 30 (7.30pm), to generate support for the club and to discuss the future.

Didcot are backing up this initiative with a poster and leaflet campaign in the town to try to revive the club, which was founded in 1936.

The club's campaign 'to provide and develop rugby in Didcot' is supported by the Rugby Football Union and the Oxfordshire RFU.

"We never disbanded - just stopped playing last season," said club president Brian Flanders.

"We just needed a break. Now it's time to try to revive the club."

Flanders who doubles up as treasurer, is joined on the committee by chairman Martin Llewellyn and secretary Beverley Arnold.

"The most important thing is to form a strong committee," said Flanders.

"If we can do that, we know we've got the players scattered around the town who will come back to us.

"Players who left to join other clubs us when we stopped playing, have promised to return. We will, of course, welcome new players as well."

It is hoped to restart playing friendly games after Christmas and resume league matches next season.

Didcot are moving away from their Edmonds Park ground to use the two pitches at Hagbourne Triangle, owned by St Birinus School.

"With only one pitch and a shanty-like changing room, there was no future at our old ground," Flanders explained.

The club will also aim to develop links with local schools.

Flanders added: "The South Oxfordshire District Council's sports development office have indicated that, with the future residential development of the town, the provision of local sports facilities is a high priority within the local plan.

"What the club needs, is for like-minded and willing members to re-establish the playing structure and take forward an expansion plan to provide permanent playing facilities within the local community."

Those interested can go along to the meeting. If they are unable to attend, but would like to register their interest, they can call the club on 07985 575163.