Wooden Spoon - Spoonews Autumn/Winter 2016

SPOONEWS AUTUMN/WINTER 2016

Visser voices support Scotland sensation champions children’s charity of rugby

EXTREME MEASURES Former world player of the year goes to the ends of the Earth to help others

TIGER TAMER Beating Woods helps golfer step from All Blacks’ shadow

WELCOME

HAVE YOUR SAY ON YOUR MAGAZINE...

Here at Wooden Spoon we are always striving to improve our communications and provide information to our supporters in the best way for them.

You may have noticed that we are updating Spoonews magazine, and we’d love to hear what you do and don’t like about it and also what you’d like to see more of in the future.

GIVING CHILDREN A SPORTING CHANCE

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ELCOME to our Autumn/ Winter edition of Spoonews, which arrives as we bask in the glory of an impressive number of Team GB Olympic medals plus the incredible 2016 Paralympics hitting our screens. We understand the time and dedication it takes for these great athletes to be so successful and, at the same time, we recognise the time and effort our volunteers contribute to make our charity what it is today.

With the great game of rugby driving our ethos and spirit, we know just how life-changing sport can be for children and young people’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

That’s why we are in the midst of announcing our new Wheelchair Rugby campaign, where we aim to raise enough money to buy a new chair for every wheelchair rugby cub in the UK and Ireland – that’s 19 chairs for 19 clubs.

We have written to all our wonderful Wooden Spoon supporters about our campaign and are also talking to businesses, schools and rugby clubs – as well as our loyal regional volunteers – about how everyone can get involved.

Please visit our website for more information and to watch the campaign video: woodenspoon.org.uk/

wheelchair-rugby With your help, we continue to change the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children and young people, through a wide range of projects that are not just rugby-related.

You can read more about where your money goes with local funds helping local projects, with stories about some of the fantastic schools and hospitals we’ve funded on pages 34-45.

We’ve also taken the opportunity to reflect, with an interview with Wooden Spoon’s President and one of the original founders, Peter Scott (pages 14-15), along with a rummage in the archives from our fantastic flagship fundraiser, The Rugby Ball, which returns with a bang in February 2017 (pages 16-17). We hope to see many of you there.

As ever, we are sincerely grateful to all the good people who enable Wooden Spoon to transform lives through the power of rugby – together, we really show what passion, integrity, teamwork and fun can achieve.

John Gibson

John Gibson Chairman

Please provide your feedback via our very short online survey at bit.ly/yourspoonews As well as our bi-annual magazine, we send monthly updates via email to keep our supporters informed about the amazing projects we help and the fantastic fundraising taking place in your area.

If you’d like to receive email updates and haven’t already provided us with your address or recently changed your email, please send your details to charity@woodenspoon.org.uk and we’ll update your records.

We will never share your details with a third party and you can unsubscribe at any time.

You can also keep in touch with all our latest news on social media. Find us via our Facebook page – facebook. com/WoodenSpoonCharity – and our Twitter profile, twitter.com/ CharitySpoon Our latest videos are available at youtube.com/user/WoodenSpoonTV, plus check out our photos on our new Instagram account instagram. com/charityspoon Thank you for you continued support. woodenspoon.org.uk

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“Wooden Spoon is intrinsically linked to the rugby world. Many of the patrons are big names within the sport so it is an easy organisation to get on board with."

Tim Visser – Page 20

Picture: Scottish Rugby/SNS Group

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Autumn/Winter 2016

woodenspoon.org.uk

CONTENTS

In this issue...

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Kick-off 7

ROYAL RECOGNITION Star supporter awarded MBE in Queen's Birthday Honours

8

MARATHON EFFORT Fundraisers push through the pain barrier

11 PRESIDENTIAL POSITION Valued volunteer becomes Shropshire's first lady

12 ON TOUR Catch up with the latest news from the global game

13 AUSSIES RULE Talent from Down Under dominates English sport

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Features 16 GREAT NIGHT OUT Celebrating Wooden Spoon's glitzy annual Rugby Ball

20 GREAT SCOT Tim Visser reveals his rugby roots to Spoonews

24 NEW APPROACH Kiwi golfer steps from the shadows of the All Blacks

28 MAN FOR ALL SEASONS Ollie Phillips ensures charity has its day in the sun

34 HEAVENLY MATCH Caring couple use their big day to back Wooden Spoon

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Extra time

Funded projects 36 PERFECT PAVILION

46 TOUR TRANSPORTER

Jonny May visits sporty addition to school

A rugby family runs the rule over Volkswagen's new Caravelle

38 PRIME PLACE TO PLAY

48 GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

Lions legend opens Belfast-based sensory area

40 SENSATIONAL SUPPORT

Wooden Spoon supporter shares his passion for wine

50 WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Surrey secures premium pod for specialist school

42 GREAT WALL

Discover what Africa has to offer beyond Springboks and Simbas

53 ICING ON THE CAKE

Ex-London Irish star tackles interactive fitness facility

44 EXCELLENT EXPOSURE Photography graduate returns for playground opening

David Trick remembers a rare moment of silence

SPOONEWS AUTUMN/WINTER 2016

Visser voices support Scotland sensation champions children’s charity of rugby

EXTREME MEASURES Former world player of the year goes to the ends of the Earth to help others

TIGER TAMER Beating Woods helps golfer step from All Blacks’ shadow

ON THE COVER Harlequins and Scotland star Tim Visser has maintained his support for Wooden Spoon throughout his nomadic rise to rugby's elite.

Picture: Scottish Rugby/SNS Group

PUBLISHED BY TYLERBALE COMMUNICATIONS Email: info@tylerbale.co.uk Tel: 01252 714 870 Fax: 0871 522 6565 Write: 10 Borelli Yard, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7NU All rights reserved.

WOODEN SPOON – THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY OF RUGBY Email: charity@woodenspoon.org.uk Tel: 01252 773 720 Fax: 01252 773 721 Write: 115—117 Fleet Road, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 3PD Contact details for our regions can be found online at woodenspoon.org.uk/near-you

Content © Wooden Spoon 2016. Wooden Spoon is registered in England. Registered address: 115-117 Fleet Road, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 3PD. Charity Registration No 326691 (England & Wales) and SC039247 (Scotland).

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Kick-off THE LATEST NEWS FROM WOODEN SPOON AND BEYOND

Walkers complete coastal challenge FOUR friends walked the full length of Cornwall’s northern coastline in the name of Wooden Spoon.

Redruth RFC stalwarts Ian Eslick and Mark Bryant joined Kenny Harris and Keith

Huxtable for the 142mile seaside tour, which raised more than £4,000 for the children’s charity of rugby.

Reflecting on the twoweek expedition, longstanding Wooden Spoon supporter

Ian said: “It was very emotional reaching Land’s End with three great mates and also great to have my family [meet me] there.

“The walk was challenging with long steep climbs

but I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Ian is currently preparing to add Cornwall’s southern coastline to his charitable conquests by walking from Plymouth to Land’s End.

For details on upcoming events and challenges, visit bit.ly/WSevents

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Autumn/Winter 2016

woodenspoon.org.uk

KICK-OFF

Royal recognition for Rugby Union’s most-capped referee said: “It’s a huge honour to be recognised in this way. Refereeing has opened up so many doors to me since I took up the whistle as a teenager, as soon as I realised I wasn’t going to make it as a player.

“Refereeing, and becoming a full-time WRU referee, has enabled me to play a part in some of the biggest club and international matches and occasions in world rugby, and of course taking charge of the Rugby World Cup final last year was one of the most memorable events in world sport and I’m grateful for every opportunity.”

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset added: “Nigel is a fantastic ambassador for rugby and a

wonderful person, whose enthusiasm and passion for the game shines through every time he takes to the field.

“The honour is fitting and much-deserved recognition for a man who has not just achieved at the highest level in the sport, but has also done so much for the sport and sporting inclusivity.

“On behalf of World Rugby and the global rugby family, I would like to extend our congratulations to rugby’s most-capped international referee.”

Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies was also full of praise for the man awarded World Rugby’s referee of the year in 2015.

He said: ”Wales has always produced great international referees, from the likes of Gwynne Walters to the previous most capped Welsh referee, Derek Bevan.

“However, it is fair to say that Nigel is certainly one of the best referees in the professional age, if not the best.

“Rugby Union makes huge demands on match officials in the modern era, but Nigel not only manages games to the best of his ability, his impeccable communication and refereeing skills enabling him to play a key part in some of the best club and international matches in recent years, but he’s able to add humour and humility in equal measure.”

“Nigel is certainly one of the best referees in the professional age, if not the best.”

Gareth Davies

THE DRINKS ARE ON US...

WITH the pain of pre-season training fresh in the memory and the first round of competitive games under way, those of you who lace up in the name of rugby are likely to have worked up a significant thirst in recent weeks.

And in recognition of your early-season efforts, the team at Spoonews HQ would love to be able to shout you all a drink! However, conscious that rugby players are not renowned for being reserved when it comes to post-match refreshments, common sense has

prevailed and our offer only extends to one lucky squad.

We’ve teamed up with Scheckter’s

Organic Energy to fuel your team for a forthcoming fixture with 24 drinks from the company’s range.

Each of the four available flavours – Original, Lite, Green Tea & Mint and Green Tea & Ginger – boasts a blend of natural ingredients that deliver a refreshing and healthy way to energise.

To stand a chance of winning a round for your teammates, visit woodenspoon.org.uk and tell us the year in which the children’s charity of rugby was founded.

Winners will be drawn at random from the correct answers emailed to info@tylerbale.co.uk by September 30th.

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Image: World Rugby

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OODEN Spoon stalwart Nigel Owens entered the record books as rugby’s most experienced international referee of all time this summer when he took charge of his 71st Test match.

The Welsh official’s appointment as the man in the middle for Fiji’s World Cup qualifier against Tonga in June saw him eclipse the figure set by South African refereeing legend Jonathan Kaplan.

Nigel, who recently hosted a fundraising dinner for Wooden Spoon Cornwall which raised more than £3,500 for the children’s charity of rugby, made his Test debut in 2003 and has refereed 16 Six Nations matches, three European Cup finals and last year’s Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia.

The landmark achievement followed the news that the 45-yearold had been awarded an MBE for services to sport in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Reflecting on his royal accolade, Nigel

Fundraisers’ marathon effort

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OODEN Spoon supporters pushed themselves through the pain barrier to

complete two of the country’s largest endurance events in aid of the children’s charity of rugby.

In April, 27 runners laced up their trainers to take on the 26.2 gruelling miles of the Virgin London Marathon, raising more than £25,000 in the process.

They were followed in July by a collective of keen cyclists who took on the 100-mile Prudential Ride

London-Surrey challenge, which started and finished in the capital.

The marathon team was led home by Thando, one of several runners employed by TNT, who reached the finish on The Mall in an impressive three hours, 16 minutes.

He said: “Many people have asked me why I ran for Wooden Spoon – for me, when I learnt that TNT UK supports Wooden Spoon the only question I asked myself was ‘when do I start and how do I get involved?’, not why

should I get involved.

“It’s a privilege if my passion for running can contribute to help others.”

Fellow participant Andrew Mitchell chose to run for Wooden Spoon after winning a much-sought-after race entry in the public ballot.

He explained: “The reason I chose this great charity is I have been involved in playing rugby for over 30 years.

“To see what [it] does for young disabled and disadvantaged children through the power of

woodenspoon.org.uk

KICK-OFF

rugby, it was a great match.”

Helen Lovegrove‘s support for Wooden Spoon was strengthened when she visited three schools to see the charity’s impact firsthand. Describing the marathon as “one of the best and toughest” things she has ever done, Helen said: “I had done lots of training but still found it really hard work. What helped me through was the amazing crowds and knowing that I have received so much support from my friends and family.

“I am so happy with the amount raised and couldn’t think of a better charity for it to go to.”

TNT team member

around the course that featured in “I had the motivation the London 2012 all the way round Olympics. knowing the effort I Graham said: put in would result in “As a Fleet much-needed funds resident, I going to great causes.” wanted to find a charity close Graham Tye to home and in Wooden Spoon I found one that does the most amazing disabilities,” work for disadvantaged and she explained. disabled youngsters through the “The places that beautiful sport of rugby.

Wooden Spoon supports “I was so proud to have reached and helps have also or may my goal time of under five hours benefit my friend’s children.” and raise the target funds that ON THEIR BIKES allowed me to take part. I had On two wheels, 13 cyclists the motivation all the way round including Chris Monahan, Angus knowing the effort I put in would Whitelaw, Alan Hooks and result in much-needed funds Graham Tye pedalled their way going to great causes.”

Annemarie Bartlam (pictured left) had a personal reason for taking part.

“I have a number of friends that have children with

CHALLENGE YOURSELF The 2017 London Marathon takes place on Sunday, April 23 – and we are looking for runners for our team.

Wooden Spoon is guaranteed a minimum of 15 gold bond places. We ask each runner to raise at least £1,750, including a non-refundable donation of £100 as confirmation of entry.

Register your interest and secure your 2017 place by emailing challenges@ woodenspoon.org.uk

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Stage is set for golden oldies GREAT OUTDOORS WELSH rugby great Kevin Morgan headed to Pontypridd’s Coedpenmaen Primary School to officially open the Wooden Spoon Outdoor Classroom.

The former international star joined pupils, staff and guests for a BBQ to mark the completion of the new area, which was made possible thanks to a £10,000 donation from Wooden Spoon Wales.

The classroom addresses a chronic shortage of space at the school and will allow staff to provide much-needed one-toone sessions with children with autism and other special needs.

Deputy head Michelle Pugh thanked Wooden Spoon for its generosity and said the facility was already in constant use.

VETERAN rugby players were due to roll back the years as this issue went to press to compete in an international tournament raising money for Wooden Spoon.

More than 100 teams from 25 countries signed up for the 21st Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival, which was set to run from August 21-28 in Cardiff.

And the

children’s charity of rugby will profit from the week’s worth of onpitch action after organisers picked Wooden Spoon as the festival’s benefiting charity.

Huw Thomas, Regional Chairman for Wales, said: “It’s fantastic that the Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival is coming to Cardiff.

“As the world’s longest-running vets rugby tournament,

Wooden Spoon [is] proud to be partnered with this great event.”

The wellregarded tournament – which celebrates the core rugby values of fun, friendship and fraternity – features men’s and women’s grades for all playing abilities and is open

to anyone aged 35 or over.

As well as getting to take to the pitch alongside rugby legends, participants will get to celebrate their achievements at a finale awards dinner held at

ULSTER PITCHES IN MEMBERS of Wooden Spoon’s Ulster committee took to the fairways as they raised a staggering £12,054 through a charity golf competition.

A total of 25 four-person teams – who each paid a £100 entry fee – headed to Ballyliffin Golf Club, in Donegal, to square off on the venue’s old course in aid of the children’s charity of rugby.

Further funds were generated from 27 tee sponsors and more than 30 table draw prizes.

The event was supported by former-Ireland and British & Irish Lions legend Fergus Slattery, who is also chairman of Wooden Spoon Leinster, with comedian Gene Fitzpatrick as master of ceremonies.

Committee member Graham Hunter, assisted by fellow volunteers Neville Orr, Issam Horshi, Sam Condit, Gareth Reid and Gavin Killeen, organised the competition.

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Autumn/Winter 2016

Stable partnership CHILDREN with a disability will find it easier to experience the excitement of the equine world thanks to a new link-up between Wooden Spoon and the Riding for The Disabled Association (RDA).

In preparation for the riding group’s 50th anniversary in 2019, the children’s charity of rugby has pledged to fund a team of horses to help RDA meet a growing demand, especially among older children.

HRH, The Princess Royal, who is

Royal Patron of both charities said: “I am particularly pleased as this exciting initiative combines two of my big passions, horses and rugby.

Both pastimes offer a great deal to young people from all walks of life which makes the Wooden Spoon and Riding for The Disabled partnership all the more important.

“In today’s world it is important for all organisations to collaborate and this is particularly the case with charities. Collaboration can lead to

the Millennium Stadium.

For more information about the tournament, visit govsl.com/ goldenoldies/ rugby/overview

more of the hard-earned income reaching beneficiaries.

“I have the privilege of seeing first hand, the good work that is done by both charities.”

Long-term Wooden Spoon corporate partner TNT UK has already leapt into action to support the scheme by becoming the first organisation to sponsor a horse.

Daniel Vines, Director of Sales TNT UK (Domestic), said: “We’re so pleased to extend our support to kick-start this exciting new fundraising campaign, supporting Riding for The Disabled Association and Wooden Spoon. Sponsoring a horse for this purpose is a welcome first for TNT UK and we wish both charities every success.”

Wooden Spoon Lead Ambassador Phil Vickery explained that Wooden Spoon recently reached the milestone of having granted in excess of £250,000 to RDA projects, adding: “This year we hope to make even more of an impact. I am delighted to be involved in this exciting new initiative.”

For more about the project and the young people who will benefit, visit woodenspoon.org.uk/rda woodenspoon.org.uk

KICK-OFF

SPORTING SUPPER

TEAM GB put on a magnificent show as Rug

by Sevens made its Olympic debut at the 2016 Games in Rio. Britain’s men won a silve r medal after reaching the tournament’s final, where they were soundly beaten by the powerful favourites from Fiji, while the women agonisingly finished fourth after losing their bronze medal match against Canada. Sevens will feature again at the 202 0 Games in Tokyo.

Shropshire’s first lady A WOODEN Spoon committee member has made history by becoming the first female to hold an English county’s top rugbyrelated post Judith Phelps, who has been an avid supporter of the children’s charity of rugby for a number of years, is the first woman to be appointed as President of Shropshire RFU and will serve a two-year term in the position.

Well-regarded for her rugby expertise, Judith’s involvement with the game began at Telford Hornets RFC while her children were working their way through the club’s junior section.

She served in a number of roles, including chairman, and is currently Safeguarding Manager of North Midlands RFU, where she is responsible, on a voluntary basis, for setting, managing and advising

on safeguarding policy across a constituent body of more than 60 clubs.

Judith is an instrumental supporter of our Shropshire region and was a joint winner of Wooden Spoon’s Team Award 2015 (pictured, centre left) for her outstanding support in organising the International Tag Rugby Festival at Telford.

Everyone at Wooden Spoon offers Judith hearty congratulations on receiving such well-deserved recognition.

Find out more about our dedicated regional committees near you by visiting woodenspoon.org.uk/near-you

SUPPORTERS of Wooden Spoon Surrey gathered at the group’s spectacular sportsman’s dinner to celebrate another successful year of fundraising.

More than 200 committee members and guests headed to The Royal Automobile Club, near Epsom, to enjoy a special evening complete with sumptuous dinner and rugbyrelated conversation.

And the event swelled the coffers of the children’s charity of rugby, with the £9,000 raised from the night set to make a real difference to disabled and disadvantaged youngsters across Surrey.

Proceedings began with a welcome reception in the venue’s 19th Hole, where Wooden Spoon supporters old and new got the chance to mingle with TV sports personality John Inverdale and former Harlequins No. 8 Nick Easter. Wooden Spoon Surrey honorary president John provided his services as guest MC for the evening, with England international Nick keeping diners entertained with an enlightening question-and-answer session which provided an insight into life as Premiership star.

Among the guests was a couple who had bought themselves tickets as a wedding anniversary present and had travelled from Staffordshire to be present.

DINNER DATE FORMER national captain Andy Nicol will be on hosting duties at a glitzy dinner being held by Wooden Spoon Scotland this November.

The scrum half, who skippered Scotland’s famous 19-13 win over England at Murrayfield in 2000, will be joined by Lions legend Sir Ian McGeechan for the event, which promises to provide guests with a fabulous evening of entertainment.

The dinner takes place at The Stables at Edinburgh’s Prestonfield House Hotel on Thursday, November 3, with tickets costing £1,100 for a table of 10. For more details, email scotland@woodenspoon.org.uk Autumn/Winter 2016

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RUING RIO RUGBY Canada has announced it will not be renewing the contract of its Sevens head coach Liam Middleton.

The change in personnel follows the Canucks’ fifth place finish at the lastchance repechage qualifier for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Middleton took charge of the team in September 2014 having previously been director of rugby for Zimbabwe.

YOUR PASSPORT TO THE GLOBAL GAME’S HARDHITTING HEADLINES...

FRANCE FOCUS ON HOMEGROWN FRANCE’S Ligue Nationale de Rugby has ruled that foreign players signed to youth contracts will no longer be considered as “academy-trained” players from next season.

Clubs are required to have 55 per cent of their matchday squads made up of such players, which will mean the rule change should lead to an increase in the number of young French players featuring on a regular basis.

Foreign players are now required to have either been registered with the French Rugby Federation for five years by the age of 23 to be considered academy-trained.

GRACIOUS GIFT BLITZBOKKE Francois Hougaard demonstrated true team spirit by giving his Olympic bronze medal to an injured colleague.

Seabelo Senatla, a key member of South Africa’s Sevens side over the last three years, did not receive a bronze medal after injuring his wrist in the quarter-final win over Australia.

Hougaard replaced Senatla for the semi-final and bronze match play-off.

PROGRESSING PERFECTLY JAPAN’S preparations to become the first Asian hosts of the Rugby World Cup are on track.

World Rugby has endorsed the positive work achieved by the Japan 2019 organising committee in adhering to key operational milestones, continued strong national and local government support and its passion to deliver an outstanding event for the whole of Japan and the global rugby family.

GREAT FACES TOUGH FIGHT NEW Zealand Rugby Union great Sir Colin Meads has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The former second row played 55 times for his country and was voted the greatest ever All Black in a national poll in 1999. Responding to the diagnosis, the 80-yearold said: “Thank you to everyone for their concern, but for now, it’s about me fighting this.”

LIFE ON THE FARM NAMIBIA’S former captain Jacques Burger has revealed he will be swapping pitches for ploughed fields and cattle following his recent retirement from rugby.

Having won 41 international caps and made 114 appearances for Saracens during a distinguished career, the back-row forward is heading back to his homeland to begin working as a farmer.

Burger, who has starred at three World Cups, called time on his career following Sarries’ Premiership game against Newcastle in April.

The 33-year-old joined Saracens in 2009 and helped the club win two Premiership titles during his time in England.

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Autumn/Winter 2016

INTERNATIONAL EXIT THE Wallabies veteran back-row Wycliff Palu has retired from international rugby after signing a two-year deal with Japanese club side Toyita Verblitz.

The 34-year-old, who has played in 58 Tests for Australia, has suffered a series of injuries in recent years, including a hamstring problem that brought a premature end to his 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika described Palu as “one of the great players I’ve coached” and added “he’s one of the greatest servants we have, he’s done so much for Australian rugby”. woodenspoon.org.uk

KICK-OFF

‘England’s’ Eddie is evidence Aussies can rule at football Should Sam Allardyce have been substituted for a candidate from Down Under?

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HOSE Spoonews readers whose sporting appetite reaches beyond the rugby field may well have been shocked to see Sam Allardyce entrusted with the task of returning the England football team to its former glories.

The ex-Newcastle, West Ham and Sunderland boss comes to the job – perhaps unfairly – with a reputation for adopting an ugly, direct style of play and without ever having led a trophywinning team. However, these career traits are not the biggest surprise surrounding Big Sam’s appointment as England manager.

More worthy of a raised eyebrow is the fact the likes of Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka were overlooked by the English Football Association’s selection process.

Yes, the aforementioned trio have considerable gaps on their respective coaching CVs but each possesses an Australian passport, which has seemingly become a prerequisite for those seeking employment in an elite England role.

The FA has of course had its fingers burnt before when importing expertise, but there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that things may have been different had its recruitment drive focused on applicants hailing from the Southern Hemisphere.

Exhibit A is provided by cricket and Trevor Bayliss. Having previously hired Zimbabweans Duncan Fletcher and Andy Flower for successful tenures, the England and Wales Cricket Board sought the services of the well-respected Australian coach on the eve of a home Ashes series.

Trevor arrived on English soil last year having already won the Sheffield Shield with New South Wales, the Big Bash League title with the Sydney Sixers and the Indian Premier League with the Kolkata Knight Riders, and immediately won back the Urn with an England side which had been on the wrong end of a humiliating 5-0 whitewash in Australia just months earlier.

Next up in our roll call of Australian imports is of course Eddie Jones (pictured) and the England rugby team. Considered a controversial choice as the first non-Englishman to take charge of the Red Roses, the man responsible for masterminding Japan’s shock World Cup victory

“Eddie exorcised the more painful memories of Stuart Lancaster’s England reign.”

over a much-fancied South Africa side has been quick to make his presence felt since his appointment late last year.

Having agreed a four-year contract that will see him lead England into the 2019 World Cup, Eddie exorcised the more painful memories of Stuart Lancaster’s reign by delivering his adopted nation its first Grand Slam since 2003 with a clean sweep at this year’s Six Nations Championships.

England’s impressive reversal of fortunes has more recently seen Eddie inflict an unprecedented 3-0 whitewash on the Wallabies in Australia and shows little signs of abating.

The exodus from Down Under has also been joined by Wayne Bennett, who – amidst much criticism – succeeded Steve McNamara as England’s Rugby League boss in February and will take on Australia, New Zealand and Scotland in the Four Nations later this year.

Picture: RFU Collection/Getty Images

Still not convinced that the FA has been foolhardy? Then finally we offer you the example of Bill Sweetenham, who is arguably the architect of the Antipodean takeover having joined the British swimming set-up in 2000. His seven-year tenure is credited with contributing to Britain winning as many medals at the 2001, 2003 and 2005 world championships as it had at all the previous tournaments since 1973.

While Spoonews doesn’t expect to ever see Lucas Neill or Mark Schwarzer in the England dugout, the prospect of sourcing a “Socceroo” should Sam struggle to restore pride in the Three Lions no longer sounds such a far-fetched solution. A sentiment undoubtedly shared

by Angelos “Ange” Postecoglou, Australia’s current national team boss and one of the most successful Australian club coaches with two premierships, four championships and a continental title to his name.

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Clockwise from left: Peter with his wife Sheila; posing (far left) at Wooden Spoon’s inaugural fundraising drive; and escorting HRH, The Princess Royal, at an event to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary;

Fortune favours the fun Philanthropist Peter Scott MBE explains how keeping supporters smiling has helped Wooden Spoon flourish

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OODEN Spoon’s co-founder and life president Peter Scott is the first to concede the part played by chance in the conception of the children’s charity of rugby.

Had England not performed so badly in the 1983 Five Nations Championships and finished bottom of the tournament table after a 25-15 defeat to Ireland, the ardent

Wasps fan would not have been among a group who, while drowning their sorrows in a Dublin bar, were presented with a wooden spoon wrapped in an Irish scarf.

And nor would he have helped to plan a golf match to contest who would have the honour of keeping the tongue-in-cheek gift – an event and prize that proved the catalyst for all that has followed.

“You have to say there was an element of luck in how Wooden Spoon came to be,” the 83-year-old told Spoonews.

“When you think about it, it [the charity’s birth] was that year or never. England have never ‘won’ the wooden spoon since and in truth it is highly unlikely they will again now that Italy is part of the tournament.”

However, even if fortune is to be credited with the charity’s creation, luck has had little to do with Wooden Spoon’s growth into a national organisation that has distributed in excess of £24 million and helped more than one million woodenspoon.org.uk

FEATURE

“No-one sets out thinking they are going to have a national charity and raise millions – we simply set out to support disadvantaged children.” disadvantaged and disabled children.

Peter’s professional and playful approach to philanthropy was evident from the off and proved key to a Five Nations routing and round of golf rapidly snowballing into a charity ingrained in the rugby community and boasting a network of 34 regional volunteer groups.

As the then owner of a vehicle leasing company, Peter plundered his business contacts ahead of the inaugural event, securing a big-name sponsor in British Car Auctions and attracting huge interest from across the motor industry.

The day, which was hosted at Farnham Golf Club in Surrey, was an unqualified success with plenty of on-course refreshment stops, comedian Barry Cryer and a handful of Irish internationals helping to raise more than £8,500 to cover the cost of a new minibus for a special needs school.

Recalling the “unusual” fundraiser, Peter said: “When we started the charity, we thought whatever we do, we have to do it well and professionally.

“I knew we needed to target the corporate market as that was where the money is but it was also important to have fun, otherwise it would become a drudge.

“I didn’t want to start shaking tins and wanted to be different to the run-of-the-mill charity and that is why Wooden Spoon took off so quickly – people were enjoying it and we were doing it well.

“Immediately after the golf day we had people asking us what we were going to do next.”

With a demanding public to keep entertained, Peter and his fledgling team hastily arranged a St George’s dinner at Twickenham and, when that quickly sold out, the decision to host an annual ball in London was made (pages 16-17).

“It became the best ball in London,” Peter, who was awarded the MBE for services to charity in 2002, added. “It was very heavily supported by the motor industry and used to raise around £200,000 an event.

“It became so popular that Ford, which used to have its own ball on the same day, ended up cancelling its function and booking eight to ten

tables at our event instead.”

Three decades on and with the ball remaining the jewel in Wooden Spoon’s fundraising crown, Peter has finally taken his foot off the gas and is happy to now monitor the charity’s progress from a back seat.

“I am proud to have got to the stage where I can step back and know that the charity will continue and improve,” concluded the doting husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. “No-one sets out thinking they are going to have a national charity and raise millions – we simply set out to support disadvantaged children.

“For me, youth is the future and the more that Wooden Spoon can assist young people along the right track in life and in their younger days, the better.” ➤ Save the date! The Rugby Ball 2017 will be held at the Hilton Park Lane, London on Friday, 3 February. Email events@woodenspoon.org.uk or call 01252 773720 for further details and to book your space.

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Check out the 2015 Rugby Ball video: bit.ly/WSRugby BallHighlights

Having a ball Although Wooden Spoon supporters are not short of opportunities to celebrate their involvement with the children’s charity of rugby, the highlight of the fundraising year is undoubtedly the annual Rugby Ball. Ahead of the 2017 event, which takes place at London’s Hilton Park Lane on February 3, Spoonews dug through the archives to relive some of the highlights from previous years...

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THE RUGBY BALL

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Don’t miss out!

Buy your tickets today Prices start at ÂŁ275 per person, sponsorship packages are available

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Get in touch today:

e: events@woodenspoon.org.uk t: 01252 773720

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Great Scot

Spoonews talks exclusively to Wooden Spoon supporter Tim Visser, the flying winger made in Holland, refined in England and scintillating for Scotland

B

EING a Dutch national who represented England Schools at under-18 level and has since been capped 25 times by Scotland, Tim Visser boasts one of the most unusual backgrounds in professional sport.

But while the tale of his route to becoming an international player has taken some major twists and turns, the flying winger is otherwise a man of consummate consistency.

Dependable on the pitch for both club and country, the Harlequins star has also demonstrated unerring support for Wooden Spoon since being introduced to the children’s charity of rugby by the sport which brought him to Britain’s shores as a teenager.

“Wooden Spoon is intrinsically linked to the rugby world,” Tim told Spoonews. “Many of the charity’s patrons are big names within the sport so for players it is an easy organisation to get on board with.

“It is so deeply connected that almost everyone involved with rugby knows about it and understands what it does.”

Having been spotted playing in the Amsterdam Sevens for RC Hilversum and invited to join the Newcastle Falcons academy as a 16-year-old, the importance of rugby’s strong community and family spirit resonates with Tim more than most.

Recalling his first significant stride towards becoming the first Dutch player to sign a professional contract, the 29-year-old

Picture: Scottish Rugby/SNS Group

“Was playing for Scotland an easy decision?

Yeah, of course.”

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said: “Moving away from parents and everyone I knew was quite tough, but it was softened by the fact that I went to a rugby school.

“Newcastle placed me at Barnard Castle School and it was basically a case of just falling into a regime. Anyone who has been in any sort of rugby youth team or attended a rugby camp is probably used to following a timetable and that was what boarding school was like – you got told when to wake up, when you had to go to sleep and everything in between.

“I actually really enjoyed it to be honest,” he added. “I was basically locked up in a boarding school with 50 friends – 50 rugby friends – and it didn’t get much better than that as far as I was concerned.

“Saying goodbye to all your old friends and not seeing family for months on end isn’t easy but the opportunity I was given was amazing and looking back now I wouldn’t have done it any differently.”

Few followers of the game would dispute that Tim’s decision to temporarily trade his real rugby family – father Marc captained the Netherlands many times during a 15-year career that brought him more than 80 caps and younger brother Sep also played for the Dutch national team – for the company of his County Durham classmates was a sound one.

After all, it was his English education that gave him a first taste of “international” action, an England Schools call-up that saw him play against his future nation of choice.

Tim’s transition from wearing a rose to a thistle began when he swapped Newcastle for Edinburgh in 2009 after making 57 appearances and scoring 13 tries for the Kingston Park side over the course of three seasons.

“My contract ran out at Newcastle and I needed a club to play for,” explained the 6ft 4in wing. “Andy Robinson was head coach of Edinburgh at the time and he offered me a place in his squad, so I went up to play and had absolutely no thoughts about playing for Scotland.

“I literally moved up there for a job and ended up playing reasonably well in the first few seasons and that is when the whispering began to start about whether I wanted to play for Scotland and whether I would be selected.”

Given Tim’s definition of “playing reasonably well” actually translated to being the top try scorer in the PRO12 for his first four seasons at Murrayfield, there is little surprise that Scotland came calling as soon as he was eligible after completing 36 consecutive months of residence north of the border.

His debut campaign in Edinburgh colours saw him run in 11 tries and scoop the league’s Young Player of the Season award and any suggestions of beginner’s luck were quickly dismissed the following year when Tim broke the record for the most tries in a PRO12 season with 14.

Not one to rest on his laurels, he weighed in with a further 13 league and three Heineken Cup tries in his third year in his adopted country. Such scintillating form made Tim hard to overlook and when Andy Robinson again enquired about his availability in 2012, this time as head coach of Scotland, he was given the same answer.

“Was playing for Scotland an easy decision?

Yeah, of course,” said Tim, who has attended numerous Wooden Spoon fundraisers at Murrayfield and dinners at Prestonfield House.

“Any Dutch player, any player given the chance to play international rugby will grab it with two hands. The plus for me was that I felt incredibly connected to the country. I absolutely love Scotland and I am pretty sure I will end up back in Edinburgh after rugby. I felt really at home and made a lot of friends there so it was an easy choice for me.

“My fellow players wanted me to play for Scotland, they knew me, knew how much woodenspoon.org.uk

FEATURE it meant to me and how connected I felt to the country,” he added. “The media probably speculated – as they always do – about the Scottish people being a little hesitant about the whole issue but everyone back home was incredibly supportive. They thought it was and is an amazing opportunity and even though I was giving up playing for Holland, they completely understand and are proud of me.”

Any doubters among Scotland’s supporters have also long since been silenced. The prolific winger marked his first cap with a brace against Fiji and scored two tries against the All Blacks on his home international debut.

Tim has remained in and around the Scottish set-up since and featured twice in last year’s Rugby World Cup, scoring a vital try against the USA. His geographic ties, however, have changed once more following his decision to

leave Scotland’s capital for The Stoop at the close of the 2015/2016 season.

The Dutch-born Scot scored nine tries in 11 Aviva Premiership games last term and believes his latest move has rejuvenated both his club career and international prospects.

“I had been playing in Edinburgh for six years, had some great times there and owe a lot to them as they gave me the opportunity to play international rugby, but I felt that I had stagnated a little bit in the last season or so,” he said. “Under Alan Solomons we played a type of rugby that I was not hugely enthusiastic about.

I felt I was playing a lot more rugby without the ball in my hands.

“That is not to take away from what Alan has done with the team and how he has progressed them over the last couple of years, but for me personally it just didn’t make sense

any more. So when I came down here [to Harlequins] and spoke to Connor O’Shea it was very clear that what he wanted was exactly what I wanted as well.

“We [professional players] are so lucky to be able to get paid to do something we like to do, but the moment that stops being fun, it starts becoming a real job.

“For me, rugby is about enjoying the game and I have rediscovered that down here with Quins.”

Tim is also delighted that his change in clubs has not had to come at the cost of his support for Wooden Spoon.

“The charity supports some great causes so it was an easy choice for me to try and stay involved after moving south,” he concluded.

“Wooden Spoon is active throughout the whole of the UK and it was easy to stay in contact.”

Picture: Scottish Rugby/SNS Group

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B

EING as big a fan of perfecting his pitching on the fairway as he is of rucks and mauls, Brian Hodges concedes there was a large slice of inevitability about his introduction to the children’s charity of rugby nearly two decades ago.

Now chairman of Wooden Spoon Surrey, his long-standing association with the charity was teed up by a serendipitous crossing of paths on the immaculate greens of the Royal Automobile Club in Epsom.

“The guy who used to run the region’s annual golf day hosted the event at my home club,” explained the amateur rugby veteran-turned16-handicapper. “However, while I love golf, had this guy come up and asked me to take part in an event for another charity, I may not have agreed to play.

“It was the fact that I am a rugby fan and that Wooden Spoon is the children’s charity of rugby that I got involved.”

That fateful opening round in support of Wooden Spoon proved to be the first of many.

Quickly getting into the swing of fundraising, Brian joined Surrey’s voluntary committee soon afterwards and became the charity’s

UNUSUAL UNION

national projects director in 2007.

His head office duties extended to encompass organising and hosting golf days for Wooden Spoon’s corporate sponsors, as well as taking the reins of Surrey’s regional competition.

While the irony of a charity with its roots in rugby using another sport to drive efforts to fund life-changing projects for disabled and disadvantaged children is not lost on Brian (pictured left), he insists that golf’s significant supporting role should not come as a surprise.

As highlighted by US Open winner Michael Campbell (see pages 22-25) and his own dual passion, the disciplines are far from incompatible.

“On the surface of it, the two sports do not have a lot in common but lots and lots of rugby players play golf – and, in particular, lots and lots of retired players play golf,” Brian told Spoonews. “Golf days, whether for us or any other charity, are always popular.”

They certainly figure prominently on Wooden Spoon’s fundraising leaderboard. Last year, events hosted by the charity’s network of regions across the UK and Ireland amassed more than £610,000, of which golf events played a significant part.

The sport’s ability to consistently hole a significant wedge is further demonstrated by this year’s competitions calendar, which will

Driving force Spoonews explores how swinging low is proving a ‘profitable pintrest’ for the children’s charity of rugby

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see in excess of 30 regional events culminate in a national final at St. Pierre Hotel and Country Club in Chepstow in October.

Reflecting on his own region’s contribution to this success story, Brian said: “We raised around £4,500 from this year’s Surrey golf day at Tyrrells Wood.

“It is always a fun day and people play year after year. We normally get between 100 and 120 golfers taking part in our competition and I would say 80 per cent of those are returnees.

“Some of those are already members of the charity but many are not and we obviously do our best to convert them!”

IN GOOD COMPANY For fans of rugby with a penchant for putting, Wooden Spoon golfing events provide an ideal opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the sport’s big-hitters.

Former England internationals Lee Mears and Shaun Perry, ex-Wales star Barry Davies and broadcaster John Inverdale, to name but a few, are among those to have featured on the fairways this summer.

However, it is not the presence of Rugby

“On the surface of it, the two sports do not have a lot in common but lots and lots of rugby players play golf.”

Union’s glitterati that continues to drive Brian’s enduring commitment to the Wooden Spoon cause.

The 67-year-old, who retired from his part-time post with the charity in 2014 and

immediately resumed his voluntary role on Surrey’s committee, said his eight-year tenure as projects director had provided more than enough motivation.

“I travelled the whole country and visited more than 350 of the projects Wooden Spoon supports,” he added. “By doing so I was immersed in the beneficiaries of our work, meeting those children, parents and teachers we help.

“The standout highlights of my time with Wooden Spoon are looking at the smiles on the faces of these people – I know that sounds very trite but that’s the way it is.

“That [motivation] is reinforced within Surrey and will be true of the other regions.

We fund and become intimately involved with two or three new projects within our own communities each year.

“We meet these local people, interact with them and work with them as their projects take shape.” ➤ Fancy taking to the fairways in the name of Wooden Spoon? Visit bit.ly/WSevents for details of upcoming competitions.

GET INVOLVED IN WOODEN SPOON’S GOLF EVENTS With more than 30 regional golf days held each year at some of the best courses in the country, along with our prestigious National Golf Final tournament, there are a number of ways you can get involved including various sponsorship packages. For more information please email charity@woodenspoon.org.uk and quote “Golf16”.

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New approach Spoonews talks to Michael Campbell, the Tiger tamer who upset US Open odds to step from the significant shadows of New Zealand’s mighty All Blacks

O

N HOME turf, where heroes habitually wear all black, Michael Campbell is something of a peculiarity.

The Wellington-born star produced one of the greatest days in New Zealand’s sporting history on 19 June 2005 and did so – contrary to Kiwi convention – without a single touch of a rugby ball. Shunning studs and scrums for spikes and a sand wedge, the then 36-year-old golfer sparked a day of national celebration by holding off the challenge of world number one Tiger Woods to win the US Open at Pinehurst in North Carolina.

Becoming only the second New Zealander after Bob Charles to win one of golf’s four majors, he returned home to a tickertape parade and scenes of adulation not seen since The Beatles toured Wellington.

“After the tournament I went back for ten days to share my success with my country,” Michael told Spoonews.

“Because rugby had dominated the lives of New Zealanders for such a long time, it was nice for the country to have another person from another sport do well and to celebrate that.

“It was crazy but I enjoyed every minute of it.”

RUGBY ROOTS The experience of sharing the sporting spotlight with the most successful international rugby side of all-time proved particularly sweet for the champion golfer, who confesses to being as ardent a fan of the All Blacks as any of his fellow compatriots.

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FEATURE

“In New Zealand it is every boy’s dream to be an All Black – it’s in your blood.”

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“You are born with two hands – one to receive and one to give back.

Charity work – especially when it helps kids – is a great way to do it.”

A frustrated half-back, it was oval and not dimpled balls that occupied the childhood dreams of the champion golfer and Michael credits rugby with helping to focus his attention on conquering the world’s fairways.

“When you are born in New Zealand, rugby is part of who you are,” he explained. “I have a huge affinity with the sport and have had a connection to it since I was a kid.

“I grew up following the All Blacks and remember getting up at three in the morning to watch them on television with my father when they played in England.

“In New Zealand it is every boy’s dream to be an All Black – it’s in your blood – and I played rugby from the age of five to 15.

“However, there was a defining moment when I realised that I was not good enough,” added the sporting all-rounder, who represented Wellington at under-16s level.

“I got tackled while playing on a horrible winter’s day and went head first into a puddle.

Back in those days the rules allowed you to pile on top of other players and I nearly drowned.

“That’s when I thought ‘nah, this is not for me – I need to do something else’ and decided to take golf more seriously.”

SWING IN DIRECTION It was a sporting dog-leg that paid dividends, delivering eight European tour wins, the memorable victory at Pinehurst and a World Match Play Championship crown during a 22year professional career.

And while Michael’s pursuit of pitching perfection ruled out any chances of performing a Haka in a black jersey, his status as a New Zealand great has seen him repeatedly rub shoulders with past and present members of the All Blacks playing and management staff.

That number includes the late Jonah Lomu, the legendary winger whose life was cut short last year at the age of 40 by a debilitating kidney condition.

Recalling his meetings with the world-famous figure – who Wooden Spoon was lucky enough to count as a supporter – Michael said: “I met Jonah on a few occasions. He was the first superstar of rugby and stamped an impression on the game globally with his physique, presence and personality.

“When he passed away at such a young age last year it was devastating for everyone. He was a real gentleman.”

Describing Jonah as a wonderful role model,

All-conquering: The All Blacks in action against Argentina last year, en route to a record-breaking second successive World Cup victory

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Michael commended the charitable endeavours of fellow sportsmen and women and said it should come as no surprise that Wooden Spoon has attracted an army of high-profile ambassadors from the world of rugby.

“I believe that in life you are given a chance to do something positive,” the 47-year-old added.

“Everyone has that potential and individuals can choose whether they want to or not.

“You are born with two hands – one to receive and one to give back – and that is what I love about sport.

“We [sportspeople] know that we are very fortunate and, when it comes to golf, I’ve had a wonderful career. It is a real blessing. So what can we do? We can give back and charity work – especially when it helps kids – is a great way to do it.”

CLUBBING TOGETHER The father of two, who hung up his clubs last year, is also pleased that his sport is playing a major part in Wooden Spoon’s drive to raise money for disabled and disadvantaged children (see pages 20-21).

Dismissing the differences between rugby and golf, Michael insists that fairways and greens are ideal retreats for the charity’s fundraisers and its star supporters.

“Golf is a great release whoever you are because you are out, walking among nature, for five hours,” he said. “I have met a lot of sports people who love golf and know many rugby union and rugby league players, tennis players and cricketers who play while away on tour.

“The best rugby player I have played with is George Gregan, who despite being an Australian has become a very good friend of mine.

“Most rugby guys are too big – particularly around the chest area – to be any good but woodenspoon.org.uk

FEATURE New drive: Since formally announcing his retirement from the professional circuit last year, Michael has turned his attention to helping others get the most out of the sport through his flagship academy at The Villa Padierna Golf Resort near Marbella.

“I set up a golf academy in Spain because I want to give back and have got so much information in my head I want to share,” explained New Zealand’s favourite golfing son. “I’m at the academy two-tothree days a week and am very involved. I’m not the type of person to put my name to something and not turn up. My buzz right now is passing on tips to the kids. When they go away with a big smile on their faces that is really cool feedback.”

Michael added: “Our Elite Academy and Junior Academy programmes are designed to ensure that the kind of support system necessary to become a world-class player is accessible to all those that need it, not just the exceptionally wealthy.”

trophy and elite players Michael poses with the US Open my, which is home to from his Villa Padierna Golf Acade three immaculately-kept courses

The Villa Padierna Michael Campbell Golf Academy is based just a few minutes drive from Marbella and Puerto Banus. Whether you are looking for private lessons, group tuition, coaching holidays, corporate trips or simply want to learn how to play golf in the sun, it caters for every possible golfing need. www.michaelcampbellgolfacademy.com

George is smaller and still strong.

“Golf is a good way of escaping the intensity of a build up to a match.”

The same can not be said for those who earn a living from the sport and Michael knows only too well about the mental demands of looking up at a championship leaderboard and putting for prize money.

His tour career – sometimes hampered by injury – was characterised by inconsistent form but, as the history books now testify, he found and held his nerve when it mattered most.

TAMING TIGER Although firmly in contention to capture his first major going into the last round at Pinehurst 11 years ago, Michael had to go toe-to-toe with one of the greatest golfers ever on the final day of competition. Few before him had managed to keep their calm with Tiger Woods on their tail.

“I had come close to winning my first major at The Open at St Andrews in 1995 but John Daly won because I messed up and finished third,” Michael said. “Fast forward ten years and I had gathered all the mental tools to help me along the way.

“The first thing I said to myself when I stood on the tenth tee with a two-shot lead against Tiger in the last round of the US Open was ‘think of this as an opportunity not a threat’. That

phrase made me realise I had to have some fun and enjoy it. It is that whole flight or fight thing – you either run away from danger or run towards it and I decided to run towards it.”

His positive approach had the desired effect.

The Kiwi birdied the par-five 10th from long range, sank from distance at the 12th and all but clinched victory when he nailed another mammoth birdie putt on the 17th.

“Tiger had won the Masters at Augusta two months before and won it by a long mark,” Michael added. “He was world number one, had already won ten majors and I was so far behind him in the rankings, so to go headto-head with the best player in the modern

“To go head-to-head with the best player in the modern era and pip him by two shots was very satisfying.”

era and pip him by two shots was very satisfying. Beating Tiger was not as satisfying as winning the US Open itself but the combination is pretty cool.”

TOUGH TIME Although Michael went on to defeat

The only six-star hotel on the Costa Del Sol, Villa Padierna Palace is designed like a Tuscan palace and features a 2,000m² spa, Roman Amphitheater and luxurious beach club former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGInley in the final of the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth later that same year to capture a cheque for £1 million – then the richest prize in golf – 2005 was to prove his standout season.

His well-documented decline as a force on the fairways further demonstrates the mental strength and confidence demanded at the highest level of sport.

Being a champion, he found, comes with its own challenges.

“I wasn’t really prepared for the aftermath of winning a major championship,” he said.

“I am sure if you asked Danny Willett [who became the first European for 17 years to win at Augusta in April], he’d say the same.

“It was overwhelming and I used to have to spend two hours a day with my manager discussing my schedule when all I really wanted to do was just play golf.

“I am actually quite a shy person and found that all the attention was like living in a goldfish bowl. It was quite a tug-of-war mentally because I knew if I won another major it would attract even more attention.

“So, maybe I conceded to the idea that I wanted a bit of quiet time to myself and did not play as well.”

Regardless of the reason for his fall in form, Michael has no regrets about upsetting the odds at the 2005 US Open.

“One thing we all strive for as professional golfers is to win majors,” he concluded. “It is the reason why we play golf and there is no way I would change it and give it back. No way, not ever.

“I now get mentioned in the same sentence as people such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan and Gary Player and I am very proud to have something in common with these names.”

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FEATURE

A man for all seasons Injury may have ruled out Rio and forced his retirement from rugby, but Ollie Phillips is prepared to go to extreme measures to ensure his charity of choice continues to have its day in the sun

O

LLIE Phillips is testament to the fact that misfortune is not always the preserve of “other people�.

Rewind three years and the former England captain appeared to have the rugby world at his feet.

Already hailed as the best Sevens player globally and recognised as the most valuable overseas player during

his successful spell with Stade Francais, the then-30-yearold was preparing to compete in his fourth World Cup and relishing the prospect of becoming an Olympian in Rio. However, his fairytale on the field was to be denied a happy ending when he suffered a severed nerve in his calf that brought his sporting career to an early close.

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“Everyone talks about serious injury all the time in rugby but you never really accept the risk and you never believe it will happen to you,” Ollie told Spoonews.

“Whilst you know it is a real threat and that there is plenty of potential for it, you don’t expect it to be you who is not able to play again because of a ‘career ender’.

“You hear about ‘retirements’ all the time but a lot of players are very poor at preparing for the next step.”

“Both expeditions had a lot of potential danger around them but that is what made them such fun.”

DOWN BUT NOT OUT

Falcons and Gloucester winger was not prepared to wallow in self-pity or remove his body entirely from harm’s way.

Although far from being ready to hang up his own boots in 2013, the former Newcastle

OLLIE’S DERRING-DO IN DIGITS...

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THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE IN DEGREES ENDURED EN ROUTE TO THE NORTH POLE

3

THE WINNING POINTS MARGIN SECURED BY RIVAL CAPTAIN, TIM STIMPSON, IN THE FROZEN FIXTURE

Afforded a sense of perspective through his long-standing association with Wooden Spoon and conscious of the adversity faced by many of those it supports, Ollie instead opted to plunge into a series of extraordinary charity challenges.

First up for the sidelined star was a berth aboard the GREAT Britain yacht and almost a year at sea competing in the Clipper Round the World race.

Ollie, who had never sailed before beginning training for the ambitious ocean adventure, used the final leg of his 40,000-nautical mile circumnavigation to raise vital funds for Wooden Spoon.

His passage from New York to London’s St Katharine Docks via Londonderry and Den

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THE DEGREES IN LATITUDE THAT PLAYED HOST TO THE NORTHERNMOST MATCH IN RUGBY HISTORY woodenspoon.org.uk

FEATURE

Helder in the Netherlands raised more than £5,000 for the children’s charity of rugby and gave the ex-England international the confidence that he could “handle extreme conditions and operate in adverse environments”.

Equipped with this knowledge, Ollie did not need to think twice when asked in 2015 to swap the high seas for snow and ice as part of Wooden Spoon’s Arctic Rugby Challenge.

“Sailing on the world’s oceans is a different challenge to walking on frozen waters, but one is not more daunting than the other,” said the now-seasoned-adventurer, recalling his part in an expedition that saw 11 intrepid fundraisers trek more than 100 kilometres in sub-zero temperatures to play the northernmost game of

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THE HIGHEST WIND SPEED RECORDED IN KNOTS BY RACE YACHTS IN THE SOUTHERN OCEAN

“I miss the day-today routine of seeing your teammates and the buzz of getting ready for a game.” rugby in history.

“Both expeditions had a lot of potential danger around them but that is what made them such fun.”

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THE HEIGHT IN FEET OF THE TALLEST WAVE ENCOUNTERED DURING A ROUND THE WORLD RACE

REWARDING RISK While his visit to the Pole helped to raise more than £150,000 for disabled and disadvantaged children in the UK and Ireland and earned Wooden Spoon a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, Ollie believes he was one of the trip’s biggest benefactors.

“It played a huge role in helping me integrate into the working community,” he explained. “It helped with the mental acceptance of moving away from sport and into a new career.

“The transition is much harder than I originally thought and I am quite thankful for my adventures for affording me that opportunity to take a breath and get used to being away from sport and rugby.

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THE DISTANCE IN KILOMETRES TREKKED BY WOODEN SPOON’S 11 ARCTIC CHALLENGE FUNDRAISERS Autumn/Winter 2016

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“Retiring from rugby is hard when it is not your own choice,” he added.

“I still feel now that I could play again but that is in my mind. The reality is that my body won’t let me and that is difficult to get your head around and accept.

“When you’ve been involved in a team sport and that is all you know, an expedition gives you a new group to be part of and gives you an idea of how your skillset can be applied to your new world.

“The challenges have allowed me to reassess and go again.”

ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT Ollie has certainly not shied from going anywhere since defrosting. He has since headed a team of six celebrities competing in the Greatest Row, run a marathon in Sierra Leone and would have successfully summited Mont Blanc had bad weather not intervened when he was agonisingly close

“Wooden Spoon is the children’s charity of rugby so being able to give back to the community that has given to me so frequently is a major reason for my support.” to the mountain’s peak.

Plans are in place to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and the adventurer is also weighing up a challenge that would see him attempt to take on seven summits and reach both Poles in under 160 days.

Wherever the explorer’s future challenges take him, he insists that his love of rugby will endure.

“I still miss match day massively and I think I always will,” confessed Ollie, who juggles his appetite for adventure with a successful business career at PwC and role as a Sky Sports

pundit. “The training I could take or leave but I miss the day-to-day routine of seeing your teammates and the buzz and thrill of getting ready for a game.

“My media work helps to keep me in touch and allows me to watch and comment from a distance, which is great, but you can’t ever really replace playing. I want to stay involved in the sport as much as I possibly can.”

LOYAL SUPPORTER This desire to remain a member of the wider rugby family extends to his steadfast support of Wooden Spoon, a charity he first encountered as he climbed through the code’s ranks as a teenager.

While he concedes that he did not fully appreciate the value of the organisation’s work until he reached his rugby maturity, Ollie has been an active ambassador since making his mark as a professional. “[Wooden Spoon] is the children’s charity of rugby so being able to give back to the community that has given to me so frequently is a major reason for my support,” he concluded.

“Another thing that I love about the charity is that it has communal hubs across the UK that engage in local community projects.

“I think there is a huge amount of value derived from local communities seeing that their hard work actually makes a difference to their local area.

“My involvement with Wooden Spoon has become more and more entrenched and the more stuff we do, the more success we seem to have.

“We have a long-term relationship and there are plans already afoot for another challenge!” ➤ For details on upcoming events and challenges, visit bit.ly/WSnews

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Autumn/Winter 2016

THE AVERAGE TIME IN HOURS THAT ROUND THE WORLD CREW MEMBERS SPEND AT THE HELM

5,000

THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF CALORIES CREW MEMBERS BURN A DAY DURING A CIRCUMNAVIGATION

40,000

THE NUMBER OF NAUTICAL MILES GREAT BRITAIN TRAVELLED DURING THE 2013-2014 CLIPPER RACE woodenspoon.org.uk

FEATURE

Heavenly match Charitable couple AJ and Bekki Mills tell Spoonews how they used their big day to benefit Wooden Spoon...

Main picture: FT Images

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woodenspoon.org.uk

FEATURE

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CHARITABLE couple pooled their passions for rugby and helping children to make their wedding benefit Wooden Spoon.

Instead of providing traditional favours for guests during their big day at Gloucestershire’s Cotswold House and Spa, AJ and Bekki Mills provided friends and family with Wooden Spoon keyrings and a factsheet outlining some of the organisation’s work.

Bekki told Spoonews that the idea to help the charity made perfect sense as it married her professional drive to support underprivileged children with her husband’s love for rugby.

“We decided on Wooden Spoon because it covers both of our interests,” said Bekki, who runs two pre-schools.

“AJ is an avid rugby fan and player and I look after disadvantaged children, so it met both of the things that we have a passion for.

“Those came together very nicely – he’s rugby, I’m kids and if you put the two together, you get Wooden Spoon!”

RAISING AWARENESS The distinctive rugby ballshaped Wooden Spoon keyrings (pictured right) were attached to A6 sheets explaining why Bekki and AJ chose to support the charity and detailing its work and ethos.

As well as providing everyone present with a keepsake, Bekki said that the favours helped to raise Wooden Spoon’s profile as they inspired a number of people to discuss the charity with the happy couple – a

benefit that has continued well beyond the main event.

She explained: “A lot of guests approached either one of us to say what a lovely idea it was.

“The rugby lads were obviously aware of Wooden Spoon but maybe didn’t know exactly what the charity did, so they wanted to know more. It definitely opened a few eyes.

“It’s funny now because

everyone has these keyrings and I go to pick up my keys and it turns out they’re someone else’s who came to the wedding!

“It’s good because it attracts conversation. People ask about it so we can keep spreading the word.”

“He’s rugby, I’m kids and if you put the two together, you get Wooden Spoon!”

CHILDREN’S CHAMPION Bekki first came across Wooden Spoon four years ago when she encountered one of its teams

at the annual Fat Bloke Sevens tournament in Reading.

That inspired her to read more about the charity’s work and she soon discovered an overlap with her own field of expertise.

She explained: “I have a couple of pre-schools in what the local authority would call disadvantaged areas.

“I set them up after the local authority gave me some statistics about how many families weren’t accessing their two-yearold funding.

“These families were in need, but because there wasn’t anything in their local area they weren’t able to use the funding.

“I just wanted to help the children and families in the area.

“It’s the field I’ve always worked in and we provide a setting that invites people in.”

After the thrill of a wedding she describes as “a perfect day”, Bekki returned to work ahead of a honeymoon with AJ in Mexico at the end of July.

And as she embarks on the next stage of her own happy partnership with her husband, she is more aware than ever of the ties between her interests and those of the wider rugby family.

“What I’ve learned being involved with rugby is that it has the same ethos that I have,” she concluded.

“I want to help the kids and rugby players want to help their communities. It’s all down the same road.” ➤ To discover ways you can support Wooden Spoon, visit bit.ly/WSwaystogive Autumn/Winter 2016

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Images: Tony Hickey, thphotography.net

May unveils perfect pavilion School’s sparkling sporting facility opened by international rugby star Jonny

E

NGLAND wing wizard Jonny May sprinted into action to open a sporty Wooden Spoon-funded addition to a Gloucestershire school.

The Gloucester back was guest of honour at Heart of the Forest Community School for the unveiling of a new pavilion which will help pupils enjoy much easier access to the world of exercise and activity.

Wooden Spoon Gloucestershire raised £40,000 to help the school install the building, which includes a kitchen and changing facilities.

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“What makes it so special is the joy on the faces of the children who will benefit from it.”

Delighted headteacher Melissa Bradshaw explained that the pavilion would tackle the fact that some pupils and their families had found recreational activities challenging due to the absence of adequate equipment and facilities and a lack of experience and confidence.

She added: “It will make a huge difference and it’s vital in terms of getting our youngsters outside.

“Our outdoor space was being under-utilised because no sooner had they walked down to the field, they’d have woodenspoon.org.uk

FUNDED PROJECT

to go back to the main building to have their different needs met.”

WONDERFUL WOODLAND Heart of the Forest’s bespoke pavilion sits away from the main school building and has been designed to blend in with the surrounding woodland to allow pupils to connect with nature. Its position provides easy access to a cycling track, large grass field and play area. The provision of kitchen and toilet facilities means that youngsters are able to have their needs met on site rather than having to return to the school.

Speaking at the pavilion’s

opening, Jonny May said he had really enjoyed meeting everyone involved in bringing the project to fruition.

He explained: “To open the facility is a huge privilege and the kids are awesome.

“They’re a great group and it’s really nice they can make the most of the area thanks to the pavilion Wooden Spoon has helped to provide.

“It’s great to see Wooden Spoon use the money that’s raised in Gloucestershire to give an end product in Gloucestershire. It will allow all the kids here to get use out of this amazing field and have some good times.”

DEDICATED DONATORS The children’s charity of rugby’s Gloucestershire committee collected the fantastic five-figure sum by organising a wealth of fundraising ventures, including events at Kingsholm and Cheltenham Races as well as a number of golf days.

Chairman Tim Heal said: “It’s proven to be a fantastic facility and it’s been well received by the school. What makes it so special is the joy on the faces of the children who will benefit from it.”

Heart of the Forest Community Special School, in the Forest of Dean, caters for young people aged between three and 19 with severe and profound learning difficulties. ➤ Read more Wooden Spoon success stories online: bit.ly/WSstories Autumn/Winter 2016

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FUNDED PROJECT

A prime place to play Lions legend opens sensory facility for Belfast-based youngsters

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RISH legend Willie John McBride was the guest of honour as Mencap Northern Ireland officially unveiled a multisensory play area funded by Wooden Spoon Ulster.

The five-time Lions star, who is the committee’s honorary president, cut the ribbon for the specialist facility, which was made possible thanks to a £67,000 donation from the children’s charity of rugby.

The play area, which is the first of its kind for Mencap and is being used by two-to-four-yearolds with a learning disability, autism or developmental delay, is housed in the charity’s Mencap

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Centre in Belfast.

Mencap’s Northern Ireland director Margaret Kelly said: “We are extremely grateful to Wooden Spoon for their funding of the multisensory play area.

“Having a safe and specially-equipped space for the children who attend our nursery is very important for their development and well-being.

“This play area is unprecedented for our organisation and we hope the generosity of Wooden Spoon serves as an example of all the good that can come from one donation.”

EXCELLENT EQUIPMENT Situated at the

heart of Mencap’s £4.6-million centre, the multi-sensory play area is part of a children’s facility catering for youngsters with multiple, complex and profound needs.

By spending time in the interactive area, those using the

play equipment will be able to develop their speech, handeye coordination, motor skills and their understanding of the world around them.

Peter Wood, Wooden Spoon Ulster’s chairman, explained that the

opening of the area marked an important milestone between the children’s charity of rugby and Mencap.

Speaking at the unveiling, he said: “When we donated £67,000 to Mencap last year, the play area was just a concept.

“Today we had the chance to see it up and running and we met the children who are already benefiting from the equipment.

“It was so rewarding to see that our donation went to a truly important cause.”

SUPER CENTRE Belfast’s Mencap Centre, which was opened in March by First Minister Arlene Foster, her deputy

Martin McGuinness and Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety Simon Hamilton, was hailed as a “radical step” for the future of children and young people with a learning disability, as well as their families, across Northern Ireland.

It sits at the heart of a new model for early intervention services across the UK and Ireland and provides access to a wealth of therapies and support under one roof, saving families the time and money required to travel to several different locations. ➤ Read more about our Ulster region’s activity at woodenspoon.org.uk/ ulster woodenspoon.org.uk

FUNDED PROJECT Family friendly: The Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital’s new lounge and (inset) kitchen and office facilities

DID YOU KNOW? Since the hospital opened in 2004, the parents’ accommodation has seen an average occupancy rate of 93 per cent

Scots’ support puts families first P

ARENTS visiting sick children in an Aberdeen hospital are guaranteed a warm welcome thanks to a Wooden Spoonsponsored refurbishment.

The charity’s Scotland committee donated more than £38,500 to The Archie Foundation to fund the redevelopment of the reception and lounge area at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital’s

“The enthusiastic reaction from parents tells us how much of a difference these new facilities make to them.”

David Cunningham

(RACH) family support unit.

The facility hosts families visiting young patients and Wooden Spoon’s support has allowed it to provide a new information office alongside the reception area, which includes a parents’ lounge and kitchen.

Sir Moir Lochhead, chairman of the Scottish Rugby Union and patron of The ARCHIE Foundation, was on hand to officially open the new project, which is a key part of ARCHIE’s ambitious aim to refit the entire unit.

Speaking at the opening, Wooden Spoon Scotland chairman Charlie Bryden said: “We were delighted to support the appeal as having parents and siblings close by makes a real difference to

children when in hospital.

“Wooden Spoon is the children’s charity of rugby and a way for the sport to give something back to the community.”

The family support unit comprises a kitchen, dining room and sitting area alongside the office, where guests are able to access support and advice.

The centre also houses 19 ensuite bedrooms allowing parents and relatives to access free accommodation during children’s hospital stays, some of which can last for several months.

David Cunningham, chief executive of the ARCHIE Foundation, said that the facilities were already proving popular with visitors.

He explained: “We have been able to refit this whole area thanks to the generosity of Wooden Spoon Scotland, who donated over £38,500.

“We are extremely grateful to everybody who has helped us get this far. The enthusiastic reaction from parents tells us just how much of a difference these new facilities make to them.”

Wooden Spoon Scotland is a long-standing supporter of RACH, having made a £60,000 donation in 2004 to fund a play area in the hospital’s accident and emergency reception. ➤ Read about our Scotland region’s activity at woodenspoon. org.uk/scotland Autumn/Winter 2016

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Images: Courtesy of The ARCHIE Foundation/Marek Kargier

Wooden Spoon donation funds marvellous makeover at Aberdeen hospital

DID YOU KNOW?

Sensory pods improve pupils’ aspirations by allowing them to experience the world This page, dazzling display: Inside the new sensory pod. Opposite (clockwise from top left): The pod’s exterior; John Inverdale with Surrey County Council chairman Sally Marks; the pod’s giant projector in action; the new facility’s ladder light unit; John Inverdale and pupil Toby Woolnough open the pod; crowds gather to celebrate the grand unveiling.

Sensational support

Surrey committee’s brilliant backing secures premium pod for specialist school

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UPILS at a Surrey school have been getting handson with a hi-tech sensory pod made possible thanks to the generosity of Wooden Spoon supporters.

The Surrey committee of the children’s charity of rugby served as the major sponsor for the long-awaited £170,000 facility at Caterham’s Clifton Hill School.

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Television sports pundit John Inverdale, the committee’s honorary president, was on hand to unveil the pod at the school, which provides exciting and interactive opportunities for students with severe or multiple profound learning difficulties and autism.

Jane Lopez, Clifton Hill’s chair of governors, said: “The sensory

pod will transport students to an infinite range of places, times and situations, engaging the senses to enhance their learning experience. We thank Wooden Spoon and all of our generous local donors.”

BESPOKE BUILDING Construction of the sensory pod began in November 2015 after a

multi-year fundraising campaign, with trenches being dug for cables and installation of its base.

The foundations were completed in December, with the pod itself expertly put together over the February half-term ahead of its unveiling in April.

Students treated John Inverdale, Surrey County Council chairman Sally Marks and other guests to woodenspoon.org.uk

FUNDED PROJECT

a rousing rendition of the school song before the ribbon was cut.

Fitted with smart seating and accessible via a built-in hoist, the pod comes with sound- and touch-activated LED features in addition to three types of interactive projection.

Users experience scent, wind, temperature and vibration as well as full-wall and floor projections, allowing them to access previously unreachable

topics in a stimulating learning environment.

John Inverdale and other guests present at the grand unveiling were given a first-hand opportunity to try out the new pod by taking part in a virtual roller-coaster ride, an underwater adventure and a rocket launch. ➤ Read about our Surrey region’s activity at woodenspoon.org.uk/ surrey

“The sensory pod will transport students to an infinite range of places, times and situations, engaging the senses to enhance their learning experience.”

Jane Lopez, Clifton Hill chair of governors Autumn/Winter 2016

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Support our wheelchair rugby campaign Wooden Spoon are fundraising to provide every Wheelchair Rugby Club in the UK & Ireland with a new chair for playing wheelchair rugby.

More rugby wheelchairs mean more opportunities for young people to get into this life-changing sport.

#wearerugby

To find out more, please contact us:

w: woodenspoon.org.uk/wheelchair-rugby t: 01252 773720

Images: Courtesy of The Maidenhead Advertiser

FUNDED PROJECT

“This is a fantastic resource that will support the development of all our young people for many years to come.”

Ania Hildrey

Great wall for Manor Green Sevens star Tom unveils hi-tech fitness facility

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OUNGSTERS at a Berkshire school have been getting to grips with an interactive fitness wall funded through the generosity of Wooden Spoon Chilterns.

A £10,000 donation from the regional committee of the children’s charity of rugby, along with

a grant from the Shanley Foundation, helped Maidenhead’s Manor Green School purchase a CardioWall to install in its sports hall.

The exciting addition provides pupils with the means to develop fitness, motivation, confidence and independence

in physical and cognitive skills.

Speaking during a launch event attended by former Harlequins, London Irish and England Sevens star Tom Guest, headteacher Ania Hildrey said: “It is a joy to see learning come to life and our students getting so much

out of this great resource.

“I would like to extend our warmest thanks to Wooden Spoon and the Shanley Foundation for their kind generosity.

“This is a fantastic resource that will support the development of all our young people

for many years to come.”

BUILDING BLOCK Tom and other visitors to the launch event watched students and adults provide an action-packed demonstration of the CardioWall’s potential.

The wall, which proudly carries Wooden Spoon’s logo, enables users to take part in exhilarating motivational games designed to boost physical and mental wellbeing.

Featuring bulletproof LED pods, a scoreboard and timer, the wall facilitates

motivational gaming and is particularly useful for those with disabilities who are undergoing physical therapy or for cognitive stimulation.

Manor Green, which is funded by the Royal Borough of Windsor, is a special educational needs school which caters for 230 pupils aged between four and 16.

It aims to develop its students’ independence through the use of high-quality sensory equipment. ➤ Read more Wooden Spoon success stories online: bit.ly/ WSstories Autumn/Winter 2016

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Picture perfect Photographer Rachel returns to former school for playground’s grand opening

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PROUD former pupil revisited her Blackpool school to witness the opening of a special playground made possible by Wooden Spoon’s support.

Rachel Lambert returned to Highfurlong School, where she was a pupil for more than 15 years, for the unveiling of a unique £57,000 outdoor play area, which benefited from a £28,000 donation from the children’s charity of rugby’s Lancashire committee.

Rachel, who is 3ft 6in and requires a ventilator to help her breathe, went on to complete a photography degree after leaving

the school and now works for Wooden Spoon as a freelance photographer.

She said: “It’s so vibrant [and] colourful and the kids can now play in a happy and safe place.

“I came here in 1994 and left in 2009, so spent nearly my whole life [here]. It has changed so much – I’m happy the school has this. Hopefully [the playground] will persuade them to have more of an active social life.”

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Highfurlong’s newest outdoor

addition provides a safe, wheelchair-friendly space for the school’s 72 pupils, who are aged between two and 19 and have a range of special educational needs.

Installed on a rubber safety surface, the playground is kitted out with equipment specifically designed to stimulate young people with physical and mental disabilities, including an adventure play area and musical instruments.

Martin Long, Chairman of Wooden Spoon Lancashire, was delighted to see the facility opened. He said: “This project started when we were approached by the school and immediately we realised that it was the kind of project that Wooden Spoon wants to fund.

“Together we have been able to fund a project that cost well over £50,000.”

HEALTHY ADDITION Highfurlong headteacher Rosie Sycamore explained that the playground will allow her pupils to stay fit and healthy, develop coordination skills and have fun at the same time.

“You only have to look at their faces and that says it all,” she added. “That’s what it’s all about – those young people and what they can do and achieve. With Wooden Spoon, they’ll be able to achieve much more physically outside and keep healthier.”

The playground was opened by John Barnett MBE, High Sheriff of Lancashire, who was full of praise for the assistance of the children’s charity of rugby.

He said: “Any kind of charity, especially Wooden Spoon, makes a huge difference and that’s what it’s all about. If you can make a difference and help those children in need then that’s absolutely phenomenal.

“Wooden Spoon do that probably better than anybody I know – a local organisation working so hard to help children in need.” ➤ Read more Wooden Spoon success stories at bit.ly/ WSstories

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woodenspoon.org.uk

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Ace alumna: Rachel Lambert was proud to return to Highfurlong School, where she was a pupil between 1994 and 2009 Autumn/Winter 2016

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Tour taxi

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Spoonews sizes up the Volkswagen Caravelle for matchday moves

OR those familiar with the logistics of ferrying fledgling players or teammates to and from rugby festivals or league and cup fixtures, the appeal of a comfortable people carrier is clear.

In a saloon, space to breathe – let alone stretch out – is non-existent and even if you “upgrade” to a standard seven-seater MPV, room is at a real premium when you add kit bags, changes of clothes and food to fuel performances to the travelling mix.

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Which is why this Spoonews reviewer, who as a father-of-two is regularly called upon as a chauffeur for his sons’ respective junior teams, was keen to take Volkswagen’s Caravelle Generation Six for a spin.

However, with the close season failing to present any tournaments to attend, the Transporter-based behemoth was ultimately subjected to a far sterner test than being occupied by raucous rugby players.

Loaded up with beachwear and suntan lotion

rather than boots and shin pads, the Caravelle was pitched against British summertime traffic and an extended family of six and their dog – complete with puppy paraphernalia – as passengers.

Firstly, it is probably fair to confess this road test would not have been nearly so rigorous had its driver made use of the vehicle’s intuitive touchscreen infotainment and navigation system prior to departing on his customary route to the coast.

woodenspoon.org.uk

EXTRA TIME Had he done so, the crawling traffic encountered in the wake of a major music festival could so easily have been avoided and the five-hour journey may have been closer in duration to its usual two.

A queue stretching as far as the eye can see usually serves as a catalyst for criticism, but if anything the circumstances played to the cavernous Caravelle’s many strengths.

The vehicle’s rear seats – two swivelling “captain’s chairs” in the second row and reclining three-seater third row – can be configured to suit the needs of each journey to optimise passenger comfort.

In this case, it meant a bigger-than-usual boot to accommodate the hound and two grandparents sat facing their grandchildren.

Despite the dog’s demands and her human companions’ luggage, all still had plenty of room to relax and even if you substituted the children for stocky forwards, it is difficult to imagine a situation – all too familiar in less-spacious cars – where one passenger’s slightest movement becomes an immense irritant to others.

As a consequence, the ride up front was far more pleasurable than the trip’s poor planning warranted. There is plenty of headroom for the tallest of line-out stars and the leatheralcantara upholstery, three-zone automatic air-conditioning and deluxe instrument panel

provide the necessary reassurance that you are at the wheel of far more than just a van.

Also suggesting “executive” drive rather than “effective” commercial workhorse is the quiet idle of the 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine.

The high vantage point of the road afforded from the driver’s seat is complemented by expansive heat-reflective windows that allow you to catch every admiring glance from other motorists and, in a six-mile traffic jam, these were plentiful.

The Caravelle’s lone colour scheme – two-tone Cherry Red and Candy White – retro-stylised alloy wheels and, in the model tested, chrome detailing, are certainly conspicuous.

A salute to the similarly colourful camper vans of the 1950s and 1960s, it was greeted by tremendous goodwill on the road given

the day’s high temperature and that tempers were being tested by the near-car-park-like conditions. It is a credit to Volkswagen’s styling that the Caravelle could garner a cheery wave from even the most fed-up of fellow drivers.

And when the “ice-cream van” finally escaped the choked country A-road, it was not found wanting for power despite its full load.

Capable of 0-62mph in just under ten seconds, the Caravelle broke from the blocks as competently as any other large car and happily sat at speed on the motorway without sign of the shaking and shuddering you would usually expect from such a high ride.

It would have been great to be able to report back on the vehicle’s handling on deserted Dorset roads or round a racetrack but those are rarely the realities of reviewing, or indeed, a true reflection of everyday motoring.

And it is the latter where the Caravelle excels.

It is incredibly easy to manoeuvre in traffic, surprisingly simple to park thanks to front and rear sensors, no slouch on the open road and, most importantly, is tailored to deliver comfort for all its passengers.

Perhaps pricier than some of its peers [the Executive models can easily hit the £50,000 mark], the Caravelle is perfect for those who wish to shuttle players to and from the sidelines in style.

“It is a credit to Volkswagen’s styling that the Caravelle could garner a cheery wave from even the most fed-up of fellow drivers.”

Autumn/Winter 2016

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Grape expectations Businessman and super supporter Duncan Spence (pictured above) tells us how he uses his passion for wine to raise a glass to the children’s charity of rugby

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AKING a quick flick through the pages of Spoonews will confirm that Wooden Spoon supporters are not short of ideas when it comes to raising funds for the children’s charity of rugby.

From golf days to endurance events, craft sales to black-tie dinners, there are a wealth of ways in which people have done their bit to improve the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children.

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That philanthropic spirit runs particularly deep in Duncan Spence, whose generosity has provided more than a decade’s worth of support both to Wooden Spoon and its many fans.

Ever since being introduced to the organisation nearly 15 years ago, Duncan has supplied a steady stream of vouchers entitling charity auction winners to stay at his properties across the globe.

“I used to support Lord’s Taverners and whilst I was doing that I got to know about Wooden Spoon,” said Duncan, who is also an active backer of a number of other causes, including Breast Cancer Care, West Berkshire Mencap and a hospice in Guernsey.

“I’m not interested in rugby particularly, but I got to know [Life President] Peter Scott MBE well.

“His passion and what they were

able to do with the money they raised was what encouraged me to support them and help them to raise more.

“I joined Wooden Spoon and supported the London region and, as I lived in the Channel Islands, I also supported Guernsey.

“Now we attend functions and bid for things and we donate vouchers, mainly for holidays at properties we own around the world which woodenspoon.org.uk

EXTRA TIME

enables the charity to raise quite a lot of money.”

While the chance to stay in part of Duncan’s exotic international property portfolio may be the ultimate prize for Wooden Spoon supporters, the entrepreneur’s assistance doesn’t stop with offering glamorous getaways.

As a keen exponent of viticulture – the science and cultivation of grapes for winemaking – Duncan also provides the charity with a steady stream of quality wines created at his Rickety Bridge estate in Franschhoek, South Africa.

Created on site by expert winemaker Wynand Grobler, Rickety Bridge delights drinkers with a full range including singlegrape cultivars such as Sauvignon Blancs, Chenin Blancs and Cabernet Sauvignons.

The estate also produces sparkling wines perfect for special occasions

and is renowned for its Foundation Stone range, which deftly blends different varieties of grape into interesting reds, whites and roses.

Duncan explained: “We’re a small boutique winery with a passionate winemaker making some really good wines. When our winemaker first suggested the sparkling wines, I thought that we wouldn’t be able to compete with Champagne and Prosecco, but Duncan [they’re] as good as any I have tasted – other people say that as well.

“His passion is to do the blended wines and our straight cultivars have a lot of medals from around the world. It’s consistently good and we keep selling out.”

While any mention of wine might make drinkers dream of the traditional products of Italy or France, Duncan believes that the bottles coming out of South African estates are every bit as good as their more-established counterparts.

The demand for the fruits of Rickety Bridge’s labours suggests that wine fans agree.

Duncan counts consumers in Holland and Spence Belgium, central Europe, Scandinavia and Russia among his loyal customers and has his own distribution company in North Carolina, USA, where his partner Amy comes from and where they have a North American home.

“What they were able to do with the money they raised was what encouraged me to support them.”

Rickety Bridge Winery Inc. sells about one third of the winery’s production each year.

He hopes that his continued success will entice more Wooden Spoon supporters to head to South Africa to experience Rickety Bridge and Franschhoek for themselves.

He added: “We also sell a lot in China and, of course, we have a distributor in the UK and Guernsey as well as Grand Cayman, where we have properties.

“South African wines are in a good place. That’s not just with Rickety Bridge – many other wineries are producing good wines.

“We have another estate in front of Rickety Bridge where we have accommodation. A lot of [supporters] have already been to visit, but the more, the better!” ➤ For more details, visit www. ricketybridgewinery.com Autumn/Winter 2016

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Walk on the wild side For those ‘big game’ enthusiasts keen to spot some Springboks or scout the evolution of the Kenya Simbas in their natural habitats, Africa has much to offer rugby tourists. However, Wooden Spoon partner Halcyon Travel explains why the second-largest continent has more than its sporting species to show off

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VIBRANT patchwork of landscapes and cultures, South Africa ticks all the boxes for a luxury escape. Highlights include cosmopolitan cities, the gentle delights of the Garden Route, spectacular mountain landscapes, white sandy beaches and game reserves. There is plenty to keep you occupied and coming back for more.

The international gateways of Cape Town and Johannesburg both work well as the starting point of an itinerary. Laid-back and beautiful, Cape Town – nicknamed The Mother City – boasts landmarks such as Table Mountain, Cape Point and, via a short ferry ride, Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is another mustsee and attracts 23 million visitors each year.

From grand hotels to charming guest houses, Cape Town’s choice of accommodation is immense and stretches from the city’s centre along the breath-taking coastline to Camps Bay and beyond.

TASTE OF THE GOOD LIFE Together with outstanding cuisine, South Africa has an excellent reputation for producing superb wines and there are many wine routes

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passing through the green valleys and historic towns to be discovered. Franschhoek village makes a good base to explore the Winelands and has a “hop-on-hop-off” tram tour.

The Garden Route traverses an area rich in natural beauty and attracts adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. It extends from the Western to Eastern Cape, weaving together ancient forests and wild Indian Ocean coastline. Self-drive is the perfect way to relish the experience.

Covering nearly two million hectares and featuring 16 different ecosystems, the worldrenowned Kruger National Park is an undoubted jewel in South Africa’s crown. The expansive nature reserve provides plenty of opportunity to spot the “Big Five” while on safari and to indulge in a “sundowner” or two during organised game drives.

world heritage site – and sunny Durban, which enjoys golden beaches, excellent surf and is creator of the “Bunny Chow”, a fast food dish consisting of a hollowed-out bread loaf filled with curry. The rolling hills of The Midlands have a meandering route focused around arts and crafts and regional culture. The province even has a “beer route” to follow.

Further afield, the hubs of Johannesburg and Pretoria have a wealth of shops and museums to explore. A top attraction is the township of Soweto, where you can visit Mandela House, and travelling by Rovos Rail or the Blue Train recaptures the romance of a bygone era and is a glamorous way to view amazing landscapes.

South Africa is truly a country where you will always receive a warm and friendly welcome, or “sawubona” as the locals say.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Situated in southwest Kenya, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is among Africa’s best wildlife retreats. Thanks to an abundance of animals, it is one of its most popular safari destinations – none more so than between July and October each year when it plays its part in the Great Migration. The natural phenomenon sees

The KwaZulu-Natal Province is relatively undiscovered. Its battlefields tell a mesmerising story of the Anglo-Zulu war and the heroic defence of Rorke’s Drift, which was made famous by the 1964 movie Zulu.

It is host to the Drakensberg mountains – a

JOIN THE HERDS

woodenspoon.org.uk

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African adventure: Set for dinner and sundowners at South Africa’s Sabi Sand Reserve on the edge of Kruger National Park (left); breakfast in the great outdoors at Kilima Camp in Kenya (above); the scenic city of Cape Town (below); and a snapshot of the Great Migration (main picture)

Picture: Ulusaba

1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of gazelles and zebras, make the perilous trek from the arid lands in Tanzania to the plains of the Maasai Mara. One of the most dramatic moments of the migration comes when the animals have to cross the Mara River in order to reach rich grazing grassland and evade the lions, cheetahs, hyena, leopards and crocodiles that lie in wait.

AT ONE WITH NATURE However, the Maasai Mara, and Kenya in general, is a year-round destination with much on offer and to see. A stay, for example, at the luxury, eco-friendly Kilima Camp – a tented site situated on the edge of an escarpment overlooking the Mara River and surrounding plains – always provides spectacular views. With

the camp as a base you can go on 4x4 dayand-night game drives, bush walks and even get up close and personal with wildlife on an exhilarating horseback safari. It is also possible to visit a nearby Maasai village and learn about the population’s fascinating culture. Kilima is one of many outstanding camps in the region.

Beyond the Maasai Mara, you can venture to Amboseli National Park to experience a more mountainous safari backdrop before stepping on to a beautiful, unspoilt beach near Mombasa. Nairobi, the main flight gateway, is also worth a private tour.

FLY AWAY AND FUNDRAISE Allow Halcyon Travel Collections to create and book a completely bespoke and unique travel itinerary to South Africa or Kenya for you and

the company will donate £150 per booking to Wooden Spoon as well as provide a £100 per person price reduction on the total holiday package price. All itineraries must include flights from the UK, ground arrangements (hotels, transfers, safari, guides etc.) booked, confirmed and consumed through Halcyon to a minimum value of £6,500 or more per booking.

Terms and conditions apply.

If you are interested in any of these destinations and offers, or anywhere else in the world, contact David at Halcyon Travel Collections, which offers Spoonews readers preferred rates on any packaged holiday it creates.

Email david@halcyon-collections.com, call 07976 287 301 or visit the company’s website at www.halcyon-collections.com

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Team up with us To raise more funds for your club and local good causes The perfect match Wooden Spoon’s Partner Club Programme offers grassroots clubs the opportunity to work with us to raise valuable funds for your local club and local projects supporting disabled and disadvantaged children.

As well as linking up with our dedicated rugby supporters including rugby ambassadors and support from Wooden Spoon’s experienced fundraisers, you can make an even bigger impact on your club’s fundraising efforts.

Register your interest today: Get in touch today to find out how your club could benefit from working with the children’s charity of rugby

w: woodenspoon.org.uk/partnerclub e: mmitchell@woodenspoon.org.uk t: 01252 773720

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The icing on the cake Former England and Bath winger David Trick remembers a rare moment of silence

N

O DOUBT to the annoyance of my family, close friends and former rugby teammates, it is not very often I find myself lost for words.

Indeed, as a frequent guest speaker at Wooden Spoon lunches and dinners up and down the country, I try not to make a habit of being the strong, silent type.

Consequently, those rare occasions when I do give others the opportunity to get a word in edgeways burn bright in the memory.

One moment in particular I will never forget, as to this day it reminds me of why this charity – and the impact it has on so many young lives – is so special.

Having been to countless fundraising events and project openings previously, I had no idea my voice would desert me during a visit to the Dame Hannah Rogers School in Plymouth more than a decade ago.

Wooden Spoon Devon had raised around £19,000 to fund the installation of a new kitchen – complete with height-adjustable work surfaces and ovens – at the school, which

meets the needs of young people with a range of disabilities, and I joined my old Bath buddy Gareth Chilcott for a tour of the facilities.

The children had been putting their baking skills to the test before we were arrived and we were greeted with loads of cupcakes.

As a true prop, “Coochie” was in heaven and duly piled into the platefuls of pastries despite the fact that we were scheduled to attend a Wooden Spoon fundraising lunch in Exeter just hours later.

However, it was not the sight of a former England and British Lions star sucking up sugarcoated cakes that left me speechless, but the smiles on the faces of the children, carers and parents in the room.

As the honorary president of Wooden Spoon Devon I wanted to

“As a true prop, ‘Coochie’ was in heaven and duly piled into the platefuls of pastries.”

say a few words of thanks to our hosts, but within seconds of standing up to do so I felt a lump in my throat.

By seeing and feeling the real sense of joy something as simple as giving youngsters the chance to cook had brought, I was suddenly struck by how the children’s charity of rugby really does deliver on its pledge to improve lives.

With the croaks coming from my mouth alerting Gareth to the imminent arrival of tears, he finally stopped feeding his face, brushed the cake crumbs from the corners of his mouth and stepped in to save my blushes.

My appetite to support Wooden Spoon has been insatiable ever since. Knowing we had provided the ingredients to allow children to indulge in one of life’s little pleasures was the icing on the cake and I remember thinking that even if the charity never did another thing, it had achieved something truly wonderful.

Fortunately, Wooden Spoon has never shied from the heat of the kitchen and I implore all of our fundraisers to take a moment to digest the difference they continue to make to the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children in the UK and Ireland. Thanks for all your support. ➤ If you’d like to help make a difference, please visit bit.ly/joinWS Autumn/Winter 2016

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A lasting legacy Remembering charities in your will is a fantastic way to continue to support organisations like Wooden Spoon well into the future. Claire Binyon, assistant solicitor at Gordons Solicitors, gave Spoonews the lowdown on legacy giving...

I’d like to leave money to my charity of choice in a will, but I’m working, fit and healthy. Can I defer doing it until I retire?

It wouldn’t be wise to leave this until you retire. Life is unpredictable and if you die without leaving a gift to charity in your will, you would rely on the beneficiaries of the residue of your estate to give the gift from what they are due – and only if they are aware of your wishes. If you die without leaving a will, then your

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estate is intestate and would be handed out in accordance with the intestacy rules – usually your nearest relatives, and once again you would rely on them to make the gift to charity from their share, if they are aware of your wishes.

Do I need to inform the charity I intend to gift money to?

No, but it is useful for a charity to have this information for its planning. You can give your estate to more than one charity and it’s

helpful to include the registered charity number in the will.

What is the best, most taxefficient way to give money? Am I better off passing on my gift now rather than in the future?

Gifts to charity are currently exempt for inheritance tax purposes and if you give at least 10 per cent of your net estate to charity then you qualify for the reduced rate of inheritance tax (36 per cent rather than 40

per cent). Gifts are a good way to pass on your estate without paying inheritance tax if you can afford to do so. You can make gifts in your lifetime to non-exempt beneficiaries (typically anyone who is not a spouse or a charity), but you would have to survive seven years from the date of the gift, otherwise the value of that gift will be included in the value of your estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes. You should also bear in mind that if you gift certain assets, woodenspoon.org.uk

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such as a second home or shares, then that is counted as a disposal for capital gains tax and you may have to pay capital gains tax on any increase in value from the date you acquired the assets.

Are there upper and lower thresholds when gifting money?

You can give a total of £3,000 in each tax year and, in addition, certain other gifts – for example wedding presents – up to a limit without having to survive seven years. If you have surplus income each year then you can also give this away on a regular basis without the need to survive the seven years. There is no maximum amount that you can give away, but bear in mind you have to survive seven years after the date of the gift for it not to be included in your estate for IHT purposes.

Do I need to disclose my wishes to anyone else?

A will is a private, confidential

document whilst you are alive and you do not have to disclose the contents to anybody. However, it would be worth letting your family and executors know where your original will is being held and of any specific wishes you have with regard your funeral arrangements. It is also worth asking the people who you would like to appoint as your executors if they are happy to act!

at the Probate Registry then it becomes a public document and anybody can obtain a copy and therefore see who your estate has been left to. If you think your family would dispute any gifts to charities in your will, then you should leave a letter with your will giving reasons why you have left gifts to that charity and not the family.

“Gifts to charity are currently exempt for inheritance tax purposes.”

Claire

I’m worried family members may not understand my decision to leave money to a charity instead of them. Can this information be kept from them?

You do not have to disclose the contents of your will to anyone.

However, once you have died, if and once your will is “proved”

Is there anything else to consider?

Binyon Making your will gives you peace of mind, helps your loved ones avoid difficult decisions during bereavement and can provide advice on minimising tax and dealing with any foreign property you may own. You may have personal items you would like to give as keepsakes. A will deals with

all of this and ensures your wishes are carried out.

Why should I engage with a solicitor when writing my will?

There are many will writers out there who would be happy to write your will, but they are not necessarily cheaper than a solicitor.

Using a solicitor has benefits, including the years of training they have to undertake and their ability to offer in-depth inheritance tax advice. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Law Society. In addition, you will be fully insured in the unlikely event that something goes wrong! Please remember this is general information and a solicitor or other suitable professional should be consulted for detailed advice regarding specific personal circumstances. ➤ To discover how you can remember Wooden Spoon in your will, visit bit.ly/WSgiftinwills Autumn/Winter 2016

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Savills is proud to support Wooden Spoon The children’s charity of rugby

Think property, think Savills.

Michael Wooldridge 01732 879 052 mwooldridge@savills.com

savills.co.uk