The lions trust partnership
Proudly making a difference to young lives
F R I D A Y 2 6 S E P T T
Help Raise Over £50,000
Join legends from football, golf, and rugby including Steve Richardson, and British Irish Lions Craig Chalmers, Tim Stimpson, Andy Powell,
FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER ‘25 The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport NP 18 1HQ
Lee Mears, Rob Henderson, and Gavin Hastings OBE to support lifechanging projects across the UK Ireland for children with disabilities or facing disadvantage. ajones@woodenspoon.org.uk
woodenspoon.org.uk
partnerships for positive change
What an exciting year it’s shaping up to be for Wooden Spoon. With the countdown to the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia well underway, we’re absolutely thrilled to be an official charity partner of The Lions Trust.
It’s an incredible opportunity to align with one of rugby’s most iconic teams and raise vital funds for the children and young people we support.
We’re also teaming up with the fantastic team at LooseHeadz to attempt a Guinness World Record for the Longest Game of Rugby. It’s ambitious, it’s bold – and it’s exactly the kind of spirit that defines Wooden Spoon.
After the Lions tour, don’t miss our Post Tour Roar Lunch – a brilliant chance to meet some
of the Lions players and relive the highlights. Tickets are already available, so do snap them up before they go (see page 2).
This year also marks some inspiring milestones: it’s been ten years since our recordsetting Arctic Challenge – the most northerly game of rugby –and six years since we took the game to the heights of Everest – the highest game of rugby. Now, we’re exploring the idea of our most extreme adventure yet – an Antarctic Challenge. If this sounds like your kind of challenge, please do register your interest (see page 11).
We’re also proud of our growing partnership with the Inter Services Championship, strengthening our ties with the Armed Forces community.
Our very first National Wooden Spoon Day was a phenomenal success – thank you to everyone who helped us mark the occasion and shared the love on social media. Your support truly galvanised our community and reminded us all of the powerful impact we can have when we come together. Finally, I am delighted to welcome Ben Waterhouse as our new Chief Operating Officer – his passion, experience, and energy will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow and deliver life-changing projects across the UK and Ireland.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sarah Webb, CEO
The British & Irish Lions
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the very first National Wooden Spoon Day on 19th March
From heartwarming messages to creative social media posts, the love and enthusiasm for Wooden Spoon was truly inspiring. And this is just the beginning, let’s make National Wooden Spoon Day even bigger in the years to come!
200
Over people took part in National Wooden Spoon Day play your part today
65,000 people saw our Lions takeover content
12,000
57 We gained people saw our content
new followers
Showcasing the power of rugby
The partnership between Wooden Spoon and The Lions Trust makes an impact both on and off the pitch, demonstrating how rugby can change lives through exciting initiatives that reflect the shared values of both organisations.
One such initiative is the upcoming Guinness World Record attempt for the Longest Game of Rugby, in partnership with LooseHeadz, another official charity partner of the Lions Trust.
This challenge embodies the spirit of endurance, teamwork and commitment – qualities that define both Wooden Spoon’s mission and the Lions legacy.
Meanwhile, as the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia
draws closer, Wooden Spoon supporters will travel down under to represent the charity.
For those involved, this is about more than just rugby; it’s about championing inclusivity, resilience, and giving back to the community.
The journey doesn’t end with the final whistle. The Post-Tour Roar fundraising lunch will celebrate the impact of the tour and raise vital funds to continue changing young lives through the power of rugby.
Just as the Lions inspire future generations on the pitch, Wooden Spoon and The Lions Trust are ensuring that the game leaves a lasting legacy far beyond it.
Wooden Spoon CEO, Sarah Webb, said: “Together with The Lions Trust, we go beyond the game – harnessing the spirit of rugby to create real, lasting impact in communities.
“From the extraordinary challenge of the Guinness World Record attempt to our supporters travelling to Australia for the Lions Tour, this partnership reflects everything Wooden Spoon stands for: inclusivity, resilience, and the power of sport to change lives.
“The journey doesn’t end at the final whistle – it’s only just beginning.”
From the Arctic to Everest
We are gearing up for our next Record-Breaking Rugby Challenge!
A decade ago, Wooden Spoon made history by setting a Guinness World Record for the most northerly game of rugby, pushing the limits of the sport in the Arctic.
Four years later, the charity took on another extreme challenge, playing at altitude on Mount Everest. Now, the team is setting its sights on another ambitious goal – the most southerly game of rugby in Antarctica in 2026.
We asked James Harding, who took part in the first sub-zero challenge, what it feels like to take rugby to such extreme locations.
James explains: “We trekked the final 100 miles in Arctic conditions to reach the 1986 Magnetic North Pole before playing the northernmost rugby match in history. Winds rose significantly during the trek. At times visibility reduced
to just a few metres, making it very difficult to navigate.
“Sunny, windless days are few and far between when it comes to the Arctic planes. Thankfully one of those days was match day.
“The full-contact match was hard fought – partly because we were playing in Arctic snow boots but also the thinner air caught your breath, and we weren’t 21-year-olds anymore.”
Mark Dean was part of the Everest challenge, and he tells us about his unique experience: “You learn an awful lot about yourself, you get to meet some incredible people, and you’ll get to change the outcomes for disabled and disadvantaged children.
“It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. My advice to anybody thinking about doing it is say yes, and work out how you’re going to do it later.
“When I reflect on Everest, it’s how absolutely beautiful the whole place was. You can understand the unspoiled nature of it, and the privilege of actually being allowed to go up there was quite something.
“You’ve also got a shared experience with that group of people, you’re always going to have that and it’s quite a special little club.
“It’s exclusive only by the fact that we went together – not because of where you went to school, or what you look like, or your gender or your colour, or any of those things that make things exclusive around the world. It’s because you were there, and you did it.”
Are you ready to take part in the next world record?
With plans now underway for the Antarctic challenge, we’re inviting intrepid rugby enthusiasts to register their interest for what promises to be another historic moment in Wooden Spoon’s legacy of extreme rugby.
making a difference through rugby
Rugbytots is passionate about transforming young lives through sport and community.
From gruelling bike rides to joyful Try-athlons, Rugbytots’ efforts have funded vital Wooden Spoon projects like sensory rooms, outdoor learning spaces, therapeutic facilities at schools and care centres across the UK.
This year Rugbytots children are lacing up their trainers once again for the muchloved Try-athlons, proudly fundraising for Wooden Spoon and continuing their mission to create meaningful change – one try at a time.
For more information contact Rugbytots by emailing enquiries@rugbytots.co.uk or calling 0345 313 3242.
Some of the numerous projects supported by Rugbytots, in partnership with Wooden Spoon
Legacy Leaving a lasting
Wooden Spoon is blessed to be supported by so many members of the rugby family. Likewise, the camaraderie and team spirit found by supporting children’s projects, through rugby games, regional committees and events, gives so much back to our members. Our charity’s causes also greatly benefit from members who remember us in their wills. Likewise, Wooden Spoon is thankful to family and friends who, through in
memory donations, honour their loved one’s connections to Wooden Spoon and rugby. However, despite being able to give record-breaking amounts, demand for grants has never been higher. Only one in ten applications are successful, meaning legacies and in memory donations are providing much-needed additional fundraising.
Joe Carlisle’s gifts boost projects in Wooden Spoon Ulster Wooden Spoon Ulster supporter Joe generously remembered grass roots rugby in Northern Ireland, leaving gifts in his will to his local club, to IRFU Charitable Trust and £49,000 to Wooden Spoon Ulster. Buoyed by additional funding including the Lions Lunch, which raised over £60,000, Wooden Spoon Ulster have been able to grant £150,000 this year to projects.
Charlotte Carbery in memory of David Yadoo
Charlotte set up a Much-Loved online donation platform in memory of her grandad David Yadoo, which raised £2,700 from family and friends. For over 20 years David hosted tables at lunches and fourballs at their annual golf day for Wooden Spoon Surrey.
Chair Peter Wood said: “Joe’s kindness and generosity contributed to funding six projects this year, including the sensory room and garden at Haberton Special School in Belfast, which will benefit over 200 children per year.”
Charlotte is now hosting a 7s tournament at her local rugby club this August to continue the fundraising in her grandfather’s memory.
• We’d also like to thank the families of Frank Meakin and Stevie Reilly for their recent in memory donations.
To find out more about in memory online collections or how to remember Wooden Spoon in your will, please visit: woodenspoon.org.uk/fundraise-for-us/ legacy/ or contact: Mmallinder@woodenspoon.org.uk
safe haven at Murrayfield
The sensory space at Scottish Gas Murrayfield is another success for inclusion in rugby, providing a quiet place for supporters who might feel overwhelmed by the atmosphere at the stadium. Officially opened by Scottish Rugby patron, HRH The Princess Royal, the former TV studio has been transformed into a calm and restorative environment.
“We have worked closely with Scottish Autism and a specialist sensory space designer, Tigerplay, to create a state-of-the-art sensory space,” explained Business partner in Scottish Rugby’s People Team, Catriona Fett.
“We look to champion inclusion and diversity and
Wooden Spoon Edinburgh granted
for a sensory room at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh £9,000
having this new facility available for supporters at matches and concerts – but also accessible to visitors during the working week and, potentially, in our very popular stadium tours – is a very positive step.”
Honorary President of Wooden Spoon Scotland, Gavin Hastings, said: “Rugby is a sport built on inclusivity, and this initiative ensures that even more people can experience the magic of a match day in a way that is comfortable for them.
“Thanks to Scottish Rugby and Wooden Spoon supporters, this space will provide a welcoming environment for those who need it most. It’s a fantastic step forward in making our game truly accessible to all.”
“Rugby is a sport built on inclusivity, and this initiative ensures even more people can experience the magic of a match day in a way that is comfortable for them.” Gavin Hastings
The Princess Royal opens the new sensory space ©
a place to play and explore
Andy Onyeama-Christie, who has eight international caps for Scotland and 93 for Saracens, cut the ribbon at a ceremony to open a new playground for Tracks Autism specialist pre-school.
A vital lifeline to families in the county, the Ofsted Outstanding pre-school receives no government funding, and was able to build the playground thanks to a number of donors, including Wooden Spoon.
investing in an active future
A new sports space will encourage fitness and wellbeing among St Vincents school’s young people. The school for blind and visually impaired pupils provides a safe and caring teaching and learning
environment where students can love, live, learn, and grow in the community. Wooden Spoon funded a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) which will enhance opportunities for physical activity, team sports, and social interaction.
Wooden Spoon Hertfordshire granted
for a new slide at Tracks Autism, in Stevenage £7,000
Principal of Tracks Autism, Jane Wagstaff, said: “Our new playground has been enjoyed by all the children. It has offered a challenge from practising walking up the steps, to climbing the wall.
“The new safety/play surface offers opportunities for pedalling the tricycles and enjoying much-loved games of chase with staff.”
Wooden Spoon Merseyside granted for a multi-use games area at St Vincent’s School, Liverpool £10,000
Hear my voice
Young Hillz has become more than just a radio project –it’s a space for young people in Hillfields and Coventry to explore their creativity, build confidence and find a positive space to belong.
Run by Working Actively to Change Hillfields (WATCH), the community radio station broadcasts seven days a week to the city’s diverse community, with the help of 30 volunteers.
In response to a request for new equipment, Wooden Spoon Warwickshire granted funds for a new transmitter and a second studio, to produce podcasts and demo tapes.
WATCH Chief Executive, Nadia Taghi, explained: “Through our sessions, we’re helping young people develop real media skills, from running a radio show to recording and editing their own demos in the studio.
“But beyond the technical side, we’re giving them a place where they feel safe, heard, and supported. By providing a structured and positive after-school environment, we are ensuring that young people have a constructive and engaging space to spend their
Wooden Spoon Warwickshire granted for a equipment for Hillz FM at WATCH Community Centre, Hillfields, Coventry £6,400
time. They have a space where they can focus on something positive, surrounded by mentors and like-minded peers who push them to do better.
“Having their own shows allows them to explore, research, and dive deeper into topics they’re passionate about, whether it’s music, mental health, social issues, or local events.”
The studio’s upgrades have given the young people access to professional equipment, making them feel like real broadcasters. The space isn’t
just about learning technical skills – it’s about giving young people a sense of purpose, and pride in their work.
One of the broadcasters at Young Hillz, Yasmin, tells us what it means to her: “It has changed my life in the best way possible. I came here as a little 11-year-old. So shy of the world, I was an introvert, the biggest introvert you ever met, and now? Four years later, here I am speaking as a public speaker and activist. It’s just changed my life so much. I have learnt so many life skills, my confidence has grown tremendously.
“I’ve become so much more confident because of speaking on the radio and especially to speak about things I enjoy and sharing that with the community. It’s just such a fun and enlightening experience that I think everyone should do it.”
On air: The children learning broadcast skills at Hillz FM
“Four years later, here I am speaking as a public speaker and activist. It’s just changed my life so much. I have learnt so many life skills, my confidence has grown tremendously.”
broadcasters
Yasmin, one of the
at Young Hillz
The new equipment helps Aodhán regulate his emotions
peace & calm In new sensory room
The National Autistic Society (NAS) opened its first day centre in Northern Ireland,
extremely safe, and the staff are amazing with Aodhán. This gives us the confidence that Wooden Spoon Ulster granted
giving families in need a lift
Wooden Spoon Essex granted for a new lift at The Snap Centre in Brentwood £22,300
The children and young people Snap support have a wide variety of disabilities, so Wooden Spoon Essex stepped in to fund a lift for the centre, making it fully-accessible.
The centre supports families living with autistic spectrum disorders, ADHD, cerebral
palsy, Down syndrome, sensory impairments, physical disabilities, speech and language difficulties and learning disabilities.
CEO of Snap, Karen Boath, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Wooden Spoon for their support, which helps us to continue to provide a safe haven for children and young people with additional needs. Here they can find friendship and support, build their confidence, develop their social skills and reduce the isolation of the whole family.
The new lift not only ensures that anyone can access The SNAP Centre, but it also reinforces the safe and nonjudgemental environment we work hard to maintain.”
all creatures great & small
Combe Pafford caters for pupils with learning and physical difficulties aged eight to 19. Wooden Spoon’s donation meant the school could build the Animal Centre, where students can learn how to care for animals. Headteacher, Sally Banfield, shares what this means to the chidren and the teachers at the school:
“Our students all have a diagnosis of moderate learning difficulties, many also have autism and or physical and sensory disabilities. Their challenges are mainly in their cognitively ability to learn and retain information.
“This, in conjunction with any autistic and physical needs, can make learning very hard for them. Normally, when children join us, they are working five years below their age-related peers. That said, when they leave us, this gap has shrunk a lot.
“All of our children will access and gain qualifications in Maths, English and Science – some at GCSE level, others at functional skills and entry level. We also offer animal care from Year 9, with our vocational taster sessions, right up to Year 12 and 13 for our sixth form students.
“The new animal centre really brings the subject and the care of the animas ‘alive’ for the students. We have been able to house a bigger range of animals in the purpose-built pods and cages. The heating units mean the students have many more animals and a wider variety to work with.
“The fact that it feels ‘real’, and the range of animals they now have to work with, are the two main reasons the children love the animal centre so much. The students can handle the animals and have their learning classroom in the same space, it is hugely beneficial. The new room has really raised the profile
“A huge part of the journey for students at Combe Pafford, is that they learn the skills, knowledge and experience that will allow them to gain meaningful employment when they leave us.”
Headteacher at Combe Pafford School, Sally Banfield
Sally Banfield and the teachers at Combe Pafford celebrate the opening of the Animal Centre with Wooden Spoon volunteers
Wooden Spoon
£20,000
Devon granted for an animal centre and equipment at Combe Pafford special school, in Torquay
of animal care in the school. The subject is now right in the middle of the school and children have to walk past it every day at breaktime and lunchtime.
“They can see the animals, and I am hopeful that the take-up of animal care for our Year 9 options will be positively increased because of the new room.
“Without the funding from Wooden Spoon, the school would not have been able to afford to include the new animal care room in the new build. The funding allowed us to purchase the wonderful house/cages/pods for the wide range of animals we now have and install the state-ofthe-art heating system that the animals need to live.
“Other nearby schools also use our animal care facilities to support their young people, allowing Combe Pafford to support other areas of our local community.
“Our vocational facilities are the envy of most schools. We have a fully-functioning cafe,
two garages, a hair design salon, a horticulture area and a construction yard; in addition to the animal care suite. Wooden Spoon have already generously donated to the car garage and the hairdressing salon. Without this support we simply wouldn’t have been able to develop the facilities that we have got.
“A huge part of the journey for students at Combe Pafford, is that they learn the skills, knowledge and experience that will allow them to gain meaningful employment when they leave us. Our vocational programme plays a huge part in this and the facilities we have are so important in this journey for them.”
The pupils learn valuable skills at the new animal centre
Cricket green Special school
Children and staff at Cricket Green School were delighted to explore their new outdoor space, funded by Wooden Spoon.
The playground provides eco-friendly sensory play equipment designed to help young children with mild and complex learning difficulties engage in stimulating and inclusive outdoor play.
One of the teachers at the special school, Pheobe Bower, told us about the difference the eco playground has made: “It offers them a way to decompress and reset between lessons, so it is vital that the space is engaging and motivating enough that the children use it.
“Having lots of new, exciting playground equipment is also fantastic in terms
of helping the children to develop key skills, such as their communication, sharing and turn-taking, as well as an awareness and care for their environment.
“Spaces such as the playground are great for fostering creativity in our children – from role play games in the teepee to experiencing composing melodies using the instruments available.
“It has encouraged the children to try new things and challenge themselves, as well as encourage independence and problem-solving skills, like when considering how to climb
Wooden Spoon Surrey granted for an eco playground at Cricket Green Special School, West Mitcham £25,000
up and get down from the climbing frame. The children are also more excited to go to playtime and there is an increase in the physical activity outside which also has many health benefits.
“It’s incredibly important to receive funding from Wooden Spoon – without it, none of this would have been possible.”
“It has encouraged the children to try new things and challenge themselves, as well as encourage independence and problem solving skills.”
Teacher, Pheobe Bower
The new eco playground
add the finishing touch
Not only did Wooden Spoon Eastern Counties contribute funds towards the Beams’ sensory garden, the local committee also rolled up their sleeves to help build it too!
Shelford Peacocks, John Clements and Andy Daly helped Beams Foster Care and Family Services put the finishing touches to their sensory garden. Beams provide care and support for children and foster families and the new sensory garden will provide a high-quality therapeutic environment for their children.
With much of the heavy-duty tasks already completed, the team helped install a sensory wall, sandpit and fairy toadstool. This is the second of four similar projects supported by the region.
Wooden Spoon committee member, Andy Daly, said: “The day was a great chance to see and hear first hand how the money raised through Wooden Spoon can have a real impact for children and their families, and see the amazing work the team at Beams and their foster carers around the county do.”
“The day was a great chance to see and hear first hand how the money raised through Wooden Spoon can have a real impact for children and their families...” Wooden Spoon committee member, Andy Daly
Wooden Spoon Eastern Counties granted
£5,000
for a sensory garden at Beams Foster Care and Family Services Centre, in Great Yarmouth
Volunteers admire the new fairy toadstool
Sensory decorations in the new garden
Celebrating rugby & community impacT
Wooden Spoon is proud to announce a new partnership with the Inter Service Championship – a collaboration which brings together two passionate forces in the world of rugby. The Inter Service Championship has been uniting the UK’s Armed Forces and their families through sport since 1920.
As part of this exciting partnership, Wooden Spoon is helping to create memorable matchday experiences for families and young fans alike, with the Wooden Spoon
Family Area at each venue, reflecting our commitment to young people and inclusive rugby experiences.
Northampton and Twickenham will showcase our dedication to nurturing the next generation of players with the Wooden Spoon Youth Tournament.
Beyond the pitch, we’ll be raising awareness of our mission and championing the values we share with the Armed Forces rugby community. We’re especially excited to spotlight the inspiring over-35s teams – the
Royal Navy Mariners, Army Masters, and RAF Vultures – to our wider audience.
Looking ahead, this partnership also lays the groundwork for deeper collaboration between Wooden Spoon’s regional teams and the three Service Unions, working together to promote grassroots rugby and engage local communities. Together, we’re building a future where rugby can inspire, support, and connect generations – from military heroes to young dreamers.
© Gary Bide Photography
team up with us & make a difference
Open to all clubs in the UK and Ireland, our Partner Clubs make an annual commitment to do something for Wooden Spoon, on behalf of the rugby community.
The clubs proudly display the Wooden Spoon Partner Club plaque on their clubhouse wall and online, showing visitors how they contribute to their local community.
By connecting with their local Wooden Spoon representative, club members then regularly fundraise for Wooden Spoon,
supporting good causes in their region. Here are a few examples of what’s happening up and down the country:
• Kent host and organise a Partner Club Golf Day annually, which is always a great day and excellent fundraiser
• At Dorset Wilts & Hants, Christchurch RFC use our logo, Match Day Sheets and Player of the Match graphics on social media
• Surrey hosted our annual Vets Fest event at Old Reigatians RFC last year
• Chilterns hosted a Rugby Club Race Night at Reading RFC, which gained joint funding for both club and charity
• Northumberland held the music festival SpoonFest at Alnwick RFC last summer
• Newton Abbot RFC is holding a Summer festival this year.
There are so many ways to get involved and help your club, as well as helping children living with disadvantage or disability. To find out more, simply email: mbishop@woodenspoon.org.uk
dedication & determination
A huge thank you to our incredible London Marathon runners! Thanks to their dedication and determination, they’ve raised over £60,000 — an amazing achievement.
With the sun shining and the atmosphere buzzing, it was a truly unforgettable day. Every one of our runners did us proud, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
If reading this inspires you to take part in a marathon, half marathon or another challenge event, then take a look at the Individual Fundraising Challenges opportunities on our website event pages – why not have some fun, while raising funds for us?
Celebrating Our Valued Partners
We’d like to shine a spotlight on some of our most recent corporate sponsors who have stepped up to support Wooden Spoon. Their generosity and belief in our mission makes a real difference.
Quite simply, many of our events wouldn’t be possible without the backing of our corporate partners. We’re incredibly grateful for their support and proud to partner with organisations that share our values and vision. Read on to meet some of the businesses helping to drive our work forward.
HMA Tax – proud to support Vets Fest
HMA Tax is a leading specialist in capital allowances, helping UK commercial property owners access valuable tax relief in their buildings.
ICS Mortgages – proud to support The Longest Game
ICS Mortgages is a residential mortgage lender established in 1864. Specialists in Buy to Let Mortgages & Mortgages for Public Sector Workers, based in Ireland.
Thank you to our longstanding corporate supporters
Valencia Waste Management – proud to support Tag Fest
Valencia Waste is a leading provider in waste management services and are the largest privately owned landfill business in the UK.
Tag Fest 2024
©Luke Simcock
RAF Shawbury Proms 2025
A night of music, glamour & aviation
Saturday 5 July 2025
7pm-11.45pm
Experience a spectacular black-tie evening and drinks reception in an RAF hangar, surrounded by helicopters
WOODEN SPOO N
pillar of our Yorkshire region
John Little, a leading member of the Wooden Spoon Yorkshire Committee, has decided that the time has come to retire.
John has given great service to Wooden Spoon Yorkshire, joining the committee in 2009, working tirelessly at fundraising events and carrying out numerous project inspections.
He was a lynch pin in the charity’s relationship with Black Sheep Brewery, a long-standing sponsor for Wooden Spoon in Yorkshire, and he brought good judgement and good humour to the committee debates in equal measure.
John is pictured right at one of the region’s many successful events. Everyone at Wooden Spoon wishes him the very best in his retirement.
Smashing his £10,000 target
Warwickshire stalwart Pat McKeown has gone above and beyond this past year for Wooden Spoon after choosing the charity as the benefactor for his Captain’s Charity at Bubbenhall Golf Society.
Alongside his fundraising through golf, he has also organised auctions, raffles and quiz nights with the aim to surpass his £10,000 target, which was achieved in January.
Pat gives up a lot of time for Wooden Spoon and has successfully organised the region’s Wooden Spoon Golf Day for over 20 years. These events generate a huge amount of funds, which are used to support life-changing projects in Warwickshire, positively impacting and changing the lives of children with disabilities.
Pat is hugely grateful for the support of Bubbenhall Golf Society, Corpsewood Sports & Social Club and the Malt Shovel Pub, who have all been long-term supporters of his fundraising endeavours.
sri lankan Adventure
The Tuk Tuk adventure challenge was an experience the Wooden Spoon teams will never forget, as they made their incredible 900km journey across Sri Lanka.
Nigel Pooley had the idea for this challenge which saw the teams overcome unpredictable roads, mechanical breakdowns and flat tyres, while travelling across the spectacular island. Gift bags and rugby balls donated by Global Service Group spread smiles in the communities along the way.
Carole Stevenson told us about the trip: “Sri Lanka is a beautiful diverse country. We had a great visit to a community centre where they are educating the tea workers’ children, we took educational supplies and planted trees for the girls to look after.
“The challenges each day were good fun, the boys wheelbarrowed rice into the road and laid it out to dry, and we ambushed this poor lady and she graciously taught us how to cook a curry!”
Nathan Jones loved the experience: “This action-packed week was tough going in the heat and humidity, and nine hours a day in our trusty Tuk Tuk truly gave us the chance to get off the beaten track, discover so much and meet so many wonderful Sri Lankans who made us feel so welcome in their communities.”
With the generous backing of Global Service Group and our supporters, the adventurous teams raised over £15,000. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone involved.
The intrepid Wooden Spoon teams on their Tuk Tuk odyssey; Nigel Pooley, Nathan Jones, Matt Townsend, John Clements, Carole Stevenson and Alex Stevenson
Sarah Webb pays a personal tribute to her friend and dedicated member of Wooden Spoon, Ian Holroyd
Ian Holroyd
We are especially lucky at Wooden Spoon to have the most dedicated and enthused volunteers – you would expect that with the rugby family. The passing of Ian Holroyd, immediate past Chair for Warwickshire region and latterly Honorary President for the region has hit us hard as a team and Ian was, without question, an absolute class act and testament to what it was to be a Wooden Spoon volunteer.
I was fortunate enough to have seen Ian very recently as he fought his short fight with illness. The loving, bright man was still in there and it is this that will be so sorely missed by so many.
Ian dedicated decades of his life to raising funds for the children and young people who need it most in Warwickshire.
He provided a solid bedrock for the committee and was a firm friend to many of
his counterparts across the country. As a charity we were honoured that he chose
PC BROWN
We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Scotland rugby captain and legendary forward, Peter Brown. Peter was the Wooden Spoon Scotland Chair from 1999, and he passionately supported Wooden Spoon
Wooden Spoon as his charity of choice and personally I felt privileged to know him.
events, fundraising and many project openings. His remarkable contributions to rugby, including a record 66 points as a forward for Scotland, have left an indelible mark on the sport.
15 MAY Aberdeen Aberdeen & North Dinner
17 MAY Northumberland Cricket Lunch
23 MAY Durham Golf Day
23 MAY Devon Golf Day
29 MAY Edinburgh Golf Day
31 MAY National TagFest25
5 JUNE Ulster Golf Day: The Willie John McBride Classic
6 JUNE Chilterns Lions Lunch
7 JUNE Northumberland Spoonfest 2025
8 JUNE Yorkshire Black Sheep Big Spoon Bike Ride
12 JUNE Guernsey
Lions Legends Dinner
13 JUNE Jersey Lions Legends Dinner
ABERDEEN : Norman Fiddes aberdeen@woodenspoon.org.uk
BEDFORDSHIRE : Oliver Richbell bedfordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk
BRISTOL, BATH & SOMERSET : Jeff Durant bbs@woodenspoon.org.uk
CHILTERNS : Chris Henkey chilterns@woodenspoon.org.uk
CORNWALL : Alan Milliner cornwall@woodenspoon.org.uk
CUMBRIA : John Cunningham cumbria@woodenspoon.org.uk
DEVON : Roger Haywood devon@woodenspoon.org.uk
DORSET, WILTSHIRE & HAMPSHIRE : Brett Bader dwh@woodenspoon.org.uk
DURHAM : Paul Tully durham@woodenspoon.org.uk
EASTERN COUNTIES: Adrian Illingworth & John Clements (co chairs) eastern@woodenspoon.org.uk
EDINBURGH : John Godfrey edinburgh@woodenspoon.org.uk
ESSEX : Richard Austin/James Crouch essex@woodenspoon.org.uk
GLASGOW : Al Kellock glasgow@woodenspoon.org.uk
GLOUCESTERSHIRE : Rob York gloucester@woodenspoon.org.uk
13 JUNE Kent West Kent Golf Day
18 JUNE Yorkshire Corporate Touch Rugby Tournament
19 JUNE Leicestershire Golf Day
Diary dates & contacts
12 JULY Scotland Ruggerfest 2025
6 AUGUST Yorkshire
Cars & Conversation
29 AUGUST Glasgow
Annual Rugby Lunch
20 JUNE Manchester & Cheshire Celebrity Charity Cricket Match
20 JUNE Worcestershire Lions v Argentina
3 JULY Northumberland & Durham 50 days to WRWC Lunch
3 JULY Yorkshire Golf Day
4 JULY Cornwall Golf Day
10 JULY Wales Golf Day
10 JULY Surrey Jackson Hodges Memorial Golf Day
GUERNSEY : Karen Solway guernsey@woodenspoon.org.uk
HERTFORDSHIRE : John Batters hertfordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk
ISLE OF MAN : Joanne McCabe isleofman@woodenspoon.org.uk
JERSEY : David Wilton jersey@woodenspoon.org.uk
KENT : Recruiting* kent@woodenspoon.org.uk
LANCASHIRE : Martin Long lancashire@woodenspoon.org.uk
LEICESTERSHIRE : Malcolm Foulkes-Arnold leicester@woodenspoon.org.uk
LEINSTER : Recruiting* leinster@woodenspoon.org.uk
MANCHESTER & CHESHIRE : Roger Smith manchester@ woodenspoon.org.uk
MERSEYSIDE : Ken Andrews merseyside@ woodenspoon.org.uk
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE : Recruiting* northampton@ woodenspoon.org.uk
NORTHUMBERLAND : Iain Stewart northumberland@ woodenspoon.org.uk
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE : Diane Orson nottingham@ woodenspoon.org.uk
26 SEPTEMBER Cumbria Golf Day
30 SEPTEMBER Northumberland Golf Day
3 OCTOBER Leicestershire Oktoberfest
6 NOVEMBER Edinburgh Dinner
28 NOVEMBER Surrey
Rugby Clubs’ Curry Lunch
12 DECEMBER Oxfordshire Christmas Lunch
Regional contacts
OXFORDSHIRE : Steve Murphy oxfordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk
SHROPSHIRE : Chris Bristow shropshire@woodenspoon.org.uk
STAFFORDSHIRE : Trevor Jenkins staffordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk
SURREY : Mark Dean surrey@woodenspoon.org.uk
SUSSEX : Sandy Fleming sussex@woodenspoon.org.uk
ULSTER : Peter Wood ulster@woodenspoon.org.uk
WALES : Huw Thomas wales@woodenspoon.org.uk
WARWICKSHIRE : John Collins warwickshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk
WEST MIDLANDS : Martin Owen westmidlands@ woodenspoon.org.uk
WORCESTERSHIRE : Vince Hopkins worcester@woodenspoon.org.uk
YORKSHIRE : Stuart Watson yorkshire@woodenspoon.org.uk
* Are you interested in the role of Chair? Then please email us at: regions@woodenspoon.org.uk
