welcome to vets fest 2025
from wooden spoon CEO sarah webb
It is a real pleasure to welcome you to Vets Fest 2025 – a festival that is so much more than a celebration of rugby.
Vets Fest is about more than the score on the board. It’s about the spirit of the game, the friendships forged, and the power of community to change lives. Today, we come together not just to share in the sport we love, but to stand alongside children and young people living with disabilities or facing disadvantage –children who, without our support, may miss out on the opportunities, joy, and freedom that so many of us take for granted.
Through the simple act of pulling on a shirt, lacing up your boots, and stepping onto the pitch, you are part of something extraordinary. You are helping to create brighter futures – funding projects that bring hope and joy, from sensory rooms where a child can finally feel calm, to accessible playgrounds where no one is left on the sidelines, to specialist equipment that opens up a world of possibilities.
This day is only possible because of the incredible people behind it. My heartfelt thanks go to our tireless volunteers, the dedicated team at Wooden Spoon, and our generous sponsors and supporters. Your hard work, passion, and belief in this cause have brought us all together here in Tynedale, united by a common purpose.
As you play today, remember that every pass, every tackle, and every try sends a powerful message to the children we support: you matter, and we are here for you. So play with heart, enjoy the camaraderie, and soak up the atmosphere –because today, you are part of something truly special.
Thank you for being part of Vets Fest 2025 – and for making a real difference to the lives of children who need us most. Make sure you add 26th September 2026 to your calendar for Vets Fest returning back to Tynedale RFC for #VetsFest26.
welcome from iain stewart
Wooden Spoon Northumberland chair
A very warm welcome to Vets Fest 2025 – one of the biggest and most anticipated events in the Wooden Spoon calendar. This year, we’re delighted to greet you with a hearty “Howay the lads” from our hosts, Tynedale RFC in beautiful Northumberland.
As Chair of the Northumberland region, I want to thank you personally for making the journey to be here – and for some of you, it’s quite a trek! Your commitment means a great deal, because Vets Fest is more than just a weekend of rugby. It’s a gathering of Men’s and Women’s Vets from across the UK and Ireland to share the game we love, forge new friendships, rekindle old ones, and raise vital funds for children who need our support the most.
Vets Rugby is a powerful force for Wooden Spoon. Across the country, you form one of our most dedicated supporter groups, and here in Northumberland we are proud to work alongside you – both on the field and through the events we run year-round. In recent months, we’ve welcomed several new Partner Clubs, many of which grew out of connections made through Vets Rugby. These partnerships strengthen our network, open doors to fresh fundraising opportunities, and help us bring more people into the Wooden Spoon family.
If you don’t yet know your regional Wooden Spoon committee or contact, I encourage you to turn to page 31 of this programme, find your local Chair, and say hello. You never know where that first conversation might lead – new friendships, new events, and new ways to make a difference.
As you take to the pitch, remember: every try, every tackle, every laugh shared in the clubhouse helps to change lives. And every pound you raise will stay in your own region, funding projects that give local children the opportunities, joy, and hope they deserve.
Thank you for being here, for playing your part, and for standing with us. Let’s make memories, raise those totals, and show just what Vets Rugby can achieve.
welcome from tynedale rfc
from Tynedale RFC President Neil Foster
As President of Tynedale Rugby Club I am delighted to welcome the Wooden Spoon’s VetsFest 2025 to Tynedale Park.
The charitable work which Wooden Spoon undertake is well known and greatly appreciated by all in the Rugby World and we feel privileged to be asked to host their annual Veterans Rugby Festival with several regions of the country being represented.
At Tynedale we have enjoyed almost fifty years of playing rugby here on the south bank of the River Tyne and, as a club, we are rapidly approaching the milestone of our 150th anniversary year in 2026.
The pace of change in our sport has accelerated over recent years and Tynedale now proudly boast one of the largest mini and youth rugby memberships in the north of England with an ever-expanding roll call of international and representative honours amongst our alumni. However we still proudly retain our ethos as an amateur club operating to a highly professional and welcoming standard.
As a club, we are blessed with wonderful facilities and a stunning setting. We hope that whilst visiting us you will take time to experience the countryside and community which you will find in the Tyne Valley.
But above all enjoy the festival and continue to generously support Wooden Spoon!
About Wooden Spoon
Wooden Spoon is the children’s charity of rugby, dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people living with disabilities, disadvantage, or social exclusion. Harnessing the spirit and values of the rugby community, the charity funds lifechanging projects across the UK and Ireland to offer better opportunities and brighter futures. Projects supported by Wooden Spoon include sensory rooms, specialist playgrounds, adapted sports equipment, and inclusive education programmes. Since 1983, they’ve committed over £30 million to more than 1,300 initiatives — positively impacting the lives of over a million children and young people.
The challenges we face
In the UK, it is estimated that
3 in 4 1 in 5
children in the UK are Neurodivergent*
Wooden Spoon has funded over 100 sensory spaces across the UK and Ireland, totalling over £4.6 million and helping over 202,000 young people.
children with disabilities don’t play sport at school*
Wooden Spoon Tag Fest gives players with mild and severe learning difficulties the opportunity to be a rugby player.
1 in 5
1 in 3
children have a mental health issue* children live in poverty*
Wooden Spoon supports The Wave Project which reduces isolation and enhances confidence and wellbeing of young people through surf therapy.
Wooden Spoon supports The Boathouse Youth in Blackpool who work with children and young people from socioeconomically deprived communities.
What’s inside
Page 9
Itinerary and Raffle
Page 10-11
Site Map
Page 12-13
Stay Strong Stu Foundation & Nurture Sensory Garden
Page 15
Thank you to our Sponsors & Trophies
Page 16
About Olly Stephens and Maddy Lawrence
Page 17
About the Tournament
Page 18-29
Referees, Teams and Volunteers
Page 30-31
Individual Challenges and Making a Difference
ITinerary
08:30 Gates open
Live updates on Tournify tournify.uk/live/vetsfest25
09:15 Pitch marshall briefing Party Marquee
09:30 Captains briefing Party Marquee
09:45 Referee & MO briefing Party Marquee
10:00 First matches Pitches
11:30 All team photo Main Stand (Pitch 1)
13.30-15.00 Sponsors and partners lunch served Party Marquee
14:30 Knock out stages begin Pitches
16:20 Finals Begin Pitches
19:00 Overall presentation Party Marquee
19.20 Evening entertainment begins/Raffle Party Marquee
Late Close
raffle
We hope that you are enjoying Vets Fest today. Please show your support for the children and young people that Wooden Spoon help by buying a raffle ticket from one of our amazing volunteers.
Please come to the marquee where the raffle tickets are on sale and you can check out the amazing prizes that have been generously donated.
Stay strong stu foundation
The Stay Strong Stu Foundation, created in memory of Tynedale RFC player Stu Ridley, who tragically died from an inoperable brain tumour in 2015, generously supports Wooden Spoon. Their fundraising has already made a huge impact in Northumberland, helping to fund a minibus at Hexham Priory School, an Activity Centre for Cramlington Youth, and most recently a Sensory Garden at The Nurture Project.
Hexham Priory school
Thanks to a £35,000 grant Hexham Priory school, West Northumberland, can now take its pupils out in a new dedicated minibus.
Hexham Priory school caters for pupils from two to 19 with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties.
Head Teacher Liz Davison said “We aim to provide a rich and diverse curriculum for our pupils and having an additional minibus means we can offer so much more than school buildings alone can provide.
We can go offsite for essential therapies and activities, such as swimming and riding, that enrich our curriculum and to help the students with their independence, with their work experience and their residentials”
The mini bus is vital for the work we do. This very generous donation will further support that access and have a huge positive impact across the school.”
Nurture Sensory Garden
Thanks to a £29,985 grant from Wooden Spoon Northumberland, they have created a beautiful outdoor sensory garden for children with additional needs or who’ve experienced trauma. Here, every child can play, explore, and discover their potential in a safe, inclusive space filled with curiosity, creativity, and joy.
Where nature heals and play empowers - The Nurture Project is giving every child the chance to grow, belong, and thrive.
The Nurture Project CIC is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to transforming lives through the power of nature. They bring people of all ages and abilities together with community gardening, wellbeing sessions, forest school, and alternative education.
Through family sessions, holiday clubs, and community events, they inspire resilience, connection, and hope — helping every child to shine as their true self. Collaborations like this enable Wooden Spoon to continue its mission to make positive, lasting change in communities.
thank you to our sponsors
HEadline Sponsor
Today the men’s and women’s teams will be playing for the Olly Stephens Memorial cup and the Maddy Lawrence Memorial cup.
Olly, a happy teenager who regularly enjoyed watching rugby with his dad heartbreakingly died after being a victim of knife crime following a dispute on social media.
Olly’s parents have set up The Olly foundation in Olly’s memory which promotes youth mental health by educating school pupils and addressing the impact of online harms and negative social media.
It is also building a support network for struggling parents with an aim is to support those in our communities that go above and beyond supporting the mental health of our youth. For more information : readingamnesty.art/ollyswork
Stuart and Amanda
Thank you to every body that is taking part in Vets Fest today.
Thank you all so much for taking part in today’s Vets Fest and for including our daughter Maddy’s charity in your fundraising.
Maddy’s Mark is a charity that supports the mental well-being of girls and young women by building resilience, confidence, and camaraderie.
Through our partnerships with various rugby clubs and schools we have introduced over 2000 girls and young women to rugby and the wonderfully welcoming community in which Maddy found so much joy.
The Rugby family is like no other, and just as Maddy would have done, we strive to make sure that other young women can enjoy the positive mental and physical benefits of belonging to a team that makes you feel accepted, welcome and completely at home.
We want to reach many more girls and women, promoting physical and mental health to as many as we can at a time when the importance and need for both has never been more urgently felt.
For more information : maddysmark.com
Thank you, Simon and Karen
The Tournament
For match schedules, pitch locations, and official rules, scan the QR code to access all the tournament details in one place. Everything you need, right at your fingertips!
the Fundraising
Teams are ranked by the total amount raised — including donations from players, families, friends, colleagues, and sponsors. Totals are taken from JustGiving at midday on Vets Fest day.
Check out the JustGiving Team Rankings live (scroll past “fundraisers” to see teams listed by total raised).
Every single penny goes to fund local projects in each team’s region, helping children and young people living with disability or facing disadvantage.
Whether on the pitch or through fundraising — you’re making a real difference. Thank you!
the Rugby
Matches are up to 15-a-side, 10 minutes each way (15 mins for Women’s Bowl Final). Full rules are on Tournify in the “Attachments” section.
Men’s:
10 teams in pools of 5. All teams progress to a final based on pool ranking.
Women’s: 6 teams in 2 pools of 3. All teams progress. Top 2 teams go to Semi-Finals, then Cup or Plate Final. 3rd-place teams go to the Bowl Final.
Points:
Win = 3 | Draw = 1 | Loss = 0
Tiebreakers: Head-to-head → Points Difference → Tries → Fair Play
The RUGBY trophies (only) will be presented at full time of each finals on the pitch (in-front of our portable stage unit).
Referees
Sophie Mochrie LiverpooL
Stuart Bage WarWickShire toMaS goWer DorSet & WiLtS
WeSLey croWther North yorkShire
craig WrightSoN NorthuMBerLaND
DaviD hartLey North yorkShire
gareth richarDS North yorkShire
harriS MitcheLL keNt
JuLiet Mochrie vetS FeSt reFeree MaNager
Marc ForD North yorkShire
pauL SaLiSBury North MiDLaNDS
JaMeS gaLLagher North yorkShire
Matt MitcheLL keNt
NoMtha gray oxForDShire
pauL ‘Stretch’ oWeNS North MiDLaNDS
aNDy MiLLer LeiceSterShire
FraSer giLL NorthuMBerLaND
Mark chaLiS vetS FeSt reFeree MaNager
gareth JoNeS LiverpooL
chriS aBraM WarWickShire
teams
Cumbria Men
* Denotes International Honours
Al Rogers
Andy Wallace
Chris Davidson
Dale Pope
David Bowman
David Ray
Elliot Walker
Graham Kidd
Heinrich Jonker
James Gough
Jamie Mckenzie
Jim Beary (c)
Kie Hitchcox
Lee Benson
Lenny Bowes
Mark Lee
Neil Hastings
Reece Tomlinson
Robert Marrs
Ross Chamberlain
Tom Jones
Warren Tilsley
Clubs represented
Aspatria Carlisle
Cockermouth
Kendal Keswick
Kirkby Lonsdale
Penrith
Wensleydale
Wigton
Workington Zebras
Sponsors
Durham North West Women
Alex Pilkington*
Ali Bell
Ali Turner
Amy Emerton
Angela Webb-Shirley
Ceri Hart
Emma Cox
Fiona Henderson
Gill Burns*
Gillian Jew*
Hailey Coutts (c)
Hayley Cornforth
Jacky Harris Arch
Jess Cheesman (c)
Jules Hill
Kathleen Huggins
Kimmii Colvin
Kirsty Thompson
Liz Jarratt
Mandy Keogh
Natalie Brawn-Turnbull
Nic Hunter
Rachael Brawn-Turnbull
Rachel Gooding
Rebecca Snook
Sarah Jones
Sophie Barnett
Tammy Theaker
Taneisha Whalley
Taz Matthews
Clubs represented
British Police Women
Darlington
Firwood Waterloo
Hartlepool
Horden and Peterlee
Kendal Wasps
Keswick
Macclesfield
Novocastrians Police sport UK
Waterloo Yarm swifts
Sponsors
eastern counties Men
Andrew Skinner
Andy Daly
Barrie Alford
Bishop Jeremy Foster
Cliff Palmer
David Collovray
Geoff Hazlewood
Greg Hind
Ian Bart Wilkinson
James Beaton
Jason King
Joe Sheehan
John Clements (c)
Marvin Plummer
Neil Williams
Patrick Long
Phill Fernie
Stephen Crisp
Warren Bleasdale
Zac Sutton
Clubs represented
Bedford Athletic
Bury St Edmunds Colchester
Halstead Templars Ipswich
Ipswich YM
Pringle Farm Pilliagers
Saffron Walden
Shelford
St Neots Witham
Sponsors
essex men
Aaron Coombs
Ben White (c)
Craig Stobbs
Dafydd Mugford
Gordon Ash
Guy Keep
Kidder Cheema
Lee Wainwright
Martin Renshaw
Matt Greybrook
Neil Boggas
Neil McMullen
Philip Pearson
Pip Tett
Rich George
Richard Austin*
Simon Vanbeck
Steve Allen
Steven Green
Steven Windrim
Stuart McDonald
Clubs represented
Billericay Chelmsford
Commons & Lords Harlow
Old Brentwoods
Rochford Hundred
Runwell Wyverns
South Woodham Ferrers Witham
Writtle Wanderers
Sponsors
Essex & South Eastern woMen
Clubs represented
Amanda Arnold
Cally Finch (c)
Carrie Dean
Claire Bernthal
Claire Hanson-Church
Clare Brooker-Brown
Danielle Burridge
Dee Harrison
Gemma George
Gemma Wilson (c)
Gemma Wood
Jacqui Wright
Karly Harrington
Lizzy lewinton
Lou Babbs
Nicola Coaker
Ruth Rawlings
Sandra Soler-Gomez
Sarah Milford
Specks Diss
Sue Hughes
Vicki Carcary
Victoria Flower (c)
Boston Burnham on crouch
Canterbury Chelmsford
Dartfordians East Retford Essex
Gainsborough Lincoln
Peterborough
Rochford Hundred Thanet Wanderers
Ireland & North of England men
Adam Savage
Ade Jebb
Ali Hopps
Andrew Neal
Andrew O’Donnell
Andy Harper
Ciaran O’Driscoll (c)
Clive Carlin (c)
Craig Wrightson
Dan Kingston
Donal Farrell
Douglas Hall
Gareth Essex (c)
Iain Taylor (c)
Jack Taylor
Jim Curtis
John Cook
Kevin Marshall
Kieran Lynch
Mark Bell
Mark Whitfield
Martyn Rosser
Oliver Wilson
Paul Haughey
Pete Martin
Richard Hopkin
Sean Farrell
Clubs represented
Ashington Chester Darlington Deepings Dunlop
Durham Univ.
Macclesfield Morpeth Newbridge Newry Novocastrians
Preston Grasshoppers Tynedale Wallsend
Washington
In Memory of Neal “Paddy” Patterson #0191
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Neal “Paddy” Patterson – team captain, a proud member of the Leicestershire Regional Committee, and a cherished member of the Wooden Spoon and wider rugby community.
Paddy was admired for his boundless energy, kindness, and unwavering commitment to Wooden Spoon. His dedication was evident in all he did – from running the London Marathon in support of the charity to taking part in the gruelling Longest Game, where he helped set a world record by playing rugby continuously for 36 hours.
His passion for helping others shone brightly, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Paddy’s family, friends, and teammates during this profoundly difficult time.
Leicestershire & rutland men
Clubs represented
Anstey
Andy Angell
Chris Wilkins
Dan Jackson
Daniel Anderson
Daniel Hawkes
Glenn Chapman
Graham Waring
Imran Kali
Jack Reed
James Cornish
Jamie Howe
Ken Mellits
Liam Curtis
Luke brookes
Luke Staton
Mark Corley
Mark Wilkinson*
Michael Richmond
Paddy Patterson (c)
Tom Martin
Tom Phipps
Aylestone Athletic
Aylestone St James
Belgrave Jimmies
Leicester Forest
Leicester Forest East
Leicester Lions
Loughborough
Oadby Wyggestonians
Sponsors
Leicestershire & Wales Women
Angela Sheppard
Annmarie Mullen
Christine Bryant
Emma Ainsley
Fliss Freeman
Francesca Cates
Jennie Morris
Jo Barrow
Jo Burke
Lauren Jacques
Mel Berry*
Nicola Crick
Phillipa Andrews (c)
Rachael Rooney
Sili Koroibulileka
Suzie Robinson
Wati Vitokai
Zoe Carter
Clubs represented
Lutterworth
Market harborough Mumbles
North Bristol
Oadby Wyggstonians Stamford
Sponsors
mid & West Men
Adam Fearnley
Aron Jarvis
Brett Doughty
Charles Wisdom
Clive Jackson
Dan Harrison
Darren Shinett
Fudge Jones
Jack Badhan (c)
James Russell (c)
John Putman
Keith Mason-Moore
Martin Owen
Matt Hope
Matt Meekhums
Mick Leavers
Patrick mcbride
Rich Clarke
Robin Callaway (c)
Ryan Hallett
Scott Farrer
Simon Gamble
Steven Gillard
Tom Giltrow
Tony Joy
Xavier Brown
Clubs represented
Barker Butts Coventry Coventry Welsh
Glasgow Academical Nailsea and Backwell Nuneaton
Old Coventrians RMA
Shrewsbury
Topsham Westcountry Wasps
Northumberland Women
Alice Workman
Amelia Neagle
Andrea King
Annie Lees
Carol Orrick
Caroline Davies
Caroline Royle
Cat Ingoe
Christine Miller
Clair Grant
Emma Nichol
Gail Everitt
Hannah Pollard
Heather Younger
Janette Evans (c)
Kate Disley*
Kate Rutherford
Kirsteen Longstaff
Lisa Hunter
Liz Brown
Liz Flynn
Pauline Watson
Polly Westergaard
Rachael Moses
Rachel Cooper
Rachel Hayes
Rhian Fabricius*
Ruth Farrell*
Ruth Scott
Sarah Atherton
Sarah Kilby
Shiv Ashton-Cleary
Sophie Lazenby
Susie Appleby*
Yvonne Lees
Clubs represented
Alnwick Canterbury Guernsey Raiders
Novocastrians Novos
Rockcliff Whitley Bay Tynedale Whitley Bay Rockcliff
Omerta Barbarians men
Clubs represented
Darren Fearn
David Abbott
David Haswell
Dougie Harrison
Ed Whelan
Gary Jackson
Jacob Smith
James Clark
Jamie Willis
Kevin Jones
Lee Dickson*
Mark Hemmings
Michael Hogan
Ken Sugden
Barnard Castle School Bracknell
Doncaster Knights Marple Novocastrians Tynedale
West Hartlepool Westoe
Sponsors
Scotland Men
Alan Laidlaw
Andrew Kingswell
Andrew R Beverly
Andrew Wilson
Baz Grimwood
Chris Corrigan
Colin Powley
Colin Stuart (c)
DAN TAMS
Daniel Witko
Duncan Barrie
Frank McGerty
Gary Thornton
John McCrossan
Leigh Wheatley
Mark Kane
Mike Harrison
Murray Stewart
Robbie Nisbet
Robert Harvey
Roderick Bisset
Ross Young
Ryan Makepeace
Scott Kelly Beefy
Si MacLennan
Clubs represented
Biggleswade
Boroughmuir
Brantford Harlequins Cartha Queens Park Darlington East Kilbride East Lothian Garnock
Haddington
Macclesfield Mackie Manor Park Marr
Sponsors
scotland women
Ali Mackenzie-Cooper*
Daisy Gourley
Elaine Stewart
Emma Riach
Federica Stefani
Jess Butler
Jo Inkster
Julie Partridge
Kat Kingswell
Kath Vass* (c)
Kayleigh Rose
Laura Mac
Laura Smales
Linda Morrison
Louise Johnstone
Lucy Flett
Megan Downs
Megan Rose
Michelle Cunningham
Nickie Milne
Nicola Caldwell
Nikaila McRither
Sharon Brotherton
Sheila Moug
Stacey MacLeod
Yvonne Truelove
Clubs represented
Berwick Bishopton
Dundee
Dundee East Kilbride
Garioch
Garnock
Grangemouth Handsworth
Inverness Craig Dunain
Kirkcaldy
Lismore Marr Orkney
Pershore
Watsonian FC
Sponsors
South & Eastern men
Adam Kentell
Alex Glover
Andy Benson
Ben Stringer
Chris Lovemonger-Kirkwood
Danger Russ Keegan
David Howland
Dom Palacio (c)
Gorm Young
Graeme Corbishley
Jason Busby
Jon Morton (c)
Kev “Laser” Rennell
Kit Claughton
Matt Mitchell
Oscar Carballo Balboa
Patrick Micallef
Patrick O’Brien
Paul Keen
Piers Claughton
Robbie Holmes
Ryan Bowskill (c)
Seyhan Fell*
Steve Lawrence
TJ Chabata* (c)
Tony Hutton
Sponsors
Clubs represented
Abbey Bahrain
Basingstoke
Crawley
Crowborough
Dronfield
Egham Hallowegians
England Fire Service
Ollerton
Fish’ & Chips’
Folkestone
Hastings & Bexhill
Old Albanians
Old Grammarians
Richmond FC
Sutton & Epsom Teddington
Tonbridge Juddian
Tupton
Warlingham
Surrey & South West women
Clubs represented
Beena Chadha
Caroline Watkins
Dee Jones
Geraldine Brown
Hanna Herridge
Hari McCormack
Jenni Exposito Pulgarin
Joanne Smith (c)
Laura Hallett
Liz Waldsax
Lucy Reay
Melanie Antao
Nicole Edge
Rach Cluskey
Rhi Needhm
Ruth Dives*
Sammy Moore
Sarah-Jayne Poole
Sophie Williamson
Tracey Smith* (c)
Val Blackett*
Vic Wilson
Vida Drake
Camberley Crawley
Crowborough
Guildfordians
Harlequin Amateur Henley Hawks
Hornets Hove
Metropolitan Police
Richmond
Teignmouth
Wasps FC Whitehall
Worthing
Yorkshire Men
Andrew Boak
Dan Russell (c)
Dan Wilson
Fergus Purtill
Gareth Croyle
James Odell
Jamie Heron
Jamie Rutter
Jon Smith
Lewis Abbott
Mark Biggin
Martin Scott
Matt Fell
Matt Hargreaves
Neil McClure
Noah Tonkin
Paul Williams
Phillip Knight
Sam Potrykus
Steve McLaughlin
Timothy Nixon
Willem Enslin
Clubs represented
East Yorkshire Huddersfield Laund Hill Pocklington Sandal York
Sponsors
new for 2025
Mixed Walking Rugby
Hadrian’s Heroes
Ade Jebb
Fiona Henderson
Gillian Jew
Kirsteen Longstaff
Rachasi Noses
Richard “Juggler” Austin
Saxon Centurions
Alex Pilkington
Gail Mam Everitt
Jacky Harris Arch
Liz Flynn
Robbie Holmes
Sarah Jones
O50s men
Roman Ruins
Ade Jebb
Barrie Alford
Bishop Jeremy Foster
David Howland
Donal Farrell
Geoff Hazlewood
Joe Sheehan
Ken Mellits
Mark Corley
Mark Kane (c)
Mark Wilkinson
Matt Mitchell
Paddy Patterson
Paul Williams
Robbie Holmes
Stephen Crisp
Steve Lawrence
Stuart Mcdonald
Collesseum Crushers
Annie Lees
Bishop Jeremy Foster
Geraldine Brown
Jacqui Wright
Jenni Exposito Pulgarin
Yvonne Lees
Marauding Melts
Ali Hopps
Andy Benson
Andy Harper
Chris Wilkins
Cliff Palmer
Craig Stobes
Gordon Ash (c)
Ian Bart Wilkinson
John Clements
Keith Mason-Moore
Kev Rennell
Kidder Cheema
Martin Owen
Martin Renshaw
Neil Williams
Patrick O Brien
Richard Austin
Roderick Bisset
o50s women
Senators
Ali Bell
Angela Webb-Shirley
Carol Orrick
Geraldine Brown
Gillian Jew
Jo Burke
Kath Vass
Pip Andrews
Rachel Gooding
Sammy Moore
Sandra Soler-Gomez (c)
Val Blackett
Yvonne Lees
volunteers
Gladiators
Alex Pilkington
Anurea King
Annie Lees
Fiona Henderson
Gill Burns (c)
Jess Butler
Jules Hill
Pauline Watson
Rach Cluskey
Rachel Hayes
Sarah Jones
Sue Hughes
Vic Wilson
Alex Stevenson
Alex Wood
Andrew Snowdon
Anthony Stoker
Ashton Spicer
Bella May
Carole Stevenson
Chloe Cranfield
Dennis Hetherington
Fiona Robson
Gary Bide
Ian Dawson
Jiraporn Jory
Joe Thompson
Ken Milne
Kev Laser Rennell
Kim Spence
Mae Farrar
Michael Dungait
Nicky Binning
Nicola Mitchell
Nigel Pooley
Nikaila Mcrither
Pete Robson
Teresa Butler
Tiago Horta das Dores
We would like to thank you to all our incredible corporate supporters, team captains, match officials and volunteers for helping make this year’s Vets Fest a success. You are an amazing group of people and we can’t thank you enough for your commitment and giving up your time to support Wooden Spoon.
Individual challenges
One of the most rewarding ways to support Wooden Spoon is by taking on an individual fundraising challenge - and having some fun while you’re at it.
Follow in the inspiring footsteps of Thanet Wanderers’ Andy Bull and David Morgan, who both completed the London Marathon this year to raise vital funds.
For Andy, the motivation came after seeing the impact of Tag Fest: “It was the first time our squad had ever played a competitive match, and the whole weekend was one of the most enjoyable of my life. The funding we received from Wooden Spoon made the difference between us going and not, and I knew I had to do something to give back. A cake sale would have been easier, but if you’re going to give back, you might as well do it in style.”
From marathons like Brighton, to half marathons in Manchester or Edinburgh, Scotland’s famous Kiltwalks, muddy obstacle races such as Tough Mudder, or even a skydive - there’s a challenge for everyone.
Find your challenge and register at woodenspoon. org.uk/individual_challenges - and keep checking becaise more events are added throughout the year.
Whether it’s a marathon, a hike, or a personal goal, your challenge can help fund life-changing projects for children with disabilities or facing disadvantage.
Diary dates & contacts
2025 make a difference today
If you loved the camaraderie at Vets Fest, take it further — join the Wooden Spoon family by volunteering or even get your club to join the Partner Club Programme. It’s simple.
Contact your region or head to woodenspoon.org.uk/how-can-you-help to help more children and young people get the opportunities they deserve. With only 1 in 10 projects funded, you and your club can make a real difference.
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
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
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
