Spoonews Summer 2024

summer 2024

Twickenham win Sarah Bern scores new sensory room

It’s game on!

Gearing up for our epic disability tag rugby festival

super sevens

Putting the fun in fundraising

Inside: your events, News, fundraising & projects

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contents PROJECTS

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©RugbyPhotos

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Bristol, Bath & Somerset Scotland Surrey Ulster Wales Devon Worcestershire

EVENTS & FEATURES 6 Disability Tag Rugby 18 Sensory Room at Twickenham 20 Young’s Pubs Fundraising 22 Super Sevens Partnership 24 Fundraisers 26 London Marathon 27 Corporate Fundraisers 30 Across the Regions 33 Tributes 34 Rugby 35 Events Calendar

e: charity@woodenspoon.org.uk t : 01252 773 720 w : woodenspoon.org.uk a: Sentinel House, Ancells Business Park, Harvest Crescent, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UZ Regional contacts: See page 35 and at woodenspoon.org.uk/near-you Charity Registration No: 326691 (England & Wales) and SCO39247 (Scotland) Cover image: ©RugbyPhotos

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20 24 “It’s the friendly atmosphere and being around so many like-minded people who want to have fun, play rugby and raise money.”

28th September 2024 Old Reigatian RFC, Reigate Men’s and Women’s teams Sign up to play here:

Sponsored events

Golf days

Thank you to our Regional Volunteers who have raised Fundraising dinners

£1Million

...all help fund our projects

Help us get to the next £1million this year.

Email charity@woodenspoon.org.uk to find out how you can play your part.

welcome

©RugbyPhotos

outstanding fundraising, once again It always gets me quite emotional to see all the incredible Wooden Spoon volunteers. Their dedication and hard work have raised an astounding £1 million in the last financial year, which is a significant contribution to our total income of over £3 million.

One of our volunteers, Ann Holt from Sussex, enjoyed a day out watching the Red Roses play at Twickenham, courtesy of British Airways.

This is just one of the ways we can say thank you for your invaluable service to rugby and Wooden Spoon.

We mark a huge step forward for inclusion in rugby with our new sensory room at Twickenham. Itʼs a proud moment to see children and young people, dealing with neurodiversity, provided with a safe place to watch the

game we all love, with their families alongisde (p18).

Our partnership with Young’s Pubs continues to support many vital projects. Their most recent campaign has raised an astonishing £200,000. We will keep you updated on the projects those funds will be supporting (p20).

It was a rare honour to see our British and Irish Wooden Spoon vets team play the Parliamentarians at Twickenham earlier this month. We saw some amazing rugby played, along with great sportsmanship and camaraderie (p34).

Elsewhere on the pitch, Wooden Spoon is delighted to be the official charity partner of the Nirvana Spa Super Sevens Series (p22).

on September 28 and the Disability Tag Festival on June 22. We love to see our rugby family unite at Vets Fest, where we come together for a heady day of rugby matches and fundraising.

Also, there’s much anticipation for our Disability Tag Festival. This event truly embodies what Wooden Spoon is all about; giving children with disabilities the chance to be a rugby player and experience going on tour.

As always, we thank you for your support and enjoy your Summer 2024 issue.

Sarah Webb, CEO

Be sure to save the date for our headline events; Vets Fest

woodenspoon.org.uk

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TAG rugby Your generous donations have raised a massive £18,000, turning the vision of the Wooden Spoon International Tag Festival into a reality. Thank you!

bringing dreams to life Last autumn, we launched our Disability Tag Appeal for children and young people living with disability.

Thanks to your incredible support, the Wooden Spoon

International Tag Festival will take place on June 22, at Broadstreet RFC in Coventry. The inclusive event will bring teams from far and wide to experience all the excitement and challenges of a rugby tour.

This festival marks the beginning of a broader initiative to uplift and expand the disability rugby community across the UK and Ireland. Thank you for being part of this inspiring journey.

A huge thank you to our corporate sponsors

If you know of a club that would like to get involved with Tag Fest, please contact: rugby@woodenspoon.org.uk

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play your part today

Tag rugby in action The Newcastle Rugby Foundation has partnered with Wooden Spoon Northumberland and Wooden Spoon Durham to kick off a Learning Disability Rugby programme.

Aimed at empowering individuals with learning disabilities, the initiative was launched at Kingston Park Stadium on April 15.

The launch event featured an inclusive rugby session tailored to meet the specific needs of players.

Thanks to funding, the programme will have new equipment like tag belts, prepping them for future fixtures and competitions.

They will also have a new kit, which will make the players feel part of the team. Open to all abilities, regardless

Pictured opposite and above: The launch event of the Learning Disability Rugby programme at Kingston Park Stadium

of prior experience, the programme champions accessibility. The programme makes a meaningful impact on the lives of participants and their families, fostering friendships and empowerment within the rugby community.

Darren Greco, Funding and Development Manager at Newcastle Rugby Foundation said: “This is a great opportunity for families to come together through the values and ethos of rugby.”

said: “The programme fits well with our National Game Changer campaign to help give young people with a disability the chance to become a rugby player.”

Olly Lawson, Wooden Spoon Durham, said: “It’s a pleasure to support programmes like this one, positively impacting the lives of those with learning disabilities. This truly embodies Wooden Spoon – using rugby as a vehicle to do good.”

Iain Stewart, Wooden Spoon Northumberland,

“This is a great opportunity for families to come together through the values and ethos of rugby.”

Darren Greco, Newcastle Rugby Foundation woodenspoon.org.uk

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bristol bath & somerset

providing calm to the pack Red Roses and Bristol Bears prop Sarah Bern officially opened a brand new Sensory room which has been created in an existing playroom at Creech St Michael Primary School in Taunton.

Wooden Spoon Bristol, Bath & Somerset donated a grant towards the sensory room at Creech St Michael school which, although it is a mainstream school, has seen an increasing number of special educational needs pupils and pupils with a pathway for diagnosis for autism.

Currently 20% of the pupils at the school have special

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educational needs and will greatly benefit from the new sensory room which has been kitted out with 33 new pieces of equipment.

Sarah watched the children at the school playing tag rugby and the children were delighted to receive some game tips from the rugby star.

Wooden Spoon Bristol Bath & Somerset granted

£6,812 for a Sensory Room at Creech St Michael Primary School in Taunton play your part today

Sarah Bern opens the new sensory room at Creech St Michael School

scotland

big steps forward The Innowalk is a dynamic standing device which supports children in an upright position and moves their legs in a motorised motion, similar to walking.

It is designed for those with high levels of disability and it can be adjusted to fit a range of abilities, varying sizes, shapes and postures.

Wooden Spoon Edinburgh granted

£43,600

for an Innowalk at Braidburn Special School in Edinburgh “This will benefit my son, Hamish, who has severe cerebral palsy and countless other young children at the school with physical disabilities.

“The trials at the school showed improved sleep,

Image: madeformovement

Hamish’s mum, Sarah, is excited to see the benefits of the Innowalk: “I would like to thank Wooden Spoon wholeheartedly for the significant funding we have received for the Innowalk at Braidburn School.

The Innowalk in action bowel function and joint movements in the children.

During the trials all the pupils really enjoyed using the Innowalk. Regular use will allow pupils to experience physical activity, and benefit from the mental wellbeing it can bring.”

The Innowalk can also improve respiratory function, cardiovascular fitness and muscle tone. The teachers also noticed the children were more engaged in their lessons and were more comfortable in their standers, walkers and wheelchairs.

“Regular use [of the Innowalk] will allow pupils to experience physical activity, and benefit from the mental wellbeing it Sarah, Hamish’s mum can bring.” woodenspoon.org.uk

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Surrey

new beginnings Tyler, aged 21, found himself homeless after his relationship broke down and he had nowhere else to go.

That’s when The Amber Foundation stepped in to provide a temporary home and a programme of support.

The foundation provides support and training for young people.

All too often, young people who have experienced childhood trauma, or escaped domestic violence, become homeless. They struggle to find work with a devastating effect on their self-confidence and mental health.

Tyler started smoking drugs at 15, and with the support of Amber, he has found his abstinence from drugs has been a major breakthrough.

In addition, Tyler found the workshops, held in the newly refurbished Team Rooms, really helpful. They provide valuable life skills for independent living, including self-esteem, confidence, qualifications, employability, mental health workshops, CV writing, job searching, interview techniques, budgets and money management and tenancy agreements.

Wooden Spoon Surrey granted

£21,530

to refurbish The Amber Foundation Team Rooms at Farm Place in Surrey Tyler has gained qualifications for his next step, as he has a job working in roofing construction. In the future Tyler hopes to start his own business: “I feel excited to move on, going back to normality and having some money in my pocket. I can’t wait to progress with my career.”

Throughout his time at Amber, Tyler’s team leader has supported him, being there to help whenever he needed.

Reflecting on his time at Amber, Tyler said: “Amber’s made me more confident and I’ve come out of my shell being surrounded by people all the time.

“Amber really helps with people’s mental health and communication skills.

I’ve stopped smoking since coming to Amber and I can now hold a conversation and engage more.

With Wooden Spoon funding, the Team Rooms are being refurbished, creating a valuable space for learning life skills

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play your part today

“The daily maintenance I’ve been doing will make it easier when I move out and live on my own.”

Amber’s made me “more confident and

I’ve come out of my shell being surrounded by people all the time. Amber really helps with people’s mental health and communication skills.

“

Tyler

Thanks to the support of The Amber Foundation at Farm Place, Tyler feels optimistic about his future

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safe haven for learning Harberton’s new sensory room will reduce anxiety, promote relaxation and offer a customised space for pupils to learn in.

Harberton School Principal, James Curran, explains why Sensory Rooms are so vital in special schools: “The rooms enhance the provision for every child by providing a safe, calm space that can both reduce sensory overload and provide sensory stimulation. With the support of Wooden Spoon, we now have the funding in place to turn our dream into a reality.”

The sensory room is designed around the needs of the children and will provide sensory stimulation,

relaxation and calming, sensory integration, emotional regulation and individual learning.

James added: “The soothing environment can help students who may feel overwhelmed or overstimulated to calm down and find a sense of peace. Sensory stimulation can help pupils with sensory

Wooden Spoon Ulster granted

£34,672

for a Sensory Room at Harberton Special School, in Belfast

Harberton School Principal, James Curran, with pupils

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play your part today

“The rooms enhance the provision for every child by providing a safe, calm space that can both reduce sensory overload and provide sensory stimulation.”

Haberton Principal, James Curran

processing issues to regulate their sensory input and improve pupils’ ability to focus and concentrate.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved with Wooden Spoon for their generosity.”

wales

DRAGONS EGG-ON CHANGE

Using rugby as the catalyst to inspire, The Dragons Rugby and Sparkle put smiles on youngsters faces with specially adapted activities allowing everyone to feel engaged, develop confidence and achieve.

Dragons Community Manager, Mike Sage, told us: “It has been great to see the young people and Sparkle staff support and encourage each other over the weeks.

“Moving with a Dragon’s Egg (sponge ball) in two hands, passing the ball, placing the ball on the floor and communicating – both verbally and non-verbally – are just some of the skills developed alongside evasion skills, team-work and competitiveness.”

The Wooden Spoon funding has given the Dragons’ team

engaging and fun sports sessions, which also support movement and cognitive development.

Freddie’s mum, Dominque, explained: “When it comes to clubs we find it quite hard to find something accessible and accepting of Freddie and his Additional Learning Needs. For him to be in an accepting place where he feels comfortable and safe, and we feel comfortable, is a great relief for us.

Wooden Spoon Wales granted

£10,000

for Sparkle rugby and sports skills sessions at Newport, Abergavenny and Caerphilly

“Freddie has really enjoyed Dragons Rugby over the last couple of weeks. I really was surprised as he is not sporty and never really enjoyed sports. The staff were brilliant with him. The best thing for me is that he could not wait to tell me all about the session and would love to do more.”

“Freddie has really enjoyed Dragons Rugby over the last couple of weeks... The best thing for me is that he could not wait to tell me all about the session and would love to do more.”Dominique, Freddie’s mum woodenspoon.org.uk

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comfort in outdoor play For the children at Vranch House School, who are facing significant complex physical needs or an endof-life diagnosis, an outdoor play space brings a lot of joy.

Each year, Vranch House has 400 new referrals, and it supports 2,000 young outpatients across the county with profound learning difficulties or complex health conditions.

“My son loves the garden and now spends alot of time outside. It enriches his senses of sight, smell, sound, touch.”

Stephanie, Carter’s mum The sensory garden provides a year-round, accessible area which stimulates young minds and encourages physical movement.

Four-year-old Carter has the genetic condition PraderWilli syndrome, suspected autism, global developmental delay, hypotonia and hypermobility. Carter is also non-mobile and non-verbal.

Stephanie tells us how much

Wooden Spoon Devon granted

£14,750

for an accessible Outdoor Area and Sensory Garden at Vranch House, Exeter

difference the garden makes: “Carter struggles to walk and needs a wheelchair, but since being at Vranch he has started using a walking aid and he loves being outside with his walker. Carter can communicate with his teachers and is always happy when exploring the garden.

“My son loves the garden and now spends a lot of time outside. It enriches his senses of sight, smell, sound, touch.

This type of garden not only allows him to connect to nature, but encourages him to become more aware of his surroundings.

“Being engaged in the garden has meant he can concentrate on his walking a lot more and start to move forward. We are very grateful for the beautiful outside space Vranch House has. Even more so that it’s now fully accessible.”

Top left two images: Keiron Northcott, Deputy CEO of Exeter Rugby, at the end of the garden walkway; Carter loves the new sensory walkway

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The sensory garden at Vranch House offers children with profound and complex conditions a soothing place to be

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worcestershire

trAIL BLAZERS Worcestershire’s first Mountain Bike/BMX park is now set to become the UK’s first British Cycling Limitless Mountain Bike Club, thanks to Wooden Spoon.

The adapted trail at Burlish Bike Park brings mountain bike thrills and challenges to young people of all abilities, including children in wheelchairs.

Wooden Spoon Worcestershire granted

£4,300

for an accessible bike trail at Open Trailʼs Burlish Bike Park, in Stourport Hannah Escott, from Open Trail’s Burlish Bike Park, told us: “We opened the bike park in July 2023. We didn’t realise what a big deal it was going to be. We aimed for a thousand riders in the first year, and we’ve had over 4,000 in ten months.

So, it’s by far exceeded expectations.”

Set in a woodland area, the newly opened trail makes the site fully accessible for wheelchair users. This allows families with young children or children with physical difficulties to enjoy the outdoors together.

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The adapted trail opens Burlish Bike Park up to all abilities

“The kids have come out smiling as they’ve made so much progress on the track, despite their limitations.”

Wooden Spoon, they’re using it and really enjoying it. The kids have come out smiling as they’ve made so much progress on the track, despite their limitations. That’s been really good to see.

Hannah Escott, Burlish Bike Park

“Itʼs a really nice size, you can do lap after lap, stop for an ice cream, pop back to the car or use the clubhouse.”

Hannah continues: “Children with dyspraxia or autism have balance difficulties, and they struggle with the regular mountain bike track. But because the track is so much wider, thanks to the help of

The new 700-metre family trail also includes some challenging features, such as small jumps, balance beams and banked corners, so the children can try new things and progress their skills.

play your part today

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The world’s favourite rugby play programme

feATURE

making sense at twickers Every rugby fan should have the opportunity to enjoy the game live, regardless of their sensory needs

Finlay with his family at Twickenham

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play your part today

When Red Rose prop Sarah Bern saw how her nephew struggled to watch her play at Twickenham, she had a new goal; to create a sensory space that welcomes everyone to the game of rugby

Sarah is very close to her family and loves to have her sister Sammy and family along to watch her play. However, match days are challenging for her nephew, Finlay, who has neurodiversity.

Sarah tells us: “Finlay loves watching us on the TV, but with the sensory issues being in large crowds causes, and the distress and anxiety it brings, Finlay can’t come to watch me play.”

Sarah’s sister, Sammy, continues: “When he was younger, we did try to bring Finlay to watch Sarah.

However, the noise was too much. He would want to run away, and then it’s not safe.

Then it isn’t about watching Sarah, it’s about managing Finlay and keeping him safe.”

The new Sensory Room at Twickenham ensures individuals with neurodiversity can join in the excitement of the match in a comfortable environment, tailored to their needs.

RFU Health, Safety and Environment Manger, Macaulay Quinn, said: “The RFU’s ambition for the room was to enrich lives and make rugby accessible to

everyone, whatever their needs. We wanted a safe space for people to use and come and enjoy the games like anyone else.”

Sarah tells us the difference the Sensory Room makes: “It means my sister can still enjoy aspects of life that Finlay finds difficult, and can do that as a family.”

Sammy adds: “It means everything to us. I get so emotional. Finlay can go in and play and touch, it’s amazing. He loves it.”

Finlay in the Sensory Room

With funds raised from the Rugbytots Stadium Tour and the Try-athalons Wooden Spoon has granted

£13,000

for a Sensory Room at Twickenham stadium

woodenspoon.org.uk

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young’s pubs

THANK YOU Young’s set their pubs the challenge to raise £150,000 for Wooden Spoon. They went above and beyond holding quizzes, sponsored bike rides and walks – and smashed the target raising an amazing £200,000. Here are the initiatives to benefit from the fundraising:

£35,000

Dogs for Good This amount could fund an autism assistance dog for a family giving a child and their parents real independence and provide a safer environment for the child to feel more secure.

£35,000

£200,

School of Hard Knocks The SOHK programme enables young people who have become disengaged from society to make a positive change to their behaviour, attitude and mindset. The funds will pay for 50 young people to complete the programme for one year.

£20,000

Wheelchair Rugby Wheelchair rugby is a team sport for athletes with a disability. The cost of a wheelchair is a barrier for young people to try the sport. The funds could buy five wheelchairs giving many children with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the physical and social benefits of competitive sport.

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play your part today

YOUNG'S PUBS £35,000

Pass the Plate

000

£35,000

Maddy’s Mark Helping to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in young women through the power of rugby. The funds could support 1,500 young women through the Maddy’s Mark school programme.

The soaring cost of living means more and more families are being pushed to crisis point and forced to use food banks and community schemes to put food on the plates of their children.

These funds could provide thousands of meals.

£30,000

Community Build A team will pull together to build an outdoor space at a special school or facility for children and young people with disabilities.

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Image: Kai Johnson

super sevens

Scoring big for sevens

Wooden Spoon is delighted to be the official charity partner of the Nirvana Spa Super Sevens Series.

This partnership shows the series’ dedication to helping our cause and will engage the passionate rugby community to benefit children and young people across the UK and Ireland.

Through this partnership, we will enhance rugby’s charitable impact and raise awareness of our life-changing work. The tournament will include fundraising activities at each leg, inviting fans and participants to contribute

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play your part today

to our cause and help transform lives.

Barrie Torbett, Tournament Director of the Super Sevens Series, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “Partnering with Wooden Spoon as our official charity for 2024 exemplifies our shared belief in Transforming Children’s Lives Through The Power of Rugby. We are honoured to have Wooden Spoon partner with us and have a productive mutual partnership going forward.”

Image: Kai Johnson

Super Seven Series dates 8th June: Newbury 22nd June: Bury St Edmunds

Image: Kai Johnson

Image: Kai Johnson

Image: Kai Johnson

Image: Kai Johnson

11th May: Farnham

Join us for rugby and fundraising by visiting supersevensseries.com and woodenspoon.org.uk woodenspoon.org.uk

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fundraisers

twenty-one years of fundraising Aldro School in Shackelford, Surrey, is celebrating 21 years of fundraising. Every year, the school holds a ‘Wear a Rugby Shirt Day’ when teachers and pupils are invited to wear a rugby shirt of their choice to school for the day in exchange for a donation.

This has become a key date in the calendar that everyone looks forward to, with a Just Giving funding page set up for all to use. We’re thrilled to be able to work alongside Aldro School, which works hard to support Wooden Spoon Surrey in so many ways.

If you’d like to replicate this in your school or college, please get in touch with our regions team on: regions@ woodenspooon.org.uk

rock solid results A special thanks was presented by Wooden Spoon President, Nigel Timson, to Mike Clarke for helping to raise more than £100,000 for the Chilterns region over the years due to his work with Rock the Moor.

Golden supporters As part of Burntwood Rugby Club’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, members took part in fundraising to support Wooden Spoon Staffordshire, raising a fantastic £1,638.

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play your part today

£200K over 21 yeARS A big thank you to Mark Williams for hosting the annual Wooden Spoon Golf Day, on behalf of the Chiltern region at Whiteleaf Golf Club, for over 21 years. This March saw more than £14,000 raised, and over £200,000 has been raised since the first golf day.

Be part of the game The Rugby Project, in Kent, now in its fourth year, builds skills in rugby and life.

The course gives young people a taste of refereeing, first aid and coaching, while building confidence, volunteering and fundraising.

We are so grateful to The Rugby Project, which has donated £6,600 to Wooden Spoon Kent this year. Their young people have also given back over 700 volunteering hours to clubs and schools too, playing their part in supporting grass roots rugby.

England Lioness Claire Rafferty, pictured left, was guest speaker at this year’s awards evening and she

inspired the young rugby players with her story and journey through injuries and success.

In four seasons, the children have recorded over 2,000 volunteering hours and raised more than £13,000 for charity. The Rugby Project is aiming for £20,000 fundraised and 3,000 hours of volunteering.

Play it forward

winning words Every year at the Dragon School, in Oxford, the pupils raise money and then make presentations to a panel on which charity they would like their fundraising to go to.

Finn delivered a brilliant presentation on Wooden Spoon and our charity has been awarded £1,000.

Finn said: “I love the game of rugby ­– the teamwork, the opportunities for leadership and the respect it helps you develop. Through the power of this game, I want to help other children who may be less able to have the same experiences and opportunities that I have had.”

woodenspoon.org.uk

As part of The Rugby Project, best friends and team mates Flynn and Harvey walked 18 miles from Gravesend Rugby Club to Medway Rugby Club and back again in aid of Wooden Spoon Kent. The boys did an incredible job and raised a whopping £379.

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Image: Sportsgraf.com

london marathon

Sportsgraf.com

23 smiles over 26 miles

Congratulations to our 23 dedicated runners who participated in the London Marathon, joining 40,000 other participants on their 26.2-mile journey through the streets of London.

Collectively they have smashed their fundraising goal, raising over £80,000 for Wooden Spoon.

We can’t thank them enough for the incredible impact their fundraising will have on the lives of children and young people with disabilities or those facing disadvantage. Thank you for making a difference!

Inspired to take on your own challenge on behalf of Wooden Spoon? Visit here to see how you can get involved:

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play your part today

thank you! our 2024 Marathon runners Alex Burden Alex Davenport-Jones Allen Talbot Amelia Quiney Andrew Adamson Anita Hennessey Anna Johnson Anthony Sutcliffe Callum O’Neill David Kingsford Gemma Bell James Wilson Jeremy Whittle Katie Gilfillan Neal Patterson Nick Gilfillan Olga Rivero Richard Moorehead Sarah Atherton Scott Shannon Simon Jones Simon Ross Susie Appleby

corporate

shared passion for rugby Gullivers Sports Travel has been supporting Wooden Spoon since 2016. The partnership was a natural fit due to Gullivers’ connections in the rugby community and their staff’s involvement in the sport.

Gullivers donate a portion of proceeds from major rugby event bookings like the Six Nations, Lions Tour, and Rugby World Cup. They hold raffles at their events, and all proceeds go to Wooden Spoon. In addition, their colleagues participate in charity challenges, such as a sky dive on May 10 this year, to raise funds.

This year, Gullivers Sports Travel has raised £13,634 for Wooden Spoon, surpassing previous estimates.

corporate

Taking fundraising to new heights

play your part today

We value our relationship with AGS and look forward to continuing this impactful collaboration in the future.

Thank you, AGS. RA

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The White Lodge Centre, which provides short

breaks for children with disabilities, plans to revamp the playground to include a wheelchair trampoline, a climbing frame and an activity sensory panel for inclusive play.

G

AGS builds a sense of community and camaraderie among executives in the Aircraft and Defence industries through golf events, at some of the country’s most prestigious courses, while raising funds for charity.

Wooden Spoon Regional Manager, Matt Bishop, expressed appreciation for the Society’s support: “The AGS is a group of golf enthusiasts with a competitive spirit and a heart for giving back. Their generosity makes a significant impact on the lives of the children and young people that Wooden Spoon support, particularly through the planned work at The White Lodge Centre in Surrey.”

THE AIRC

Our remarkable partnership with the Aircraft Golfing Society (AGS) continues to flourish as they pledge a further £20,000 to Wooden Spoon, building on their donation of £30,000 last year.

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An opportunity too good to waste Valencia Waste Management has supported Wooden Spoon Warwickshire for five years, leading to even more life-changing projects for children living with disability or disadvantage. We caught up with Managing Director, Patrick ‘Paddy’ Hughes:

and visible to those in society who need it most. Giving the most vulnerable around us the ability to experience all the comforts and pleasures that rugby gives us is of great importance to me.”

How did you first get involved with Wooden Spoon? “I was introduced through friends who’d invited me to the functions and Christmas dos, which I enjoyed thoroughly.”

Are you a rugby fan? Did you play, and who do you support? “Yes, I’m a rugby fan and always have been.

I am a passionate fan of all international rugby and primarily England and connect to the values of the game.”

Why is supporting Wooden Spoon important to you and to Valencia? “It’s because the charity’s impact is real

How else does Valencia engage and support the community? “The Valencia Communities Fund funds

around £4.3m in projects across the UK and has given around £150,984,000 over the last 21 years since its inception.”

Wooden Spoon Warwickshire Chairman, John Collins, added: “Having the support of Paddy and Valencia has been a fantastic boost to our funds. He, and his company, have made a real difference to children living with disability and disadvantage in Warwickshire. He’s always very welcome at our events and we hope this relationship will continue.”

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stepping down

Across the regions

Warwickshire Ian Holroyd

Isle of Man Allan Thompson

Merseyside Mark Flett

Worcestershire John Gibson

BIG changes up front FOR REGIONAL CHAIRS The role of Chair is vital within our charity as the figurehead and key contact for a region.

However, there comes a time when the Chair has to step aside and 2024 has seen some treasured Wooden Spoon stalwarts do just that.

While we say thank you to these individuals, we also pay

our respects and send our best wishes to all our new Chairs as they begin their respective roles.

If you’re interested in being part of one of our committees, please contact us at: regions@ woodenspoon.org.uk

stepping up

The Chair is responsible for the incredible fundraising efforts of our regional volunteers, as well as ensuring our money is being

spent appropriately on life changing projects.

Surrey Isle of Man Joanne McCabe Mark Dean

Warwickshire John Collins

Merseyside Ken Andrews

Worcestershire Vince Hopkins

thank you for two decades of support Thank you to John Inverdale who, as honorary president of Wooden Spoon Surrey for over two decades, has done so much for Wooden Spoon through opening projects to supporting events.

John Inverdale said: “It’s been an honour to have been involved for so long. This is a great organisation. Long may it continue to change and enhance the lives of young people in Surrey and beyond.”

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play your part today

spotlight on Scotland

Showcase events Here we celebrate our Scottish regions, shining a spotlight on their amazing dinner events this year, which have raised huge sums to support Scottish children and young people facing disadvantage.

1 Aberdeen Dinner 2 Burns Supper 3 Glasgow Dinner 4 Edinburgh France Pre Int Lunch 5 Glasgow Wine Tasting 6 Edinburgh England Pre Int Lunch 7 E dinburgh Thistles Event 8 Edinburgh Dinner

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Watch this space for The Highland Games event in Aberdeen in August.

For more information follow this QR code:

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woodenspoon.org.uk

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

Guernsey Six Nations Fundraiser Chilterns Carol Cruise Devon and Exeter Chiefs Christmas Lunch Wales Concrete Society Lunch Chilterns Lunch Surrey Sporting Dinner: Farewell to Invers

7 Wales Quiz Night 8 Aylesford Bulls 9 Warwickshire Lunch 10 Kent Six Nations Lunch 11 Fylde Lancashire Lunch 12 Northumberland Santa Fun Run

play your part today

tributes

David Jackson

As we celebrate 30 years of Wooden Spoon Surrey, we sadly reflect on the loss of David Jackson, who served the region throughout that time, holding positions of Treasurer, Chair and Secretary. He performed all these roles with consummate skill, commitment, professionalism and a merry twinkle in his eye.

David had the ability to draw people to his side, and he focused on new methods of raising money for the charity he loved.

© Huw Evans Agency

Brigdend-born JPR Williams was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 1997, and many consider him the greatest full back of all time.

JPR Williams MBE

Although JPR preferred to avoid the limelight, in 2016 he kindly agreed to participate in a Q&A session for Wooden Spoon at St David’s Hall, Cardiff, as part of the Golden Oldies Festival.

It is a mark of the respect held for him globally that over 1,500 vets It is with a very heavy heart that we report the sad passing of David Allen OBE. David was appointed as a Trustee of Wooden Spoon in 1994, served as Chair and stepped back off the Board in 2020, continuing to be a generous and unwavering supporter.

DAVID ALLEN OBE

David loved rugby and played across the globe, from the Northern Suburbs (Sydney) to Rosslyn Park (London), and significantly sustained Worcester

woodenspoon.org.uk

As an accountant, he brought a meticulous and organised approach to everything he did.

And he never forgot that helping children was at the core of what we do. David was a highly respected local businessman in Surrey, and he has been described as a “local legend”.

We thank David for all his hard work and commitment to Wooden Spoon, but mostly for his friendship and the joy he added to our lives. from all over the world, including New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, packed out the event to listen to him talk about the Lions and the game in general, 45 years after the famous Lions’ tours of New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa 1974.

JPR played for Wales between his 1969 debut and 1981, when he retired from international rugby and continued his career as an orthopaedic surgeon.

Warriors for several years. He was extremely well regarded within the rugby fraternity, sponsoring many clubs and events.

We thanked David for his dedication at a special Supporter Lunch in St Jamesʼs Palace with our Patron HRH, The Princess Royal. David was always full of great ideas, action, energy and humour ­– a true philanthropist.

He will be sadly missed by all at Wooden Spoon.

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rugby

Vets vs ParliamentariAns Some of our most loyal and avid supporters in the British & Irish Wooden Spoon Vets Men’s team were invited to play against the Parliamentarians at Twickenham.

What an honour to play at the home of English rugby, and players from all over the UK and Ireland lined up for a team photo in the iconic stadium.

It was a fantastic day and thank you to all our vets who pour so much energy and time into Wooden Spoon, both regionally and nationally. The score was very close but the Commons & Lords edged the win 48-50.

A special thank you to Richard Austin for organising the contest and giving us all such a memorable day.

Photo of the day was of John Clements (Shelford RFC & Eastern Counties Spoon Vets) face planting the ball Images: ©RugbyPhotos

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dates

Diary dates & contacts

2024

5-9 JUNE National Wooden Spoon Vets D-Day 80 Normandy Tour, France 6 JUNE Edinburgh Golf Day 7 JUNE Kent West Kent Golf Day 9 JUNE Yorkshire Black Sheep Big Spoon Bike Ride 20 JUNE Ulster The Million Pound Lunch 22 JUNE National Wooden Spoon International Tag Rugby Festival

22 JUNE Merseyside Legends Lunch 27 JUNE Surrey Brian Hodges & David Jackson Memorial Golf Day 27 JUNE Oxfordshire An Evening with the Seven Foot Sisters 4 JULY Northumberland Golf Day 4 JULY Worcestershire American Day of Wine Dependence

11 JULY Wales Golf Day 12 JULY Kent Mid Kent Golf Day 19 AUGUST Warwickshire Golf Day 23 AUGUST Kent Kent Rugby Club Golf Challenge 31 AUGUST Aberdeen Highland Games 28 SEPTEMBER National Vets Fest

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

HERTFORDSHIRE: John Batters hertfordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk ISLE OF MAN: Joanne McCabe isleofman@woodenspoon.org.uk JERSEY: David Wilton jersey@woodenspoon.org.uk KENT: Richard Russ kent@woodenspoon.org.uk LANCASHIRE: Martin Long lancashire@woodenspoon.org.uk LEICESTERSHIRE: Malcolm Foulkes-Arnold leicester@woodenspoon.org.uk LEINSTER: Niall Browne leinster@woodenspoon.org.uk MANCHESTER & CHESHIRE: Roger Smith manchester@ woodenspoon.org.uk MERSEYSIDE: 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

woodenspoon.org.uk

OXFORDSHIRE: Will Deeley oxfordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk SHROPSHIRE: Chris Bristow shropshire@woodenspoon.org.uk STAFFORDSHIRE: Trevor Jenkins staffordshire@ woodenspoon.org.uk SURREY: Mark Dean surrey@woodenspoon.org.uk SUSSEX: Sandy Fleming sussex@woodenspoon.org.uk ULSTER: Peter Wood ulster@woodenspoon.org.uk WALES: Huw Thomas wales@woodenspoon.org.uk WARWICKSHIRE: 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 for Northamptonshire or Eastern Counties?

Then please email us at: regions@woodenspoon.org.uk

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