Spoonews Winter 2023 by Wooden Spoon

WINTer 2023

Vets fest 23 The regions unite for an epic event

Team effort

Rugbytots and Wooden Spoon

tag appeal Help us to put disability tag rugby on the map

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CONTENTS 15 Projects: Scotland 16 Projects: Gloucestershire

17 Projects: Northumberland 18 Projects: Leicestershire 20 Interview: Rugbytots 22 Vets Fest 23 24 Marauders

11 14 9

6 Disability Tag Rugby Appeal 8 Projects: Lancashire 9 Projects: Ulster 10 Projects: Bath, Bristol & Somerset 11 Projects: Glasgow 12 Projects: Surrey 13 Projects: Devon 26 Your Fundraising 14 Projects: Wales 28 Young’s Fundraiser 30 Tributes 32 Across the Regions 35 Events Calendar Email: charity@woodenspoon.org.uk Tel : 01252 773 720 Fax: 01252 773 721 Write: Sentinel House, Ancells Business Park, Harvest Crescent, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UZ Cover image: ©INPHO/Tom Maher Contact details for our regions can be found on page 35 and at woodenspoon.org.uk/near-you

Registered address: Sentinel House, Ancells Business Park, Harvest Crescent, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UZ Charity Registration No: 326691 (England & Wales) and SCO39247 (Scotland)

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welcome

National Rugby Manager, Matt Mitchell, in front of the crowd at Vets Fest

our rugby legends: local and Global Well, what an amazing few months it has been for rugby. The Rugby World Cup has provided some incredible entertainment and nail-biting moments, as we watched the different countries battle it out to lift the ultimate rugby accolade.

Closer to home, our third Vets Fest took place, and what an event it was. With our newest Wooden Spoon corporate partners, Omerta, SIIP and Vault across the national teams it felt like a real step change. Thank you to Barrie Mort and his team.

As each home nation fell away, I was reminded how strongly we all feel about the game we love so much. With Welsh, Scottish, English and French grandparents, I thought I’d be safe. Massive congratulations to South Africa.

My favourite moment of the festival was when I thanked our National Rugby Manager, Matt Mitchell, and the entire stadium erupted and gave him a standing ovation. While the playing teams had an incredible day, so did our organising team – thank you to Martin Owen, Debs Shakespeare and Cathal Lynch from the hosting West Midlands Committee with our army of volunteers.

MBN hosted us as the benefiting charity at their Legends of Rugby Dinner with the RWC winning captains. What an honour it was to be on the same stage as them. As I said in my speech, we use the word legends a lot in rugby and we have our own legends who continue to do amazing things to raise funds for the children and young people who need it most – make sure you read about the incredible Max Webb and Rugbytots on page 20, and Dan Vines on page 26 as he continues his personal commitment to the charity.

Enjoy this issue and please take the time to read about our campaign to make rugby more accessible to all with our tag disability appeal.

Sarah Webb, CEO

tag rugby appeal

Help us be a game changer With your help Wooden Spoon will give children and young people living with disability the chance to be a rugby player by raising £50,000 to support and develop the disability rugby scene across the UK and Ireland.

Most clubs and schools aren’t able to offer children with disabilities the same opportunity to get involved. We can give those children the same chance as their contemporaries to benefit

from the physical, mental wellbeing that sport and rugby provide, but also the wider personal and social development of team sport that can help shape their future lives.

Your donation will be a real game changer for many children and young people.

Scan the QR code to visit: woodenspoon.org.uk/tag-appeal to make an online DONATION 6

Images: ©INPHO/Tom Maher

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tag rugby appeal Tag rugby is an accessible, inclusive non-contact version of rugby. Your donations will provide grants to schools and clubs to buy specialist tag equipment, access to specialist training for players with disabilities, to train up their own coaches to build capacity to create tag rugby clubs across the UK, and grants for rugby kits for those who can’t afford boots and kit, travel costs. The culmination of this will be The Wooden Spoon International Tag Rugby Festival in June 2024. The Tag Festival will bring hundreds of players with additional needs from across the UK and Ireland to come together to truly experience the experience of going on tour. Wooden Spoon already supports Tag Festivals like the Wooden Spoon Moderate

DONATE TODAY and give children and young people with disabilities the chance to play rugby

£10 and Severe Learning Disability Tag Rugby Festival run by the Fylde Rugby Community Foundation for schools across Lancashire. Read our case studies on the Tag Festival in Fylde and the disability tag team Ballymena Bears overleaf to see how Wooden Spoon funding is creating an environment for children and young people living with disability to thrive through the joy of playing rugby.

could buy a training rugby ball

£25 could buy a tag harness

£100

could give a team training sessions with a qualified coach

£150

could get a child to Tag Fest

£1,000

DONATE Send a cheque to Wooden Spoon, Sentinel House, Ancells Business Park, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UZ

could subsidise a team to take part in Tag Fest

projects: Lancashire “This festival expresses the power of sport to inspire and empower, breaking down barriers and leaving an unforgettable impact on the Phill Mills children.”

rugby for all With ten schools and over 100 children taking part in the Fylde Rugby Community Foundation Tag Rugby Tournament, it was a day to celebrate the power of inclusive sport.

“Our event offers a platform for these children to develop rugby skills, teamwork, and social interaction in an accepting environment with other schools and children. It provides an opportunity for them to showcase their abilities, developing a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. “This festival expresses the power of sport to inspire and empower, breaking down barriers and leaving an unforgettable impact on the children.”

Held at Fylde Rugby Club, the event was made possible with the generous support of Wooden Spoon and was overseen by Sir Bill Beaumont, who is both Lancashire Wooden Spoon Honorary President and Fylde Rugby Community Foundation President. Fylde Foundation Manager, Phill Mills, is passionate about inclusive rugby and told us: “Tag rugby has proven to be a transformative and fun experience for children with special educational needs. As a keen advocate for inclusion in sports and with the foundation tag line of ‘RugbyForAll’, hosting the Wooden Spoon Moderate and Severe Learning Disability Tag Rugby Festival, for the second year, holds great significance for me and the team at the Foundation.

To make an online DONATION scan the QR code to visit: woodenspoon.org.uk/tag-appeal

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PROJECTS: ulster

Danny has played for the club for 11 years

The Ballymena Bears: Proudly putting disability tag rugby on the map

bear necessities The Ballymena Bears can put disability tag rugby front and centre thanks to a £12,250 grant from Wooden Spoon Ulster.

For the last 11 years the club has operated from a pitchside picnic table. Opened by Willie John McBride CBE, the new cabin gives the disability tag rugby club a home they deserve and are proud of. Danny has been playing with the Bears since he was 13, when the club started. His dad, Eamon, said: “Danny has Downs Syndrome. He’s very active, he loves a bit of rough and tumble and I thought rugby was perfect for him. He loves the competitiveness

of the sport. He’ll say, ‘Ah daddy, daddy, did you see? I nearly scored a try’, and he’s delighted in the fact that he nearly scored a try. It really is life changing, we’ve made lifelong friends.” Before, the club relied on head coach Gary and his wife Jenny to store and transport all the session equipment. The new cabin, complete with kitchen, gives the club a permanent base for the coaches and storage for all the training kit. Eamon continues: “It’s great to make tea and coffee in this lovely kitchen, instead of the wind blowing sideways at us across the tundra.

Image: Sam Wilson Photography NI

“Danny’s very active, he loves a bit of rough and tumble and I thought rugby was perfect for him.” Eamon, Danny’s dad “It’s like we’ve won the lottery. We were very well supported by Ballymena Rugby Club, but this takes it to another level. “The cabin is the first thing you see when you drive into the club, so we’re right there in your face. In some ways I think Ballymena Bears has put Ballymena Rugby club on the map!”

DONATE Send a cheque to Wooden Spoon, Sentinel House, Ancells Business Park, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UZ

projects: Bristol bath & somerset Mike Elliott with children from Evergreen Primary School

putting the wheels in motion For children at Evergreen Primary School, Bristol, it’s not as easy as riding a bike; the urban landscape has limited safe spaces to practise, and most don’t have access to bicycles or safety helmets.

and eventually, when I have learnt, I can cycle around for fun too. My parents don’t cycle, and they don’t know how to, I wouldn’t have anywhere to put a bike at home, so it is good we can learn at Evergreen.”

Wooden Spoon Bath, Bristol & Somerset granted £3,000 for bikes so the children have the opportunity to learn to ride at school.

Moise, in Year 4, explains: “I like that we get to do this with our class as I can help other children to balance. My teacher shows me how to look after the bike, brake safely and be aware of the things around me.

Arame, in Year 5, tells us what it means to her: “Learning to ride a bike is so exciting. I’ve never been on one before and Miss Gilbert says it is a lifelong skill. We can support the environment by riding a bike as there is no pollution

“Miss Gilbert let go the other day and I cycled all on my own for about 15 seconds. I felt so proud. I like that I will be able to ride a bike

“I like the feel of the wind in my hair. Plus, learning to ride a bike is a big adventure, and Moise, Year 4 I absolutely love doing it!” 10

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for life – it’s better for the environment than cars. I want to learn how to ride a bike because it looks like so much fun! I see other kids riding their bikes in the park, and it makes me want to join them. I won’t have to pay for the bus or a taxi to go places. “I like the feel of the wind in my hair. Plus, learning to ride a bike is like a big adventure, and I absolutely love doing it!”

PROJECTS: scotland

in the frame Double world champion frame runner Gavin Drysdale joined Glasgow Warriors and former Scotland player Al Kellock for the launch of Scotland’s first frame running hub at Scotstoun Stadium. The pioneering facility in Glasgow, funded by a grant from Wooden Spoon, will help young people with limited mobility access frame equipment, become mobile, and foster independence through sport.

Al Kellock

For Gavin, the hub brings his journey full circle. At just five years old he tried frame running for the first time, funded by Wooden Spoon at Bobath Scotland (now Cerebral Palsy Scotland). Twelve years later, he won Gold for Great Britain at the Para Athletics World Championships in Dubai. He also successfully defended his world championship title this year in Paris. Gavin said: “Frame running completely changed my life. It’s given me so many

Gavin Drysdale on the race track with a Glasgow Warrior player

opportunities over the years I never thought I would have. The hub will mean many more children with limited mobility will be given the chance to participate in sport and discover the joy of frame running like I did. “With the support of Wooden Spoon, Cerebral Palsy Scotland was able to introduce me to frame running, and ultimately make a young boy’s dream of achieving in sport come true.” The hub is a collaboration between Queen Margaret University (QMU), Neil’s Wheel Charity, Frame

Running Scotland and ACE Frame Running, along with Scottish Athletics and Scottish Disability Sport. Wooden Spoon Glasgow Chair and Managing Director of Glasgow Warriors Rugby Club, Al Kellock, said: “The launch of Scotland’s first frame running hub is a testament to the unifying power of sports. “Wooden Spoon is proud to contribute to this transformative project that paves the way for a more inclusive and accessible future for young individuals across Scotland.”

“The hub will mean many more children with limited mobility will be given the chance to participate in sport and discover the joy of frame running like I did.”

Gavin Drysdale

GOLFI

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THE AIRC

pROJECTS: surrey Rose, Sam, Rob Henderson (former British and Irish Lion), Zoe, Emily, Patti Thomas-Verweij, Kate Harris (Head2Head) and Joss

44 tab lished 19

well above par Thank you to The Aircraft Golfing Society for raising funds for Wooden Spoon at their events. They have already granted an astonishing £40,000 to The White Lodge Centre, in Chertsey. The funds will go towards the first phase of a fantastic revamp of the outside play area at their Treetops children home, which provides short breaks for disabled children up to 18 years old. The new playground will include a wheelchair trampoline, as well as a climbing frame and activity sensory panels, creating a stimulating, inclusive environment for all the children. Thank you to the AGS for their continued support as the second phase of the revamp commences.

next stage for charity theatre A new Hygiene Room is the latest upgrade for the Head2Head charity, as it turns an old milking barn into an accessible theatre, creating imaginative ways to make theatre and film accessible for everyone. Funded with a £15,000 grant from Wooden Spoon Surrey, the new facilities will be a great asset for local and visiting wheelchair users. Head2Head’s founder, Anni Rhodes-Steere, said: “This is a huge milestone in the barn’s refurbishment. Our community is keen to use the barn as a safe hub, providing social events, fitness classes, workshops, a café and a free lending library.”

The theatre charity, in Oxted, engages young people’s imagination, creating shows that are inclusive, immersive, interactive. Anni continues: “The charity will use the theatre space to film online shows for schools and communities, and to give live performances for disabled children and their families in Surrey.” To mark the opening of the new Hygiene Room, representatives from Wooden Spoon, students from The Orpheus Centre, volunteers, actors, and the local community gathered as former Lions player, Rob Henderson, unveiled a plaque.

“This is a huge milestone in the barn’s refurbishment. Our community is keen to use the barn as a safe hub...” Anni Rhodes-Steere

woodenspoon.org.uk

pROJECTS: DEVON

life lessons on the road The mobile classroom, known as the Life Caravan, became a regular and highly popular fixture in the Plymouth school year. Loved for its Tardis-like interior, it is a unique learning space – with illuminated body models, a star ceiling, audio-visual displays and, most famously, Harold, the puppet giraffe. Originally launched in 1996, the Life Caravan brings positive, interactive health and well-being programmes to primary, secondary and special schools. For 23 years, it supported learning conversations with children and young people, and more than 350,000 pupil visits. The caravan was a Plymouth City Council service to

schools, but from the outset it received crucial support from Wooden Spoon and its many partners. In 2005, the original mobile classroom needed replacement. Wooden Spoon Devon raised and donated the entire cost, an extraordinary gift to the council and, most importantly, to the schools, children and young people of Plymouth. The council ended the service in 2019, and our charity was quick to make sure it was not lost or sold on. Covid then hit, and the caravan was stored safely ready for a full refurbishment which was completed in September with the help of a number of local businesses

The Life Caravan

and Wooden Spoon Devon funding. It is now at Plymouth Albion RFC and will be used on some match days when local schools and rugby clubs attend ‘Super Saturdays’. The great news is that, with the help of Plymouth Learning Partnership, it will be relaunched in February 2024 at a city-wide conference of schools and be back on the road to, once again, deliver positive programmes to schools across the city.

For 23 years The Life Caravan has supported learning with children and young people, with more than 350,000 pupil visits

Projects: wales “We are all thrilled with our new play area; it’s sustainable, natural, and beautiful, but more importantly the children Helen Borley love it.”

The new playground is made from a single fallen tree

Eco play for all Mount Stuart Primary School, in Cardiff embodies multiculturalism, with more than 40 languages spoken at the school. Many of their pupils live in flats, without access to outdoor spaces, so creating a place to play and explore was vital.

Former rugby International and recordbreaking explorer, Richard Parks, was delighted to open the adventure area: “Play is the gateway to adventure. There’s a deep understanding that the school serves its community through the kids, beyond their academic needs, it’s a safe, healthy, and happy place.” Headteacher, Helen Borley, said: “We are all thrilled with our new play area; it’s sustainable, natural, and beautiful, but more importantly the children love it. Without the support from Wooden Spoon, this project would not have happened and from all the pupils at Mount Stuart we would like to offer huge thanks.”

The school had a vision to create a sustainable play area with equipment formed from a single fallen tree. Wooden Spoon Wales loved the idea and provided a £12,800 grant to realise the creative dream. The result is not only beautiful, but gives the children the space to have fun, let off steam and challenge themselves. Richard Parks opens the new adventure playground

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PROJECTS: SCOTLAND Meet Emma... Emma was seven years old when she was placed at Seamab. She had suffered significant sexual abuse while with her family, followed by a series of foster placements which had not worked.

helping children bounce Back By the time children come to Seamab school, in Kinross, a lot of care and educational placements have been tried and have failed. Emotional regulation is key for these vulnerable children, who have been removed from their families, for their own safety. The new trampoline room, jointly funded by a £46,000 grant from Wooden Spoon Glasgow and Edinburgh, will play a big part in their recovery. Seamab Capital Appeal Director, Kate Smith, said: “Given the traumatic experiences the children

have faced, the provision of different spaces and facilities to help regulate their emotions and behaviours is crucial. The trampoline room, which was requested by children and staff, will be vital, as bouncing both burns off energy, and the soothing, rhythmic effect is also therapeutic. “The new indoor trampoline room funded by Wooden Spoon will be a much enjoyed and well-used space within our new school, which will dramatically help the health and wellbeing of the children.”

Due to her experiences, Emma functions as if she is a much younger child. On arrival at Seamab she was anxious, visibly frightened and extremely confused. In school, she was clearly behind other children of a similar age. Emma has now been at Seamab for almost two years and during that time she has made significant progress; she now has trusting and close relationships with adults in our care, education and therapeutic support teams, and enjoys playing with her peers. She has friends for the first time and is now experiencing success in school. Emma’s name has been changed to protect her identity.

“The trampoline room, which was requested by children and staff, will be vital, as bouncing both burns off energy, and the soothing, Kate Smith, Seamab rhythmic effect is also therapeutic.” 15

PROJECTS: gloucestershire

space to grow William was born five weeks premature and was diagnosed with a complex congenital heart defect. The intensive care unit and open-heart surgery were all he knew in the early months. His mum, Sarah, said the support the family had from Gloucestershire-based Heart Heroes was a lifeline. The charity supports families with children who have life-limiting heart conditions, and Wooden Spoon Gloucestershire donated £10,000 for an adventure garden to create a haven for the children.

William gets stuck in clearing the rubble to build the new Heart Heroes garden

Sarah tells us: “The forest school and garden project is so exciting. William loved getting involved with clearing some of the rubble, he even found an old bird’s nest which he took to school to show his class. The children can grow plants and vegetables, play outside games, and explore wildlife in the bug hotel and pond. William has loved being in the garden.

“The children can grow plants and vegetables, play outside games, and explore wildlife in the bug hotel and pond. William has loved being in the Sarah, William’s mum garden.” “Finding out your child has a life long-life threatening condition is terrifying; the future is unknown and you feel confused, angry, sad and lonely. Heart Heroes is very much a support for the whole family – we can socialise with other families who understand.

William was delighted to find an old bird’s nest

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“As a parent I am so excited to be able to relax with other heart families and watch our children play in a safe outdoor space making their own fun, as well as being guided through outdoor learning opportunities.”

Projects: Northumberland

focus on therapy Former England rugby player, Sarah Hunter CBE, delighted pupils at Cleaswell Hill School when she opened their new therapy cabin on behalf of Wooden Spoon Northumberland. The £16,666 grant for the cabin gives a massive boost to the outstanding care the children already receive at the special school, which caters for over 200 students with complex learning difficulties and disabilities. The reinvented woodenclad shipping container will give children with special educational needs and disabilities access to a wide range of

therapeutic interventions. The specialist support will help them develop their communication, life, physical, emotional and play skills. Lead Therapist, Juliet Ruddick, told us: “It’s fantastic to be able to work with the children in a calm, quiet therapeutic space where they can concentrate and develop their skills.” Wooden Spoon Northumberland Chair,

Sarah Hunter CBE officially opened the Therapy Cabin

Iain Stewart, said: “We are pleased to have been able to help the school by supplying the therapy cabin. We have seen first-hand the great work the school carries out and are delighted Sarah could join us on the day.”

“It’s fantastic to be able to work with the children in a calm, quiet therapeutic space where they can concentrate and develop Juliet Ruddick their skills.” 17

projects: Leicestershire & Rutland

wind in his sails

Logan at the helm

It’s celebrations all round as young sailor Logan set off for the world championships in his adapted boat, thanks to Wooden Spoon and Sailability. In 2019, Wooden Spoon Leicestershire & Rutland provided a £13,000 grant for two specially adapted Hansa dinghies for Rutland Sailability, helping youngsters with any disability to sail in a safe environment with well-trained volunteers, and to RYA standards. The boats have been extremely popular, and four years on, 15-year-old Logan had progressed so well in this dinghy class, he was selected for the 2023 Hansa World Championships in Portimão, Portugal. Logan tells us what sailing means to him: “At seven, I started at Rutland Sailability. Due to my complex needs, football and rugby just wouldn’t work. Once I got in the boat, I was off! I quickly went through the levels – I’m not sure they knew what to do next with me. I’m competitive and wanted to have a go at racing. I love sailing because I feel free.”

Logan added: “Being told I was good enough to go to Portimão was amazing but very daunting. For my first international race I’m pleased with my results – thank you for making my dreams come true! Logan’s mum, Marie, adds: “Logan has had many battles through his life. He has complex medical/physical and mental health needs. Sailing is a passion and huge part of Logan’s life. The boats Wooden Spoon kindly donated are fantastic. Sailing has changed Logan’s life and, in turn, our lives. It has given him a focus, a passion and goals.” Image: Nicky Durston

“I’m competitive and wanted to have a go at racing. I love sailing because I feel free... thank you for making my Logan dreams come true!.”

Wooden Spoon Leicestershire & Rutland continued to fundraise to help Logan compete at the championships.

The British team at the Hansa World Championships

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interview: MAX webB to do something special. We have met wonderful people and raised a lot of money for an incredible charity. That’s enough for me!”

Children raising funds for Wooden Spoon through Try-athlons

Sarah explains: “There is something truly magical about children raising funds for other children with the Try-athalons. Max has always gone above and beyond for Wooden

a wide webb of support Rugbytots founder, Max Webb, and Wooden Spoon CEO, Sarah Webb, not only share a surname, but also the drive for fundraising to support vulnerable children and young people.

Rugbytots started in 2007 to offer young children rugby play classes. Since 2015, Rugbytots has raised over

£1 million for Wooden Spoon’s charitable causes through bike rides and sponsored children’s Try-athlons.

Max, who has just completed the Rugbytots bike ride, told us: “Every project is incredible to be part of, and the community builds give us a chance to come together

some of the projects funded by rugbytots Mayfield School

St Joseph’s Specialist School

Zoe’s Place

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Farney Close School

rugbytots Spoon, from donning Lycra for the gruelling cycle rides or getting stuck in on a community build, bringing a project that Rugbytots has funded to life. “The funds raised have made possible a whole range of projects from horses for the RDA, sensory gardens and outdoor learning spaces where the team built the facilities themselves, through to the latest project which is the first sensory room at Twickenham.” Max is hoping to put a Rugbytots team into Vets Fest next year, and reflects on his previous challenges: “We come together to achieve a challenge that is beyond us, but we always get through it and that shows the determination in our group. “Standing at Twickenham Stadium with close friends,

family and long serving colleagues in 2019, after completing the incredibly tough Lands End to London challenge, and completing our most recent ride from Exeter to Cardiff are up there with amazing memories.” Partnerships, like Rugbytots and Wooden Spoon, are a great way to raise funds and make a difference, Sarah adds: “I pride ourselves on the relationships that we build with each corporate.

Sarah and Max

Max is always amazed at the rugby community for its ability to fundraise: “Seeing families raise funds year after year through our Try-athlons is incredibly humbling and I am extremely proud of our Rugbytots and their parents for smashing it once again this year.”

“Much like the children that we support there is no ʽone size fits all’ model, so we work hard to establish what both parties can do to achieve the most by working together. It’s quite simple really – the more funds we raise the more children and young people we can help. Who wouldn’t want to be involved in that?”

some of the Covid Emergency Funding from rugbytots CruzKids

BF Adventure

Rueben’s Retreat

The Larder kitchen

vets fest 23

Why Vets Fest? “It’s the friendly atmosphere, and being around so many like-minded people who want to have fun, play rugby and raise money.”

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vets fest 23

our rugby family unites Wooden Spoon’s Vets Fest took place at Birmingham Moseley Rugby club for the third year running, with all home nations represented by 28 teams from over 350 rugby clubs. With thanks to our Headline Sponsors

and our national Sponsors

Thank you to our volunteer photographers Gary Bide and Kai Johnson

The lively event was a huge success and raised £110,000, which will support children and young people facing disability, disadvantage and disengagement across all the regions. Thank you to our headline sponsors OMERTA and all of our national and regional sponsors, who made it possible to run such an uplifting tournament.

Overall winners The Maddy Lawrence Memorial Cup: Merseyside & NW The Olly Stephens Memorial Cup: Kent

Save the date Vets Fest 24, 28 September 2024, at Old Reigatians RFC

Marauders

Thank you Keith Boatman Keith has been involved with Rugby 7s for 40 years, and 25 years as the Wooden Spoon Marauders coach. Keith has put his heart and soul into our elite rugby 7s teams, which compete across the UK, Ireland, and further afield in support of Wooden Spoon. We commend him for his passion and commitment over the years and his drive and determination in re-establishing the Marauders teams post lock down. As Keith steps down, we ask him about his time with the Wooden Spoon Marauders. Do you have memories of a successful tournament? Yes, over the years the Marauders are fortunate to have won almost every European 7s tournament, including Kinsale, Amsterdam, Bournemouth and Costa Blanca. What is your most recent personal achievement? As part of my professional development I completed a Masters Degree in Rugby Coaching. What’s next ? I’m very proud of the many players who have developed on into International and professional rugby after playing for us, and I will enjoy any opportunity I have to watch them play but more importantly, I’m looking forward to having my summers free so that I can go and support my daughter, Ellie Boatman, as her rugby career goes from strength to strength.

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Images: Kai Johnson

Marauders

seventh heaven The 7s season starts with open trials for the men’s and women’s teams in April, followed by tournaments in May, June, and July, including the UK Super Sevens Series.

“If anyone is thinking of joining the Wooden Spoon Marauders, I advise them to get stuck in and throw themselves out there – doors will also open if they perform to a high standard.”

Following a cracking season, Spoonews catches up with captains Louise Burgess and Louis Flynn to ask them what the charity 7s teams mean to them.

Louise added: “It has been great fun being the captain of the Wooden Spoon Marauders – I love playing rugby with friends and getting to meet new people each summer, all the while raising awareness for Wooden Spoon.

Louis told us: “Being captain of the Wooden Spoon Marauders is challenging “My season highlight was but rewarding. You’re going to the Gibraltar 7s and bringing together players making it into the final after from different backgrounds extra time in the semi-final to achieve a common goal, where we managed to grab make new friendships, the golden goal!” develop their rugby careers and make new memories. Get involved by emailing: marauders@woodenspoon.org.uk

thank you to our sponsors

“If anyone is thinking of joining the Wooden Spoon Marauders, I advise them to get stuck in and throw themselves out there – doors will also open if they perform to a high standard.” Louis Flynn, Captain

fundraisers Summit smashed Daniel Vines, Natalie Walker, Shani Ashford, Craig Smith and Steve Brown took on the enormous challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro in aid of Wooden Spoon. To date, over £7,500 has been raised and donations are still coming through. Their adventure involved seven days hiking in 30 degrees during the day and sleeping in freezing cold tents at night, all to climb the 5,865-metre peak – the largest free-standing mountain in the world.

just ‘oar’some Carl Booth has completed his two million metre rowing challenge, including 2,000 metres at Rodney Parade, courtesy of Dragons RFC. He set about this incredible challenge over nine months to raise money for Prostate Cymru and Wooden Spoon in memory of his late father. So far he has raised over £2,000.

race to catch a train Burntwood Rugby Club kept members busy with two energetic fundraisers. The first event sent walkers on a 30-mile course passing Walsall RFC, Tamworth RUFC and Lichfield RUFC. The second event was a relay race against a train around Chasewater Country Park for the club’s age grade players. The two events, plus contributions made during the season, saw the club donate over £1,000 to Wooden Spoon Staffordshire.

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fundraisers 680-Mile Thank you Tamworth Saxons U14 are knocking it out of the park this season in their team charity shirts, donated by Wooden Spoon. Determined to give back to the charity that supported them, the young players have now set themselves a 680-mile World Cup Challenge, raising money for Wooden Spoon. Go Saxons!

forever grateful Children at St John’s College, Cambridge, paid tribute to their much-loved sports teacher Gareth McComb, who tragically died aged just 42, by fundraising for Wooden Spoon. Gareth was a keen rugby player and was passionate about the role of sport in schools. The children were proud to present the cheque to Wooden Spoon Regional Manager, Matt Bishop, pictured below.

fantastic 50 When Pip Andrews turned 50, not only did she take part in Vets Fest, but also ran the Amsterdam Marathon with her son William to raise funds for Wooden Spoon.

monster fundraiser Busting his original £3K target, Nigel Pooley and his 11-strong team raised an astonishing £10,000 for Wooden Spoon Sussex. The ex-rugby stars set off in two-man Canadian canoes along Scotland’s 68-mile Great Glen Canoe Trail, passing through Loch Ness. Braving chilly waters, numerous capsizes and a gruelling pace, the dedicated crew kept in mind their end goal of supporting children through the game of rugby.

young’s Fundraiser

every drop is a goal Throughout October, the amazing pub teams from across Young’s 233 pubs certainly raised the bar with wonderful fundraising activity including lengthy bike rides, fun quizzes, and sponsored walks contributing to their overall target of £150,000 for Wooden Spoon projects. A big thanks to all at Young’s Pubs. Cheers!

woodenspoon.org.uk

OPERATION SPIRIT TOUR 2024 British & Irish National Wooden Spoon Vets Normandy 4-9 June A Vets Tour for men and women will be going to France, to commemorate 80 years from the D-Day Landing The trip will include travel to Normandy, a visit to Pegasus Bridge and the D-Day Landing Beaches, plus fantastic rugby matches and commemorative dinners Register your interest at: rugby@woodenspoon.org.uk

tributes Brian Hodges Brian had been a passionate and committed member of Wooden Spoon since 1998, when he also joined the Surrey committee. Right from the start Brian was determined to make his mark on fundraising for the Surrey region, and his targets and aims were aspirational. A role at Wooden Spoon head office saw Brian spend his early years overseeing national grant applications and projects. He was hugely influential and everything he did put disadvantaged children at the forefront. In 2015, Brian stepped up as Surrey committee Chair with enthusiasm and professionalism. His many contacts with rugby clubs, established through his playing years, led the committee to build partnerships with Surrey rugby clubs. He saw this as an important focus for the committee, and he used his leadership skills to drive this forward. Brian had an excellent relationship with our President, John Inverdale, which was evident in all the functions they hosted together. John said: “If he’d been a stick of rock, he’d have had ‘spoon’ running through, from top to toe. Every time you met Brian,

Sue and Brian Hodges

he’d talk auctions and raffles and golf days and project openings and fundraising and dinners – all to help young people get a better chance or a better life or both.”

and knows he has a hard act to follow. Brian will be missed by so many Wooden Spoon members. He left an indelible mark and helped a great many children.

Brian had the aspirational goal to take the total Surrey regional fundraising to £1 million for disadvantaged children, before retiring in March 2024 at the Sporting Dinner. He was planning a spectacular event, ‘Farewell to Invers’, at Epsom Racecourse when he was sadly taken from us.

Wooden Spoon CEO, Sarah Webb, remembers Brian warmly: “Brian has dedicated decades of his life to ensuring that Wooden Spoon could grant funds to as many projects as possible and in turn help improve the lives of thousands of children and young people. He was instrumental in raising hundreds of thousands of pounds.

He was so close to achieving his goal and the Surrey committee will ensure they carry on his tireless work. In his usual efficient manner he had recruited his successor, Mark Dean, who has the full support of the committee

woodenspoon.org.uk

“This is a loss to us as a charity, to me personally and to the rugby community. Our sincerest thoughts and condolences are with his family at this very sad time.”

tributes Clive Rowlands OBE Clive will be remembered for his huge contributions as player, coach, manager and president of the Welsh Rugby Union and he spoke at many Wooden Spoon functions with his unique brand of enthusiasm and humour.

At the Golden Oldies finale dinner in Cardiff in 2016 he captivated 1500 guests from all over the world with his famous ‘ball coming in now’ routine. He was quite simply a ‘character’ who will be sorely missed.

David McCreath OBE David co-founded Wooden Spoon Northumberland and was highly active in building it into the successful region it is now. David was instrumental in raising thousands of pounds for Wooden Spoon. Even after retirement, he was

very supportive – he drove from his home to Lindisfarne to deliver strawberries to our strawberry stall when we were running short, and he also made a very generous donation of £10,000 to our cricket match.

Philip Lawless In addition to hosting trustees’ and committee meetings, Philip was involved in organising fundraising golf days, dinners and lunches. His experience and expertise in hospitality ensured that Wooden Spoon London

events were well organised, very profitable, entertaining and good fun. Philip was a founder member of Wooden Spoon and a true original, he will be sadly missed by many – our thoughts are with his family at this time.

Steve Scott Steve was one of the five founder members of Wooden Spoon. He was present at the England v Ireland game in Dublin back in 1983 where England won the wooden spoon having lost all their matches, and following a

round of golf, The Wooden Spoon Society was formed. Steve was a keen rugby supporter and loved all sports. He was also was a very proud and active member of Wooden Spoon, he is much missed by all his family.

ACROSS THE REGIONS

regional events

Our regions continue to work hard hosting great events – here are some highlights from across the UK and Ireland, raising funds to support local projects.

1 Durham & Northumberland Vets Match 2 England V Wales Services Match & Rugby Festival, Chilterns 3 Fence painting at Chestnut Lodge Special School, Merseyside 4 Northumberland Queen Tribute Concert 5 Wales Quiz Day with Phil Steel

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6 Northumberland Strawberry Stall 7 Surrey Partner Club Cycle 8 Aberdeen Dinner 9 Guernsey RWC Dinner 10 Cricket Match with Lord’s Taverners at Bamburgh Castle

ACROSS THE REGIONS 11 Yorkshire Black Sheep Bike Ride 12 Guernsey Legends Dinner 13 Gloucestershire RWC Dinner

14 Leicestershire St George’s Day Lunch 15 Oxfordshire Fawlty Towers Dinner 16 Cornwall Pre RWC Charity Dinner

ACROSS THE REGIONS

golf days

Throughout the summer, our regions organised golf days to raise funds for Wooden Spoon. They’re a fantastic way of getting everyone together and into the swing of it. Here’s a round up of some of the events.

1&2 Bristol, Bath & Somerset 3 Lancashire 4 Durham 5 Hertfordshire

6 Cumbria 7 Mid Kent 8 Wales 9 Cornwall

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10 Sussex 11 Warwickshire 12 West Kent 13 Chilterns

events & contacts dates for the diary 7 DEC 2023 Glasgow Wine Tasting

8 DEC 2023 Edinburgh Christmas Lunch

10 DEC 2023 Chilterns Carol Cruise

13 DEC 2023 Sussex

Christmas Lunch on Brighton Pier

14 DEC 2023 Devon

Christmas Lunch with Exeter Chiefs Foundation

15 DEC 2023 Yorkshire Christmas Sporting Lunch

27 JAN 2024 Edinburgh

Stirling Co RFC vs B&I National Wooden Spoon Vets Burns Matches and Supper

8 MAR 2024 Chilterns Sporting Luncheon

16 MAR 2024 Guernsey 6 Nations Dinner 2024

22 MAR 2024 Surrey

Sporting Dinner: Farewell to Invers 2024

Regional contacts ABERDEEN: Norman Fiddes aberdeen@woodenspoon.org.uk BEDFORDSHIRE: Oliver Richbell bedfordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk BRISTOL, BATH & SOMERSET: Jeff Durant bbs@woodenspoon.org.uk CHILTERNS: Chris Henkey chilterns@woodenspoon.org.uk CORNWALL: Alan Milliner cornwall@woodenspoon.org.uk CUMBRIA: John Cunningham cumbria@woodenspoon.org.uk DEVON: Roger Haywood devon@woodenspoon.org.uk DORSET, WILTSHIRE & HAMPSHIRE: Brett Bader dwh@woodenspoon.org.uk DURHAM: Paul Tully durham@woodenspoon.org.uk EASTERN COUNTIES: Recruiting* eastern@woodenspoon.org.uk EDINBURGH: John Godfrey edinburgh@woodenspoon.org.uk ESSEX: Richard Austin/James Crouch essex@woodenspoon.org.uk GLASGOW: Al Kellock glasgow@woodenspoon.org.uk GLOUCESTERSHIRE: Rob York gloucester@woodenspoon.org.uk GUERNSEY: Karen Solway guernsey@woodenspoon.org.uk

HERTFORDSHIRE: John Batters hertfordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk ISLE OF MAN: Allan Thompson/Peter Jenkins isleofman@woodenspoon.org.uk JERSEY: David Wilton jersey@woodenspoon.org.uk KENT: Richard Russ kent@woodenspoon.org.uk LANCASHIRE: Martin Long lancashire@woodenspoon.org.uk LEICESTERSHIRE: Malcolm Foulkes-Arnold leicester@woodenspoon.org.uk LEINSTER: Niall Browne leinster@woodenspoon.org.uk MANCHESTER & CHESHIRE: Roger Smith manchester@ woodenspoon.org.uk MERSEYSIDE: Mark Flett merseyside@ woodenspoon.org.uk NORTHAMPTONSHIRE: Recruiting* northampton@ woodenspoon.org.uk NORTHUMBERLAND: Iain Stewart northumberland@ woodenspoon.org.uk NOTTINGHAMSHIRE: Diane Orson nottingham@ woodenspoon.org.uk

OXFORDSHIRE: Will Deeley oxfordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk SHROPSHIRE: Chris Bristow shropshire@woodenspoon.org.uk STAFFORDSHIRE: Trevor Jenkins staffordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk SURREY: Mark Dean surrey@woodenspoon.org.uk SUSSEX: Sandy Fleming sussex@woodenspoon.org.uk ULSTER: Peter Wood ulster@woodenspoon.org.uk WALES: Huw Thomas wales@woodenspoon.org.uk WARWICKSHIRE: Ian Holroyd warwickshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk WEST MIDLANDS: Martin Owen westmidlands@ woodenspoon.org.uk WORCESTERSHIRE: John Gibson worcester@woodenspoon.org.uk YORKSHIRE: Stuart Watson yorkshire@woodenspoon.org.uk

* Are you interested in the role of Chair for Northamptonshire or Eastern Counties? Then please email us at: regions@ woodenspoon.org.uk