The 1960s were a decade of change, challenge and resilience for Oakham RFC. The club entered the decade with big ambitions — dreaming of a new clubhouse and better facilities — and even when progress was slow, the determination never faded.
On the field, results rose and dipped as injuries, weather and availability took their toll. But the spirit never wavered. Players, volunteers and supporters kept rugby alive in Oakham no matter what the decade threw at them.
A major milestone arrived in 1966 with the opening of the club’s first purpose-built clubhouse at the Showground — a project built on generosity, community effort and countless volunteer hours. It laid the foundations for the club we know today.
By the end of the decade, player numbers were rebuilding, results were improving and momentum was returning. The 1964 1st XV — shown in the restored photo — played through one of the toughest periods, but they stuck together, they kept turning up, and because of teams like them, Oakham RFC came out stronger.