SPRING/SUMMER 2020 SPOONEWS LOVE STORY Red Rose boss Eddie Jones on dream endings PAST PRESENTS How donations over the last decade will be felt tomorrow forever FUNDRAISING!

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FUTUREPROOFING IN AN UNFAMILIAR PRESENT

ITH much of daily life now effectively “on pause” The year so far has been testament to this pledge; we as the world grapples to understand and contain have already committed to spending a record £1.3 million Wthe coronavirus crisis, the concept of time has on projects to help positively transform the lives of children somewhat shifted. with a disability or facing disadvantage in the UK and The past certainly seems to currently make more sense Ireland. than the present and in this issue we unashamedly Unfortunately, time does not stand still for those Wooden reflect back on some of Wooden Spoon’s not-so-distant Spoon strives to support. successes (pages 8-21). Those involved with fundraising Social distancing and self-isolation do not cease statistics and implementing these projects at the time should be relating to child poverty or the increasing number of young rightly proud, but even more so knowing that the actions people grappling with life-limiting illnesses. of yesteryear are continuing to impact on the lives of I recognise these are unprecedented circumstances and thousands today and tomorrow. that you will be rightly concerned about those close to Chronicling what has gone before is important, but just as your own home or be suffering from your own physical or England boss and autobiographer Eddie Jones reflects in this financial toil, but please don’t forget about Wooden Spoon. issue (page 6-7), it is the next chapter that will define us. With fundraising events falling foul of the coronavirus, we And despite the uncertainty surrounding the short-term, need you now more than ever before. all involved with the children’s charity of rugby are working Until we next meet, I hope this edition of Spoonews tirelessly – albeit following government guidance and provides some respite from whatever the realities of working from home wherever possible – to ensure Wooden lockdown mean for you. Enjoy the issue. Spoon’s future is befitting its past. We will do so with the wellbeing of our family – our amazing members, volunteers, regional committees, fundraisers and corporate partners – at the forefront of our minds but with a determination to make a difference to Sarah Webb those lives who need it most. Chief Executive Officer

Spring/Summer 2020 3 28 19 INTERVIEW

6 A LOVE LETTER TO RUGBY 14 England’s Eddie Jones considers the next chapter of his sporting story

THE LAST DECADE

10 HELPING HAND STILL FELT Therapy rooms continue to bring relief to young people with cerebral palsy

14 RETURN VISIT Wooden Spoon Oxfordshire grants play scheme an encore performance

16 A TOAST TO THE TEAMS OF ONE Individual fundraiser demonstrates remarkable resolve on Snowdon

19 FUNDRAISING GOES GLOBAL 47 Corporate sponsor promotes Wooden Spoon on three continents 40 FUNDED PROJECTS 22 IMMERSIVE INSTALLATION Hydrotherapy pool sees swimming soar in popularity at Abbey Court School

28 LAKESIDE OASIS OPENS Rural retreat offers freebreaks to disadvantaged families

31 FIT FOR PURPOSE Outdoor gym equipment proves an in- demand asset at special school

32 AMBIENT ADDITION Multi-sensory suite wows patients

4 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk CONTENTS

WOODEN SPOON THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY OF RUGBY

Email: [email protected] Tel: 01252 773 720 Fax: 01252 773 721 Write: Sentinel House, Ancells Business Park, Harvest Crescent, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 2UZ Contact details for our regions can be found online, on page 36 and at woodenspoon.org.uk/near-you Content © Wooden Spoon 2020. Registered address: Sentinel House, Ancells Business Park, Harvest Crescent, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UZ. Charity Registration No 326691 (England & Wales) and SC039247 (Scotland). PUBLISHED BY TYLERBALE COMMUNICATIONS

Email: [email protected] Tel: 01252 714 870 Write: 10 Borelli Yard, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7NU All rights reserved. 6 AROUND THE REGIONS 37 MILESTONE MEAL SERVED 10 Wooden Spoon Lancashire celebrates 21st anniversary lunch in style

40 RAIN DOESN’T STOP PLAY British weather fails to dampen spirits at annual Sussex fundraiser

41 SCHOLARS’ RUGBY LESSON Suffolk school’s staff, pupils and parents pass sporting masterclass on behalf of 16 Wooden Spoon NEWS 49 47 FAMILY TIES Granddaughter of founder nails her charity colours to the mast

48 HEADLINE ACT Wooden Spoon reaches new readers thanks to national newspaper campaign

49 FIJIAN FORAY FOR FUNDRAISER Sevenoaks student takes to the Twickenham turf for Kilik Cup

Spring/Summer 2020 5 “I’d like to be known as a coach that has helped improve the game and helped improve players. If some people say that at the end of my career then I’ll be pretty happy.”

“Coaching at international level is a great honour but bringing up your daughter is something you only get one go at.”

6 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk INTERVIEW A LOVE LETTER TO RUGBY Candid coach Eddie Jones considers the next chapter of his sporting story

NGLAND fans may feel Eddie Jones’ at coaching so the pressure on being a good career and family roots have any bearing on recently released autobiography is dad is a lot more than being a good coach.” his ability to commit wholeheartedly to his Emissing an all-important passage on Citing the conduct of players and fans at chosen cause. leading a team to World Cup glory, but its the World Cup as an example, Eddie believes “My loyalty is always to the team because I author insists his continued commitment to that rugby’s core values help to mitigate love the game,” he said. “I don’t look on it as the Red Rose is not motivated by creating a the stresses and strains of standing on the being patriotic or unpatriotic. dream conclusion for any future memoirs. sidelines and make it an easy sport to be “I love the team and players I am coaching And, despite conceding to being badly passionate about. at the time and I want to do the best thing by bruised by watching his charges come The England boss said: “The way people that group of people.” agonisingly close to lifting the sport’s behave in rugby is universal. Look at what It is an approach that Eddie hopes he will greatest prize in Yokohama last year, nor is happened in Japan; how the Japanese be remembered for following retirement. the revered head coach interested in penning embraced a great mix of nationalities and “I’d like to be known as a coach that has the final chapter of his rugby odyssey any how everyone got on because everyone loves helped improve the game and helped time soon. the game. improve players,” he said. “If some people “I don’t think there is a perfect ending and “The big difference between football and say that at the end of my career then I’ll be I don’t think I’d like to have one,” Eddie told rugby is that football supporters in general pretty happy.” Spoonews when quizzed on where the full love their team whereas rugby supporters In respect of Japan, the straight-talking stop in his sporting plot-line would come. generally love the game. coach already has plenty of reason to feel “I’ve still got plenty of energy, plenty of “Rugby fans love their team but if their content having helped to set in motion the enthusiasm to get better and I’ve still got team doesn’t win it’s not the be all and Brave Blossoms emergence as a serious enough physical power to coach well. end all and I think that is a universal thing rugby force. “I don’t really think it matters what my last about our sport – there are some key values Eddie, who led Japan to the 2015 Rugby coaching job is – it might be the under 15s and once a game has finished, as hard and World Cup and masterminded their shock in Camberley, Surrey or it might be the USA. physical as you have played, it’s then time to victory over the Springboks in Brighton five The reason I coach is because I love the game enjoy each other’s company.” years ago, said: “I’ve been around to various and as long as that love is a central tenet to With Australia, Japan and England already parts of the country and in some areas the what I am doing, then it doesn’t matter who I on his CV, the Antipodean is better placed number of kids playing rugby has increased by am coaching.” than most to comment on the common 25 percent and I would imagine that after this For the time being at least, Eddie’s heart is characteristics shared by rival nations. World Cup there will be a similar increase. undoubtedly England’s. However, he was quick to highlight that each “That means rugby becomes a more popular The 60-year-old, who guided his current team boasts its own distinct DNA. sport, people want to be involved in it, want crop of players to the Triple Crown with “That comes from education and the way to support it and if they can get the top end victories over Scotland, Ireland and Wales a certain society is,” he explained. “For of the game to continue to grow it will mean at this year’s yet unresolved Six Nations instance, Australians are quite brash and Japan can continue to play tier one tests. Championship, has just signed a new arrogant and tend to attack more, while “You feel like you’ve done something contract with the RFU that will keep him in South Africans tend to play a very physical positive,” he concluded. charge of the Red Rose until the 2023 Rugby game where they prefer the opposition to “We now have another proper in . have the ball. country in the world. They are a country all Having done so, the expectation now on “Japanese rugby at its best is fast and tier one countries want to play, they have Eddie to exorcise the pain of England’s 32- inventive – just as they recreated their shown they can compete at the highest level 12 World Cup final defeat to the Springboks economy following the Second World War – and have shown they can host big rugby is immense. and the English tend to be quite conservative tournaments. Such pressure, however, is something that and that comes through in the style of rugby, “It’s great to be part of creating something the experienced coach believes he has been particularly at set pieces and during offensive that has made the rugby landscape better.” well conditioned for by another of his great periods of the game.” Eddie may not be driven by a dream loves – his daughter Chelsea. As the son of a Japanese-American mum ending to his own story but – if his impact “Coaching at international level is a great and Australian dad and someone who has in the East is anything to go by – the editor honour but bringing up your daughter is consulted all around the world, Eddie has of England’s World Cup tales of triumph something you only get one go at,” the had few problems navigating such nuances should not yet rule out the need for another Australian added. “You get a number of goes and dismisses any notion that his nomadic celebratory chapter.

Spring/Summer 2020 7 I AM A MEMBER. ARE YOU?

JOIN AS A MEMBER TODAY AND HELP US THROUGH THESE CHALLENGING TIMES.

Ask your friends and family to join and help us fund more local community projects supporting vulnerable children. Find out more woodenspoon.org.uk/become-a-member THE LAST DECADE

CHEERS TO THE LAST TEN YEARS

EGARDLESS of which side of the argument you fall as to whether 1 January 2020 marked the beginning of a new Rdecade or the final year of the last, there is no doubting that the past 10 years have been momentous for Wooden Spoon. The highlights have, in respect of the LMAX Exchange Everest Rugby Challenge and Arctic Rugby Challenge, been exactly that – incredibly high. However, record-breaking expeditions to Earth’s tallest mountain and matches played at the top of the world, have been the mere tip of the iceberg in terms of success stories. Between 2010 and 2019, the children’s charity of rugby enjoyed enduring relationships with new friends and old (page 21) and the volunteers in Wooden Spoon’s regions raised more than £13 million and funded more than 652 community projects. The legacy of these incredible endeavours will, as evidenced by many of the articles in this edition, continue to be felt well into the future and 2020 has already seen Wooden Spoon commit to spending more than £1.3 million to help positively transform the lives of children with a disability or facing disadvantage in the UK and Ireland. £13,000,000 And while Wooden Spoon’s partners, members and volunteers should rightly feel proud of the most recent chapter in the charity’s history, its life-changing work is needed more than ever. Since 2010, more than 400,000 youngsters in households with children HAS BEEN RAISED under five are now living in poverty – an increase of more than a quarter [Save the Children, March 2019] – and in working households, the number of children growing up in poverty has BY OUR REGIONS increased by 800,000 in the space of 10 years [Independent, November 2019]. Poverty is especially high among families where there is an adult who is disabled, at nearly 33 percent. If there is also a disabled child, the poverty rate is 40 percent – more than twice the rate AND SPENT ON where there is no disability [Joseph Rowntree Foundation, February 2020]. These stark statistics serve as a reminder to the importance of your ongoing support – in whatever form – of Wooden Spoon over 652 PROJECTS the next 10 years and beyond. 2010 2019 FUTURE FUNDING As this edition of Spoonews went to press, 2020 has already seen Wooden Spoon commit to funding projects to the tune of £400,000 across the UK and Ireland. Among the children’s charity of rugby regions set to benefit from this spending and see schemes built, installed or delivered in the coming months are Chilterns, Durham, Gloucestershire, Lancashire, Scotland, Sussex, Wales, Warwickshire and Yorkshire.

Spring/Summer 2020 9 HELPING HAND STILL FELT HERAPY rooms funded by Wooden After nine weeks in hospital, she was finally sessions over two weeks, every four months. Spoon Wales almost a decade ago are allowed home but still required oxygen to She has just turned two and is meeting all the Tcontinuing to help improve the lives help her breathe for a further six months. milestones and goals set out for her by the of hundreds of young people with cerebral Arabella’s parents then noticed she was only therapy team at the centre. palsy and other allied neurological conditions using her right hand and, following discussions “The impact that Bobath has had has been each year. with their NHS community physiotherapist, huge,” continued Amanda. “With every The charity’s £7,000 donation to Bobath she was referred to Bobath Wales. block of therapy, Arabella’s development has Children’s Therapy Centre Wales in 2011 “When we arrived at Bobath for our progressed greatly. Without Bobath we really helped to modernise the hub’s first visit, we had mixed emotions,” said don’t think Arabella would be where she is treatment suites, which are used to provide mum, Amanda. “We didn’t want Arabella to date.” tailored care to its visitors. to have any physical disability but we Arabella’s Bobath Wales therapist, Gosia Over the course of the past 12 months were immediately put at ease. The two Jon, added: “During Arabella’s most recent alone, Bobath has delivered 1,682 therapy physiotherapists who assessed Arabella were block of therapy we set a goal for her to be sessions throughout Wales and treated 286 incredible and meeting with Glenys, the family able to use her hands in a more co-ordinated babies and children. support officer, was also a huge support. They way, ready for her starting pre-school next Arabella, this issue’s cover star, is among were able to give us emotional support, more year. We practised a number of tasks, such as those who have benefited. than they probably realise, in addition to taking her shoes and socks off, assisting with Born ten weeks premature, Arabella giving us an individual programme to work on putting her clothing on, painting, gluing and endured an incredibly tough start to life; at home with Arabella.” carrying large items. I am delighted to see suffering with complications with her heart Since her first visit, Arabella has had blocks Arabella exceeding her goals at the end of and bleeds on both sides of the brain. of specialist therapy, each consisting of five her sessions.”

10 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk THE LAST DECADE

NURTURING NEW FAMILIES OODEN Spoon Chilterns’ historic hearted, angry and depressed, which makes soundproofed and equipped with specialist donation to an adoption charity it hard for them to trust and bond with other therapeutic and sensory toys, games and Wspecialising in recruiting, training adults including new parents or carers. books, allows many of these issues to be and supporting those willing to adopt “hard- Their developmental trauma can also affect addressed in a calming, non-threatening to-place” children, has been instrumental in their ability to reach their academic potential, environment through structured sessions, helping hundreds of young people to embrace and to form healthy relationships with peers. thera-play and dyadic developmental their future with a new family. The family therapy room, which is fully psychotherapy. The children’s charity of rugby pledged The Wilkinsons, who adopted Sam in 2008 £10,000 to fund the creation of a family when he was six-years-old, are among those therapy room for PACT [Parents and Children to have benefited from use of the facility. Together] in spring 2013 and the Reading The family approached PACT for help when facility has since hosted more than 1,000 they realised their son was struggling with his sessions – often at times of crisis – to help £10,000 history after experiencing severe neglect from adoptive families build attachment and trust. his birth family. Such a resource is vital given the challenging He couldn’t make sense of his past start in life experienced by many of the and wasn’t able to talk about it. PACT’s children who walk through its doors. psychologist arranged for several family All have been at risk and removed from their sessions in the therapy room, which provided birth families following neglect or physical, 1 ROOM Sam with a safe space and enabled a special emotional or sexual abuse, and they are 1,000 PLUS SESSIONS relationship to be formed that eventually likely to have been separated from multiple helped him to open up about his past, feelings short-term foster families. Consequently, it and emotions. is common for them to suffer from chronic HUNDREDS OF NEW It helped him to make sense of his memories childhood trauma and attachment disorders. and to understand what had happened was They can be left feeling confused, broken- FAMILIES HELPED not his fault.

Spring/Summer 2020 11 CREATIVE STUDIO’S EXTENDED RUN STAR turn performed by Wooden revamped venue, which quickly proved itself Spoon Scotland eight years ago to be a star attraction. Acontinues to provide a stage on A year after its opening, the studio which young people can shine and forget hosted Pilton Youth’s Got Talent – an their troubles. “It was like all event boasting everything from juggling to In 2012, the children’s charity of rugby hip-hop dancing and one that united the donated £10,000 to the Pilton Youth and the problems and centre’s surrounding community. Children’s Project (PYCP) – a charity serving challenges that they Lesley Ross, PYCP’s youth work, communities in which are among employability and volunteering project the most deprived in Scotland – to help were facing on a daily manager, said: “The amazing thing about transform an unused room into a multi- that evening is that parents and extended purpose creative studio. basis were forgotten family all came together and it was a chance The dramatic makeover included the for their kids to shine. installation of wooden sprung flooring about for one night “They could see the amazing things that for dancing, a large mirror for practising young people can do given the right nurture, routines, ballet barres, state-of-the-art stage and they could be free time and support. lighting and a sound system. “It was like all the problems and challenges Chris Patterson, Scotland’s all-time from it all” that they were facing on a daily basis were record points scorer and second most- forgotten about for one night and they could capped player, opened the curtains on the be free from it all. This was really powerful

12 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk THE LAST DECADE

RAVE REVIEWS “I love coming to PYCP – we get to dance and chill out in the studio. It’s a great laugh.” – Lisa (14) “I practise every month for my dance competitions. PYCP let me and my mum use the space some afternoons. I haven’t got much space at home in my flat, so I get to do really cool moves.” – Ryan (12) “The facilities at PYCP are brilliant. We used the studio for our nativity play – the stage was amazing and we managed to fit 60 parents and carers in.” – Nursery manager “I love running the pop-up shop from the studio – it looks so smart with the lights and the mirrors. Everyone that comes to the shop says it’s stylish and they think it’s cool.” – Young volunteer

and in my mind showed the huge impact crime rates, and that the life chances of the funding from Wooden Spoon has had on children can be compromised by caring improving the lives of local children, young responsibilities and the absence of stable people and their families.” “The studio is vibrant role models. The studio has been in near-constant use “For many of the young people it feels safe ever since, with dance sessions, fitness in colour and a warm and secure – something that they are often classes, music workshops, guest entertainers inviting space. For longing for in their lives,” she concluded. and nativity shows among the many “It has added to the great facilities we activities featured on its busy timetable. many of the young have within PYCP and, through our range It has become a key resource for the of programmes, we reach many outcomes team at PYCP, who help children and people it feels including reducing social isolation and young people to tackle the disadvantages developing confidence, problem solving and hardships associated with poverty by safe and secure — skills and resilience. providing opportunities for them to thrive. “We help by providing a safe, supportive “The studio is vibrant in colour and a something that they environment where young people can talk warm inviting space,” explained Lesley, through worries, develop new skills and – highlighting that some of the families are often longing for above all – have fun. on the Project’s doorstep are exposed “Helping a child or young adult to stay at to unemployment, poverty, addiction, in their lives” school or make healthier choices offers hope poor physical and mental health and high of a brighter future.”

Spring/Summer 2020 13 RETURN VISIT AVING originally struck up an harmonious relationship with Wooden HSpoon Oxfordshire nearly a decade ago, a youth group for children with additional needs in Banbury is delighted to have recently been granted an encore performance. The Let’s Play Project, which specialises in fun after-school sessions and holiday activities for young people aged five to 25, first benefited from the generosity of the children’s charity of rugby in 2011 when it provided funding for a much-loved musical play area. However, an expensive move to a new premises two years ago left the Project in need of further support to make the most of the outdoor space at its new home. “We were previously based at a school and although we were in a rundown portacabin that wasn’t fit for purpose, we had access to a playground and playing field,” explained Operations Manager Tracey Owen. “Moving meant a better building but a largely reduced outside space, so it was imperative that we made the most of the space we did have.” A Wooden Spoon donation of more than £8,000 allowed Let’s Play to do precisely that – funding three interactive panels, a go-kart and playground markings that continue to enthral the 135 families who visit. “I can’t tell you how much the children love and use the race track that was marked out using the money from Wooden Spoon,” Tracey added. “There is always someone whizzing around it on a scooter or in a go-kart and it would not be there if it hadn’t been for “I can’t tell you how Wooden Spoon. We were up against the wall financially when we moved and had no extra much the children money to do anything.” Impressing the importance and value of its love and use the race outside space to Let’s Play’s young people, or driving around in the fresh air makes so Tracey concluded: “It’s vital, we couldn’t track that was marked much difference. All of the young people that operate without being able to get outdoors come to us enjoy it. and play, which is at the centre of everything out using money from “I know how important the music area was we do. in our old premises and to be able to move “To be able to open the building’s back Wooden Spoon” and come back to Wooden Spoon and be doors and get the kids outside and running given help again is a really special thing.”

14 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk Register your interest NOW!

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Wooden spoon Full Page.indd 1 26/03/2020 10:49:37 A TOAST TO THOSE TERRIFIC TEAMS OF ONE ROM pulling on their favourite colours completed his second ascent in one hour for class (page 17) to running marathons and 50 minutes and – after taking a rest and F(page 18) and cycling circuits of Cardiff refuelling at the summit – returned to the (page 39), there are myriad ways supporters start point for his final climb with four hours can do their bit for Wooden Spoon. and 40 minutes left on the clock. And while many choose to tackle challenges Cheered off by his partner Emma and step- as part of a team or expansive expedition, son George but slowed by a stiffening knee, the past decade has seen plentiful examples the Wooden Spoon fundraiser successfully of individuals setting – and succeeding in summited for a third time and – with the smashing – their own goals. weather improving – completed his Snowdon Take Peter Cook, for example, who seeking hat-trick with minutes to spare. a high after feeling low as a result of illness Reflecting on his motivation for scaling a during 2017, raised both his spirits and mountain three times in one day, Peter said: funds for the children’s charity of rugby by “For a number of reasons, it was not a good summiting Snowdon three times in the space start to the year culminating in me having a of just 12 hours. chest infection and struggling to even climb The Wooden Spoon Oxfordshire supporter my house stairs. So feeling very low I gave completed his lofty challenge with ten With wet weather making the trek down myself a challenge that would at the same minutes to spare despite a heavy fall, wet more treacherous than usual, the ardent time help some great children who face weather and a wrong turn threatening to adventurer fell heavily on his hip before losing harder challenges every day.” thwart his triple assault on Wales’ highest his way as a consequence of poor visibility. Peter added: “After climbing Snowdon with mountain. Peter, who scaled Snowdon with Although Peter’s unintentional detour some friends, one asked if I felt I could go friends the previous year, enjoyed a relatively returned him to the base of Snowdon, it did immediately back up and do it again. Bravado trouble-free start to his 23-mile hike – so seven miles from his intended position. said yes, but my legs said no. reaching the peak in one hour and 35 minutes Fearing failure at the first hurdle and in “That thought stuck in my mind and while – but his bid to climb more than 8,000 feet the absence of a passing bus, the rain- I thought twice may be possible, I wasn’t took a literal turn for the worse during the soaked rambler resorted to hitch-hiking and sure three would be. So the challenge was first descent. fortunately had his feat put back on track by a set – it had to be three times to the summit. sympathetic driver. If I was going to ask people to part with their Spurred on by this change in fortune, Peter hard-earned cash to support my cause, I had to achieve, or at least attempt to achieve, something I didn’t think I could.”

16 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk THE LAST DECADE DRIVING FORCE S THE world’s largest automotive service organisation, it is perhaps Alittle surprise that Cox Automotive has been a prominent driving force behind Wooden Spoon in recent years. The company has completed a succession of challenges on behalf of the children’s charity of rugby – including climbing Kilimanjaro and 1 AFRICAN ASCENT + 3 PENNINE PEAKS scaling Yorkshire’s three highest peaks – and has raced to a £75,000 fundraising total. = A MOUNTAIN OF MONEY RAISED Gerry Whittington, Head of Central Sales at Cox Automotive, said the handsome donation write the amount raised on the ball and ‘pass ascent in under 12 hours. recognised a team effort across the business, it’ onto the next business. Not to be outdone, an all-women team which began with The Big Pass. “The ball travelled around the UK covering from the firm travelled to Tanzania the “We are an auction business with 15 sites thousands of miles and the momentum gained following year to tackle Africa’s highest and additional subsidiary businesses, so was exciting – it created a competitive culture mountain, successfully summiting decided to ask everyone to take part,” he of one business area wanting to raise more Kilimanjaro’s 19,336ft peak. added, explaining how an oversized rugby than the rest.” And having demonstrated a head for ball became the vehicle for the group’s Cox Automotive’s Group Board escalated heights, Cox Automotive continued its high- fundraising endeavours. the competition to greater heights in 2017 by profile support of Wooden Spoon last year by “The idea was to hold a fundraising event of conquering Yorkshire’s Three Peaks Challenge sponsoring Ollie Phillips’ involvement in the their choice on behalf of Wooden Spoon, to – completing the 24-mile route and 5,200ft LMAX Exchange Everest Rugby Challenge. STUDENTS SHOW OFF THEIR TRUE COLOURS ALDRO School’s support of Wooden Spoon the Godalming school’s students and staff the whole school community. stretches back far beyond the first days of to wear rugby tops of their choosing in He added: “This year we had all sorts its current crop of students. exchange for a minimum £1 donation, raised of shirts on display, ranging from England Its annual Rugby Shirt Day – the brainchild £195.60 – taking Aldro’s 16-year total to World Cup and Lions shirts to club jerseys of French teacher and rugby coach Yves more than £5,500. and local Guildford Boys RFC tops. Lomardot – began 16 years ago and has Deputy Headmaster Chris Rose, who is “Many clubs and nations were represented been a permanent fixture of the academic a long-standing member of the children’s and some staff – including myself – even calendar since. charity of rugby, said the enduring managed to squeeze into their old university This January, the initiative, which invites fundraiser has captured the imagination of shirts.”

Spring/Summer 2020 17 A DECADE OF DISTANCE HIS year’s Virgin Money Marathon may be among the growing list of sporting spectacles temporarily sidelined by the coronavirus crisis, but Wooden Spoon’s history books are already rich with runners who have conquered the capital’s challenge. T Over the past decade, hundreds have laced their running shoes and donned distinctive stripes to tackle the 26-mile tour of the city on behalf of the children’s charity of rugby. When the class of 2020 finally get the opportunity to put their hours of training into practice on 4 October, they will do so knowing that they are following in the footsteps of some fantastic fundraisers…

“I had my dad [Gloucester RFC “Wooden Spoon was top of my legend and Wooden Spoon list [of charities to run for]. The supporter Martin ‘Speedy’ reason I chose this great charity Roberts, who died in April 2016] is I have been involved in playing in the back of my head the whole rugby for over 30 years and to see way. He was so stubborn on what the charity does for young fitness and training that I kept disabled and disadvantaged thinking I would have to get round children through the power of because he would only have rugby was a great match.” moaned at me if I didn’t!” — Andrew Mitchell (2016) — Becky Stroud-King (2017)

2010 2019 £304,074 RAISED BY RUNNERS

“Sunday was the best experience of my life! So much so that I doubt “Every deep breath, every pain it can ever be bettered.” and ache felt while running the — Gareth Biddle (2019) gruelling 26.2 miles was matched by the thought of the smiles and “It was such a great day! I really happiness that would be realised enjoyed every moment and am for the children. It was a privilege definitely interested in running to help support Wooden Spoon.” next year too!” — Richard Russell (2014) — Lizzie Shand (2019)

➤ Fancy tackling an extreme event for the children’s charity of rugby? Visit woodenspoon.org.uk/challenges to find out more.

18 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk THE LAST DECADE

FUNDRAISING GOES GLOBAL HEN it comes to showing its The Lions – which took a 50-strong peloton, support for Wooden Spoon, featuring five former Lions and five former All “As a company filled with WGullivers Sports Travel has not been Blacks, from the 2nd Test in Wellington to the shy about going the proverbial extra mile. 3rd Test in Auckland. passionate rugby fans, Gullivers Over the last three years, the globe- The focus of the fundraising then switched are very pleased to work trotting tour operator has flown the flag to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, where for the children’s charity of rugby on three Gullivers conducted a series of successful alongside a charity that raises continents and raised £23,500 while travelling bucket collections. money for such great causes” the world with its caring customers. More recently, the UK tour operator carried The company’s fundraising journey kicked on its championing of Wooden Spoon closer off in the Southern Hemisphere in 2017, to home, selling merchandise, passing when it arranged a charity clash against buckets and arranging auctions and raffles Wellington-based club Poneke Pies during throughout the . the British and Irish Lions Tour of New Reflecting on the multiple legs of the Zealand. Gullivers Barbarians took to the charitable campaign, Gullivers’ Head of field against their Kiwi counterparts wearing Sales and Partnerships Henry Kirchner said: Wooden Spoon-sponsored shirts and the “Raising awareness for such a fantastic fixture was followed by an auction. charity that helps so many children with Poneke RFC also served as the starting point disabilities or facing disadvantage in the UK is of a 305-mile cycle challenge – The Ride of fantastic to be associated with. “It is easy to forget just how lucky we are and it is always nice to be able to give something back and I feel like we are helping make a difference. “Our clients that attend our tours are always so generous in giving to Wooden Spoon and always agree on how much of an important cause it is. “As a company filled with passionate rugby £23,500 fans, the Gullivers team are very pleased to work alongside a charity that raises so much money for such great causes through using the values of the sport.” RAISED

Spring/Summer 2020 19 AS SEEN ON

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN! TRY RUGBYTOTS Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. For more details, just call or email. 0345 313 3242 [email protected]

rugbytots.co.uk The world’s favourite rugby play programme THE LAST DECADE

WHEELS OF SUPPORT KEEP SPINNING UGBYTOTS relationship with Wooden Spoon may not yet span a decade but Rits team already has plenty to reflect on “It’s been absolutely when it comes to fundraising feats. Since pledging its support to the children’s fantastic raising funds for charity of rugby in 2015, the international play programme has raised a staggering £480,000 Wooden Spoon over the through its class Tryathlons and succession of last four years and it’s very ambitious cycle challenges. Rugbytots’ most recent foray on two wheels humbling to see how these took a 43-strong peloton from London to funds can help and support Paris and followed previous leg-draining rides from Cardiff’s then to the lives of young people Twickenham and the 323-mile route from who really need it” Land’s End to Twickenham. The money raised has been used to support outdoor cookery school and helped to sponsor more than a dozen projects, including the one of our coaches to break a world record creation of an outdoor gym at Farney Close playing rugby on Mount Everest. We regularly School (page 31), and will benefit many more, sit down with Wooden Spoon to discuss the but the firm’s founder – Max Webb – is not ways in which the funds we raise can make a intending to rest on his laurels. difference and this is a really important aspect The entrepreneur, who originally set-up of the relationship for me. It means we can Rugbytots to introduce his three sons – then marry up the spending to where it was raised toddlers – to rugby, has ambitious plans for people who really need it,” he said. in the first place, ensuring it goes back into the future. “We have sponsored horses for the Riding the community. “It’s been absolutely fantastic raising funds for the Disabled Association, built playgrounds “We are about to start planning for our 2021 for Wooden Spoon over the last four years and sensory rooms, provided much needed fundraising event and my target for the end of and it’s very humbling to see how these equipment to hospices such as cots and 2021 is to have raised £750,000 for Wooden funds can help and support the lives of young modified beds, converted a bus into an Spoon in total.” VALUED RELATIONSHIP GOES THE DISTANCE DESPITE being an ever-present at long-standing Wooden Spoon involved as a player and coach delivery. A combined group Wooden Spoon’s side since 1997, supporter is FedEx teammate at Tamworth Rugby club for a of 40 runners from FedEx ran FedEx has not tired from going Allan Wood. number of years and have seen last year’s the proverbial extra mile to raise “At 43 and as a novice runner I firsthand what a difference rugby and a further ten staff laced money for the children’s charity was given a fantastic opportunity can make to children and adults. up to complete the BADGERS of rugby. Last year, the logistics to run the London Marathon, FedEx, my employer, sponsor Atherstone 10k Race in experts’ total donations topped which had been a dream of the event and raise money for Warwickshire. the £4 million mark and the mine since I was a small boy Wooden Spoon, so the pieces fell Reflecting on the latter, David company’s support is showing no watching the stories unfold on into place last year.” Copping, Head of Continuous let up in pace. TV,” said last year’s marathon- Running has been a consistent Improvement at FedEx, said: Daniel Vines (FedEx Express distance debutant. “I have been feature of FedEx’s fundraising “Although this race was a huge Europe, VP – Inside Sales), for challenge and the hills were very example, will be leading a squad daunting, I was so pleased to run of colleagues in his eighth Virgin it and, of course, raise money for Money London Marathon this such a worthy cause.” autumn with the aim of raising a More sedate fundraising further £60,000. £4,000,000 activities have included charity Among those to have breakfasts and taking part in previously run alongside the RAISED DURING 23-YEAR PARTNERSHIP dress-down Fridays.

Spring/Summer 2020 21 IMMERSIVE INSTALLATION STATE-OF-THE-ART hydrotherapy pool place to play. The school worked closely refurbishment funded by Wooden with Mike Ayres Design, a company with ASpoon Kent has seen the popularity more than 40 years of expertise building of swimming sessions soar at Abbey Court “We could not provide all sensory facilities across the UK and Europe, School in Strood. of the things that our very to ensure the upgrade met the physical The £25,000 facility revamp at the special needs of its pupils and promotes their school, which is for pupils aged three to special pupils need and learning and development. 19 with severe and profound learning deserve without the support Whether being used to learn how to swim difficulties, has seen a raft of sensory and gain confidence in the water or to equipment installed. of funders. So on behalf of enjoy greater freedom of movement, the Completed during last year’s summer pool has made a big splash with students, holidays to minimise disruption, Abbey pupils, parents and staff, according to Abbey Court’s staff. Court’s pool now boasts colour wash thank you Wooden Spoon.” Business Manager Linda Taylor said: “We lighting, projection effects, a bubble maker, are absolutely thrilled to be supported by LED clouds and sound system that have Wooden Spoon. In the current financial made the water an engaging and relaxing climate, every penny is valued, and every

22 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk FUNDED PROJECTS

‘A GREAT ASSET’ CHARLOTTE is a very knowing and sensitive young lady who has been diagnosed with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy and Dystonia. Her diagnosis means that her movements, particularly in her upper body, are uncontrollable and cause her to extend and flex her muscles constantly throughout the day. Abbey Court’s hydrotherapy pool enables Charlotte to relax all of her limbs and, during her hydro swims, she is fully free of her extensions and dystonic muscle spasms. The new equipment has further supported Charlotte to focus and respond as she spends time on her back in the pool due to her unsafe swallow. The light up balls have developed Charlotte’s enthusiasm and ability to move her body through the water to get to them. This has been hugely beneficial in helping Charlotte to strengthen her core muscles as she pushes the water to move towards the motivating objects. Charlotte’s mum Kate told Spoonews: “The renovations and improvements to the hydrotherapy swimming pool have really enhanced the sensory experience of the sessions for the children. “There are numerous aspects that can now be used simultaneously or individually depending on the needs of the session. These swimming lessons are vital to the health and wellbeing of the children both mentally and physically. “My daughter Charlotte absolutely loves her swimming sessions, she donation tremendously appreciated. really enjoys floating on her back “We could not provide all of the things looking up at the lights in the clouds – that our very special pupils need and it helps her to relax, be able to stabilise deserve without the support of funders. her body and have more control over “So on behalf of pupils, parents and staff, her involuntary movements.” thank you Wooden Spoon, it has been a Kate added: “Charlotte also enjoys pleasure getting to know you, and sharing playing games with her friends; a passion for enriching the lives of special chasing the light up, colour-changing needs children.” balls around the pool encourages her swimming and social skills. ➤ To find out more about the children’s “The hydrotherapy pool is a great charity of rugby and its support of asset to the school and allows children community projects in your region or of all ages and abilities to enjoy the to discover how you can help positively facilities and the sensory experience transform young lives in your area, visit together.” woodenspoon.org.uk/near-you

Spring/Summer 2020 23 with cancer. We have had young people and mums and dads all excited about coming POD CASTS for some ‘chill time’ including massages, nail painting and hair curling. It’s a real wee haven of peace and tranquillity while PLEASURE it also doubles as a counselling and small meeting room and it’s been lovely to have ACILITIES funded by Wooden Spoon our counsellors use it alongside one-to-one Scotland at Jak’s Den in Livingston are “We have had young people meetings with staff and supporters.” Fproving a “godsend” for families with Allison added: “It really is a special place children with cancer. and mums and dads all and we are so grateful to Wooden Spoon Opened last summer by former Scotland Scotland for giving us the opportunity to and British and Irish Lions winger Roger excited about coming for have the lovely pod.” Baird, a pamper pod and neutropenic café some ‘chill time’ including The provision of pampering opportunities have become in-demand attractions at complement the drop-in centre’s host the charity’s headquarters, which offers massages, nail painting of other activities, which include music emotional, social and practical support to and hair curling” therapy, counselling, alternative therapies, children and young people with cancer and teen days – boasting Xbox and PlayStation related illnesses. The new additions are Reflecting on the pamper pod’s creation challenges, coffee mornings, magic shows part of ongoing developments at the Den, and the £42,000 of funding which made it and homework support. which was inspired by Jak Trueman, who possible, Allison Barr, Chief Executive of Jak’s Den has a number of pop-up centres fell suddenly and seriously ill in August 2014 the Team Jak Foundation and Jak’s mother, across Scotland and also provides an and lost his life to a rare and aggressive said: “Our Wooden Spoon Pamper Pod has outreach service to homes and hospitals for form of cancer five months later. been a godsend to our families with children those unable to travel.

24 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk FUNDED PROJECTS

“The wellbeing centre has been an incredible addition to our provision at Limpsfield Grange, providing us with a much needed space to run therapies for our students in a calm and beautiful environment” SERENE SURROUNDINGS WELLBEING centre funded by Wooden Spoon Surrey Limpsfield’s head Sarah Wild said: “The wellbeing centre has is helping to bring a sense of calm to students at been an incredible addition to our provision at Limpsfield ALimpsfield Grange School in Oxted, according to its Grange, providing us with a much needed space to run headteacher. therapies for our students in a calm and beautiful environment. Purchased and constructed using a £17,000 donation from We are really grateful to Wooden Spoon for supporting us the children’s charity of rugby, the timber cabin serves as with this project. a chill out area for the all-girls school’s 80 residential and “The wellbeing centre gives the girls a space in which to day students, many of whom have a diagnosis of Autistic develop strategies which help them to manage their anxiety, Spectrum Conditions. access occupational and speech therapies and to learn about Following the official opening of the project by John Inverdale, how to stay well mentally and physically.” TASTY ADDITION YOUNG people in Suffolk can now fine tune their food preparation, baking and cooking skills thanks to a hearty £18,000 donation from Wooden Spoon Eastern Counties. The new Learning Kitchen has been fitted at the Porch Project in Hadleigh, which engages with 11-to-19-year-olds in the town, Great Cornard and surrounding areas through social activities and educational and support programmes. Woodbridge School in Suffolk helped the children’s charity of rugby to fund the installation, raising more than £4,500 towards the total through the hosting of a gala dinner (see page 41). Opened by John Winders, President of Eastern Counties , the kitchen will help teach vital life skills to those with physical, mental and social needs and enhance their employability.

Spring/Summer 2020 25 CRAFTING CAREER CHOICES WORKSHOP built using an £18,000 sourced materials to produce products – In addition to creating greater capacity for donation from Wooden Spoon such as garden furniture – to sell. craftwork, the Skills Pod is being used for AEastern Counties will help sixth Complementing existing practical teaching yoga sessions, as a quiet place for students to formers at Sidestrand Hall School in Norfolk areas at the school, which serves more than relax in and individual therapy sessions. to craft careers. 180 seven-to-19-year-olds with complex Wooden Spoon Eastern Counties is planning Created to advance students’ carpentry, educational needs, the Wooden Spoon to invite those pupils using the pod to perfect commerce and communication workshop will boost students’ chances of their manufacturing talents to provide competencies, the Skills Pod provides pupils employment by introducing them to new outdoor furniture for an upcoming woodland with the opportunity to work with locally- trades and the basics of business. walk project.

“Thousands of A NEW PLACE TO PLAY IN PEACE children from all A PLAY park promoting the play well together with people make new friends.” walks of life will children’s charity of rugby’s from different backgrounds,” Tim Magowan, Corrymeela’s values of teamwork and said the Irish rugby legend Interim Executive Director, said: be able to play inclusivity has been completed during his visit to the centre, “We are so delighted to now together and make thanks to a £35,000 donation which welcomes more than have a wonderful play park from Wooden Spoon Ulster. 5,000 people each year and can which children and families can new friends” The new outdoor facility at count Mother Teresa, the Dalai enjoy together. Ballycastle’s Corrymeela Centre, Lama and Prince Charles among “In our increasingly divided Northern Ireland’s oldest peace its previous guests. world, we’re welcoming more and reconciliation retreat, was “I’m delighted to open this and more people on site to officially unveiled by Willie John play park so thousands of learn how to build positive McBride. children from all walks of life relationships with people from “As a player, I learnt how to will be able to play together and different backgrounds.”

26 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk FUNDED PROJECTS GARDEN GIFT DELIGHTS SENSORY garden funded by Wooden Spoon Bedfordshire “The play area with its artificial A grass is ideal for allowing access has provided children at the Ridgeway School in Kempston to the outside at all times of with a safe environment in the year. Jaden is enjoying which to play. investigating the musical Designed and built using a instruments and sensory £15,000 donation from the panels enormously and is really children’s charity of rugby, the benefiting from having an area outdoor facility allows those in which he is free to explore. He with complex care needs to is a very active child who loves explore physical activity with to be outside in all weather. minimal supervision. “The sensory play area Helen Roy, Deputy provides a wonderful safe, Headteacher of the all-age stimulating area in which our school which provides education children with very complex for pupils with physical, mental needs can play and learn. and associated learning and “I would like to thank Wooden communication difficulties, Spoon for their generosity in said: “The children love the new funding our new sensory play sensory garden. area. The Bedfordshire region “They are vulnerable in was very supportive.” – Helen the main playground, so it is Roy, Deputy Headteacher nice for them to have their own area to play safely and independently.” as its charity of the year, were organisations in Bedfordshire, and grow in such an amazing Donations from marathon key to ensuring the success of such as Ridgeway School, to environment. We could not runners George Davies and the project. Oliver Richbell, enable children and young do this without the continuing James Wootton and the support Chairman of Wooden Spoon people with disabilities and support of our fundraisers – of Pilgrims School in Bedford, Bedfordshire, said: “We are facing disadvantage to have their generosity is what makes which named Wooden Spoon thrilled to be able to support the opportunity to develop all this possible.”

“We are thrilled to be able to support organisations in Bedfordshire to enable children and young people with disabilities and facing disadvantage to have the opportunity to develop and grow in such an amazing environment”

Spring/Summer 2020 27 LAKESIDE OASIS OPENS FOR VISITORS VERY year up to 48 families Trust’s fifth lodge on behalf of first-class matches for Yorkshire, wet room, widened doors and – that would otherwise go Wooden Spoon, described the was joined at the opening laminate flooring throughout.” Ewithout a holiday – will new addition to the portfolio as by Wooden Spoon Yorkshire Those using the Windermere benefit from free breaks in the “such a worthy project”. chairman Stuart Watson and holiday home are selected stunning surrounds of Lake He added: “The chalet looks committee members John Little by care organisations within Windermere thanks to Wooden fantastic both outside and inside, and Michael Coghlan. Yorkshire, such as Embrace Child Spoon Yorkshire’s partnership and is fully equipped and sorted Mike Davies, founder and Victims of Crime and Hollybank with The Principle Trust to meet the needs of children trustee of the Principle Trust, Trust, which supports and Children’s Charity. with a disability or facing said: “The £20,000 Wooden educates more than a hundred The two charities combined disadvantage, who I am sure will Spoon donated has allowed a children and adults through to open the doors to a lodge on benefit hugely from it.” complete refurbishment inside its special school, residential the White Cross Bay Park Dean The rugby veteran, who was the lodge, making it wheelchair homes and adult daytime Resort in the Lake District, which also a cricketer and played in 49 friendly, with a brand new activity programme. will be used as a retreat for underprivileged, disadvantaged and disabled children. Purchased by The Principle “The chalet looks Trust, the holiday home has fantastic both been specially adapted for use by guests in a wheelchair outside and inside, or with a physical impairment and is fully equipped using a £20,000 grant from the children’s charity of rugby. The and sorted to alterations include a wet room, meet the needs the installation of sliding doors and ramps up to the cabin’s front of children with a and side access doors. disability or facing Former England and British Lion wing Peter Squires, who disadvantage” officially opened the Principle

28 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk FUNDED PROJECTS

New chapter: Peter Aldous was joined at the opening by Pakefield founders Tess Hardy and her husband John, Wooden Spoon Eastern Counties Chairman Seamus Farrelly and committee treasurer Alan Line

TRANQUIL TREAT A BUSTLING activity centre serving some of Surrey’s most socially-deprived young people now has a quiet corner thanks to the children’s charity of rugby’s committee in the county. READY FOR RIDERS Wooden Spoon Surrey donated MUCH-loved stables and indoor upgrade everything bar the roof of the 1960s £12,000 towards the purchase and arena given a new lease of life by facility at the Lowestoft branch of the Riding installation of a range of sensory AWooden Spoon Eastern Counties for the Disabled Association. The work equipment, which creates a welcoming have been formally opened by Suffolk MP included the creation of a new spectator environment for children with autism Peter Aldous. gallery suitable for wheelchair users. or other learning difficulties, at The children’s charity of rugby donated Pakefield Riding School was founded by Croydon Legacy Youth Zone. £30,000 to rejuvenate Pakefield Riding Tess Hardy and husband John and was the One of a network of venues run by School, which has served youngsters with first centre in the region to provide the OnSide, a charity planning to open a disability for more than half-a-century, physical and mental benefits of horse riding similar hubs in the most underprivileged and physically helped to complete the to the disabled community. areas in the country to give young extensive overhaul. Wooden Spoon Eastern Counties’ people somewhere safe and inspiring to Teaming up with experts from Fusion commitment to the centre began in 2017 spend their leisure time, the £8 million Community Initiatives, members of the when it purchased Moss, a Shire Clydesdale centre provides sporting, educational Eastern Counties committee helped to cross horse, for Pakefield’s riders. and career advisory services to more than 4,000 youngsters. The Wooden Spoon Tranquillity Room, which was opened by John Inverdale, FUNDS FROM THE £125,000 RAISED offers a retreat to those who need a break from the noise and BY 2017’S CLUB TOGETHER CYCLE hive of activity associated with CHALLENGE WERE USED TO BRING large visitor numbers. JOY TO RIDERS AT PAKEFIELD RDA

Spring/Summer 2020 29 SENSORY SENSATION A SENSORY room financed by Wooden Spoon Merseyside has become an integral part of a Liverpool school, according to its headteacher. Louise Byrne, head of St Margaret CONTEMPORARY Mary’s Catholic Infant School, said the new facility – which was opened by former England and Liverpool footballer Sammy Lee – has quickly become an in- demand sanctuary for students. CLASSROOM “Some of our children come from areas of high deprivation and NEW state-of-the-art sensory influence for some of our children with a experience the ups and downs of life,” classroom has brought learning to range of complex needs. she said. “Some experience a change life for students at St Gerard’s School “Some children find it difficult to A in the family – the serious illness of a in Belfast. emotionally regulate and this room will help loved one, a bereavement or family Funded by Wooden Spoon Ulster, with this. breakdown. the £35,000 immersive learning space “The school is so thankful to Wooden “Up until now, we were limited as to represents a “wonderful resource” for the Spoon. Our students will really benefit from how we could support them; finding school, which caters for 300 children from the impact of this wonderful resource that a quiet space to talk was extremely the age of three to 19 who have a range of we now have.” difficult. We had nowhere dedicated to complex needs. The cutting-edge classroom was formally their needs but now children can come Principal Stephen Ramsey said: “We have opened by Willie John McBride (pictured here [the sensory room] and find calm put a state-of-the-art sensory room in and above right), who was joined for a tour and peace.” that is to meet the changing needs of our of the school by fellow former Ireland Explaining the strains placed on pupils. This is an immersive multi-sensory international (above left) – a the school’s budget by an ageing classroom and it has brought things to life player boasting 63 caps for his country, building in need of annual repairs for them. It can also be used as a calming including 11 as captain. and redecoration, the head added: “Wooden Spoon stepped in and helped us provide something of quality. “Our students will really benefit from the Without Wooden Spoon we would not impact of this wonderful resource” have this room to meet our needs.”

30 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk FUNDED PROJECTS

FARNEY’S FIT FOR PURPOSE UTDOOR gym equipment funded by important a healthy lifestyle and fitness Honor O’Reagan, Farney Close’s IT tutor, the children’s charity of rugby and regime is.” commented: “It is an important piece ORugbytots is proving so popular with Echoing the principal’s views, PE tutor of equipment because it supports the students at Farney Close School in Bolney Clarence Haynes added: “The benefits of students when they are feeling stressed that a queue can often be found snaking the equipment have been far reaching and and upset.” from it. support the curriculum based learning. Formally opened by Wooden Spoon The principal of the residential school for “The students enjoy the exercise and Sussex’s Honorary President Bob Rogers, secondary age pupils with social, emotional achieve and understand the reasons for the fitness facilities are also receiving rave and mental health difficulties said the new using the equipment in regards to their reviews from the students. kit was being put to heavy use daily and health and fitness combined with other Year 8 pupil Kyle said: “I like the was improving the children’s health, self forms of exercise.” equipment because it is good and it esteem and confidence working as part of helps you to get fit; even though I am not a team. overweight it does me good.” “The outdoor gym equipment has been a Current Year 11 student Kieran tremendous asset to the school and all of concluded: “I really get a lot out of using our young people from year 7 to our 6th this equipment – we all love it and enjoy form have benefited from it,” Sara Hack £480,000 working out on it. Thank you.” explained while thanking Wooden Spoon Sussex for its support. THE AMOUNT RAISED TO ➤ Wooden Spoon Sussex has contributed “It has supported their curriculum based DATE BY WOODEN SPOON more than £400,000 to projects, ranging learning and sports curriculum, and this in from hydrotherapy pools to sensory turn has made the students aware of how PARTNER RUGBYTOTS gardens, in the county.

Spring/Summer 2020 31 AMBIENT ADDITION PLEASES PATIENTS STATE-OF-THE-ART Ambient Experience Interventional Suite “In such a short space of Afunded by Wooden Spoon Yorkshire time we are hearing the is helping to reduce the anxiety levels of patients – and their parents – ahead of positive difference the operations at Children’s Hospital’s new distraction equipment is heart theatre. The multi-sensory facility features soft making towards patient lighting and audio visual equipment that can anxiety, upon entering the be used to project tailored content to help young patients, aged 0-16 years, relax ahead theatre and leaving” of clinical and surgical procedures. Surgery Fund, concluded: “The Ambient Since its first use in May last year, medical Experience is such a positive addition; it is staff have reported improvements in the proving to be a fantastic distraction to the happiness and wellbeing of those benefiting older children, who are more aware of their from the Ambient Experience. Many children environment and treatment. request “room themes” – choosing calming “In such a short space of time we are lighting, music and images that distract them hearing the positive difference the distraction from the often unfamiliar experience of equipment is making towards patient anxiety, being surrounded by medical professionals. upon entering the theatre and leaving. By One patient said: “Before I had my funding this equipment, Wooden Spoon procedure, I went to an Ed Sheeran concert has helped to break through the significant and missed 90 percent of it because I had anxiety barriers that were once impossible to one of my episodes. The doctor was aware of change. The Ambient Experience is, and will this and played Ed Sheeran as I waited. This no doubt continue to be, a positive addition made me feel happy.” to children living with congenital heart Cardiac Anaesthetist Dr Carol Bodlani disease, for many years to come.” was also quick to commend the Ambient Experience, adding: “The staff absolutely love it and the children, and their parents, are all saying ‘wow’ when they go into the theatre. They are all so much more relaxed CALMING KIT and happier.” The suite, made possible thanks to a £25,942 grant from the children’s charity of COMMENDED rugby, was officially opened by Yorkshire Filipa Ferreira, a Congenital Cardiac Carnegie wing and former England star Tom Intervention Nurse Specialist, said: Varndell (pictured centred right). “I think the Ambient Experience is reduce anxiety and upset in the babies and Sharon Milner, CEO of the Children’s Heart amazing. The equipment is really good, provides a positive experience for them and we can connect Bluetooth and put and their parents. music on for the teenagers when they ask “The Ambient Experience has a positive for a special playlist, and that helps them impact on our workflow. As the experience feel less stressed. For small babies, the big is more relaxing and less stressful for screen with cartoons helps them as they patients, they are calmer and so go £25,942 focus on the screen and not everything to sleep quicker. I think the Ambient around them, such as the equipment and Experience is good for everyone — staff, DONATED medical staff wearing masks. This helps to parents and patients.”

32 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk FUNDED PROJECTS

took away feelings of stress. DINOSAUR DISPLAY During Joey’s first procedure he watched fish on the big screen. During the second he chose what he wanted to watch – A ROARING SUCCESS images of dinosaurs. His mother said that In 2019, Joey, aged six, had two the distraction provided by the Ambient procedures in the new children’s heart Experience made him feel calmer and surgery theatre where the Ambient less anxious and helped him to build trust Experience is located. with members of the Joey’s mum said that the theatre was medical team. not what she expected. The lights and She added that the screen had a calming effect. Ambient Experience Although the theatre has definitely played was busy with a part in Joey feeling lots of medical less anxious about further staff, the treatments, saying his attitude is atmosphere one of “not being bothered – I can felt relaxed, which do this”.

Spring/Summer 2020 33 VG Wooden Spoon.pdf 1 30/03/2020 17:41

Proud to be partnering Wooden Spoon. At Venn Group we make

positive impact.

Every year we choose a charity to partner and this year our director Robert Bowyer championed our selection of Wooden Spoon. Here is why:

C

M

Y with Sevenoaks Rugby Club. Initially, I would take part in local Wooden Spoon CM events such quiz nights and the Club Together day, cycling with a group of MY friends’ from club to club, sharing stories and raising awareness and money CY for what can only be described as essential support for those that need our CMY help. K

When I reviewed our corporate charity support for 2020, I made the decision to move my personal support to one of a corporate nature, with the aim to raise greater amounts and support some of the wonderful Wooden Spoon projects.

Wooden Spoon are a fantastic cohort, they keep fund raising fun and challenging but above all else the money goes to some incredibly deserving cases, in truth it was an easy decision to make Wooden Spoon our corporate charity of the year.”

About Venn Group Our specialist teams are connected to the best talent in the UK and we are experts in providing the most suitable recruitment solution for your requirement. Whether this be a short term helping hand, a bridging interim, a new position or the creation of an entire project delivery team; we are committed to delivering a positive and cost effective outcome.

020 7557 7667 [email protected]

wooden spoon.indd 1 30/03/2020 17:40 FUNDED PROJECTS

THORDA is autistic and has complex sensory needs. He seeks sensory regulation through climbing and the new SEEDLINGS GIVEN playground has given him the space and freedom to be able to do so safely. He particularly loves the climbing frame and slide. The playground has also provided CHANCE TO GROW Thorda with a spacious environment in SPECIAL school for children and young “Our leadership team stressed the which to interact with other children. people with severe and profound importance of teaching in an outdoor area Alearning difficulties in Preston is “fit and we’ve been fortunate enough through for the future” thanks to a £25,000 donation your support to build this into our design. By from Wooden Spoon Lancashire. having the financial support in place we have The children’s charity of rugby helped to been able to build a range of different activity fund a fully-equipped playground at Pear stations that will encourage more children to Tree School, which forms part of a new Early participate in outside explorative play. Years Centre for students at the start of their “We now have a first-class Early Years academic careers. Centre that is fit for the future while having Explaining that children in the school’s a legacy worthy of your support. Each child’s Seedlings class now have a safe and modern journey is unique but Wooden Spoon’s place to challenge, stimulate and come to contribution is making a real difference every terms with their disability, Business Manager day for so many children right now and in Fiona Wafer said: “You have given us a new the years to come. Your support has made a place to play which is especially important positive impact and reached out to many of at this early age for children with special the families who need this level of support at educational needs and disabilities. the beginning of this life-long journey.”

Spring/Summer 2020 35 NEAR YOU REGIONAL REACH Want to join our growing squad? Contact your nearest neighbour below and make a difference to the lives of children in your own community...

BEDFORDSHIRE GLOUCESTERSHIRE LONDON STAFFORDSHIRE Chairman: Oliver Richbell Chairman: Rob York Chairperson: Vacant Chairman: Trevor Jenkins [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] woodenspoon.org.uk/bedfordshire woodenspoon.org.uk/gloucestershire woodenspoon.org.uk woodenspoon.org.uk/staffordshire

BRISTOL & BATH GUERNSEY MANCHESTER & CHESHIRE SURREY Chairman: Bob Densley Chairwoman: Karen Solway Chairman: Roger Smith Chairman: Brian Hodges [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] woodenspoon.org.uk/bristol-bath woodenspoon.org.uk/guernsey woodenspoon.org.uk/manchester-cheshire woodenspoon.org.uk/surrey

CHILTERNS HAMPSHIRE MERSEYSIDE SUSSEX Chairman: Ray Hague Chairman: Tony Wilkin Chairman: Stan Bagshaw Chairman: Sandy Fleming [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] woodenspoon.org.uk/chilterns woodenspoon.org.uk/hampshire woodenspoon.org.uk/merseyside woodenspoon.org.uk/sussex

CORNWALL HERTFORDSHIRE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE ULSTER Chairman: Alan Milliner Chairman: John Batters Chairperson: Vacant Chairman: Peter Wood [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] woodenspoon.org.uk/cornwall woodenspoon.org.uk/hertfordshire woodenspoon.org.uk woodenspoon.org.uk/ulster

CUMBRIA ISLE OF MAN NORTHUMBERLAND WALES Chairman: John Cunningham Chairman: Allan Thompson Chairman: Anthony Stoker Chairman: Huw Thomas [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] woodenspoon.org.uk/cumbria woodenspoon.org.uk/isle-of-man woodenspoon.org.uk/northumberland woodenspoon.org.uk/wales

DEVON JERSEY NOTTINGHAMSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE Chairman: Roger Haywood Chairman: Roger Trower Chairwoman: Diane Orson Chairman: Ian Holroyd @woodenspoon.org.uk [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] woodenspoon.org.uk/devon woodenspoon.org.uk/jersey woodenspoon.org.uk/nottinghamshire woodenspoon.org.uk/warwickshire

DORSET & WILTSHIRE KENT OXFORDSHIRE WEST MIDLANDS Chairman: Brett Bader Chairman: Richard Russ Chairman: Will Deeley Chairman: Martin Owen [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] woodenspoon.org.uk/dorset-wiltshire woodenspoon.org.uk/kent woodenspoon.org.uk/oxfordshire woodenspoon.org.uk/west-midlands

DURHAM LANCASHIRE SCOTLAND WORCESTERSHIRE Chairman: Paul Tully Chairman: Martin Long Chairman: Charlie Bryden Chairman: John Gibson [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] woodenspoon.org.uk/durham woodenspoon.org.uk/lancashire woodenspoon.org.uk/scotland woodenspoon.org.uk/worcestershire

EASTERN COUNTIES LEICESTERSHIRE SHROPSHIRE YORKSHIRE Chairman: Séamus Farrelly Chairman: Malcolm Foulkes-Arnold Chairman: Chris Bristow Chairman: Stuart Watson [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] woodenspoon.org.uk/eastern-counties woodenspoon.org.uk/leicestershire woodenspoon.org.uk/shropshire woodenspoon.org.uk/yorkshire

ESSEX LEINSTER SOMERSET Nowhere near you? If you would like Chairman: Matt Mitchell (interim) Chairman: Niall Browne Chairman: David Reed to represent the children’s charity of [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] rugby in your area, please contact woodenspoon.org.uk/essex woodenspoon.org.uk/leinster woodenspoon.org.uk/somerset [email protected]

36 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk AROUND THE REGIONS

Caught on camera: To watch a video on the official opening of Red Marsh School’s Wooden Spoon Lancashire-supported project, visit our YouTube channel GRATITUDE FOR GLYN WOODEN Spoon Shropshire’s long-standing chair Glyn Dobbs is retiring from the fundraising front row having put in place an “amazing” legacy. During his 14-year tenure with the children’s charity of rugby, the benevolent volunteer has overseen a regional committee which raised more than £85,000 and funded 11 community projects. Glyn’s tireless efforts at the helm in Shropshire have been championed by Wooden Spoon CEO Sarah Webb, who said his loyalty and leadership had made a positive difference to the lives of thousands of young people and their families. MILESTONE MEAL SERVED In a message of thanks to the outgoing chair, Sarah FIVE-figure fundraising The scene for the fundraiser Thanks to the generosity of – said: “Since our inception, total and the attendance was set by students and staff among others – Leonard Dews Wooden Spoon has been of rugby royalty helped from Red Marsh School in and David Haythornthwaite, who A indebted to volunteers like to ensure Wooden Spoon Thornton Cleveleys, who thanked donated an array of valuable you who work tirelessly in the Lancashire’s 21st annual Wooden Spoon Lancashire for auction items, the region raised regions to raise vital funds luncheon at the Village Hotel in partly funding a Sensory Sports a further £30,000 during the to positively transform the Blackpool was marked in style. Pad, which provides children event, which will be used to lives of children and young The milestone meal, which was with a safe and inclusive place to support other worthwhile people with a disability or sponsored for a fifth successive play and learn. projects in the county. facing disadvantage across year by Canaccord Genuity the UK and Ireland through Wealth Management, saw 400 the power of rugby. We fully guests rub shoulders with the acknowledge and appreciate region’s Honorary President, Sir that the foundation of our , and broadcasting success is built upon you, one great Ian Robertson. of our valued volunteers, and In addition to Sir Bill’s tales your commitment to Wooden from the Rugby World Cup in Spoon over the years.” Japan, diners were entertained Glyn, who was presented with by comedian Mick Miller, master two engraved crystal tumblers of ceremonies Joey Blower and in celebration of his steadfast music from Paul Dobie. service to the charity, will be especially remembered for his support of tag rugby for those “Since the installation of the Red Marsh with learning and physical disabilities. Recognising this £30,000 School Sensory Sports Pads, our pupils have dedication, Sarah concluded: thoroughly enjoyed learning outside of the “We hope that we can continue RAISED TO DO this fantastic legacy and will classroom in these amazing inclusive spaces” look to fund the festival in MORE LIKE THIS — Catherine Dellow, headteacher future years.”

Spring/Summer 2020 37 BRISTOL & BATH BACK IN BUSINESS UPPORTERS of Wooden LMAX Exchange Everest Rugby Spoon Bristol & Bath Challenge. Former RFU President Scelebrated the region’s and Wooden Spoon Bristol relaunch in befitting style & Bath’s Honorary President and surroundings – raising a Bob Reeves also took to the celebratory glass and funds for the microphone to thank all those in children’s charity of rugby in the attendance for their support of a Heineken Lounge at Ashton Gate. day which delivered a succession The event, which was of victories. generously backed by Bristol Bears were England’s second most Country side before forging In addition to getting to see the and the Gallagher Premiership capped player of all time, a coaching career. The trio all Bears beat Harlequins 28-15, the club’s majority shareholder Tamara Taylor; Bristol Bears contributed to a lively Q&A region’s results included a flurry Stephen Lansdown, attracted Women’s head coach Kim session that tackled everything of new committee members, a significant crowd from the Oliver; and former Bath star from International Women’s Day volunteers, corporate sponsors sporting and business worlds. Russell Earnshaw, who lifted the and the Bears’ fortunes on the and community partners, such as Among those in attendance European Cup with the West pitch to the incredible highs of the Millfield School.

CLUBS’ KINDNESS ON SHOW AT SPICY FIXTURE TWO of rugby’s renowned Johns joined forces at Wooden Spoon Surrey’s third annual curry lunch. The event, which was hosted by partner club Old Reigatian RFC and open to members and supporters of the Surrey curry’s region’s rugby clubs, united the talents of journalists John Inverdale and John Taylor to entertain 140 guests eye-watering and raise almost £6,000. numbers... Inverdale, Wooden Spoon Surrey’s Honorary President, took the role of master of ceremonies while 1 CURRY LUNCH Welsh international flanker-turned-commentator Taylor shared stories of his time in both mauls and the 2 JOHNS media. The latter, who starred alongside greats such 140 GUESTS MOORE THE MERRIER as and as a player, was given a treat of his own by the region’s committee, £500 CHEQUE FORMER England hooker Brian Moore helped which – unbeknown to the speaker – arranged for to attract a sell-out crowd of 160 to Wooden his former Lions teammate Mike Roberts and old Spoon Cornwall’s fundraising dinner at Hotel Scotland adversary Alastair McHarg to join him under Bristol in Newquay. The hooker-turned- the spotlight. £6,000 broadcaster, who played in three World Cups In turn, the children’s charity of rugby were and was voted Rugby World Player of the Year surprised with a £500 donation from the recently in 1991, was joined at the event by the region’s formed Renascentur Surrey Rugby Masonic Lodge. BANKED Honorary President Martin Haag, chair Alan Milliner and a host of committee members. The children’s charity of rugby’s Cornish contingent used the event to honour Keith Huxtable (pictured above with Brian) for his fundraising feats in memory of his son James – a former fly half of Redruth RFC and Taunton who was killed in an accident in 2018. A number of James’ friends attended the dinner and were among those to sign up to become a member of Wooden Spoon during the evening.

38 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk AROUND THE REGIONS

CARDIFF’S CAPITAL GAINS BRIGHT WAPPING the dispensing of legal and the Vale of Glamorgan. Members of SPARKS documents and advice for Lycra on the philanthropic peloton, who raised the Sbehalf of Wooden Spoon Wales magnificent sum of £2,650 for Wooden MORE than 40 teams powered Capital Law to a four-figure Spoon Wales, were rewarded with a exercised their grey matter in fundraising total. celebratory curry on their return from their a bid to be crowned Wooden More than 50 cyclists saddled up for the respective rides. Spoon Wales’ brightest Cardiff-based firm’s second Giro D’Capitale Huw Thomas, Chairman of Wooden brains at Sophia Gardens in and tackled distances of 30, 50 or 70 miles. Spoon Wales, said: “Our huge thanks go Cardiff. All those taking on the challenge were to Capital Law and all of the cyclists. The The strong field vying for treated to a hearty breakfast by Capital money raised, alongside the £3,000 raised bragging rights in the Sabre Law before rolling off along one of the by the first event, will help to transform Computers and Town & three routes, which traversed north Cardiff young lives in Wales.” Country Hotels-sponsored quiz could not, however, ALL SMILES prevent Admiral from lifting AT THE START the children’s charity of Capital Law’s rugby’s trophy for a fifth cyclists in relaxed mood ahead successive year. of their second Teams representing Cooke 2 CYCLE charity ride for & Arkwright & Swalec Wooden Spoon. and Rawlings & Madley Find out more clinched the runners-up about the firm at CHALLENGES spots, finishing second and capital-law.co.uk third respectively, during an evening which raised IN 2 YEARS, £3,000. BBC presenter and Wooden Spoon Ambassador Phil £5,650 Steele kept the quiz goers in check and entertained the audience with his tales from RAISED the touchline.

Spring/Summer 2020 39 Clash of sporting styles: Rugby’s shares the stage with cricket’s Tony Cottey at Wooden Spoon Sussex’s annual fixture ‘PIER’ GROUP A FESTIVE fish and chip lunch at the Palm Court Restaurant on Brighton Pier in December netted Wooden Spoon Sussex a bumper catch. In its tenth year, the event was enjoyed by 150 diners who – representing rugby clubs from across the county and organisations such as Sussex Schools, Sussex Referees and Sussex CCC – raised more than £5,300. Comedian Adger Brown, a long-standing friend and supporter of the children’s charity of rugby, kept the Christmas crowd entertained and helped to reel in funds as host of the lunch’s auction.

DONS DO DINNER WOODEN Spoon Partner Club Wimbledon RFC continued its fantastic fundraising form with a sell-out dinner for 120 of its members and supporters. The event, which raised more than £5,000 RAIN DOESN’T STOP PLAY for the children’s charity of rugby’s Surrey region, saw HILE the English weather dampened any were treated to intriguing insights into the world of broadcaster John Inverdale prospects of Wooden Spoon Sussex rugby from former Wales star Lee Byrne, while the entertain guests with a Leap Wsupporters seeing any heroics at the cricketing component of the speaking partnership Year-themed quiz. crease, the annual Cricket Meets Spoon Lunch was provided by ex-Sussex right-hander Tony Cottey, The popular presenter, at the 1st Central County Ground in Hove still who took on the role of master of ceremonies. who is Wooden Spoon managed to keep the children’s charity of rugby’s The event included a lucrative game of Heads and Surrey’s Honorary President, fundraising scoreboard spinning. Tails and featured a lively auction, which boasted was joined on stage by The event, held on the rain-soaked third day of prizes ranging from breaks in Barbados and Puerto Wimbledon’s rugby director, Sussex Sharks’ showdown with Worcestershire, Banus to a Christmas market cruise. Collin Osborne. Providing attracted a full house of 230 guests, who dug deep A spokesperson for Wooden Spoon Sussex thanked an interesting insight into to set a total of £7,000 for children in the county those in attendance for their generosity and praised the tactics and techniques with a disability or facing disadvantage. Sam Mead, who works at the charity’s national employed at rugby’s elite Those sitting down for the three-course lunch office, for her sterling support of the fixture. level, the former member of Harlequins coaching line- up – and part of the 2012 Premiership winning team – also spilled the beans on the 0 MINUTES OF CRICKET, 2 SPORTING “trade secrets” of a number of high-profile players. The money raised will be GREATS, 230 GUESTS AND £7,000 used to support youngsters with a disability or facing ON THE SCOREBOARD. HOWZAT? disadvantage in Surrey.

40 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk AROUND THE REGIONS

LONGLEVENS’ TITLE CHALLENGE OODEN Spoon Partner receive a skills-sharpening inclusion, by removing the Club Longlevens RFC training session with stars from barriers to participation for Wis one of six grassroots Gloucester, Gilbert training people who feel unable to join rugby clubs vying to win a major equipment worth up to £1,000, mainstream clubs due to physical national title. and a Gallagher-led business- or mental health issues, age or In recognition of its focused event to help the club disability. We’re very excited commitment to inclusivity, the and community off-the-pitch. to welcome Gloucester Rugby Gloucester-based team is on the A public vote will be combined players to the club and are short-list of contenders to clinch with the views of Gallagher delighted to have had our efforts the inaugural Gallagher Rugby ambassadors and recognised by Gallagher.” Club of the Season title. is contested by three of the Danielle ‘Nolli’ Waterman to Sarah Griffiths, Director of Longlevens has been lauded county’s special schools – The decide an overall winner and a Communications for Gallagher in for its mixed ability rugby Milestone School, Alderman prize that includes an enhanced the UK, commented: “At Gallagher project, which removes Knight and Belmont School. Gilbert training bundle. our mission is to help individuals barriers for young people with Insurance broker Gallagher, a Longlevens Chairman and and businesses face their future additional needs wishing to join title partner of , Wooden Spoon Gloucestershire with confidence, which is why we a mainstream club, and hosting began its search for exceptional committee member Christopher particularly admire Longlevens a ground-breaking round robin clubs that demonstrate a Yorke said: “It has always been RFC’s desire to improve the tournament. The competition is meaningful contribution to their our mission to get more young confidence of young people from supported financially by Wooden local communities, late last year. people enjoying rugby. Mixed special educational needs schools Spoon Gloucestershire and As a finalist, Longlevens will ability rugby encourages social by introducing them to rugby.” SUFFOLK SCHOLARS REVEL IN RUGBY LESSON PUPILS, parents and staff associated with Woodbridge School in Suffolk were given a master class in all-things rugby by Wooden Spoon Eastern Counties and passed the test with flying colours by raising £4,500. Teaming up with the children’s charity of rugby resulted in students learning the tricks of the trade from England stars Ollie Phillips and Tamara Taylor, who also joined 36 pupils from Years 11-13 for a careers lunch. The professional advice proffered by the Wooden Spoon ambassadors was complemented by Woodbridge’s head of biology Dr Louise Rickard – a former international who won 112 caps for Wales and made more than 50 appearances for the Welsh Sevens side – and current parent and professional footballer-turned- talent acquisition company owner Michael Barrington-Hibbert. Later in the day, it was the parents’ turn fundraising total by donating a host of rugby work that the team at Wooden Spoon do. to enjoy a feast of rugby as they were memorabilia for the evening’s live and The support and encouragement of the entertained during a gala dinner at the silent auctions, the proceeds of which went ambassadors has also helped boost girls’ school by Ollie, Tamara and former British towards the funding of a new kitchen at The rugby at the school – their determination and Irish Lion and Scotland star . Porch in Hadleigh (page 25). and enthusiasm is catching and we hope Wooden Spoon Eastern Counties Chairman A spokesperson for Woodbridge said: that our contribution will further the great Seamus Farrelly helped to swell the “We wholeheartedly support the fantastic work which they do.”

Spring/Summer 2020 41 A SALUTE TO SLATTERY WHILE was not a founding member of Wooden Spoon, he can certainly lay claim to being a catalyst for the charity’s creation. As the scorer of one of two tries for Ireland in Dublin on 19 March 1983, the former British and Irish Lions star helped confirm England’s last-place standing in that season’s Five LIONS’ ITALIAN JOB Nations Championship and set in motion the events that unfolded later that evening (page 47). ANDEMICS and travel bans will competing in the challenge – the Fergus may have been completely unaware about not hamper Stew Mel Lions’ bid Reds, Blacks and coaches – to achieve the impact his scoring exploits had on a group to complete its ambitious “miles the distance.” P of five travelling England supporters, but he has to Milan” fundraiser on behalf of Adrian said that the club had set played a full and knowing part in the children’s Wooden Spoon Scotland. itself a stretch target of £10,000 for charity of rugby’s success story since. Italy may be officially off limits for the fundraiser, which was officially Like Willie John McBride, his head coach on that the Edinburgh-based youth rugby launched by Scotland international fateful Dublin day, Fergus has been a steadfast club, but its coaches and players are Tim Visser (below), and that its young supporter of Wooden Spoon for many years and has set on covering the equivalent 1,200 players had already held a car wash captained its Leinster region with aplomb. miles without the need of a flight or and packed bags at supermarkets to And although he has recently stepped down as ferry ride. support the drive. the charity’s chairman in Ireland to make way for Instead, the Lions and Lionesses are Stew Mel Lions has a rich heritage Niall Browne, his voluntary service is set to continue eating up the miles by tracking the of raising money for the children’s as honorary president. distances they cover walking, running, charity of rugby, but the miles to Milan “Fergus is – and forever will be – intrinsically cycling or swimming. initiative represents something of a linked with the children’s charity of rugby, but his “We’ve already done loads of step change in its tactics. continued contribution is anything but a cameo miles,” Adrian Graves, one of the Adrian concluded: “I wanted to do appearance in its story,” said Wooden Spoon’s CEO club’s coaches, told Spoonews. “The something a bit different this year so Sarah Webb. coronavirus may slow things down that the kids themselves were more “He has been an ever-willing and loyal friend slightly but it won’t stop us achieving directly involved in the fundraising. of Wooden Spoon and has helped us to raise our goal.” “By putting the onus on them, it significant amounts of money to positively Explaining that the “destination” for helps them to be more aware of what transform the lives of young people. the challenge was a salute to Stew Wooden Spoon does in our community “England supporters may not have been cheering Mel’s annual tour to a club north of and what it’s all about. So rather than his name in Dublin in 1983 but he has more than Milan, the former rugby union official just giving Wooden Spoon a percentage made up for breaking their hearts that day since.” added: “Collectively, we have already of funds raised at a dinner or through a covered around 1,400 miles but the raffle or auction, the kids are doing the idea is for all three of the teams hard miles themselves.” EFFINGHAM’S ENDEAVOURS WOODEN Spoon Surrey has offered its heartfelt thanks to members of Effingham Golf Club. The generous golfers raised £32,730 for the children’s charity of rugby through their 2019 Men’s and Ladies’ Captains Charity campaign, which will be used to support projects in the county. The donation follows the success of Wooden Spoon Surrey’s golf day at Effingham last September – an event that holed more than £18,000.

42 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk

WIN! DAZZLE US WITH YOUR KIT DESIGN DO you have a fledgling fashionista or dynamic designer in the family? If so, we want to put their talents to the test! Wooden Spoon has partnered with O’Neills to give your child, grandchild, niece or nephew the chance to win a rugby shirt sporting their own design*. To stand a chance of winning, ask them to show off their style using the template below (or by downloading a copy atwoodenspoon. org.uk/rugby-shirt-competition), complete your details and return a photo or scan of this page to: [email protected]

*The manufacturer reserves the right to adjust the final design

Designer’s name: Email address: Designer’s shirt size (S, M, L, XL): Date of birth: Parent/guardian’s name: Town: Contact number:

Would you like to receive enews updates from Wooden Spoon?* YES NO

*available for over 18s only The data you’ve provided will be used by Wooden Spoon to send you emails about behind the scenes news, updates about our events, general information about our work, volunteering and various ways you can support us. You’re free to change your mind at any time. Visit woodenspoon.org.uk/privacy-policy for more information. AROUND THE REGIONS COMING UP From golf days to cycle rides, our regions host a huge range of exciting events each year. Below is a snapshot of dates for your diary – visit woodenspoon.org.uk/events for a full list

ORIGINALLY 4 JUNE [email protected] Ulster Ulster 25th Anniversary Dinner 2 OCTOBER Sold out - rescheduled for 21 October Hertfordshire Hertfordshire Golf Day 12 JUNE [email protected] Kent West Kent Golf Day Leicestershire [email protected] Leicestershire Oktoberfest [email protected] Sussex (now rescheduled, date TBC) Sussex Golf Day 3 OCTOBER [email protected] Dorset & Wiltshire Dorset & Wiltshire Veterans 15 JUNE Tournament Chilterns [email protected] Chilterns Golf Day [email protected] With golf a major driver when it comes to 4 OCTOBER fundraising, Wooden Spoon would like to National 19 JUNE thank PING for pitching in and supporting Virgin Money London Marathon Essex the children’s charity of rugby’s busy [email protected] Essex Golf Day & Rugby Clubs calendar of golf days with merchandise. Championship 9 OCTOBER [email protected] 17 JULY Yorkshire Surrey Kent St George’s Day Dinner Surrey Regional Golf Day 25 JUNE East Kent Golf Day [email protected] [email protected] Wales [email protected] Wales Golf Day 16 SEPTEMBER 17 OCTOBER [email protected] 21 AUGUST Surrey Manchester & Cheshire Kent Surrey Sportsman’s Dinner Royal Scots Dragoon Guards 26 JUNE Kent Rugby Club Golf Challenge [email protected] Nunshigum 1944 Dinner Gloucestershire [email protected] [email protected] Gloucestershire Summer Ball Sussex [email protected] 3 SEPTEMBER Cricket Meets Spoon Lunch 20 NOVEMBER Leicestershire [email protected] National Nottinghamshire Leicestershire Golf Day The Rugby Ball Nottinghamshire Golf Day [email protected] 24 SEPTEMBER [email protected] [email protected] Scotland 4 SEPTEMBER Aberdeen Dinner 8 DECEMBER 1 JULY Eastern Counties [email protected] National Northamptonshire Eastern Counties Golf Scrum Dine With Me Northamptonshire Golf Day Day and Dinner 1 OCTOBER [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Scotland Edinburgh Golf Day For a full list of fundraisers 3 JULY 11 SEPTEMBER [email protected] and charity challenges, Staffordshire Shropshire check out our website at Staffordshire Golf Day Shropshire Golf Day National woodenspoon.org.uk/ [email protected] [email protected] Rugby Club Golf Challenge Final events

All events are subject to change due to COVID-19, in line with government guidelines

Spring/Summer 2020 45 NEWS

REWARDING RELATIONSHIP FFICIALS at Ballyclare RFC are well- “He kept us enthralled with his stories placed to boast about the mutual and went to each table with his Lions cap Obenefits of becoming a Wooden – allowing people to put it on – and take Spoon Partner Club. photos with him. PARTNERING UP Having been given a firm financial “It was a truly memorable evening.” WE WANT to invite you to bolster our shoulder of support by the children’s charity The dinner and resulting donation to squad, and benefit yours, by joining of rugby last year to stage an international Wooden Spoon has put Ballyclare in the Wooden Spoon Partner Club tag rugby festival that featured more than contention of winning the inaugural Irwin Programme, which is supported by 1,500 players, the Northern Ireland-based Mitchell PCP Cup. Irwin Mitchell. team recently returned the compliment by Recognising the fundraising endeavours By teaming up, we can raise funds raising funds for Wooden Spoon Ulster at its of Partner Club Programme members, the for both your rugby club and projects annual president’s dinner. trophy – and a cheque for £750 – will be for children with disabilities or facing The event was headlined by former Ireland presented in September. disadvantage in your area. and British Lions star Ronnie Lamonth and Open to all rugby clubs in the UK raised £1,300 – adding to the £2,500 already ➤ It’s not too late to nominate your and Ireland, the programme provides donated by the Ballyclare-based club. Wooden Spoon partner club for the Irwin an opportunity to work with Wooden Club President Cliff Gilmore said: “I was Mitchell-sponsored prize. Spoon to change children’s lives and particularly pleased that Ronnie could To stand a chance of scooping the secure mutual long-term gains through attend. As a local Ballyclare resident he is silverware, send a paragraph highlighting a joint fundraising initiatives. often seen at our home games but is seldom fundraising event you have held on behalf Partner clubs will benefit from heard recalling his memories of the 1966 of the children’s charity of rugby to rugby@ the charity’s promotional prowess, Lions Tour to New Zealand. woodenspoon.org.uk merchandise, cost-saving savvy, celebrity contacts and strong links with the wider rugby community. “Ronnie is often seen at our home games but is seldom heard ➤ Find out more at woodenspoon.org. recalling his memories of the 1966 Lions Tour to New Zealand” uk/rugby-clubs

PLUS CLUBS HAVE SIGNED UP TO DATE proud supporters of the Partner Club Programme 90

46 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk NEWS HONOURING FAMILY TIES HEN it came to choosing which Spoon balls my parents and grandparents charity she should run this year’s went to. Following Fred Hucker’s death last Virgin Money London Marathon “You realise more as you get older what W year, fellow founder Peter Scott told for, Rachael Hucker had no hesitation in your grandparents have done for people Spoonews about the pivotal part the nailing her colours – those of Wooden and Wooden Spoon is a big deal, what my former Managing Director of Bell Lines Spoon – to the mast. grandad has done is huge. I am immensely Ltd played in Wooden Spoon’s ongoing Her allegiance to the children’s charity of proud to know how many people’s lives he success story. rugby’s distinctive swatches, and stripes, is touched in his lifetime.” “It was a group of Fred’s Irish contacts understandable, given they were picked by While a familiar face on the hockey pitches who presented us with a small wooden her late grandfather Fred Hucker. of Bicester, Rachael concedes that running is spoon, which was the catalyst for the Fred (80), who passed away last year, not a usual part of her sporting repertoire. birth of the charity,” explained Peter, was one of Wooden Spoon’s founding “I am shiny new when it comes to recalling the events of an evening members and served as a trustee for two marathons and races,” she added. in Dublin following Ireland’s victory decades. He was the brains behind the “My dad was actually a very good runner over England in the 1983 Five Nations charity’s early and enduring branding – and does marathons for fun, whereas I Championship. designing its instantly-recognisable tie – and basically run on a hockey pitch and only “The five of us on that trip agreed to instrumental in establishing Wooden Spoon then if I have to. play a round of golf to decide which of as a force for good. “A few niggles and aches and pains mean us would own this trophy. It was also “It was the only choice,” Rachael told that I’ve not been able to run as much as I agreed that we would invite others Spoonews of her decision to raise funds for would have liked in preparation. along and more than 100 players the children’s charity of rugby. “I wanted to “I have done a half-marathon trail run eventually took part in the event at do something in memory of my grandad and though, which was horrible and very hilly, Farnham Golf Club. Wooden Spoon was so important to him. and was able to do it so I’m sure it’s going to “When Fred, who was not a golfer, Running the marathon and raising funds for be okay.” heard what we were doing, he decided the charity is my way of remembering him Having lost a bet over how much we should have a special tie for the and continuing his legacy. sponsorship she could attract in a 24-hour event and designed and had made 10 of “It’s been a big part of my family’s life – I period, the amateur runner is also facing the ties that are now well known. grew up hearing stories of the Wooden the prospect of lining up at the start line in “Amazingly, around £8,500 was raised fancy dress. that day and almost all present wanted “I said I’d run wearing a spoon outfit, but a Wooden Spoon tie. The success of that it’s proving quite hard to find one and I may event, coupled with the tie, heralded have to get someone to make me one,” she the birth of Wooden Spoon.” said. “My compromise might be getting some personalised leggings with spoons on them, but I am on the hunt for a proper costume.” “You realise as you Regardless of her race-day attire, Rachael is not setting herself any hard and fast goals get older what your for her marathon debut. grandparents have done “The plan is to finish,” she concluded. “It is not about speed or timing for me but just for people — what my doing it.” grandad has done is huge. Given the tenacity of her grandfather, few would bet against Rachael earning her I am immensely proud to stripes this October. know how many people’s

➤ To sponsor Rachael, visit justgiving.com/ lives he touched” fundraising/rachael-c-hucker

Spring/Summer 2020 47 HEADLINE ACT HILE readers of Spoonews and to fundraise for the charity despite sustaining rugby lovers will be only too 17 STORIES, READ life-changing injuries in an accident. Wfamiliar with the life-changing Reflecting on the campaign of heart- work of Wooden Spoon, a national warming and inspirational stories, which newspaper helped to introduce the charity to BY 3,229,238 helped to raise more than £164,000, Wooden millions more over the festive season. Spoon CEO Sarah Webb said: “We are Selected as one of three charities to absolutely thrilled with the amount raised by be supported by The Telegraph’s annual PEOPLE, HELPED The Telegraph Christmas Charity Appeal. Christmas appeal, the children’s charity of “It was an exciting project from start rugby enjoyed exposure across the paper’s to finish. The Telegraph team were so weekday and weekend editions, as well as its TO RAISE... professional and committed to the appeal website and social media channels. and their readers have been so generous. The coverage included an interview with £164,254.39 “We will be looking at using the money to our patron, HRH The Princess Royal, and fund national initiatives that change the lives features focusing on some of the projects of children and young people living in local to have benefited from Wooden Spoon controller designed to give people with communities across the UK. support, including Richard House Children’s disabilities greater independence was also “To demonstrate the impact this money will Hospice in London, which offers palliative showcased, as was Wooden Spoon’s backing have, £5,000 could fund a rugby wheelchair care to youngsters with life-limiting and life- of a flight simulator which tours youth giving a young person with a disability access threatening conditions. centres across the UK, providing young to sport, £14,000 could fund a playroom for Some of the hospice’s state of the art people with disabilities a new experience. vulnerable children to help provide them facilities, including the Rainbow Suite, a Among others put in the media spotlight with emotional support and £25,000 could private room cooled so families can spend were members of the Solent Sharks squad, fund an adventure playground allowing time with a child after they pass away, are who impressed the important impact of children with disabilities the opportunity to part funded by Wooden Spoon. Wooden Spoon’s support of wheelchair learn key skills through play. The children’s charity of rugby’s investment rugby, and Allan Wood, an employee of “It is a phenomenal amount of money and in pioneering research of a universal corporate sponsor FedEx who has continued we are absolutely delighted.” “The Telegraph team were so professional and committed to the appeal and their readers have been so generous”

48 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk NEWS

FIJIAN FORAY FOR FUNDRAISER

S SEVENOAKS student Harry Goodwin discovered in front of a crowd of A51,000 at Twickenham, one good turn deserves another. The Solefield School pupil was picked to represent Wooden Spoon at last year’s Kilik Cup, joining ’s line-up as a mascot for their thrilling 33-31 victory against the Barbarians. Harry’s walk onto the Twickenham turf alongside lock Tevita Naqali followed Solefield’s selection of the children’s charity of rugby as the beneficiary of its U11 Rugby Festival. The event, which took place in February after healthy pre-tournament sales of the charity’s striped socks and included a raffle featuring a shirt signed by England Sevens star Phil Burgess, raised more than £1,200 for Wooden Spoon Kent. “After hearing about Wooden Spoon and the fantastic work they do in providing opportunities for children with disabilities or facing disadvantage, my school decided that it would love to raise money to help the the students and staff and a Wooden Spoon Of his Twickenham treat, Harry concluded: cause at its Under 11s rugby tournament,” teddy bear has been a great addition to our “I had the best day walking out onto the explained Harry. school’s office. pitch. I’d like to thank Wooden Spoon for “Before the tournament itself we raised “It was my job – with the help of my mum giving me the opportunity as it was a day I money by selling Wooden Spoon socks and and brother – to sell as much merchandise will never forget.” every team that played wore them.” as I could. We also carried around a bucket The honorary Fijian (pictured above and the supporters were happy to donate to ➤ To sign your school up to pull up its centre), who played in the Solefield such a worthy cause – by the end of the day striped socks for the children’s charity of tournament, added: “The Wooden Spoon my arms were extremely tired from carrying rugby or for other fundraising ideas, visit woolly hats were also very popular with around a heavy bucket!” woodenspoon.org.uk/schools

Spring/Summer 2020 49 NEWS PROGRAMME CONTINUES TO ‘HITZ’ THE RIGHT BUTTONS

YOUNG man suffering from crippling “I believed I had no way of picking anxiety and depression has credited myself up again after being pushed down AHITZ – an award winning education for so long. I have been through a lot of and employability programme sponsored by traumatising experiences in my life, but Wooden Spoon – with helping him to turn his instead of letting these weigh me down any life around. longer, I am fighting back and Exeter HITZ has Callum Pope is currently exploring a provided me with the motivation and drive potential career in print after his engagement to do so.” with the HITZ team in Exeter and – as one of Describing the impact HITZ and his mentors thousands of 14 to 18-year-olds helped each have had on him, Callum continued: “I have year – is keen to champion its transformative never had a day during which I have felt impact to others. useless or like I have no worth. HITZ has “Life before HITZ was somewhat repetitive provided me with a positive community and flat,” said Callum who was bullied around me, full of like-minded individuals throughout his early school years for being who thrive each and every day and I love overweight and struggled to find a job after seeing them progress through the start of finishing college. their lives as young adults. With work experience arranged by the “The issues I faced spanned from having “If I had it my way, I would never leave the programme Wooden Spoon has supported sleepless nights worrying to having multiple programme. From flag duty at Sandy Park to since 2009, when it funded a pilot scheme panic attacks for days and days in a row. A lot sports tournaments, if I could relive these targeting young people in London boroughs of my time was spent residing in my bedroom last five months of my life then 100 percent identified as crime and anti-social behaviour with very little contact with the outside I would do so. I never thought I would be hot-spots, Callum now has a clear view of world, including family. wishing I didn’t have to leave education.” how his future may pan out. “My plan is to continue with my work experience at a screen printing company and eventually turn this into paid work,” he added. “This will give me the aid needed to kick-start my – and my partner’s – lives and enable us to think about property, children and nice vehicles in a few years’ time.” Callum, who commended his HITZ mentors Andy Bassett, Louie Griffiths and Gareth Williams for their contribution in his turnaround, concluded: “I am forever in all of your debts. “As I take this next step in my life, I have no shame in admitting to the nerves and anxieties I am facing. However, I do know I have the entire Exeter HITZ programme with me every step of the way and that if I am worried about something, someone is always JOSH Screech – the winner of the Wooden Spoon-sponsored “Young Achiever” accolade there to talk to me. at the 2019 HITZ Awards – was also full of praise for a project that gives new hope to “I want to remind everyone that it really is young people by guiding them back to education, vocational training, apprenticeships okay not to be okay. and employment. He said: “It changes you as a person for the better. I have experienced “Even if there is a time that you feel you so many different things in my time at HITZ. I have achieved getting back into sports at cannot continue your life with the way it New Cross RFC. I have been able to get back to doing folder work to a good standard. is going, you can always fight back from HITZ has saved me and I couldn’t be happier. It’s a life changer.” it. Exeter HITZ has shown me a light that I thought would never be visible.”

50 Spring/Summer 2020 woodenspoon.org.uk SOMETHING WONDERFUL HAPPENS WHEN YOU CONNECT PEOPLE AND POSSIBILITIES. Discover what’s possible at fedex.com/gb/possibilities

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