Wooden Spoon Gin boasting unique botanicals, including local plant bog-myrtle, creating a distinctive and delicious flavour.
wirraldistillery.com/product/wooden-spoon-gin/
Merseyside
growing our wooden spoon family
Firstly, an enormous thank you to every one of you who supported our Tag Appeal last year. Tag Fest, held this June, was a huge success, showcasing just how uplifting the power of rugby can be. It shined a bright spotlight on some incredible young people – many of whom may have previously been left on the sidelines. (See page 10). It’s a true testament to what we can accomplish together through the unity of the rugby community.
Looking forward, I’m thrilled to share that we’re launching an ambitious five year strategy to help our next million children. To reach this goal, we need your help. We’re asking each of you to consider referring a friend or family member
to join the Wooden Spoon family. And to make it a little more exciting, every referral enters you into a draw to win two tickets to see the British & Irish Lions face Argentina in Dublin next year. It ’s a fun way to bring new faces on board; helping us make a bigger impact in the years to come.
above and beyond to fundraise for Wooden Spoon through personal challenges. From our youngest supporters to those young at heart, your efforts – big or small – truly make a world of difference (see pages 25-27). Every challenge taken on, every penny raised brings us closer to making a lasting impact.
To spread the word even further, we’ve enclosed a Wooden Spoon sticker in this issue – please display it proudly and help us reach even more people.
A special thank you goes out to all of you who have gone
I hope you enjoy reading about our latest projects and events in this issue of Spoonews. As always, thank you for your generous support. Together, we’re changing lives – and we couldn’t do it without you.
We’re proud of everything Wooden Spoon has achieved so far, helping to change the lives of children and young people through our grant funding, but there is still so much more we need to do.
The problem
Due to demand we can only fund one in three grant applications.
The Solution
Our strategy aims to triple our income over the next five years.
The Outcome
To help the next million children and make an even bigger difference where it’s needed most.
For specific details of our strategy scan here
To provide unparalleled support to our staff, volunteers, and grant recipients by making sure they have the right tools and systems they need.
our strategic vision
1 2 3 4
Make Wooden Spoon the go-to rugby charity to support children and young people – known for being trusted, inspiring, and attracting strong, diverse funding.
SUPPORTINGCHILDREN & YOUNGPEOPLE
Working with health and social care experts to back initiatives that tackle the real issues children and young people are dealing with right now.
Strengthen our rugby connections and increase our supporters. Engage individuals and businesses, plus rugby, charity and health sectors, to create more fundraising opportunities.
Turn the page to play your part and win Lions tickets
what you can do
Every action counts, and with your help, we can make sure even more children and young people benefit from Wooden Spoon’s work
Refer a new Wooden Spoon member
Spread the word and help us grow our community –see opposite.
Play rugby
Join in the sport we all love while raising funds to support young people.
Display our sticker
Pop the enclosed sticker in a window for all to see.
Increase your monthly donation
Even a small increase can go a long way in helping more children and young people.
Take on a challenge
Whether it’s a marathon, cycle, or something else, push yourself for a great cause.
Volunteer
Your time and energy can make a huge difference.
Make a lasting impact
Consider Wooden Spoon in your will.
Help Us & WIN Grow BIG
WIN two tickets* to see the British & Irish Lions against Argentina
As a valued Wooden Spoon member, you already know the incredible impact we make together for children and young people. Now, we’re asking for your help to make our community even stronger.
For every new member you successfully refer, both you and the joining member will have the chance to win a pair of tickets to see the British & Irish Lions against Argentina at the AVIVA Stadium, Dublin on Friday 20 June 2025.
For every new member you successfully refer, you will both be entered into a prize draw to each WIN two tickets to see the British & Irish Lions against Argentina at AVIVA stadium, Dublin on Friday 20 June 2025.
Together, we can grow our Wooden Spoon family and continue changing lives through the power of rugby.
Together, we can grow our Wooden Spoon family and continue changing lives through the power of rugby.
1. Refer a friend or family member to join Wooden Spoon.
2. Make sure they enter your name.
3. Each successful referral = 1 entry into the draw.
4. The more people you refer, the better your chances of winning.
*T&Cs apply
woodenspoon.givingpage.org/member-get-member-24
Thank you to our sponsors
it’s so much more than
There was an atmosphere of joy and inclusivity at Broadstreet RFC, in Coventry, as the Wooden Spoon International Tag Festival kicked off for a rugby-packed day full of team spirit.
Supported by rugby star Jodie Ounsley, the festival marked the start of our broader
rugby
initiative to expand the disability rugby scene across the UK and Ireland.
Connor’s mum, Helene tells us what a difference Tag Fest has made to her son: “Connor feels like he doesn’t fit in at school and is used to being left out. When I found out about Tag Fest I knew it was the perfect
Jodie Ounsley joined the Tag Fest players for games and a fun warm up
opportunity to help him feel like part of a team and I wasn’t wrong – but what I wasn’t aware of was how incredible an experience it would be.
“It was utterly heart-warming to see not tens, but hundreds of children, who might not otherwise get the opportunity to enjoy rugby, come together in mutual acceptance and harmony.
“It was a breath of fresh air to be in the company of others who don’t judge and understand the challenges that come with parenting a child with additional needs.
“Words can barely describe the feeling. What we have experienced at Tag Fest was a holiday for my soul and something I thought my son would never get the chance to do. My son told me that he loves his life now. We feel like we are part of something very special.”
With 23 teams for Under and Over 15s with mild and severe learning disabilities, the festival was a tremendous success, bringing
together players, families and supporters for a day celebrating the spirit of rugby and the power of inclusivity.
“It was a breath of fresh air to be in the company of others who don’t judge and understand the challenges that come with parenting a child with additional needs.”
Connor’s mum, Helene
Wooden Spoon Rugby Manager, Matt Mitchell, said: “ Tag Fest is a really joyful event focusing on building connections between individuals with different abilities who typically struggle with communication. They flourish when rugby is involved.”
We thank all our teams, volunteers and supporters including Omerta and Valencia Waste Management for making this incredible event happen.
If you would like to support Tag Fest 25, please donate here:
Warmley Wheelers offers specialist equipment and a safe, friendly environment to support people who would normally find it difficult to ride a bike.
Wooden Spoon’s donation meant the Wheelers could add a side-by-side tandem, with an electric motor, to their fleet of specially adapted bicycles.
Service Coordinator, John Simmons, explained why the tandem is so important: “ The young people are sitting next to their carer. It ’s a chance to exercise in a controlled and safe way, allowing everyone to explore as much as they can.”
The cycle scheme uses a 4km stretch of the Bristol to Bath railway path, as well as a quieter area in Warmley Forest Park, to bring the freedom of cycling to everyone, regardless of ability
John has noticed how riders at Warmely Wheelers benefit from the tandem: “ The bike
“The young people are sitting next to their carer. It’s a chance to exercise in a controlled and safe way, allowing everyone to explore as much as they can.”
Service Coordinator, John Simmons
allows them to put effort into the ride and give riders a focused, positive experience that has benefits both during and after the ride.
“ The new Vanraam tandem bike is the most used, most popular and most requested of all the bikes we have.”
The scenery is all part of the experience, adds John: “It ’s beautiful, there’s trees and nature. It ’s an old railway line, so there’s a few tunnels. The tandem bike allows people to be out and about, watching the world go by and the seasons change. Some days it rains,
Wooden Spoon Bristol, Bath & Somerset granted for a side-by-side tandem bike for the Warmley Wheelers, in Bristol £5,000
some days it ’s sunshine – it ’s just nice to experience it all. It’s good for mental wellbeing.”
The children and young people also get a chance to improve their bike ability. “ They might start with the Vanraam to get them moving and cycling. Then we progress them onto a solo trike and then onto a classic bicycle,” said John.
Vanraam tandem adventures: One of the riders with his carer
dreams of woodland space
The children and staff at Saint Francis Primary Academy, in Bedworth, were delighted for the support of Wooden Spoon enabling them to fulfil a dream of many years standing. The school is blessed with a large outdoor area, but the wooded area had become unmanageable and inaccessible to the children. The children wanted an area in which they could relax, have fun, get close to nature and take their learning outside –both for their education and their mental health.
Wooden Spoon Warwickshire granted for a Learning Garden at St Francis Catholic Academy £13,010
Assistant Principal, Julie Sedgley, told us: “ The children are so pleased with their new learning garden. We’ve heard, ‘this is amazing ’, ‘this is brilliant ’, and ‘I love learning outside’.
“ Thank you so much for making their dream come true.”
“The children are so pleased their new outdoor space... Thank you so much for making their dream come true.”
Assistant Principal, Julie Sedgley
The children love learning in the new outdoor area
Ambitious about Autism
Across the UK, a shortage of specialist school placements means too many children with autism miss out on the education they deserve.
Ambitious about Autism’s mission is to stand with autistic children and young people, champion their rights and create opportunities. They provide expert autism education in their Londonbased schools and college, as well as offer wide-ranging support beyond the classroom.
“We have lots of young people who use it for their everyday routine and regulation. The kids love it. It makes a difference every day of the week.”
Executive Head, Andy Nowak
Children and young people with autism often have difficulty processing information, which can lead to sensory overload and severe anxiety. Sensory regulation is not only important for the young person’s wellbeing, but also enables them to learn.
Wooden Spoon provided funds for a break-out space called The Cubbie, an immersive sensory experience. The school is short of space and
Wooden Spoon Surrey granted for a Sensory Room at Ambitious about Autism’s Spring School, Kingston £20,000
The Cubbie offers a compact solution to pupils who need to regulate and reset, away from others. Students have their own login with specific programmes. For example, if a child is interested in nature, their programme will have a nature theme.
The project was opened by rugby star Marcus Watson: “The Cubbie is awesome. I really like the idea; it ’s going pretty well with the kids, which is great to hear.”
Executive Head, Andy Nowak, added: “We have children here who weren’t happy in their other school placements, mainstream school doesn’t work for them.
“We try to create a nurturing, inclusive environment, but we’re doing that in a building that wasn’t designed for us.”
The Cubbie fits into a small space in the existing school. Andy continues: “We have lots of young people who use it for their everyday routine and regulation. The kids love it. It makes a difference every day of the week.”
Marcus Watson opens The Cubbie
Enjoying The Cubbie: Chloe, Yusef and Alex
jumping for JOy
Students at Autism Unlimited’s Portfield School Sixth Form are enjoying a host of benefits from their new 12ft trampoline, thanks to Wooden Spoon.
Assistant Headteacher, Carol Maccoll, said: “Physical activity, exercise and healthy living are integral to our teaching here. Many students use the trampoline to help them with their sensory regulation.
“It also helps when students have excess energy, as the physical activity releases endorphins which help students to feel calm and reduce their anxiety. Using the trampoline can also aid balance and co-ordination.”
supporting pupil’s strengths
Having a small playground in London limits Snowflake School to what the children can do outdoors.
And yet they desperately needed to make the most of their courtyard to give pupils the best opportunity to benefit from being outside.
Wooden Spoon funded two pieces of outdoor gym equipment, which turned the space into something fun for their pupils.
Founder of Snowflake School for Children with Autism, Faryaneh Akhavan, tells us
Wooden Spoon granted for outside gym equipment at Snowflake School for Children with Autism, London £2,500
how the equipment has helped the children at the school: “The outdoor gym has already had a positive impact on the children’s mental health, stress levels and their interaction with each other.”
Autism Unlimited’s mission is to support and empower autistic people.
The charity recognises the challenges for children, adults and their families and work with them as partners to find solutions and create opportunities through tailored learning and support.
for a trampoline at Autism Unlimited’s Portfield School Sixth Form, Christchurch £5,000
a recipe for life skills, friendship and fun
Scotland Rugby legend and British & Irish Lion, Roger Baird, proudly opened the new state-of-the-art accessible kitchen for the Teens+ Centre, run by Capella Charity in Edinburgh. Made possible by a donation from Wooden Spoon, the new kitchen plays a vital role for the centre’s 25 students with additional needs.
The kitchen features lowered counter tops for the centre’s wheelchair users, and highcontrast fittings for an easyto-navigate space for students with visual impairments.
Head of Teens+, Simon PearceMadge, said: “ The new life skills kitchen is more than just a place to learn how to cook. For our young people
with complex needs, the kitchen offers an accessible space to make connections, which is just as valuable as mastering a recipe. Thanks to Wooden Spoon, the new kitchen is helping to create an environment where learning happens naturally through laughter, collaboration and friendship.”
Roger Baird added: “It is always a privilege to represent Wooden Spoon and to see first-hand the difference rugby fans are making to young people’s lives with their
Wooden Spoon Edinburgh granted for an accessible Life Skills Kitchen for Teens+ Centre, Edinburgh £15,000
generous donations. Every penny Wooden Spoon raises in Scotland stays in Scotland, and we’re incredibly proud to fund this kitchen where our students will learn essential life skills, build confidence and have great fun.”
“The new kitchen is helping to create an environment where learning happens naturally through laughter,
collaboration and friendship.”
Head of Teens+, Simon Pearce-Madge
Roger Baird with the Teens+ students
all aboard! says captain Bill
Sir Bill Beaumont took to the captain’s bridge to launch Park Community Academy’s new pirate ship, much to the delight of the school children.
The school caters for a wide range of needs including autism, Down syndrome, sensory needs, social, emotional and mental health, speech, language and communication difficulties and physical disabilities.
Funded by Wooden Spoon, the pirate ship will help pupils develop gross motor skills
Wooden Spoon Lancashire granted for a pirate ship climbing frame at Park Community Academy, Blackpool £25,000
and further develop their imagination and creativity.
Assistant Headteacher, Ben Whittaker, said: “ The pirate ship climbing frame will give
our pupils the opportunity to be active, play and develop social skills both independently and with support. They love it already, it’s very popular.
Ben has also noticed children who previously didn’t join in with traditional sports at breaks and lunchtimes are now using the pirate ship –and, by being more active, are forming good life habits.
With obesity rates in children rising, it is important for schools to ensure there
are more opportunities for physical activity. For the pupils, sensory and physical activities are also key to ensuring they can focus and succeed at their own level.
Jensen aged 11, has just started his second year at Park Community Academy. His mum, Catherine, explained: “Jensen can be boisterous.
He also has epilepsy and needs monitoring. If Jensen bangs his head, there is a high possibility that he will have a seizure.
“Jensen now has opportunities for movement breaks when he needs to and is in a setting that is greater suited to meet his needs.”
Jensen added: “It ’s amazing! The best climbing frame ever!”
“The pirate ship climbing frame will give our pupils the opportunity to be active, play and develop social skills both independently and with support. They love it already, it’s very popular.”
Assistant Headteacher, Ben Whittaker
Jensen making the most of the new pirate ship
Sir Bill Beaumont gives a thumbs up to his pirate crew
vets fest grandfinale for Gill LEGEND
Vets Fest 24 brought together over 800 rugby players from across the UK and Ireland, raising an impressive £100,000 for Wooden Spoon. The event, featuring 16 men’s and 12 women’s teams, was a celebration of sport, community, and charitable giving.
With players donning vibrant fancy dress and creatively decorating their gazebos, the atmosphere was electric. Teams were judged on both their performance on the pitch and their fundraising achievements for our charity
It was also Wooden Spoon Ambassador and former England rugby captain, Gill Burns’ MBE, last full-contact rugby match, after a rugby career spanning 36 years from her winning England debut.
Having played 73 times for England, captained her country and scored 34 tries, Gill finally hung up her boots after playing in the Wooden Spoon Vets Fest tournament at Old Reigatian RFC.
Gill led the Merseyside and North women’s team to victory in the Plate final, marking the end of her illustrious career.
Gill said: “It ’s been really special today. I met some lovely new mates in the Northern team, we really bonded, and everyone worked hard. It was an absolute pleasure, and the icing on the cake was winning the Plate final.”
The Kent women’s team lifted the Maddy Lawrence Memorial Cup and the Kent men’s team secured the Olly Stephens Memorial Cup. These teams were the overall winners of the rugby and fundraising combined.
“It’s been really special today... everyone worked hard. It was an absolute pleasure, and the icing on the cake was winning the Plate final.”
Gill Burns MBE
Wooden Spoon CEO, Sarah Webb, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the rugby community: “It ’s amazing to see everyone come together, not just for the love of the game, but to support such an important cause. The energy today was unbelievable, and it ’s a real testament to what rugby can achieve both on and off the pitch.”
As the day came to a close, it was clear that Vets Fest 24 had been a huge success – not only in the funds raised, but in the unity and spirit of the rugby community.
The festival was a powerful reminder of how sport can bring people together for a greater cause, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the pitch.
Thank you to our lead sponsor
Images: Gary Bide
referees Behind the whistle
Vets Fest couldn’t be the success it is without our team of dedicated referees and match officials, and their expertise and judgement is so valuable to Wooden Spoon.
For Hannah Stewart, this year was her first as a Vets Fest referee. She said: “Being a ref can be challenging but it ’s worth it. As a female ref, I’m part of a generation that’s paving the way for females in rugby, a population that I hope will continue to grow.
“I loved being a ref at Vets Fest, so many people coming together to help out a good cause and play rugby was amazing to see, it really reminded me of the core values of the game and reminded me why I started this whole ref journey in the first place – to give back.”
Back for a third year, David Hartley said: “Many have described the job of a referee as the toughest job in sport. It can sometimes feel like a lonely place. If a player makes a mistake, nobody really bats an eye – but as a ref, every
decision you make is pulled apart by everyone watching and playing.
“The highs, however, far outweigh the lows. I have enjoyed every moment of my referee journey since taking up the whistle six years ago. It fills you with a surge of positive emotions, making you want to keep working towards even greater achievements.
“Having a disabled and vulnerable child myself, Wooden Spoon is close to my heart. If I can support that vital work in a small way by volunteering my time to run around a field all day doing something I love, then what a fantastic way to spend a day.
“The tournament really has a wonderful ethos of maintaining the spirit of the game, and it truly feels like everyone is there for the same reason; to have fun raising vital funds doing something we all love.”
Would you like to join our team of referees at Vets Fest next year? Contact: rugby@wooden spoon.org.uk to find out more.
one muddy challenge corporate
A brave team from Knight Knox took on a Tough Mudder obstacle course to raise funds for Wooden Spoon, raising a fantastic £2,500.
Sales Manager, Tom Cooper, said: “It was a challenging, but incredibly rewarding experience. The support we received was overwhelming, and we are proud to contribute to a cause that makes a significant difference in the lives of children and young people.”
Scrum dine with YOUNG’s
Our amazing supporter, Young’s Pubs, recently hosted the fun and lively Scrum Dine with Young’s fundraiser – a fantastic evening of rugby stars, great food and plenty of laughs.
Held at Smiths of Smithfield, guests enjoyed a delicious meal, before a Q&A with Ugo Monye, Stella Mills, David Flatman and Wayne Barnes, pictured above, and an exciting auction. There were
all kinds of questions, from career highlights to what the panel would’ve done if they hadn’t played rugby. The night raised an amazing £42,980 for Wooden Spoon.
Supported by
french Relay extreme
A team of six intrepid former Newcastle Falcon rugby players took on The Speed Project, a 400km relay race across the South of France. The challenge had to be completed in just 48 hours, so each team member ran the equivalent of one-and-a-half marathons each to raise over £6,500 for Wooden Spoon. The event was also without any support crew, so the runners had to rely on themselves and use their initiative.
Team member, Alex Tait, said: “The amount we put our bodies through, running with little to no sleep for 36 hours, put it up there with one of the hardest physical challenges I’ve done But to then combine that with having to read maps, devise strategies last minute and navigate through narrow streets in a
nine-seater camper van made it a huge mental effort too!”
Fellow runner, Perry Alexander, added: “Competing alongside ultra runners as complete beginners was an interesting challenge, especially in the gruelling 38-degree heat. Despite the harsh conditions, it was great
pushing alongside a solid group of guys. It felt good re-igniting the competitive spirit for this challenge.”
A huge thank to The Speed Project team; Michael Young, Will Welch, Alex Tait, Mark Wilson, Tom Catterick and Perry Alexander, for fundraising for us.
Books for baDGes
Seven-year-old Amber earned her Charity Brownie Badge with a book sale in aid of Wooden Spoon Edinburgh.
MArathon effort
As part of Charley’s recovery from long covid, she signed up for the New Forest Marathon, with the motivation of fundraising for Wooden Spoon, and raised over £2,000.
“Wooden Spoon has been a big part of my life for many years for all the wonderful things they do,” Charley explained.
pass on the good news
Brooke set herself a challenge, through the Rugby Project, to do 50 rugby passes a day for one year – that’s 18,250 passes! She began her epic undertaking earlier this year in May, well done Brooke.
the sky’s the limit
Oliver raised £789 for Wooden Spoon by doing a tandem skydive from 10,000 feet.
Oliver told us: “It was a once in a lifetime experience, which literally took my breath away. Great to do it for an amazing charity and raise money for such a good cause. I’m looking forward to another challenge soon.”
trio’s dedication & perserverance
Congratulations to Dimitri, Olly and Andy, who braved terrible rainy conditions to run the York Marathon. Despite the downpour, they kept their spirits high and had a great
time on the course. Even more impressive, they managed to raise an incredible £1,650 for Wooden Spoon. A huge well done to the team for their dedication and perseverance.
tri-region battle for proPERTY CUP
The Thirteenth Annual Tri-Regions Property Rugby event, in Leeds, saw the pride of the regions lock horns in a series of closely contested matches.
Yorkshire, Midlands and North West played to the highest standard, with the North West retaining both the Rose Bowl and the John Snow King of the North Trophy for a second successive year.
The Surrey Vets team conquered The CPR Challenge, which included a 113-mile cycle ride, a 23-mile paddle and a 15-mile run. All their fundraising goes towards Vets Fest.
Put the fun back into fundraising and engage in various cultural and adventurebased tasks, emphasising teamwork, endurance, and interaction with the local environment. We’ll also throw a game of rugby with a local team into the mix.
£1,750
PER PERSON £175 DEPOSIT, PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE, EXCLUDES FLIGHTS
WHY JOIN:
• Sri Lanka 8-day adventure
• Travel over 1,000 km
• Daily challenges
• Play rugby
• Support Wooden Spoon’s mission with a £500 fundraising target
22-30 MARCH 2025
raising Musical notes
More than 700 people gathered at SpoonFest 24 for a weekend of tribute bands and local musical talent at Alnwick RFC, thanks to Wooden Spoon Northumberland.
Guests basked in the sunshine, with picnics and drinks, and danced into the night to tribute acts including Rod Stewart, ABBA & Fleetwood Mac.
We’re already looking forward to SpoonFest 25. Save the date for Saturday, June 7, it ’s definitely one not to miss!
a roaring success
The 1974 British & Irish Lions, celebrated for their historic undefeated tour of South Africa, were honoured in a reunion marking 50 years since their achievement.
Led by captain Willie John McBride CBE, the iconic squad gathered near Belfast for the Million Pound Lunch, organised by Wooden Spoon Ulster. Funds from the rugby star-studded event will support projects aiding children and young people living with disability or disadvantage.
highland cheques
Twelve teams from across Scotland came together for a weekend of traditional highland games, dancing and fundraising.
The beautiful grounds of Ardoe House Hotel & Spa were the backdrop f Wooden ever
Highland Games event. The sun shone brightly, and guests enjoyed great food and a traditional cèilidh dance.
A special thank you to everyone who took part, with your kind donations we’re able to help more children have a better life.
’ The Million Pound Lunch: 18 members of the iconic 1974 Lions squad
Across the regions
Bringing together 22 regions across the UK and Ireland, Wooden Spoon’s annual conference saw the launch of the new Five Year strategy at Coventry RFC.
The event was the perfect opportunity for members to connect, engage and unite over their passion for making a difference.
We introduced our new strategy, with seminars and workshops giving delegates the chance to dive deeper into the details.
best of the vets
The Wooden Spoon rugby community wrapped up its most successful season yet, with 19 British & Irish games and over 30 other matches. Highlights included the Men’s and Women’s Tour to Normandy for the 80th D-Day anniversary and the best-ever Stirling Burns Supper. Well done to all our award winners this season.
Most Valuable New B&I
Spoon Vet: Andy Angell & Rachael Austerberry
Most Caps in 2023-2024
Season: Adam Kentell & Beena Chadha
Most Valuable Vet: Rod Bisset & Laura Smales
Regional Spoon Vets
Team of the Year: Essex Wooden Spoon Vets
Spirit of Spoon Award
2023-2024: Mark Kane (Scotland Spoon Vets) & Vicky Flower (Kent Spoon Vets)
Andy Angell Rachael Austerberry
Adam Kentell
Beena Chadha
Laura Smales
Rod Bisset
James Crouch, Essex Vets
Mark Kane & Vicky Flower
Operation Spirit: in remembrance
Uniting sport, history and remembrance, the Wooden Spoon tour to Normandy was a powerful reflection of the enduring spirit of camaraderie and respect within the rugby community.
Players put their hearts into every match, honouring the memories of those who fought 80 years ago.
“Touring with such a fantastic group reminds me how special the folks who drive change with Wooden Spoon are,” said the men’s captain, James Crouch.
Women’s team vet, Vega Ouyang Hui, added:
“Visiting historical sites was so touching, and the friendships we built made this one of the best rugby tours I’ve ever been on.”
Our players met their hosts at Caen Rugby Club, before a visit to Pegasus Bridge, where the first Allied troops landed. The teams also visited the Commonwealth War Cemetery at Ranville
and Omaha Beach, a landing area in Normandy used by Allied forces in the D-Day invasion. A remembrance service, on Sword Beach, concluded the weekend with a tribute to the fallen.
Many thanks to all who made the tour possible, including Quark and Leigh’s Autos, and helped raise funds for Wooden Spoon.
If you are interested in commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day in 2025 then get in touch: rugby@woodenspoon.org.uk
TRIBUTES
PHIL NOVIS
Phil was an integral member of Wooden Spoon Bedfordshire and served as Secretary for many years. Phil was so passionate about the projects we support, and he always gave everything his undivided attention.
He was proud of the region’s projects, which included sensory gardens, accessible playgrounds and wheelchair roundabouts. Phil
Vic was a founding member and trustee of Wooden Spoon. In 1983, as Captain of Farnham Golf Club, he hosted a Golf Day that directly led to the charity’s formation.
Vic joined the original committee,
always spoke with great affection about his involvement with Wooden Spoon and wrote his own presentations, which he delivered to local businesses and community groups.
All of us at Wooden Spoon will miss his enthusiasm and happiness enormously. At this most sad of times our love and best wishes are with Phil’s family.
fundraising , inspiring others with his commitment. His last golf day achieved a record sum and continued late into the night.
A longtime Bracknell Rugby Club member, Vic inspired fellow associates to join Wooden
15 NOVEMBER Wales
The Concrete Society
Autumn Lunch
15 NOVEMBER Lancashire
Annual Luncheon
22 NOVEMBER Oxfordshire
Cabaret Spectacular
22 NOVEMBER Surrey
Rugby Clubs’ Curry Lunch
2024 2025
28 NOVEMBER
Gloucestershire
Annual Dinner
ABERDEEN : Norman Fiddes aberdeen@woodenspoon.org.uk
BEDFORDSHIRE : Oliver Richbell bedfordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk
29 NOVEMBER Merseyside
Annual Sporting Lunch
2 DECEMBER Oxfordshire
Golf Day
6 DECEMBER Warwickshire
Christmas Lunch
8 DECEMBER Chilterns
Carol Cruise
13 DECEMBER Yorkshire
Christmas Sporting Lunch
30 JANUARY Yorkshire
Sheffield Six Nations Dinner
HERTFORDSHIRE : John Batters hertfordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk
31 JANUARY
Gloucestershire
Six Nations Lunch
28 FEBRUARY Surrey
Warlingham RFC Curry Event
21 MARCH Surrey
Lions Dinner
SAVE THE DATE
5 JULY Night at the Proms at RAF Shawbury
Regional contacts
OXFORDSHIRE : Steve Murphy oxfordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk
SHROPSHIRE : Chris Bristow shropshire@woodenspoon.org.uk
