Proud to support the next generation of junior wheelchair rugby players
IRELAND V WALES –
2 NIGHT TOUR
This is more than a match. It’s two nights in Dublin, surrounded by passion, tradition and Welsh pride. We’ll arrange your flights from Cardiff or London Heathrow, hotel, official Category 4 tickets (with upgrade options) and transfers – you just bring the noise. Every booking helps support rugby in Wales.
Stand with the nation in the Aviva on Friday 6 March 2026.
Travel dates: Friday 06 – Sunday 08 March 2026
Official match ticket • 2-Nights 4* or 5* Hotel (B&B basis) • Return flights (CWL or LHR) & airport transfers
BOOK NOW AND BE PART OF THE ACTION!
Gullivers Sports Travel is the Official Supporter Travel Partner of the Welsh Rugby Union.
2-night tour – from £959 pp.
Secure your spot before it’s too late! Visit gulliverstravel.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1684 878 875
Scan the QR code with your camera app to view more details.
1
IN 5
CHILDREN IN THE UK ARE NEURO DIVERGENT *
Wooden Spoon has funded over 100 sensory spaces across the UK and Ireland totalling over 4.6 million helping over 202,000 beneficiaries.
3 IN 4
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES DON’T PLAY SPORT AT SCHOOL*
The Wooden Spoon International tag rugby festival (Tag Fest) gives players with mild and severe learning difficulties the opportunity to be a rugby player.
Challenges The we face
1 IN 5
CHILDREN HAVE A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE*
Wooden Spoon supports The Wave Project which enhances confidence, reduces isolation and increases the wellbeing of young people through surf therapy.
1 IN 3
CHILDREN LIVE IN POVERTY*
Wooden Spoon’s Pass the Plate appeal raises funds to feed children living in poverty. Nutritious meals, weekend and holiday food are provided – ‘giving a child the chance to thrive’.
making a real difference
At Wooden Spoon, we’re passionate about making a real difference in children’s lives. Right now, so many children and young people face challenges in society and that’s why our mission matters more than ever: to give every child the chance to play, to thrive, to learn and to be safe.
A big thank you to our trustee, Victoria Sparkes, for sharing her expert insight into why it’s so important that we continue supporting projects that give children with disabilities the opportunity to play (see page 6). Her knowledge and passion truly reflect what Wooden Spoon is all about.
I’m thrilled about our partnership with Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) and the launch of the Junior Wheelchair Regional Academies, an amazing pathway helping young athletes develop their skills,
and even become future Paralympians. We’re so proud to be part of their journey. What an incredible year it’s been for rugby.
The Women’s Rugby World Cup has been nothing short of inspiring. A huge congratulations to the Red Roses for their phenomenal win – an amazing moment for the sport and a powerful push forward for women’s rugby everywhere.
The Lions Tour proved successful not only for the team but also for the charity with the pre tour, tour and post tour activities. A vast new audience of supporters has been introduced to the amazing work that we do across the UK and Ireland. So many people had heard of Wooden Spoon and want to do more to support us. A massive thank you to Gullivers and The British & Irish Lions Trust for making the trip possible.
We’re officially Guinness World Record holders, again, for The Longest Games of Rugby (page 18). What makes this achievement so special is the heart behind it. Every player, volunteer, referee and supporter gave their all – not for glory, but to change lives.
Before I go, make sure you check out our brand-new Wooden Spoon stash (page 16), some great merch to wear with pride. You can even gift a Wooden Spoon membership to a friend or loved one and welcome them into our Wooden Spoon family (see the back cover).
As always, thank you for your support. Together, we’re making a difference – one game, one project, and one child at a time.
Sarah Webb, CEO
© Ryan Pierse RFU
Giving every chil d the chance to play
Every child deserves the chance to play, thrive, learn and be safe, but for many young people living with disabilities or disadvantage, those opportunities are far too limited.
That’s why Wooden Spoon is committed to raising vital funds to create inclusive spaces and projects that open doors for children who might otherwise be left behind. At the heart of this mission is a determination to put children’s needs first, so they can benefit from play, sport, and community connection.
As a Clinical Director in the private sector, Victoria Sparkes has over 20 years’ experience in learning disability and mental health care, alongside community and voluntary leadership roles.
Victoria brings her unique perspective on why the work of Wooden Spoon matters,
Spoonews talks to Victoria Sparkes, Wooden Spoon trustee, about the importance of play for children
and how it can change lives:
“I’ve seen first-hand how the right environment, particularly opportunities to play, move and connect, can transform a child’s life. One of the things I hear most often is how exhausting everyday life can feel when the world isn’t built with inclusion in mind. Many autistic or learning-disabled children and young people experience sounds, lights and unpredictable changes as overwhelming.”
Children with autism need play such as climbing, pushing or jumping to feel safe and calm. It helps them regulate their sensory system and improve body awareness, providing a sense of being grounded, which can increase focus, especially for those who feel overwhelmed by their environment.
Victoria explains: “Many community play spaces don’t
provide that kind of sensory feedback. It can feel isolating for families, especially where family groups have mixed ability children, as they worry about being judged, or about their child being misunderstood in typical play areas or sports clubs.
“The last few years have been especially tough. During the pandemic, a lot of the therapy and support systems families relied on stopped or went online. For children who depend on face-to-face contact and sensory experiences, that created big gaps in development and confidence.”
Following on from the pandemic, services have struggled to catch up, and waiting lists are longer. Additionally, financial pressures leave many families feeling stretched, while children miss out on safe, inclusive play.
Senditots Bedfordshire
Wooden Spoon funds play sessions for small children with additional needs. Many parents of children with ADHD/Autism and other neurodiverse conditions find it challenging to attend universal services where they feel judged and unheard. SendiTots provides a safe environment where the children can play, and parents can access advice and support.
The play sessions offer parents a chance to better understand their child’s needs. They also support parents to find specialist nursery places and help with the application process for Education Health Plans.
Wooden Spoon Bedfordshire Chair, Oliver Richbell, visited the SendiTots opening and commented: “Seeing first hand the amazing work of the SendiTots programme, and those families and children it supports, acutely highlights the positive impact the support Wooden Spoon can provide.”
Victoria points out mainstream settings can struggle to accommodate special needs: “Despite teaching staff often showing aptitude and interest in extending their skill set
to support children with sensory integration needs, or alternative learning styles, there is a lack of opportunity to train, or classroom numbers simply don’t allow for the
1:1 time required to enable children to thrive in inclusive environments.”
Quiet and safe spaces for children experiencing sensory overload, who may need to regulate and reset away from others, are not always available due to lack of space and resources.
“A playground can have a profound effect on children being able to reset at break time,” Victoria continues, “ready to focus for the next lesson or to decompress after an exhausting day of masking to fit into neurotypical surroundings.”
That’s why projects like the Chattersense climbing frame in Scotland or the outdoor play area at Killard House school in Ulster mean so much. They’re purpose-built so every child, whatever their needs, can join in.
Victoria’s seen how the lack of play effects youngsters:
“I’ve met children who spend most of their time indoors because there’s nowhere safe or welcoming to go. Over time, that can build anxiety and lead to social withdrawal.”
The difference the right environment makes is striking. In Wales, the Sense Hub rainforest sensory space has given children with profound and multiple disabilities a way to explore safely and build curiosity and calm.
While local authorities and health services combine to
“A playground can have a profound effect on children being able to reset at break time, ready to focus for the next lesson, or to decompress after an exhausting day of masking to fit into neurotypical surroundings.”
cover essential medical and educational needs, things like play and social connection often fall through the cracks. Fundraising steps in where public provision stops.
Projects like SendiTots in Bedfordshire, don’t usually get statutory funding, but they change lives every day. Funds from Wooden Spoon directly impact the services and opportunities available to these children – and the impact is immediate.
Victoria has seen the change the additional funds make: “At Killard House, a special needs school, the outdoor play area now gives children with severe learning disabilities a chance to move, explore and interact with peers, things that weren’t possible before. This truly can be transformative.”
There is direct correlation between early intervention and positive outcomes, and the funding for SendiTots means families get the early support they need.
Victoria adds: “It important to invest not just in medical care, but also in accessible play. Play is how children discover the world, experience joy and belonging.”
Play through sport is vital, Victoria says: “Sport is
powerful too. Something like Tag Fest, where young people with disabilities can join a rugby team and go on tour. Tour is a rite of passage that all children should have the opportunity to be a part of. The sense of belonging and
camaraderie is something many children with disabilities would not experience without fundraising and generous donations. Nothing hits home quite so much as hearing from parents on the day or reading the heartfelt
Killard House BELFAST
The special needs school caters for children with a range of learning difficulties, many severe and profound. Wooden Spoon funded an outdoor play space to create a fullyinclusive play and sensory environment area which caters to the needs of all pupils and includes free-standing play sheds, a sensory pathway, a traverse cube and clatter bridge.
“It’s a powerful reminder of utter joy that sport can bring to children, young people and their families.
Investing in play and sport alongside more formal health and care means we’re not just helping children survive, we’re helping them thrive.”
letters of appreciation from families who never thought that they would travel for a rugby tour and cheer on their children from the sidelines in something that so many sporting parents take for granted. It’s a powerful reminder of utter joy that sport can bring to children, young people and their families.
“Investing in play and sport alongside more formal health and care means we’re not just helping children survive, we’re helping them thrive. I’m proud to play a small role in supporting Wooden Spoon and hope that, with readers’ support, we can achieve the charity’s goal of helping the next one million children, and continuing to be THE Children’s Charity of Rugby.”
SENSE HUB Caerphilly
The Sense Hub supports people with complex disabilities across south Wales to learn new skills, keep healthy and make friends. Poppy has vision and hearing impairments, and has seen huge benefits from the new rainforest sensory space, created with funds from Wooden Spoon. Poppy’s mum, Tymandra, explains more: “As Poppy gets older, she understands her environment better each day; her world is a sensory experience and not ‘sight’ as we know it. It is so important that she ‘feels’ her world and enjoys each and every day her way. Specialist rooms like this are vital.”
TAG FEST
Tag Fest 25 was a truly heart-warming reminder of the magic that happens when sport becomes a force for joy. Tag Fest brings together hundreds of children and young people with learning disabilities from across the UK and Ireland to enjoy tag rugby in a supportive, joyful atmosphere. Every smile, cheer and high-five reflected the unshakable spirit of inclusion and the boundless pride of every participant. The date is already set for 20 June next year. Please contact Matt Bishop at: mbishop@woodenspoon.org.uk to register your team to play.
© Sarah Elisabeth Photography
CHattersense Scotland
Chattersense supports neurodivergent children and young people with sensory play experiences, one-to-one and group therapy, detailed assessments, treatment programmes, workshops, training and family support.
Sharon Craighead, founder of Chattersense, tells us how play helps the children: “The climbing frame is vital, it is not just play equipment, but a therapeutic tool. Many of our children are sensory seekers
who need opportunities to climb, balance and move to regulate their bodies and emotions. Others have motor difficulties and the climbing frame gives them a safe way to practise and succeed.
For children who are nonverbal, climbing can also be a shared language. It allows them to connect with peers through movement and play, in ways that are not dependent on spoken words. The frame provides structure,
predictability, and challenge; all things that help our children to build confidence and resilience.
The difference has been life-changing for our families. The climbing frame at Chattersense gives them a space where they can explore freely, safely and without fear of being misunderstood. Best of all, the young people don’t realise they are in therapy – to them, they are simply having fun.”
Passionate about transforming young lives through sport and community
Rugbytots has raised over £1 million for charitable causes
Number of projects supported in each region
Isle of Man: Cruzkids
Devon: Mayfield School
Cornwall: BF Adventure
Liverpool: Zoe’s Place
Manchester & Cheshire: Reuben’s Retreat
Scotland: The Larder Kitchen
Twickenham: Sensory Room at Allianz Stadium
West Midlands: Calthorpe Academy
London: Kobi Nazrul School
Rugbytots has supported 84 Wooden Spoon projects in 31 regions
Sussex: Farney Close School
Surrey: St Joseph’s Specialist School
This October and November Rugbytots children have been lacing up their trainers for the much-loved Try-athlons. The fun challenges involve running, passing, kicking and scoring tries, all against the clock to raise funds for Wooden Spoon – £20,000 has been raised so far to support good causes.
Building Tomorrow’s Champions
The Wooden Spoon Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Junior Regional Academies are calling for new players and coaches to join their growing clubs and ambitious teams.
The Wooden Spoon GBWR Junior Regional Academies has been launched; this exciting initiative will transform opportunities for young athletes across the UK.
The academies provide a dedicated space for junior wheelchair rugby players to train, compete and grow together, with access to high-quality coaching and a clear pathway towards performance, and even Paralympic representation.
Open to all eligible young people – whether or not they are currently part of a local club – the programme aims to build inclusion, confidence and develop lifelong friendships through sport.
The academies will hold regular sessions all leading to the inaugural Junior Tournament in February
2026, in Nottingham. Each regional academy will also build its own identity, complete with bespoke kit and a Junior Panel representative.
GBWR CEO, Jason Brisbane, said: “This partnership with Wooden Spoon is a powerful step forward in our mission to grow the sport from the ground up. Junior athletes deserve a space where they can thrive, connect and dream big. These academies will be the launchpad for future Paralympians and community leaders.”
The academies are calling on all eligible young people to give wheelchair rugby a go. Contact Jamie Higgins for more information at: jamie.higgins@gbwr.org.uk
Will has played at his local wheelchair rugby club for the last three years. Will’s dad Gary, tells Spoonews how the game, and the club, have been transformative for his son:
“Will has Crouzon syndrome, a premature fusion of the skull which causes all kinds of pressure on the brain, major breathing issues and facial disfigurement. This year he had major facial surgery. Despite this, Will still turned up at wheelchair rugby sporting his metal frame that secured facial advancement.
Thank you to Young’s Pubs, whose fundraising has enabled Wooden Spoon to support GBWR
Will (above) getting stuck into the game at his local club
He is also a full-time wheelchair user and has recently been diagnosed with hand disabilities. He wears hearing aids, glasses and has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and a skin condition.
But all this has made Will the character and fighter he is today – he doesn’t see himself as disabled, would you believe? He faces his many daily challenges head on, and if you ask anyone who knows him, nothing stops him.
He became involved in wheelchair rugby at the age of six, as we’d seen the sport on the Paralympics. We found a local club and met the most
amazing group of warm, friendly and like-minded individuals. It made a huge difference to Will’s life. Apart from swimming, it was the only sport he found where he fitted in, everyone was equal, everyone was like him. I’ll never forget that first training session, seeing his face light up as he ‘got stuck in!’
It also impacted family life so positively. As a group of parents, we’ve watched our kids mature, keep fit and develop skills in a sport. It’s also such a relief to meet similar people with similar experiences, it’s like a therapy session most weeks!
I think the thing that Will ultimately enjoys is doing a sport with children the same as him. All his friends at school play regular able-bodied sports, but this is his time to shine. Forming the club has enabled Will to build up a group of friends that will hopefully grow with him over the years and this too is one thing that he absolutely loves. Lastly Will loves the fact he can smash the living daylights out of his mates… which kid wouldn’t like that?
We recently held a presentation night, where all the kids received a trophy. The kids involved had never been to a presentation night before, while siblings would be going to football presentations or athletics all the time, so this was their big moment!
It’s vital for charities like Wooden Spoon to keep supporting clubs like ours, as this is a lifeline. It allows disabled kids to be part of a club, exercise (obviously health benefits), socialise (mental health benefits) and grow and develop all kinds of life skills.
I believe we’re only at the beginning of something big in junior wheelchair rugby, but it won’t get anywhere without your help. The sport needs help developing and growing, with funding, to build leagues and hopefully a junior GB team in the future, which is my dream for the sport.
“
Big hits & bold looks
It’s a win-win – look great in your new stash, knowing you’ve also given something back
We are delighted to partner with Canterbury to bring you a fantastic new range of Wooden Spoon branded kit.
As a Wooden Spoon supporter you can now show your pride and passion by wearing highquality kit while promoting Wooden Spoon. From cosy beanies and hats to T-shirts, hoodies, and bags, there’s something for everyone in the
collection, but if you don’t find what you are looking for, there is the option to order bespoke designs in Wooden Spoon colours.
We are thrilled to be teaming up with Canterbury, a brand renowned for its sporting heritage and quality, to provide all of our official kit and merchandise.
© Sarah Elisabeth Photography
Find out more, explore the full range and get your latest Wooden Spoon stash via our online shop: woodenspoonkit.co.uk or scan the QR code.
© Sarah Elisabeth Photography
© Sarah Elisabeth Photography
It’s official!
We’re Guinness World Record holders, again, thanks to our amazing players who found the stamina to play the longest ever rugby game
A heady mix of euphoria and exhaustion was evident as two new Guinness World Records were set in two extraordinary continuous rugby matches, held at Mullingar RFC, Ireland. The matches were physically and mentally gruelling; players
endured extreme heat, heatstroke, and cold misty conditions overnight. Their monumental efforts were worth it though, as the teams achieved the longest ever rugby games; the women’s team played for 26 hours, 33 minutes and the men’s
1357
1142
for 34 hours, 48 minutes! By combining the world-recordbreaking endeavour with a charitable purpose, this event has shown that rugby isn’t just about the scoreboard, it’s about uplifting communities, supporting mental health and ensuring no child is left behind.
The extraordinary event raised over £100,000 in support of three charities – Wooden Spoon, LooseHeadz and The Lions Trust – and will help Wooden Spoon support more children and young people facing disability or disadvantage. The funds will help LooseHeadz extend their mental health delivery programme to more clubs than ever, providing rugbyspecific mental health training programmes across the grassroots community.
Wooden Spoon Regional Manager, Matt Bishop, described what it was like to play on the one of the hottest days of the year: “It was a real physical challenge, and in some ways, it was a bigger mental challenge than I expected. When you have played three or four hours, you think, ‘I’m
“When
you have played three or four hours, you think ‘I’m feeling it’, then you look at a clock and realise you have 31 hours to go. Adrenaline kicked in with about five hours to go and you start counting them down.”
Matt Bishop, Wooden Spoon Regional Manager
feeling it’, then you look at a clock and realise you have 31 hours to go.”
Matt found the night shift even tougher: “When it got to 11pm, the temperature completely changed and it was cold. There was no music, no atmosphere, that period until five or six in the morning was
© Sarah Elisabeth Photography
really tough for everyone.
Adrenaline kicked in with about five hours to go and you start counting them down.”
Players, and the spectators, described the experience as a powerful test of resilience, teamwork and dedication. And it was not just about breaking records and playing rugby, but also about supporting meaningful causes and making a difference.
Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, came to show her support and to share just how impactful a Wooden Spoon grant is for children with life-limiting conditions, and their families.
Kerry explained how the funding will impact the hospice: “The Wooden Spoon funds will provide us with incredible technology, such as eye gaze equipment, to help children communicate their needs.
“Many of the children we care for have challenges with communication, and they wouldn’t ordinarily have access to this sort of technology in their homes or schools.”
Funds raised from The Longest Game means more specialised care, more moments of joy and more support for children who need it most.
“The
funds will provide us with incredible technology, such as eye gaze equipment, to help children communicate their needs.”
Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, Dublin
Tommy Bowe with children from LauraLynn hospice. The record-breaking event raised over £100,000 for Wooden Spoon, LooseHeadz and The Lions Trust, meaning places like LauraLynn can continue to offer support to children and young people.
Channelling the rugby vibe
Frankie, known online as ‘that rugby girl’, is on a mission to grow girls’ and women’s rugby, sharing her love of the game on her Instagram channel. We were honoured Frankie and her dad, Mark, came along to cover The Longest Game.
How did you become interested in rugby?
I first saw rugby when I went to watch my dad playing, and mum tells me I couldn’t take my eyes off it. I came out of school when I was five with a leaflet for the local rugby team, Dad took me to his club’s minis section and I’ve been playing ever since.
Could you tell me more about being ‘that Rugby girl’?
It’s amazing. I get to spend my time talking about rugby and creating content about it. It adds a whole new layer to the sport I already loved. I got bullied in primary school because I played rugby, and because I wore a rugby shirt to non-uniform day once.
I told Dad that I wanted to tell people about how amazing rugby is and show more girls like me that we can play rugby or anything that we want. Since I started, I’ve met so many incredible people that I wouldn’t have met had I not started it. I also like to think that I’ve helped a few people as well.
What was it like covering The Longest Game? It was tiring. But it was awesome. Seeing all these brilliant people digging really deep to achieve their goal was so inspirational. Everyone was so nice to me, and to everyone else. The atmosphere was electric from the beginning to end with singing, dancing and laughter late into the night. It really showed
“Seeing all these brilliant people digging really deep to achieve their goal was so inspirational. The atmosphere was electric from the beginning to end...”
Frankie, #ThatRugbyGirl
what people can achieve and how we can pick each other up and get through anything. What tactics did you use to keep going for that amount of time?
I just kept talking to people and moving around. Me and Dad saw it as our job to keep people going. We weren’t playing, so we had to help in whatever way we could. So that pushed me to always have a smile on my face and bring the energy that people needed.
You can follow what Frankie is up to on her Instagram channel: instagram.com/thatrugbygirll/
Thank you to our fundraisers
We celebrate all our amazing supporters who have taken on individual challenges and raised funds for Wooden Spoon
BROOKE
Huge congratulations to Brooke, a proud member of our Wooden Spoon family, on being named Child Volunteer & Fundraiser of the Year with Wards Estate Agents.
Brooke’s passion for rugby and giving back shines through in everything she does; from volunteering with younger children at her club, to raising money in support of Wooden Spoon through The Rugby Project. Her dedication and kindness embody the very best of the rugby spirit: community, teamwork and helping others. We couldn’t be prouder of you, Brooke. Thank you for inspiring us all.
Feel inspired to get involved? To find out about our challenge series please follow the QR code
Amelia and Harriet, both eight years old, decided to make cakes with Amelia’s grandma Vivian and then embarked on a neighbourhood sale of the cakes to raise money for Wooden Spoon. Amazingly, they raised over £75 and created a lot of interest in the charity. It just goes to show that small efforts can lead to some big outcomes.
AMELIA & HARRIET
Paula Hughes took on the Gower Peninsula Challenge 25km route in July. Paula said: “The weather on the day was fabulous and, although the last 5km was tough, raising some much-needed funds spurred me on.”
Michael Phillips and his friends took on the Tough Mudder challenge recently. Five self-confessed, not-so-fit dads in their mid to late 40s, joined by their much fitter teenage sons, braved the mud, obstacles, and plenty of laughs along the way. Wooden Spoon has been a cause close to Michael’s heart for many years.
In the scorching Richmond Park sunshine, Team GB7s legend Marcus Watson OLY took on (and conquered) the Half Marathon, all in support of Wooden Spoon.
Adrian Graves took part in the The Kiltwalk to raise funds for our charity. He recalls: “The Kiltwalk was an amazing experience, exhilarating and emotional, but more importantly, I’ve been able to raise over £1,700 for the wonderful charity that is Wooden Spoon. I’ve raised money, or attended events, for the charity many years. I am fortunate to have two fit and healthy boys, but many aren’t so lucky and doing the Kiltwalk is a simple way for me to be able to help others less fortunate. It’s my little way of helping.”
We’d like to find out what Challenge events you might like to see ahead – complete our quick survey at the QR code or using the below link – we’ll use majority feedback to help inform future development. go.woodenspoon.org.uk/challenge-interest
ADRIAN
MARCUS
MICHAEL PAULA
A fabulous first AT Celtic manor
Nestled in the Usk Valley, the 2010 Course played host to the inaugural Wooden Spoon corporate golf day, at the iconic Celtic Manor Resort and Spa in Wales. Not even the weather could dampen the spirits of our 88 competitors, as they gathered to tee off. By mid-afternoon the rain had cleared, and the sun shone for the teams, making an unforgettable day of fundraising and golfing for Wooden Spoon.
Thank you to our Lions’ legends and ambassadors for being part of our golf day, sharing their brilliant rugby stories and making special memories for all our guests.
An event like this doesn’t take place without our sponsors’ generosity. A huge thank you to everyone who made this golf day happen, the funds raised will directly impact and improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people across the UK and Ireland.
We enjoyed the Celtic Manor Golf Day so much and we can’t wait to invite you all again. To be part of this amazing event next year, or to be a sponsor, please contact Andy Jones at: ajones@woodenspoon.org.uk
Special thanks to:
Jenny & Spencer from PVC Building Supplies, Sarah Stouse, Ian McCallum from Ping Europe, Scott Golding Molson Coors Beverage Company, Matthew Tabor and Madeline Bartlett. Gavin Hastings OBE, Tim Stimpson, Andrew Powell, Lee Mears, Gareth Davies, Dafydd James, Steve Richardson, Adger Brown and Ian Irvine.
Hawk-Eye Innovations, Daniel Abbott and Howden, Glen Cardinal, Valeo Foods Group, Otium Partners, Colbree Precision, CSW Cladding, Craneswater Mechanical Services, Towelrads, Brickability Group, Kevan Bishop and Martin Archbold.
Scrum Dine with Young’s
This year our amazing supporters Young’s pubs hosted their Wooden Spoon fundraiser – Scrum Dine with Young‘s at Smiths of Smithfield in London. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal and were entertained by David Flatman, Stella Mills, Rob Henderson and Tom Youngs. The night raised £51,000 for Wooden Spoon. Thank you Young’s pubs.
Play, Connect & Give Back
In July, businesses came together for the Bamboo 7s Corporate Touch Rugby Day, raising funds for Wooden Spoon. Teams from companies like Airbus, Deloitte and the MoD enjoyed fast-paced games, great food, networking, and a prize raffle – all for a fantastic cause. Would your business like to get involved? Unite your colleagues, enjoy a brilliant day of touch rugby, and help support children through Wooden Spoon. For more information email: rugby@woodenspoon.org.uk
Rugby for a Reason
VetsFest2025
Our network of local Wooden Spoon Regional Vets teams and the British & Irish Spoon Vets have had an incredible season, raising over £80,000 for Wooden Spoon through a fantastic mix of national matches, regional matches, tours and events including VetsFest.
Regional Wooden Spoon teams took part in our fifth VetsFest, hosted by the Northumberland Region at Tynedale Rugby Club, in August. The annual inter-regional tournament was another success, celebrating over 35s rugby at its very best. This year the tournament had the addition of both a Walking Rugby and Over 50s Vintage Super-Vets competition, making it a truly inclusive day for older players of every age to enjoy. The Overall Winners of VetsFest25 were Scotland Men and Essex & South East Women. If you’re over 35 you too can get involved with your local Wooden Spoon Vets team and represent your region at VetsFest next year.
British & Irish Vets
A full year of Vets rugby was rounded off in style at Biggleswade RFC (Bedfordshire), which hosted B&I Spoon Vets men’s & women’s matches. The award presentation recognised the hard work, spirit and commitment of our fantastic voluntary players, captains and managers whose efforts ensure our regional Spoon Vets teams operate across the UK & Ireland. Huge congratulations to all our award winners (see page 38) and an equally big thank you to our B&I Spoon Vets who go above and beyond by volunteering, fundraising and supporting the charity at all our events. What a remarkable year – well done.
Regional Vets Rugby
This past year saw 38 different men’s/women’s regional teams playing rugby on behalf of Wooden Spoon. All funds raised by these teams help to fund local projects for children and young people on behalf of the rugby community. All regional teams are Barbarian-style combination teams, playing ‘special occasion’ matches for the charity.
To find out about rugby playing opportunities please visit woodenspoon.org.uk/rugby
Spirit of Spoon Award
Jess Cheesman
Andy Angell
Rugby Region of the Year
Scotland
Spoon Vets
Most Valuable Players
Adam Kentell
Hailey Coutts
Most Valuable Rookie
Spoon Vets
Zac Sutton
Sammy Moore
Most B&I Spoon Caps
Gemma Wilson
Adam Kentell
10th B&I Caps
B eena Chandha
Rob Harvey, B ish Foster
L aura Turner
The JJ Abadom #001 Don’t Kick It Award
Keith Mason Moore
All set for another
strong event
4,152 guests entertained
28 rugby speakers with:
11
7 Rugby World Cup winners
19 British Lions Autumn Lunch Ten years in numbers international captains
1,517 international caps
For the past ten years, the Concrete Society Wales Region has proved its strength extends far beyond concrete. Through dedication, community spirit and a passion for making a difference, the group has raised an incredible £268,000 for Wooden Spoon Wales.
The society brings together professionals working in the construction sector to share industry knowledge and best practice.
Since the Concrete Society/ Wooden Spoon Autumn Lunch launch, what began as a regional fundraising initiative, has become a flagship event that has captured the imagination of supporters across the rugby and construction communities.
The result has been transformational, and thanks to the society’s efforts,
Wooden Spoon has been able to fund 25 projects, directly benefiting over 60,000 children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage in Wales. These projects have ranged from sensory rooms and specialist playgrounds, to educational and sporting facilities that create lasting opportunities.
In addition to the Autumn Lunch, we were honoured to have been the society’s nominated charity at its Spring Lunch.
Thanks to the Concrete Society’s efforts, Wooden Spoon has been able to fund
25 projects, directly benefiting over
Concrete Society Wales Region Chair, Bernadette Kinsella, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the long-standing partnership between the Wales Region of the Concrete Society and Wooden Spoon Wales. Over the last decade, we have raised £268,000 to support their lifechanging work, and as we head into our tenth anniversary, we couldn’t be more pleased to celebrate the difference this charity makes to children and young people across Wales.
Wooden Spoon’s dedication inspires us every year, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”
This year, the Concrete Society Wales is hoping to push the fundraising total over the £300,000 mark.
60,000 children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage in Wales
Five event images © Paul Fears © jodaviesphoto.co.uk
with our deepest sympathy
Wooden Spoon pays tribute to dear friends...
Peter
Scott
MBE
Peter Scott was one of the founders and Life President of Wooden Spoon, and we are deeply saddened to announce his passing of at the age of 92. The story of Wooden Spoon began in 1983, after England’s woeful performance in the Five Nations Rugby Championship. Following a 25-15 defeat to Ireland at Lansdowne Road.
Five England supporters, seeking solace in a Dublin bar, were presented with a wooden spoon wrapped in an Irish scarf on a silver platter.
Accepting the gift with good humour, the group, which included Peter Scott, resolved to hold a golf match to see who would have the honour
of keeping the tongue-incheek trophy. That golf day at Farnham Golf Club in Surrey raised over £8,500, enabling the purchase of a minibus for a local special needs school.
From that playful beginning, Wooden Spoon was born. Peter’s vision, dedication and unwavering support have been at the heart of our charity since its beginning, paving the way for Wooden Spoon’s tremendous achievements over more than four decades.
Since 1983, Wooden Spoon has donated over £34 million, supporting more than 1,600 projects, and positively transforming the lives of more than two million children and young people with disabilities
Paddy Patterson
Neal ‘Paddy’ Patterson was rugby team captain, Leicestershire Regional Committee member, and cherished member of Wooden Spoon and the rugby community.
Paddy’s boundless energy, kindness, and dedication to supporting Wooden Spoon were evident in everything
or facing disadvantage. Though he stepped back from a prominent role in recent years, his legacy lives on through the countless lives touched by Wooden Spoon. Our thoughts are with Peter’s family and friends at this sad time.
he did, from running the London Marathon and taking part in the Longest Game to volunteering at Tag Fest. His passion for helping others and bringing people together leaves a lasting legacy.
Our heartfelt condolences go to Paddy’s family, friends and teammates.
Mich Dearman was at the heart of the Yorkshire committee during a time when it grew to be one of the leading fundraising regions for Wooden Spoon.
A formidable lock with Orrell in the days when they were a force in the land, Mich fully embraced the ethos of the charity. A member of the Yorkshire committee for 23 years, Mich took on various roles including Chair, organising the Christmas Sporting Lunch, the region’s Rugby Clubs Golf Day, the
John Sumnall
John Sumnall was an original founder member of Wooden Spoon Cornwall in 2000, Former President of Cornwall RFU and a leading member of Cornwall Rugby Referee Society. He played a pivotal role in driving projects forward and was genuinely invested
Emmerdale Golf Classic and Gala Dinner and helped kickstart fundraising events in Sheffield and Hull.
In 2003, Mich took part in the Four Peaks Challenge. Despite sustaining appalling blisters when ascending Ben Nevis, Mich battled up and down the three remaining mountains to help his team raise £10,500. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010, Mich continued to support the charity’s fundraising events, his sense of humour and infectious enthusiasm fully
intact. In 2023 Mich received an award of the MBE for Services to young people in Yorkshire. Mich rose up from his buggy, gripped The Prince of Wales firmly by the hand and did not let go until they had concluded a long chat.
in helping children that were disadvantaged. John’s commitment, high standards and genuine care for others shone through in everything he did. His leadership and hard work meant that he was a key part of Wooden Spoon Cornwall’s history and success.
John Dennison
John’s energy and vision played a vital role in shaping the Wooden Spoon community. He was instrumental in organising the very first Wooden Spoon Vets tour to Compiègne, a
landmark event that sparked the growth of our Wooden Spoon veterans’ rugby teams and groups who continue to raise vital funds and support today. Our thoughts go out to John’s family.
We also remember other members of the Wooden Spoon Family: Stephen Miles from Warwickshire, Matt Jones from the North Lincs and Derby Vets and David Plews from the Hertfordshire vets. Other thanks and thoughts to the family and friends of Ronnie Richardson for raising funds at his memorial and to the family of Ronald Hecht for the legacy to Wooden Spoon.
Michel Jean Dearman MBE
Howden Insurance and Wooden Spoon: Making a Difference Together
We’re delighted to celebrate our growing collaboration with Howden Insurance, whose enthusiasm and generosity is helping unite Wooden Spoon’s 38 regions with over 200 Howden high street branches and office locations across the UK and Ireland.
What began when Gary Parker, Branch Manager at Worcester, sponsored the first pint for a local Lions Watch event has flourished into collaborations across eight regions and more than 30 branches. From Lions Breakfast fundraisers, cricket matches featuring legendary fast bowlers and sponsoring our vets players tour shirts
for their historic tour to Mumbai, Howden has shown what it means to be true community champions and together, we’ve already raised over £20,000 for children with disabilities or facing disadvantage.
A huge thank you to all the representatives and branch managers with special mention to Sam Oswald, Joe Leatherbarrow, Carys Blackman-Rogers, Daniel Abbott and the whole Howden team for being so generous and helpful.
diary Dates
2025
15 NOVEMBER
Guernsey
Autumn Internationals Day
20 NOVEMBER
Gloucestershire
Annual Dinner
21 NOVEMBER
Lancashire
Annual Luncheon
28 NOVEMBER
Surrey
Curry Lunch
28 NOVEMBER
Merseyside
Annual Sporting Lunch
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
1 DECEMBER
Oxfordshire
Christmas Texas Scramble
5 DECEMBER
Warwickshire
Christmas Lunch
12 DECEMBER
Oxfordshire
Christmas Lunch
12 DECEMBER
Yorkshire
Christmas Sporting Lunch
14 DECEMBER
Chilterns
Carol Cruise
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
2026
29 JANUARY
Yorkshire
Sheffield Six Nations Dinner
26 FEBRUARY
Glasgow Dinner
1 APRIL
Worcestershire
First Thursday Clubs
Scan here for more events:
Regional contacts
OXFORDSHIRE : Steve Murphy oxfordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk
SHROPSHIRE : Chris Bristow shropshire@woodenspoon.org.uk
STAFFORDSHIRE : Trevor Jenkins staffordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk
SURREY : Recruiting* 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 : Cathal Lynch 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
woodenspoon.givingpage.org/gift-membership
