2 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com Exciti ng Times Ahead.. As Wooden Spoon approaches the end of its 30th Anniversary year, we can refl ect on what a great celebratory year it has been for the charity and the children and young people that we support.p

During the last 12 months we have opened 63 charitable projects that benefi t disadvantaged children and young people, totalling just over £1.2 million of support. A tremendous result, considering the current economic climate!

Among these was an announcement of a further three years support for the Hitz New Era programme. This three year partnership will recognise Wooden Spoon’s commitment and see the charity working in partnership with professional rugby clubs and specialist educati on providers to support disenfranchised young people back into educati on, employment and training.

The Wooden Spoon regions conti nue to be the driving force behind the charity, who despite the worst winter for many years, have risen to the challenge and raised a wonderful amount during the last year. We are delighted to announce the proposed new region over where it all started in 1983, in Dublin.

TNT Express conti nue to be both the largest and longest serving corporate supporter of the charity and recently presented us with a cheque totalling £237,871, representi ng the sterling fund-raising eff orts of TNT Express employees during 2013. Since the partnership began back in 1997, it has raised a massive £3.48m for disadvantaged and disabled children and young people.

The 30th Anniversary Annual Ball was a truly magical event. It was fabulous to see so many familiar faces from over the years. This year’s Wooden Spoon Ball, themed as Aurora Ice will see us take inspirati on from the Arcti c Who We Are and What We Do Rugby Challenge 2015, to bring you an evening of beauty and mystery. Wooden Spoon is a grant making charity founded in 1983. Since then Be advised that tables are selling fast and this really isn’t an evening to be we have been committ ed to helping improve the lives of disabled and missed. disadvantaged children.

As we move into the summer months, dust off the golf clubs and look We are one of the largest UK funders of respite and medical treatment forward to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, we have a number of great centres, sensory rooms, specialist playgrounds, sports acti vity areas, and fundraising events in the pipeline. Please be sure to pay close att enti on to community-based programmes and have so far granted over £20 million to the ones happening in your local region. We hope that you can support these fantasti c projects. them in any way that you can. Inspired and moti vated by our rugby heritage and by working together I would like to thank you all for your conti nued support of Wooden Spoon. with the rugby community, with the support of its top sporti ng heroes, we Your passion, integrity, teamwork and fun are what keep those smiles have been able to help over 1 million children and fund over 600 projects. sti rring among the children and young people that we support. Without you, the members and the hard working Regional Committ ees and In 2011 Wooden Spoon became the fi rst charity to receive the Spirit of volunteers, our work would not be possible. Thank you. Rugby Award from the Internati onal Rugby Board and in November 2013 became the offi cial charity partner of the World Cup. We are John Gibson also honoured to have HRH The Princess Royal as our Patron. Chairman, Wooden Spoon

Our Royal Patron is HRH The Princess Royal who gives Our rugbyrugby patrons ggenerouslyenerously of her ti me. The RFU, WRU, SRU, IRFU and the RFL aallll support us in our charitablecharitable work.work.

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 3 SHEDS SANS FRONTIÈRES

SEGRO IS PROUD TO CONTINUE ITS SUPPORT FOR WOODEN SPOON

1,250 5.3 MILLION £5.2 BILLION 488 HECTARES CUSTOMERS SQ M OF LETTABLE SPACE PORTFOLIO OF DEVELOPMENT LAND

A NETWORK THAT SPANS EUROPE EXPERIENCE THAT SPANS DECADES

SEGRO.com/propertysearch UK | France | Germany | Poland | Netherlands | Belgium | Czech Republic | Italy 4 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com Data as at December 31st 2013 Contents

6. Wooden Spoon News 26 Wooden Spoon Community Projects 10. Wooden Spoon’s Charitable Work

16. Wooden Spoon Regional Fundraising

The Arcti c Rugby Inspirati onal Fundraising 24 28 Events Calender 35 Challenge

36. Wooden Spoon Challenges

40. TNT and Wooden Spoon

46. Wooden Spoon Rugby Ambassadors

48. Wooden Spoon Rugby

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 5 Wooden Spoon News

The Scotland Region Releases New DVD

The Scotti sh committ ee has unveiled its latest short fi lm promoti ng the work of the charity North of the border. This is the third fi lm made with the working ti tle “This is Where Your Money Goes”, and it features projects recently supported by Wooden Spoon in Scotland. The latest editi on contains footage from an exciti ng game of wheelchair rugby when players were shown how it’s done by some of the parti cipants in the community project, and looks at the work of Quarriers Epilepsy Centre and the Scotti sh Spina Bifi da Associati on among others.

Alistair Crawley of the Steven Sims Cavaliers proved “A short fi lm is a great way to put across a lot of himself a very able presenter when he joined informati on very quickly at fundraising events. Some the producti on team to inspect proposed new of the young people we interview can show an faciliti es for Teens+ and Sleep Scotland, one of the audience without a doubt that every penny raised latest projects to receive grant funding. When counts, and what’s more, is hugely appreciated,” the proposed learning zone for young people with says Scotti sh committ ee chairman Charlie Bryden. complex support needs completes this autumn, Wooden Spoon will dedicate it to the memory of Anyone wishing to view the movie or order a copy Steven Sims, a rugby enthusiast and popular all- should contact Maggie Wright at round sportsman who died suddenly aged just 23. [email protected]. His friends have conti nued his fundraising legacy through rugby with the Cavaliers and other sporti ng acti viti es, donati ng proceeds to Wooden Spoon.

In Memory of Trevor Jones

In 1998 Trevor Jones responded Trevor recruited John Dewhurst, who became Trevor’s death was not unexpected. He had returned the fi rst Chairman of the Lancashire Region and, to the comfort of his own home from hospital and to the call from Tony Richards, his in turn, John set about creati ng a suitably strong slipped away peacefully at the age of 67 years. lifelong friend from their school and enthusiasti c committ ee with Trevor taking on His work in assisti ng disadvantaged children in the role of Secretary, a positi on he held unti l his Lancashire will be missed, but not forgott en. days together at Fleetwood passing on 4th December 2013. Their fi rst event, Grammar School, who was organised with the support of the Thompson family, was held at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The lunch working for Wooden Spoon was supported by 260 guests and included Bill and charged with the task of Beaumont and Cliff Morgan as the guest speakers. Trevor was instrumental in setti ng-up and running increasing the number of Regional the Lancashire Region’s highly successful golf days. Committ ees in order to grow ththee Today,yp both annual events are well supportedp and areare theirtheir two main incomeincome generators.generators. charity.charity.

6 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com The new generati on of Wooden Spoon shines brightly

With her Prom taking place in May, Mollie Aged just 16 years old, decided to hold a jewellery party for her friends Mollie Smith is the fi rst and to raise money for the charity at the same ti me. And so the idea for Girly Glitz and Glam of the new generati on of was born.

Wooden Spoon supporters The jewellery party took place at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford, Surrey, on Tuesday 1st April. to hold a benefi tti ng event Friends, family and classmates came to browse for the charity. But Mollie the wares from Make A Diff erence (M.A.D. the online fundraising and jewellery retailer). is far from an ordinary A range of wonderful prizes including fl owers, teenager as she has Wooden chocolates, champagne, two beauti ful bracelet and earring sets donated by M.A.D. and a Spoon in her veins courtesy weekend stay kindly donated by Headley Park of her grandfather Fred Hotel in Hampshire were raffl ed off with all Karen Macaulay, Mollie Smith and Fred Hucker proceeds going to Wooden Spoon. Hucker, one of the founders With funds from the raffl e added to the retail and currently a Vice profi t on jewellery sold by M.A.D. that evening, Mollie’s fi rst benefi tti ng event raised over £330 President of the charity. for Wooden Spoon.

Brian Hodges, A change at HQ Capital Projects Development Director At the end of March Chief

Aft er 7 years service with Wooden Spoon, Executi ve, Steve Holt Brian Hodges, Capital Projects Development resigned from his positi on Director is going to enjoy a well earned reti rement at the end of July. During his ti me at the charity. in the role, Brian processed well over 300 capital projects. He has also managed the Although Steve has been a great ambassador relati onship with HRH The Princess Royal for Wooden Spoon he recognised that and assisted in various central golf events, someone with a diff erent skill set would be as well as being a very acti ve member of bett er placed to take the charity forward over Surrey Region (which he will conti nue). We the next few years. Accordingly and with regret, wish him well in his reti rement and give our Steve felt it best to step down and the trustees sincere thanks for all of the tremendous work have accepted his decision. that Brian has undertaken in the name of Wooden Spoon. The trustees are providing management support to Wooden Spoon staff unti l a replacement for Steve is recruited. As a result the charity is conti nuing to functi on day-to-day in the same way as it was before. Former CEO, Steve Holt

Steve commented, ‘This decision has not been taken lightly at all as Wooden Spoon – the children’s charity of rugby is a fantasti c organisati on. With the generous team spirit of the rugby community and the help of its top sporti ng heroes, Wooden Spoon projects truly make a diff erenceerence.’.

WWee wish Steve the ververyy best of luck in his fufutureture eendeavours.ndeavours.

Good luck Brian

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 7 Steve King is recognised for on-going support of Wooden Spoon

Birmingham-based supporter Steve said, “Wooden Spoon relies on its volunteer for our work in the charitable arena. I’ve been committ ees to raise the funds required to immensely proud for several years now to call Pertemps People Development enhance the lives of disadvantaged children and myself a ‘Spooner’.”Spooner . Group has recently been recognised young people. The donati on of ti me, in order for its on-going support of the to manage projects by the Regional Chairman, Phil Pemble is well recognised and parti cularly charity. Presenti ng CEO Steve appreciated by the recipients. We couldn’t do it King with a framed certi fi cate without the ti me you give.” at the company’s head offi ce in Receiving the award, Steve King commented that, Edgbaston, Steve Holt, former CEO, “Support can take many guises, fi nancial, in-kind, or as in this case resource. Enabling the donati on Wooden Spoon, commended the of ti me so that Phil can undertake initi ati ves on company for its fundraising and help behalf of the charity is something we’ve done in enabling the opening of several since the incepti on of the business some 15 years ago. To see the smiles on the faces of the children children’s projects in the West we help through Wooden Spoon is something Midlands. money can’t buy, so it was both an honour and a pleasant surprise to be recognised once again

Steve receiving his certi fi cate

National Conference Let’s get social!

We are delighted to announce that the 2014 Don’t forget you can keep up to date on You can like us on Facebook at facebook.com/ Wooden Spoon Nati onal Conference will be everything we have going on here at Wooden woodenspooncharity, follow us on Twitt er taking place on Saturday 14th June at The Spoon by simply liking us on Facebook, following @charityspoon or watch us on YouTube at Belfry, to which all Regional Chairmen and us on Twitt er or watching us on YouTube. WoodenSpoonTV. Trustees are welcome to att end. Through Wooden Spoon’s digital platf orms we aim to keep you up-to-date with all of our news, The conference is the ideal opportunity to events, competi ti ons and giveaways. It also gives meet with other regional volunteers, share you a direct link to us here at Wooden Spoon, so best practi ce and fresh ideas, catch up with you can tell us about everything going on in your old friends and meet new ones in a relaxed community. and informal atmosphere, and be involved in the future development of the charity. We are All of these are a completely free way of looking forward to seeing you all there. For supporti ng us, so please just like, follow or share further details please contact David Walmsley the work we do here at Wooden Spoon and help on 01252 773720. us spread our message.

Barry’s colourful haircut

On Monday 24th March, our very own Chief Operati ng Offi cer, Barry Monahan shaved his head in aid of Wooden Spoon. Not only was it a bad hair day for Barry but it was also his Birthday! Barry raised £1,000 for the charity and we are pleased to aannouncennounce thatthat itit isis growinggrowing backback …slowly!…slowly! Barry goes bald for Wooden Spoon

8 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com Give as you Live The Rugby League World Cup 2013

For all you online shoppers “Give as you The Rugby League World Cup Over 3,000 children took part in a Wooden Live” works with 2516 leading stores that Spoon funded Community Dance Programme have signed up to donate a commission on brought to light a fantasti c pool throughout the tournament. All were seen in every online purchase to the charity of your of volunteers who supported their Wooden Spoon Hoodies and thanks to choice. This commission is already included the support of the charity, many of the children in the price of what you are buying, so you the charity throughout the will conti nue to dance at their local dance can support Wooden Spoon at no extra cost course of the tournament. workshops. to you. Clad in their bright Wooden Spoon Hoodies and We were thrilled that the England squad and also regaling the Wooden Spoon story to anyone and many of the winning Australian team members, everyone, they were wonderful ambassadors for were able to visit Wooden Spoon benefi ciaries, the charity. making it possible for the children to come face to face with their rugby heroes.

Stirring Smiles for Wooden Spoon

Thank you to all who contributed to our latest total of £7,721.65 with our Sti rring Smiles campaign. If you would like to make a one off donati on to our Sti rring Smiles campaign you can by visiti ng www.justgiving.com/Sti rringSmiles. (l-r) Sean O’Loughlin, Lee Mossop, Liam Farrell and Thomas Burgess

Wooden Spoon supporter wins a luxury holiday to the Maldives!

On the 19th March we were The prize which was kindly donated by Halcyon Travel Collecti ons and AAA Hotels and Resorts, delighted to announce the is a 10 nights half board holiday for 2, in a winner of the Maldives raffl e. luxury beach villa in the Maldives. The prize also included transfers. We wish Jan a wonderful It was won by a very surprised ti me on her travels. Please stay tuned for more Jan Lawrence who purchased Wooden Spoon raffl es with fantasti c prizes to be won. the ti cket at the Wooden Spoon FishingFishing Day lastlast September.September.

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 9 Wooden Spoon Regional Projects

Our mission is to make a positi ve impact on the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK through our commitment to quality charitable work.

CHILTERNS their independence. Students who fi nd the see the real benefi ts that the new Outdoor classroom environment diffi cult can fl ourish in Horti culture Classroom will provide the young PRIORS COURT SCHOOL the hands-on environment of the horti culture people at the School. Our primary aim is to area and enjoy watching something which they raise money for capital projects to improve HORTICULTURE CLASSROOM have planted grow. the lives of disadvantaged youngsters. This project is an excellent example of the rugby Wooden Spoon donati on: £11,900 The funding will make a huge diff erence to community making a diff erence in the Chilterns Opened: 19th March 2014 by Phil Vickery, the young people at Priors Court and Lucinda and the Thames Valley.” MBE Stubbs, Head of Fundraising said, “We would like to extend our thanks and appreciati on to Wooden Spoon for such generous support. The Chilterns Region of Wooden Spoon raised The Outdoor Horti culture Classroom is an and donated £11,900 to Priors Court School for excellent new facility which will really help a new outdoor horti culture classroom within the young people to use the horti culture area the school grounds. Priors Court School is a throughout the year and enable practi cal and Hermitage-based auti sm charity. The classroom academic work to be undertaken in the same was offi cially opened at an event in March by Phil place to maximise the positi ve benefi ts for our Vickery and att ended by many local dignitaries students.” and important rugby guests. On talking about the donati on Mike Elliott , The horti culture area at Priors Court is designedesignedd from the Chilterns Region saidsaid,, “WeWe are to helphelp thethe youngyoung peoplepeople developdevelop ttheirheir ddelightedelighted to hhaveave beenbeen ableable to support Priors Court as it’s such a worthy cause and we ccanan vocavocati onal skills, fi ne motor skills and increase Phil Vickery cuts the ribbon at Priors Court

10 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com EASTERN COUNTIES Viv Merryweather, the unit manager and her The garden was opened by Séamus Farrelly, assistant Vicki Bailey explained that the garden Chairman of the Eastern Counti es Region and WITCHFORD COLLEGE planning was started by ensuring it included supported by John Grange from the committ ee. water features, wind chimes as well as sensory TNT, Wooden Spoon principal supporter, was plants such as lavender and bamboo. At present represented by Sue Blunt, Operati ons Manager SENSORY GARDEN the students are planti ng in their vegetable at the Stansted depot. Wooden Spoon donati on: £4,865 garden, so all can benefi t from the fruits of their labours. Opened: 1st April 2014 by Séamus Farrelly The students have been a key part of the A new sensory garden was opened at the process by helping build two benches, planti ng Inclusion Support Unit at Witchford Village trees and painti ng. They were involved in College near Ely, with funding from the Eastern choosing the equipment and plants as well as Counti es Region of Wooden Spoon and involvement in the overall design. supported by Peterborough RFC. The original aim of the garden was to off er a safe place and The project has helped the students to learn provide a practi cal acti vity area that encourages and practi ce communicati on, numeracy, outdoor learning. As well as helping to create an budgeti ng, problem solving, practi cal skills, awareness of the environment it gives students health and safety issues as well as research The new Sensory Garden at Witchford College the opportunity to learn life skills and enable involving informati on technology. social interacti on with the local community.

HERTFORDSHIRE provision of both sensory and quiet rooms, at and for others as a learning space for acti viti es a cost of £16,000, will be invaluable to their such as interacti ve story-telling. Our children COLLETT SCHOOL progress. (and parents!) were thrilled to meet Will Fraser when he opened the new faciliti es and Stephen Hoult-Allen, the Headmaster said, on behalf of the whole school community, I SENSORY & QUIET ROOMS “Over the last few years, we have seen the would like to express our thanks to him and to Wooden Spoon donati on: £16,000 needs of our children change to include the Hertf ordshire Region of Wooden Spoon for those with more complex sensory and their fantasti c support.”support. Opened: 3rd October 2013 by Will Fraser communicati on needs, with many of these children being on the auti sti c spectrum. Will Fraser (Saracens & England Saxons), Through the generosity of the Hertf ordshire President of Hertf ordshire Region, was Region and its supporters, we have been able delighted to open the region’s 15th Wooden to create two new spaces which dramati cally Spoon project in ten years at the Collett School improve our provision for children with in Hemel Hempstead. sensory needs. We now have a small quiet room with music and subdued lighti ng The Collett School is unique in Hertf ordshire where the children can experience a calming in being the only medium learning diffi culty environment. In additi on, we have a larger school to have both primary and secondary adjoining sensory room, with a range of pupils. These 120 pupils, between 4 and 16 sensory equipment which is used with some Will Fraser at the opening of the sensory and quiet years old, each have complex needs and the of the children to encourage communicati on, rooms

HERTFORDSHIRE celebratory drink, whilst the school choir sung The Hertf ordshire Region would like thank Sue several songs for the assembled guests. Rolfe and everyone at St. Andrew’s School with ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL The Hertf ordshire Region contributed £12,000 parti cular thanks to the School Governors for toward the Wooden Spoon Log Cabin & organising the project opening. Sensory Room. Its primary functi on will be as LOG CABIN & SENSORY ROOM a teaching space and will be used throughout Wooden Spoon donati on: £12,000 everyday teaching. However, as it is equipped with a basic range of sensory equipment, such Opened: 17th October 2013 by Will Fraser as a light projector and mobile display panels, it will also provide a specialist facility during Will Fraser, the Hertf ordshire Region of Wooden holiday club periods. Spoon’s Honorary President, opened the recent project, at St. Andrew’s School, Hertf ordshire, Sue Rolfe, Head Teacher at the school said, last October. “We have had a Nurture Room at St. Andrew’s for a few years now and the positi ve impact The Mayor of Biggleswade, Councillor Hazel it has on children with social, emoti onal and Ramsay, Steve Holt, former CEO of Wooden behabehaviouralvioural nneedseeds iiss eenormous.normous. TThehe chchildrenildren Councillor Hazel Ramsay, John Ba SSpoon,poon, John Batt ers, Chairman of the use the room for sett linlingg into the school dayday,, tt ersers andand WillWill FraserF with the children of St. Andrew’s School raser Hertf ordshire RRegionegion and thethe parentsparents of pupilspupils aass a ssupportupport at break ti mes and as a plplaceace for of St. Andrew’s School all att ended tthehe opening.opening. TheThe schoolschool welcomedwelcomed ggrouproup and one-to-one worworkk on sociasociall sskillskills and ttheirheir guestsguests witwithh a cakecake and non-anon-alcoholiclcoholic aaccti viti es desidesignedgned to raise self-esteem.self-esteem.””

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 11 KENT residenti al centre for some 70 children, aged his busy schedule to come along. Aft er the 5-9 years, all of whom suff er from auti sm. opening, visitors were invited to join the staff HELEN ALLISON SCHOOL and pupils for a delicious family Christmas In order to further enhance the learning lunch. It was a delightf ul day for all who were of the pupils and improve their future able to att end, especially to see how much WOODEN SPOON COMMUNICATION employment opportuniti es, the school SYSTEM the school has already benefi ted from the has invested £80,000 in a state-of-the-art, project. Wooden Spoon donati on: £20,000 fully-integrated broadband system and refurbished computer room. Opened: 18th December 2013 by Stewart Turner The Kent Region of Wooden Spoon donated £20,000 towards the installati on Last December the Wooden Spoon of all the buildings hard-wiring, integrated Communicati on System at Helen Allison network equipment and switchgear/control School was opened by Stewart Turner, equipment. Chairman of Vigo RFC. Stewart and Vigo RFC are great supporters of The Helen Allison School, owned by the Wooden Spoon and the Kent Committ ee was Nati onal Auti sti c Society, is both a day and delighted that he agreed to take ti me from A pupil at Helen Allison School enjoys the new communicati on equipment

LONDON LANCASHIRE includes a special “Hobbit House” which, we could tell, rather impressed Bill! 999 CLUB ASPIRED FUTURES Aspired Futures said, “We are thrilled, CHILDREN’S NURSERY GARDEN & ACTIVITY CENTRE delighted and very proud to have been awarded funding from the Lancashire Region Wooden Spoon donati on: £58,500 Wooden Spoon donati on: £49,500 to improve and develop the outdoor area of Opened: 22nd October 2013 by Phil Opened: 1st October 2013 by Bill the lodge. This will fulfi l a long-held desire to Vickery, MBE Beaumont, CBE share the outside with all our children and young people, some of whom have limited Wooden Spoon’s principal rugby Ambassador, Aspired Futures is a charity based in access to outdoor play and leisure. The Phil Vickery, opened the newly refurbished 999 Blackpool which seeks to be the leading grounds of the lodge are quite magical and Club Nursery in Deptf ord, South-East London, advocate and centre of excellence for the the support received from the Lancashire last October. provision of therapeuti c educati on and Region means we will be able to increase leisure services for children in the area. our acti viti es with nature trails and feeding The 999 Club charity provides comfort, respite The Lancashire Region of Wooden Spoon stati ons, and story dens will make use of all and advice to some of the most isolated, made a grant of £49,500 to help with the the lightgg and shade of the garden.” excluded and lonely people in London. Its building of a safe play area at the charity Deptf ord centre also houses a small nursery for centre and we were thrilled that rugby children whose parents are fi nding it hard to legend and Lancashire Region President Bill cope. It is a vital part of the charity’s work to off er Beaumont, could offi cially open the project early interventi on to support pre-school age for Aspired Futures. children who may be in need of parti cular care. Known as “The Wooden Spoon Outdoor The refurbishment of the nursery was made Project”, the play area has special access possible with a donati on made to Wooden from the house and is built on a fantasy Spoon by The Story of Christmas, a charity which theme to help the children develop their raises funds to support projects that benefi t imaginati ons. The children are encouraged to use the play area to create stories which homeless people and disadvantaged children in with sta have a positi ve impact on their development, ff and children from Aspired and around London. Futures as well as bringing some outdoor exercise. It Nursery Manager Carol Best said, “Our new nursery is going to make it even safer for the children in our care. It is a bett er space and it will allow us to work with twice the number of NORTHAMPTON In January the local , children.”children. England and Lions rugby player, Marti n Bayfi eld NORTHGATE SCHOOL opened a new gymnasium at the Bee Hive, an extension of Northgate School Arts College, thanks to the Northampton Region of Wooden WOODEN SPOON GYM Spoon. WoodenWooden SpSpoonoon ddonaonati on: £11£11,500,500 Marti n gavegave an entertainingentertaining address to pupils,pupils, OOpened:pened: 27th JanuarJanuaryy bbyy Marti n BaBayyfi eleldd sstataff , parents, ggovernorsovernors and friends in tthehe sschoolchool hall. The unveilinunveilingg of a commemorati vvee Phil Vickery, with staff and children and the 999999 CClublub

12 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com plaque was followed by a tour of the gym and In additi on to being a modern educati on provision, Bee Hive facility. it is a community facility with retail outlets such as Home Supplied Deli, outlets off ering high-end second- The Bee Hive, an extension of Northgate School hand clothes, arts and craft s and confecti onery, as Arts College, is the brain child of Head Teacher, well as having a rent-a-room facility. Shez Webb. The facility is highly innovati ve, specifi cally targeti ng 14-to-19 year olds with Shez Webb commented, “The gym is already in use disabiliti es, and aims to bridge the gap that with groups of students and they love its ‘grown-up’ oft en exists between youngsters leaving feel. The students really enjoy accessing the business school and going on to further educati on areas for ‘work-related learning’ and a number of and employment. The Northampton Region students have made massive leaps forward with Marti n Bayfi eld takes a tour of the new gym contributed £11,500 towards the build cost of their communicati on skills and self confi dence the gym. already.”

NORTHUMBERLAND SCOTLAND The group believes that being with horses, and riding, can have a great benefi cial eff ect HADRIAN SCHOOL GARELOCH RDA by building core stability and muscle strength as well as improving confi dence, expanding communicati on and social skills, combati ng EARLY YEARS PLAY AREA AUTOMATED MOUNTING SYSTEM loneliness and low self-esteem. The group also Wooden Spoon donati on: £17,000 Wooden Spoon donati on: £15,000 gives space and a warm welcome to friends and carers of the riders. Opened: 24th October 2013 Opened: 30th December 2013 Kate Bennet, Group Chairman of Gareloch RDA, The Northumberland Region of Wooden A West of Scotland charity which helps disabled welcomed the donati on. She said, “We rely on Spoon has funded one secti on of the people realise their ambiti ons of riding horses, is donati ons and people giving up their ti me to magnifi cent new playground facility at benefi ti ng from a signifi cant donati on from the work with our horses and riders. This donati on Hadrian School in Newcastle with a swing Scotland Region of Wooden Spoon, which will from Wooden Spoon has enabled us to install and roundabout that accommodates enable more people to use their services. a lift and hoist which will greatly improve the wheelchairs. services we can deliver and the experiences Gareloch Riding for the Disabled Associati on our riders will have. Being around horses can Northumberland regional Chairman, Anthony (RDA), which is based at the Colgrain Equestrian have a huge impact on people’s lives, improving Stoker and fellow committ ee member, John Centre between Dumbarton and Helensburgh, is confi dence and strength.” Pearce, were thrilled to att end the opening celebrati ng aft er receiving a donati on of £15,000. ceremony, to witness the joy and enthusiasm that this whole project has engendered. Gareloch RDA has used the donati on to buy a Hadrian School caters for the needs of about wheelchair lift and hoist which allows disabled 130 children from 2-11 with additi onal riders to mount horses more easily and safely. needs, including complex, severe, profound Currently, the group works with 42 disabled and multi ple learning diffi culti es, and it is riders from the Helensburgh, Dumbarton, without doubt one of the fi nest schools Clydebank and Vale of Leven areas but, with of its type in the country. This new facility the installati on of this special lift and hoist, it will give the staff and carers massive hopes to increase the number of riders it can new opportuniti es for entertaining and accommodate from across the West of Scotland. At the opening of the automated mounti ng system sti mulati ng the children who will all get great pleasure and fun from it.

SCOTLAND security fencing, with no fi xed play equipment or ground markings. GILCOMSTOUN PRIMARY SCHOOL The Wooden Spoon Quiet Play Zone now includes a ti mber-walled shelter, water QUIET PLAY ZONE fl ow panels, a chalk board and a number of Wooden Spoon donati on: £8,500 percussion sensory panels. This playground will be of great value and even used as an outdoor Opened: 25th March 2014 by Peter Mitchell classroom (when weather permits). The Scotland Region of Wooden Spoon raised £8,500 for the creati on and equipping of a quiet play zone within a new playground The new play area at Hadrian School development at Gilcomstoun Primary School. GilGilcomstouncomstoun isis a mainstreammainstream LA schoolschool forfor 228080 cchildrenhildren aagedged 3 - 12 years, situated in tthehe hhearteart of the old Aberdeen city centre. There The children of Gilcomstoun Primary thanking aarere no open spaces in tthehe immediate area andand Wooden Spoon tthehe scschoolhool is surrounded byby council-ownedcouncil-owned tower blblocks.ocks. TThehe playgroundplayground was simplysimply a llargearge concreted area surrounded bbyy a wawallll and

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 13 SUSSEX SUSSEX

ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL WHOOPSADAISY GOWERTON SCHOOL

SENSORY ROOM WOODEN SPOON KITCHEN WOODEN SPOON SENSORY GARDEN Wooden Spoon donati on: £15,800 Wooden Spoon donati on: £3,900 Wooden Spoon donati on: £10,000 Opened: 16th January 2014 by Joe Marler Opened: 9th December 2013 by Steve Pearce Opened: 22nd October 2013 by Dan Biggar

St. John’s, established in 1886, is a respite The Sussex Region of Wooden Spoon opened It was appropriate that a former ‘old boy’ of facility for children between the ages of 10 and the new kitchen at Whoopsadaisy in Sussex. Gowerton Comprehensive School, current 19. All pupils have complex learning diffi culti es, Wales No 10, Dan Biggar, opened the new such as behavioural and emoti onal diffi culti es Alex Pincus and Alan Jenkins from the Sussex sensory garden at the school. and auti sm. The Wooden Spoon Sensory Committ ee were joined by Wooden Spoon Room has been funded by the Sussex Region supporter Steve Pearce and Jon Orrell, Dan recalled the quadrant being an empty of Wooden Spoon and is the fi rst project Whoopsadaisy Chairman of Trustees, for the space with weeds growing everywhere, and was of 2014 for the region. The room has been offi cial opening of the newly refurbished amazed and delighted at the transformati on created by refurbishing an existi ng store room Wooden Spoon kitchen at Whoopsadaisy. to the area within the school, which had been and equipping it with mirrors, bubble tubes, undertaken, not by professional workmen, but projectors, fi bre opti c display, sensory lighti ng, Whoopsadaisy is a charity, founded in 2007, by the pupils, led and guided by the schools IT music and vibrati on panels. that provides remedial care for local school- teacher, Darren Long. aged children suff ering from Cerebral Palsy and Joe Marler (Harlequins and England) was similar motor disorders. Darren commented that, “Of the work required, joined at the opening by representati ves from 99% was undertaken by the pupils. Only the local Sussex rugby clubs, the Sussex Wooden Whoopsadaisy recently moved to new electrical work, and the painti ng of areas higher Spoon Regional Committ ee members led by premises leased from Brighton and Hove than 6ft , was contracted-out to professionals. the Chairman, ex RFU President Bob Rogers. St council, an old Victorian cricket pavilion. The The pupils were so enthusiasti c about the John’s was well represented, parti cularly by the new venue, although a great space for the project, and enjoyed the challenge so much, students who, in Joe, have found a new hero. charity, required a lot of refurbishment and that they would spend ti me aft er school hours redecorati on, in parti cular its kitchen faciliti es. working on the garden. The result of their Joe, a Sussex resident, played his early rugby involvement, from design to completi on, can at Eastbourne, Haywards Heath and Worthing. The Sussex Region donated £3,900 towards be seen today, and will benefi t other pupils in He is a popular player and recently became a the refi t of the kitchen, which will mean the future. However, without the great support YouTube sensati on, following his massive tackle that Whoopsadaisy will now be able to of the Wales Region of Wooden Spoon, this on Briti sh Lion , in the Harlequins accommodate 71 children in its various project would not have got off the ground.” v Northampton Saints game in early January. acti viti es. The sensory garden at Gowerton is the third The Sussex Region raises funds through its own Sussex Regional Chairman, Bob Rogers said, “All project completed by the committ ee of the acti viti es. With the hard work and support of Wooden Spoon acti viti es are focussed towards Welsh Region in 2013, following the opening Sussex rugby clubs it is able to provide funding successful projects that bring maximum benefi t of the sensory rooms at Trinity Fields School, for the development of new faciliti es, schools to children and young people who really need Ystrad Mynach, in July, and the play area at and other organisati ons throughout the Sussex our help. Whoopsadaisy is a brilliant example Miskin School, Mountain Ash, in September. region, who all work to improve the lives of of the generosity of individuals who freely give disadvantaged children and young people. their valuable ti me to help others’’.

Bob Harris and Dan Biggar at the opening of Joe Marler and children from St. John’s in the Smiles all round for the opening of the new Gowerton School new Sensory Room kitchen at Whoopsadaisy

WARWICKSHIRE Farm at Brooke School was developed on and supporters of Brooke School and the a former orchard site which had become transformati on of this wasteland is truly overgrown and unused. The idea was to BROOKE SCHOOL remarkable. The farm already has chickens, develop this into a part therapeuti c farm and ducks, rabbits, two goats, Pop and Crackle and part conservati on/spiritual development area. two black pigs, Nobby and Melanie. The farm SCHOOL FARM will allow children who have special educati on The funding from the Warwickshire Region needs to have contact with the animals and Wooden Spoon donati on: £10,000 helped secure the structures needed to create to develop basic care for them. There is also Opened: 3rd October 2013 by Graham pathways and pay for all the initi al costs. a viewing shelter so that children can observe Rowntree and interact with nature.nature. A trtremendousemendous aamountmount ooff wworkork wwasas dodonene TheThe latestlatest projectproject for the Warwickshire RegionRegion dduringuring tthehe summer bbyy GE Power Conversions, PupiPupilsls are aalreadylready tatakingking an acti ve part ofof Wooden Spoon was opened by Graham ppluslus many families, pupils, staff , friends iinn lookinlookingg aft er the animals, feedinfeedingg and RowntreeRowntree llastast OctoOctober.ber. TheThe Wooden SpoonSppoon

14 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com cleaning-out the pens and are showing WARWICKSHIRE The free-standing wooden classroom has been tremendous interest in the new additi on to erected in the grounds of the school and will provide extra space for more children. the school’s faciliti es. NORTHLEIGH HOUSE SCHOOL Ian Holroyd, Chairman of the Warwickshire Ian Holroyd, the Warwickshire Chairman said, “We Region, is delighted to be associated with WOODEN SPOON OUTDOOR are delighted to be able to provide funds for this the latest project. This is the second project CLASSROOOM building, which is an additi on to funds we provided the Warwickshire Region have supported at for the school science laboratory earlier this Brooke School. Wooden Spoon donati on: £3,900 year. The school now provides excellent faciliti es Opened: 24th September 2013 by Ian Holroyd for students, which now lives up to its mott o of ‘overcoming barriers for bullied children’. All of us at Wooden Spoon wish the school and its excellent The Warwickshire Region of Wooden Spoon staff best wishes for the future.” were pleased to provide funds for the outside classroom at Northleigh House School near Warwick. The opening of the school took place in September and was offi cially opened by Warwickshire Regional Chairman, Ian Holroyd. The Opening of the Wooden Spoon School Farm at Brooke School-43 Northleigh House School exists to help young people who are unable to att end mainstream school due to severe bullying. With skilled and kind staff in a safe, calm and nurturing The new wooden classroom at Northleigh WEST MIDLANDS environment, the young people are able to reclaim their self confi dence and self esteem, in House School ST. EDMUNDS which to progress academically in order to take their place in society as well-rounded individuals. ECO ZONE AND MEMORIAL GARDEN Wooden Spoon donati on: £8,000 YORKSHIRE So, as seeing is believing, several members of the Opened: 3rd October 2013 by Phil Vickery committ ee strode forth to the north of the region to see what could be done. Wooden Spoon Lead Ambassador Phil Vickery, RICHMOND YMCA recently opened a new Eco Zone and Memorial The basis of the request was for the Garden at St. Edmunds School, Birmingham in KITCHEN refurbishment of a kitchen in the YMCA. This memory of a former pupil who tragically lost her would be used by and large by young adults who life earlier last year. Spoon Donati on: £25,000 congregated there regularly. The unique Eco Zone and Memorial Garden Opened: 29th October 2013 by When the YMCA funding criteria was explained was unveiled in memory of Christi na Edkins, the to us, it was clear to see that Wooden Spoon’s 16-year-old who was stabbed in March last year. When the Yorkshire region of Wooden Spoon received a request from the YMCA in Richmond, contributi on was vital! Without Wooden Spoon’s contributi on the kitchen wouldn’t have been Christi na was a former pupil of St, Edmund’s North Yorks, there was a degree of scepti cism as commissioned and the youngsters would have Catholic Primary School in Springhill, Birmingham, this was a diff erent project in a part of the region had nowhere to go. where staff and pupils wished to create a lasti ng it had not been to before. tribute in her name.

The West Midlands Region of Wooden Spoon donated £8,000 towards the cost of creati ng the YORKSHIRE school. The School Council compiled a wish list of facility. Also representi ng Wooden Spoon was equipment and we are delighted to see their hard former England rugby winger, , work come to fruiti on. We, of course, couldn’t MBE. WEST LEEDS SILC have done this without the superb support that Wooden Spoon provided - they really have helped Family and friends of Christi na att ended the PLAYGROUND to make a diff erence to the lives of our children special unveiling, along with school children, and young people.” governors, Birmingham’s Mayor and Mayoress Wooden Spoon donati on: £29,470 and Bishop Pargeter who blessed the Garden. Opened: 11th December 2013 by Eorl Crabtree West Leeds SILC is a special school catering for The school approached Wooden Spoon for help in pupils aged 2-19 years with learning diffi culti es funding the project which incorporates vegetable The latest Yorkshire Region of Wooden Spoon ranging from moderate to profound and multi ple beds, bug hotels, benches, a composter and project to be completed is the new “Let’s Get learning needs, including those with complex memorial fl ower garden. The facility will also be Going” playground at West Leeds SILC, a special medical and life limiti ng conditi ons. The new “Let’s shared with its sister school, St Patrick’s Catholic school in Stanningley, Leeds. Get Going” playground includes an assault course, Primary School. trampolines, roundabout and swings. Because The ribbon was cut by Eorl Crabtree, Huddersfi eld of the need to keep children safe they are oft en Phil Pemble, of Pertemps People Development Giants and England, in the presence of the Lord excluded from the physical opportuniti es aff orded Group and West Midlands Regional Chairman Mayor & Lady Mayoress of Leeds. Also on hand to many of their peers. This new playground set, said, ‘’The Wooden Spoon Eco Zone and Memorial to witness events were several members of the with its safe and appropriate play equipment, has Garden will be a lasti ng tribute to a gift ed and WWoodenooden SSpoonpoon YorkshireYorkshire CommiCommitt ee, ggovernors,overnors, been enormously benefi cial to the health and talented younyoungg lady. Pupils from both schools will pparents,arents, staff and students of the school and, last wellbeinwellbeingg of the students and has ggiveniven a whole bbeneenefi t ggreatlyreatly from learninlearningg to growgrow their own bbutut not least, ’ mascot, Ronnie Rhino. nnewew meaninmeaningg to bbreakreak and llunchunchti me! food and acquirinacquiringg new skills, by ggainingaining access to SSchoolchool Principal, Michelle Wilman said, “Our aaccti viti es ttheyhey mimightght ototherwiseherwise never experienceexperience.. ProProjectject Team, incincludingluding our pupipupils,ls, worworkedked very WWoodenooden Spoon is aallll aboutabout providingproviding opportunity hahardrd ttoo secusecurere ththee wwonderfulonderful ffaciliaciliti es fforor ouourr throuthroughgh assisti nngg such community proprojects.”jects.”

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 15 Wooden Spoon Regional Fundraising

The Wooden Spoon Regions and volunteers are the lifeblood of the Charity with over 500 regional committ ee members working ti relessly to raise funds to ensure that Spoon is able to maintain its charitable work to enhance the lives of children and young people across the four home nati ons. To get involved in your region’s next event, contact your local Regional Committ ee.

BEDFORDSHIRE CHILTERNS

A spooky start for the new Bedfordshire Region Chilterns Sportsman’s Dinner 2013

The new Bedfordshire Region of Wooden Spoon night long. The Wells and Youngs bar was a roaring On Friday 1st November, the Chilterns Sportsman’s hosted their fi rst Halloween Fundraising event. success, so much so that more volunteers dived in Dinner was held at Adams Park. To mark the launch of the Bedfordshire Region in to cope with demand and even requiring a Harry September 2013, the passionate and fun loving Pott er lookalike to make an emergency dash to the The event was att ended by 94 guests including 3 committ ee wanted to hold its inaugural event as local pub to source change! founders, Peter Scott MBE, Steve Scott and Nigel soon as possible and before the Christmas period Timson, and Marti n Sanders, a trustee, who acted was in full swing. The evening concluded too soon for most but as MC. Investec, their new corporate Ambassador, with promises to come to future Wooden Spoon joined for the fi rst ti me, together with the A committ ee member and the Region’s fi rst events. Aft er having so much fun the event was headmaster and deputy head from a local school Secretary, Jennifer Davies, kindly volunteered to a true success and it raised over £1,600 for the in Reading, which is to be a benefi ciary of our next host the fi rst committ ee meeti ngs at her stunning Bedfordshire Region. project, also att ended the event. home, a converted church in the Bedfordshire village of Ridgmont. The original committ ee The guests were entertained by, , discussed in length what event could be arranged who was brilliant, and the dinner was a great and, aft er some consultati on, a fancy dress success, raising approximately £2,500! A big thank Halloween party was discussed and the use of you to all concerned in organising the event. Jennifer’s home became the ideal venue.

Over 80 people came decked out in full fancy dress costumes, from zombie brides, devils, vampires, to even a litt le Miss Pumpkin. The band played two amazing sets and had the dance fl oor full of witches, zombies and werewolves dancing all Party goers enjoying a spooky evening

The Sportsman’s Dinner at Adams ParkP ark

“The Wooden Spoon Regions and volunteers are the lifeblood of the Charity with over 500 regional committ ee members working ti relessly to raise funds to

16 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.comensure that Spoon is able to maintain its charitable work to enhance the lives of children and young people across the four home nati ons. To get involved in your region’s next event, contact your local Regional Committ ee”. CUMBRIA DEVON DURHAM

6 Nati ons Charity Dinner Exeter Sports Quiz Durham Golf Day 2013

At the end of February, the Cumbria Region of On the evening of Thursday 13th February the With fi ne weather leading up to the inaugural Wooden Spoon held a Six Nati ons Dinner at the Devonshire Region of Wooden Spoon hosted a Durham Regional Golf Day, Brancepeth Castle Golf excepti onal Wild Boar Inn, near Windermere. With Sports Quiz at the Rougemont by Thistle Hotel in Club was in fantasti c conditi on and looking a real six courses representi ng each of the six nati ons and Exeter. picture. Unfortunately, we were not to be so lucky accompanied by a whisky from that country, a very on the day. A misty start developed into rain, but enjoyable evening was had by all! It was topped off 9 teams of 4/5 players entered the quiz and the this did not dampen the spirits of our competi tors. by a tour de force from the ever entertaining and atmosphere in the room was a real buzz, especially insightf ul Ian Robertson who also turned aucti oneer as the competi ti on really got going. Ribchesters Accountants and Your Move put up par excellence! strong performances, carding a 78, but they were Paddy March and Kevin Norris were the quiz beaten into second and third places respecti vely Honourable menti ons should go to Anthony masters for the evening and proudly presented the by Home Knowledge. Congratulati ons to Jim Sutcliff e whose sterling work was largely winners from ‘Jack in the Green’ with bott les of Murray, David Barton, Steve Rose and Keith responsible for the success of the event (and is Champagne to congratulate them on their win. Patti nson representi ng Brancepeth Castle Golf the latest additi on to the Wooden Spoon Cumbria Jack in the Green were followed closely by South Club for carding a score of 84 for the win. committ ee); Mr Andy Lemm, the General Manager West Holiday Homes - both teams are corporate of the Wild Boar and his wonderful staff who members of Wooden Spoon. A special thank you to Richard Hardie from enabled the evening to go without a hitch and Peugeot Dealership for sponsoring the 9th to Mr Rob Butt erworth who recruited the most All in all it was a very successful evening and we are hole and putti ng up the car for the hole-in-1 generous table of the night! already looking forward to 2015’s quiz. competi ti on. Unfortunately, no one managed to win the car this year! Cumbria Chairman John Cunningham said, “The evening was a huge success, there was We look forward to welcoming everyone next year. an enormous sense of fun around the enti re proceedings and we raised £7,500 - A win win evening! This represents a fantasti c start to the year and it is up to us now to maintain the momentum.”

Great fun at the Exeter Sports Quiz

Anthony Sutcliff e, Ian Robertson and John Cunningham All smiles at the Durham Golf Day

EASTERN COUNTIES

Fundraising in Eastern Counti es

Older Swingers go Clubbing in Support of the There was also great fi nancial support for the Eastern Counti es Regional projects. projects by Colchester RFC who have been stalwart supporters of the Eastern Counti es Region A very game group of golfers from Stoke by over many years. Nayland Vets Golf Club set out this year to raise funds, under the leadership of Vets’ club captain On a windy day in late December some of the Alan Line, for the Eastern Counti es Region of golfers met up to present another cheque for Wooden Spoon projects as the nominated charity £6,500 to the Region, represented by Séamus for the year. Alan is the regional treasurer for the Farrelly, Chris Haworth and Suzie Haworth for Region. Wooden Spoon HQ. Cheque gratefully receivedreceived by Seamus Farrelly WWithith their valiant eff orts they were instrumental iinn the ininstallastallati oonn ooff facilifaciliti es at DoDoucecroucecroft SchSchoolool for Auti sm AnAngliaglia and SteppinSteppingg Stones Play and LLearnearn Group bboth,oth, in CoColchester.lchester.

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 17 EASTERN COUNTIES GLOUCESTERSHIRE

10th Annual Wooden Spoon lunch at Gloucestershire Book Launch Dinner raises over £20,000 Peterborough RFC On Thursday 21st November, the Gloucestershire The Gloucestershire Region is raising £40,000 for the A good att endance of about 70 arrived for a fi ne Region of Wooden Spoon held their 9th Annual constructi on of a new riding area at St. James’s, an lunch to raise welcome funds for the Eastern Dinner at the Kingsholm Stadium. Yet again, the inner city community project in Gloucester. It will Counti es Region of Wooden Spoon, prior to the event was popular, with all 27 tables sold back in May provide opportuniti es for disadvantaged children to club’s home fi xture with Newark RFC. 2013. ride and learn to care for horses.

There was a warm welcome given by Dick Clark, On the evening, 300 guests were welcomed by Club Chairman and David Hannan who represents Aaron James, the MC for the evening and before the Wooden Spoon at the club. Earl of Bathurst said grace the Cotswold Male Voice Choir entertained guests. The Gloucestershire Region Steve Holt, former CEO of Wooden Spoon, said a are grateful to , MBE, for entertaining few words of thanks to all club members for their the guests, and Aaron James, who did a splendid job conti nued support and outlined the Region’s future and “stole the show” for the second year as MC! works, including a new sensory garden at Witchford Indicati ons are that the event has raised over Village College, which will be badged with the club. £20,000, with the live aucti on off ering a vast selecti on of lots including an offi cial tour of Big Ben, Aft er the hearty lunch an aucti on and raffl e was held event ti ckets and a 3-day luxury yacht charter. All the which raised about £1,500. This was greatly boosted money raised from the event will go to projects such Gloucestershire book launch raises over ú20,000 by Fossil UK, represented by Nicky Dzialak, who as St James’s City Farm in Tredworth. donated some wonderful items.

The Region was represented by Maddie Mockler, Patti Hall, Paul and Séamus Farrelly, Chairman of the GLOUCESTERSHIRE Region. Evening of Music in Gloucestershire raises over £6,500 for Wooden Spoon Despite some great eff orts by the home side in the second half the visitors were the winners with a On 30th November 2013 an audience of 750 Wooden Spoon. It was a most enjoyable evening, score of 22-15. enjoyed an evening of music at Cheltenham the choirs combined and performed really well on Town Hall which raised over £6,500 for the the evening. I would also like to thank the event Gloucestershire Region of Wooden Spoon. sponsors, Atti vo Group, pension advisers from Cheltenham, who not only provided fi nancial The event was billed as ‘’Cotswold Moon, Songs for backing for the event, but also were able to a November Evening’’ and featured the Cotswold entertain their clients at a pre-concert recepti on.” Male Voice Choir and the Blue Moon Harmony Choir, under the directi on of Charmaine Worrall, with the money raised going towards specialist play equipment at Belmont Special School in Cheltenham, a Gloucestershire Region project. A special treat on the evening was a performance from pupils at the school who sang Sing by Gary Barlow, OBE.

Tim Heal, Chairman of the Gloucestershire Region Enjoying a hearty luncheon commented, “We are extremely grateful to both choirs for organising the event and supporti ng The Cotswold Male Voice Choir and the Blue Moon Harmony Choir WALES & GLOUCESTERSHIRE

St David’s Day Luncheon in Cheltenham

On Friday 28th February the Wales Region of The evening was a great success, with £1,000 being Wooden Spoon organized a three Counti es Welsh raised, which will be shared between both the Wales Society St. David’s Day lunch in Daff odils Restaurant, and Gloucestershire Regions of Wooden Spoon, to Cheltenham. be spent on local projects for disadvantaged children and young people. In att endance from the Welsh committ ee were Clive NorlingNorling,, Clive Thomas and Huw ThomasThomas.. This event is a great example of Wooden Spoon Guest speaspeakerker and cacabaretbaret sinsinger,ger, NiNigelgel Owens, RRegionsegions comincomingg totogethergether to raise funds for a ggreatreat Cheltenham Luncheon Spooners with was on hand to keep ex-internati onal referees Chris cause and alalsoso buibuildld and shshareare nnewew cocontacts.ntacts. InternaInternati onaonall RRefsefs WhWhiteite and CClivelive NorNorlingling in order witwithouthout resorti nngg to tthehe ssinbin.inbin.

18 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com GLOUCESTERSHIRE LANCASHIRE

Sti nchcombe Hill Golf Club raise funds for Fleetwood RUFC Raise Money for Wooden Spoon Gloucestershire Wooden Spoon A group of 6 cyclists from Fleetwood RUFC have The Gloucestershire Region of Wooden Spoon joined forces to raise money for Wooden Spoon and The 6 cyclists are naturally extremely grateful for gratefully accepted a cheque from Jon Hill, 2012 the junior under 14’s spring tour. this support, and Jon Amor said’ “Many thanks to Captain of Sti nchcombe Hill Golf Club. everyone who att ended, their generosity will make a The main source of fundraising was planned to come real diff erence to the junior tour and to their future Jon kindly nominated Wooden Spoon as his charity from a sponsored cycle, covering 150 miles from development as rugby players.” of choice and he raised money through events and Fleetwood RUFC to Hawcoate Park RUFC (Barrow) competi ti ons during his year as captain at the golf and back, from Friday 28th March through to Sunday club. Following his fundraising he presented Tim March 30th 2014. Heal, Chairman of the Gloucestershire Region, with two cheques having a combined total of £946. Trevor Jones, a past long-serving member and volunteer of Lancashire Wooden Spoon, sadly passed away last Christmas and the 6 cyclists att ended a memorial dinner for him.

At the end of the dinner it was declared that the funds raised in Trevor’s name would be added to the Fleetwood RUFC fundraising pot. Through the generosity of those in att endance, but also with the help of the Russell Haldane Trust (where Trevor was a Trustee) and Addies Solicitors (where Trevor was Jon Hill presents Tim Heal with a cheque once employed), they have received a massive boost In memory of Trevor Jones of over £1,500 towards their fundraising.

MERSEYSIDE MERSEYSIDE

Something for everyone at the sell-out Rugby League World Cup Lunch! A Real Christmas Cracker in Liverpool!

On the day aft er an agonising, last gasp, 20-18 of £1,500 was raised on the day, prompti ng If you’re a rugby enthusiast in the Merseyside area, defeat by New Zealand in the semi-fi nal of the Merseyside Regional Chairman, Stan Bagshaw, to the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool was the place to Rugby League World Cup, England fans fortunate indicate that there would be more events along be on 6th December for the 4th Annual Wooden enough to be at Liverpool St. Helens for a special these lines to be staged on Merseyside, now that Spoon Christmas Lunch. Lunch and Q&A were treated to an exhilarati ng the rugby league link with Wooden Spoon was three hours worth of real rugby banter to revive becoming fi rmly established alongside Former Briti sh & Irish Lions player and now Sky their spirits. The ‘sold out’ signs had, in fact, been in the region. Television pundit, Paul Wallace was the principal posted long before the event. The local rugby speaker and suitably launched the proceedings with union club was full to capacity with guests eager a presentati on. Marti n Beddis from the Liverpool to hear the lively opinions of Lee Briers (recently Lions Wheelchair Rugby League team, and also reti red from Warrington Wolves and England coach to the England Wheelchair Sevens Rugby RL, Wales coach in this World Cup), Nathan Union team, was on hand to receive a cheque for Brown (St.Helens RLFC coach) and Steve Ganson £700 from the former Saracens, Leinster and Ireland (now Referees’ Controller aft er a disti nguished star. As an aid to further membership recruitment, internati onal refereeing career). Ray French, dual the ti ming was perfect and business became brisk code internati onal honours himself, and just back during a lively aft ernoon. from his Wembley semi-fi nals media coverage, ran the proceedings in his own inimitable way. Over 150 guests enjoyed a superb meal before the entertainment began in earnest. Ray French, Amongst a whole range of forthright questi ons and Rugby League World Cup Lunch recently reti red (‘offi cially’ this ti me) from BBC discussion was a rather unusual inquiry to Steve RL commentary duti es, is no stranger to the MC Ganson as to whether it was true that on a family role and negoti ated his way through a raffl e and holiday to Turkey, where some of the food did not grand aucti on with the usual witt y anecdotes. It appeal, he once took with him a dozen meat and prepared the way for Paul Wallace, whose Lions’ potato pies from a St. Helens shop. Unashamedly, stories were parti cularly well received by legends he replied that it was perfectly correct, commenti ng from a diff erent era present in the audience, Fran how much he enjoyed heati ng up the delicacy while Cott on and Merseyside Wooden Spoon President his wife and family tucked into the more customary Mike Slemen. Comedian Pete Emmett , a regular on kebkebab!ab! the corporate hospitality scene at Everton FC and St.St. Helens RLFC, fi nally ensured that there was no AAss the reregulagulati on raffl e, with all manner of rurugbygby lleetti nngg up on tthehe llaughter.aughter. gift s on off er, concluded a terrifi c aft ernooernoon,n, Lee BBriersriers himhimselfself mmadeade a successsuccessfulful bbidid fforor oonene ofof the rurugbygby lealeaguegue items of memorabilia. In excess Merseyside Christmas lunch

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 19 SCOTLAND SCOTLAND SHROPSHIRE

A great night at the Annual Wooden Spoon Edinburgh Book Launch Dinner Shropshire Golf Day 2013 Scotland Burns Supper

On Friday 25th October, the Edinburgh Book Launch The Shropshire Region of Wooden Spoon’s Golf On Friday 17th January the Scotland Region of Dinner was held at Prestonfi eld House, Edinburgh’s Day was held at Wrekin Golf Club on Friday 13th Wooden Spoon hosted their Annual Burns Supper prominent fi ve star hotel. Once more, it was jointly September. at the Crowne Plaza Roxburghe in Edinburgh, a sponsored by Melville Independent, in conjuncti on stylish new venue for 2014. with John Kerr Financial Services. Fift een teams of 4 started off in bright sunshine, but ended the day in pouring rain. As it was a The 200 guests in att endance were treated to a The event was att ended by 197 guests, including shotgun start, all teams were seen to be hastening wonderful evening of traditi onal Burns celebrati ons Ian Robertson, Andy Irvine, James Robson and Andy to the bar, to begin what became a most enjoyable and entertainment by a hugely talented line-up of Nicol for the Lions Forum, guest speaker Aaron evening. speakers and musicians, led by MC Brian Donald. James, and Charlie Ross as the aucti oneer, who did a superb job. Tim Sti mpson, our President, invited Chris Nicholl A superb 4-course feast was served to include (ex Northern Ireland and Southampton Football a traditi onal haggis with neeps and tatti es. The Guests were entertained by the panel in the Lions Manager) to take part in a Q&A session which supper was fi nished with a desert of raspberry Forum, which was both humorous and refreshingly turned-out to deal with many of the not too fi ner cranachan, followed by coff ee with tablet. frank. points of their respecti ve games!!

The evening, which was sponsored once more by On the night a fantasti c £35,000 was raised and 53 To help att ract new members, Keith Jepson of Max Melville Independent plc and JKFS Independent was new Wooden Spoon members were signed up! A big Bikes PR, one of Shropshire’s long term members, a great success and raised in excess of £10,000, to thank you to all concerned in organising the night. arranged for a Fixie Bicycle to be off ered in a be spent on charitable projects in Scotland. As one of Scotland’s fl agship events in the Wooden prize draw for all new members signing-up on the Spoon fundraising calendar, this event will be held evening. This resulted in 10 new members joining. The Scotland Region would like to express their slightly later than usual this year. The Edinburgh sincere grati tude to all in att endance and, in Book Launch Dinner will take place on Thursday parti cular, the evening’s sponsors. With your 6th November 2014 at Prestonfi eld House Hotel support we are able to conti nue to change the featuring a glitt ering line up of entertainment and lives of disadvantaged children and young people sporti ng personaliti es. The Edinburgh dinner enjoys throughout Scotland. strong corporate support and early booking is stronglyngly advisedadvised..

SCOTLAND

Glasgow Wine Tasti ng 2013

On Thursday 5th December in Glasgow, despite 4 The winning team seasons in one day and all trains in Scotland being cancelled, we sti ll managed to throw a party for The Edinburgh book launch Wooden Spoon!

The Scotland Region of Wooden Spoon held their third annual wine tasti ng at the Trades Hall in SCOTLAND SURREY Glasgow, att racti ng 100 att endees. With Great Grog hosti ng the evening, ably assisted by Gordon Scotti sh Pre-Internati onal Lunches Sell-out Wooden Spoon nominated as Captains’ Charity Bulloch, they raised a grand total of £4,300 for the of the year at Camberley Heath Golf Club Scotland Region. The Wooden Spoon Pre-Internati onal Lunches at Myreside sold out in record ti me this year, raising John Carpenter, the new captain at Camberley Heath over £30,000. acted as MC at the pre Golf Club, has nominated the Surrey Region of Calcutt a Cup lunch and lead a lively interview with Wooden Spoon as his Captains’ Charity for the year. guest speaker , OBE. Jason gave some great insights into some of his favourite moments John’s year in offi ce commenced on Sunday 2nd on and off the fi eld although he was not as keen as March at the Captains’ Drive-in, where he was Andy to talk about the Calcutt a game in 2000. assisted by Wooden Spoon mascot, Spoony Bear (alias Marti n Vincent, Treasurer of Wooden Spoon Brian Donald was MC at the French Internati onal Surrey). Also present was Paul Taylor, Chairman of lunch, and Aberdonian Peter Mitchell provided Wooden Spoon Surrey, who did a short presentati on an entertaining speech with a characteristi c about the work that charity does in the local AbeAberdonianrdonian sslant.lant. The lulunchesnches havehave beenbeen successfulsuccessful communitycommunity.. Guests at the Trades Hall of GlasgowGlasgow iinn att racti nngg a sisignignifi cant number of new members to WooWoodenden SpSpoon.oon.

20 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com SURREY SUSSEX

The return of the Annual Surrey Sportsman’s Dinner Sussex Annual Christmas Lunch 2013

180 supporters of Wooden Spoon assembled in On Thursday 27th February the Annual Surrey The setti ng at the RAC provided a superb venue for Brighton Pier’s Palm Court Restaurant on Thursday Sportsman’s Dinner returned to the RAC Woodcote, the evening and, as usual, the food was excellent. 12th December for Sussex Region of Wooden aft er an absence of 5 years. Over 200 guests We are very grateful to the team at RAC Woodcote Spoon’s Annual Christmas Lunch. enjoyed a 3-course dinner in superb surroundings. for their eff orts during the evening. John Inverdale was host for the evening and the Aft er a three-course lunch, which included the excellent MC was , MBE, who regaled guests traditi onal fi sh and chips, the gathering was with stories and memories of his rugby past days. superbly entertained by top comedian and sports impressionist, Aaron James. As a result of the All guests were invited to put a £20 note in an excellent att endance, heads and tails and an 8-item envelope as our sole cash call on them for the aucti on, the event raised £5,614.80, to be spent on evening for which they received a 2014 Wooden capital projects to benefi t disadvantaged children Spoon Rugby World Year Book, entry to the heads- and young people living in Sussex. and-tails competi ti on and raffl e ti ckets.

John Inverdale aucti oned a number of items which, together with a silent aucti on and raffl e, helped raise over £7,000 on the night to help disadvantaged children and young people in the The Surrey Sportsmans Dinner Surrey Region.

SURREY

Wentworth Fundraising 2013 Sussex Christmas Luncheon The 2013 Captain of Wentworth Golf Club, Alan Willis, together with Cecilia Fleming, the Lady Captain, handed over to John Inverdale, the President of Surrey Region of Wooden Spoon, a cheque for £122,575, the largest donati on ever made to a single Wooden Spoon region. “I have received donati ons Also present at the ceremony on behalf of Wooden Spoon were Peter Scott , MBE (Founder before and given profuse President), Steve Holt (Former CEO), Brian Hodges thanks to the donors, but (Development Director - Capital Projects), Paul Taylor (Chairman of Surrey Region), David Jackson even I have run out of (former Surrey Chairman) and Alan Jenkins (Surreyy Committ ee). superlati ves with a cheque On receiving the cheque, John Inverdale of this size! I want everyone congratulated both Alan and Cecilia and, indeed, Cheque presentati on at Wentworth Golf Club the very generous members of Wentworth Golf to know just how much good Club for their fantasti c eff orts. He said, “I have received donati ons before and given profuse will be done with the funds thanks to the donors, but even I have run out of to run the London Marathon as her contributi on superlati ves with a cheque of this size! I want to the fundraising and, not only did she beat her raised and ask everyone to everyone to know just how much good will be done fundraising target by bringing in the amazing sum imagine the smiles on the with the funds raised and ask everyone to imagine of £10,966, but she also beat her hoped-for ti me by the smiles on the children’s faces when they see fi nishing in under 4 hours. children’s faces when they how much bett er their lives will be.” The Surrey Region, and all the children who will see how much bett er their Special menti on must, however, be made of one benefi t from this incredible donati on, thank all Wentworth member. Kathryn Wainwright elected those involved for their incredible generosity. lives will be.”

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 21 WALES WALES

Admiral Insurance Supports Wooden Spoon Las Iguanas, Cardiff Nominate Wooden Spoon as their Charity for Christmas Wales When staff at Las Iguanas in Cardiff nominated The Faciliti es Department of Admiral Insurance Wooden Spoon Wales as their charity for Christmas, recently presented Wooden Spoon with a cheque with the off er of free toys for a deserving cause, for £13,209.26, to go towards projects in Wales for Chairman Huw Thomas immediately put them in disadvantaged children and young people. contact with Touch Trust, a charity providing respite care for individuals with learning diffi culti es. The money is raised via retailers who visit their offi ces throughout the year selling books and “We are extremely grateful to the staff at Las Iguanas perfumeries, etc. As part of these visits, a 10% and The Entertainer toy shop for their kindness contributi on is made towards charity. and generosity and for thinking of Wooden Spoon. The Touch Trust Centre is a fantasti c facility run by Huw Llewellyn, Head of Property at Admiral, wonderful, caring, people and together they have recently presented the cheque to the Wooden made some special guests very happy over the Spoon Wales committ ee at the company HQ in Christmas period”, said Huw. Cardiff . Touch Trust is a registered charity based in Cardiff , Huw explained, “Our Faciliti es team work hard at the iconic Wales Millennium Centre. Touch Trust provide unique creati ve movement programmes for during the year to ensure the contributi ons are Las Iguanas Sti r Smiles at Christmas collected and it is very sati sfying to see the money individuals with learning disabiliti es, those aff ected going to such a good cause.” by auti sti c spectrum disorder (ASD), complex needs, behaviour which challenges and other vulnerable Huw Thomas, Chairman of the Wales Region groups in the community. of Wooden Spoon, accepted the cheque and expressed his grati tude on behalf of the Welsh committ ee saying’ “This is a fantasti c eff ort by “We are extremely grateful Admiral’s Faciliti es team - donati ons like these are WARWICKSHIRE our life blood, and so important to our fundraising to the staff at Las Iguanas acti viti es. The money will be spent on sensory Warwickshire Christmas Lunch 2013 faciliti es for a special needs school which will be and The Entertainer toy opened later in the year.” A successful Christmas lunch was held at Coventry shop for their kindness and Rugby Club for the Warwickshire Region of Wooden Spoon with 200 guests, the best att endance so far! generosity and for thinking Two excellent speakers, Sean Fitzgerald and Ian Robertson, provided entertainment and were of Wooden Spoon. The Touch very well received by all who were present. This event concluded a very successful year for the Trust Centre is a fantasti c Warwickshire Region. facility run by wonderful, Funds provided for four projects in the county, the caring, people and together last one being for a school farm at Brooke School in Rugby. As ever, the Warwickshire Region are they have made some special very grateful for the excellent support from all the members and supporters of the charity, without Admiral supports Wooden Spoon Wales guests very happy over the this we could not provide funds for the projects. Christmas period”

“This is a fantasti c eff ort by Admiral’s Faciliti es team - donati ons like these are our life blood, and so important to our fundraising acti viti es.” Wooden Spoon supporters at the Warwickshire Christmas LuLunchnch

22 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com WILTSHIRE YORKSHIRE

Horse & Groom Charity Lunch The Yorkshire Region First XV Lunch at Ilkley RUFC Last February the Horse and Groom Inn in Westbury hosted a lunch in support of Wooden Spoon. On Saturday 1st March the Yorkshire Region of Wooden Spoon held their First XV lunch at Ilkley Over 40 people joined the lunch to watch the rugby RUFC. and enjoy a 3-course meal whilst contributi ng to the charity via a sweep stake and a raffl e; collecti ng The day saw some 50 guests enjoy a delicious £400 overall. 3-course lunch, followed by a local Yorkshire League Game. Bob Musker, landlord of the Horse and Groom, and a keen Rugby supporter said, “This was our fi rst major Representati ves from Chellow Heights, FDSO and event since reopening the pub nearly a year ago and A grand day at the Horse and Groom Leeds West SLIC were invited to att end the lunch, we all had a fantasti c ti me. Collecti ng so much for all of whom are local organisati ons who have Wooden Spoon was a great bonus.” benefi tt ed from the support of Wooden Spoon over disabled children and young people, to receive the the last year. Each were able to speak about their The funds raised will go towards projects in the enjoyment and physical benefi ts of regular sports individual projects and what the support from the Wiltshire Region, such as the Swindon St. George parti cipati on. charity has enabled them to achieve for the children Wheelchair Sports Club, where £8,550 will be and young people that they support. donated towards specialised sports wheelchairs, to provide opportuniti es for an increased number of The lunch was gratefully sponsored by Places for People, Ernst & Young, In-site Property Soluti ons, Premex, Macintosh James & Partners and Lawrence YORKSHIRE YORKSHIRE Street Dental Practi ce.

Sheffi eld Six Nati ons’ Dinner The Yorkshire Christmas Lunch 2013 We would like to give our thanks to our sponsors on the day, Ilkley RUFC and everyone who was able to join us for a great day for the Yorkshire Region. Our man in South Yorkshire did it once again, fi lling The Yorkshire Region of Wooden Spoon’s Christmas Baldwin’s Omega restaurant to the gunnels for the Lunch proves a hit with our supporters! Steel City’s best loved rugby event! Bill Reichwald is to be congratulated on organising this 8th wonderful Just a few days before Christmas nearly 500 people and joyous rugby evening. As ever, the 6 courses sat down for the Yorkshire Region’s fl agship event at drawn from the 6 Nati ons were as delicious as ever the Queen’s Hotel, Leeds. and served in copious rugby porti ons! We were blessed with an excellent top table of The company was good, the beer fl owed and we stars including Stuart Lancaster, Bob Reeves (RFU were all once again brilliantly entertained by MC President), Steve Holt (former Wooden Spoon CEO) Roger Dakin and 1974 Lions’ fl anker Fergus Slatt ery and speakers and comedian Josh who kept us all amused with tales from another Daniels. This was all held together by Roger Dakin era. Most people in att endance could perfectly well as MC and the inimitable Richard Strudwick as remember Fergus’s exploits 40 years ago bett er than Toastmaster. they could remember what they did 40 minutes ago! £24,000 was raised on the day, which once again Over 200 people att ended this splendid event and, refl ected well on the generosity of Yorkshire Wooden year in year out, it never fails in terms of quality of Spoon members and their guests. fare and top class entertainment. The Omega has a grand reputati on locally, living up to its top billing and A great ti me was had by all and we look forward to Certi fi cate presentati on at the Yorkshire David Baldwin assures quality throughout. doing it all again next December! Region First XV Lunch

A game of eliminati on based on answers to fairly diffi cult questi ons kept the audience on their feet for a while and this, the live aucti on and silent aucti on should lead to a healthy 5-fi gure surplus which will be spent in South Yorkshire. Grateful thanks to CFC who kindly sponsored the evening and, of course, Bill and Mandy Reichwald for all their ti reless work behind the scenes. We look forward to next year.

Yorkshire Christmas Lunch

RogerRoger DakDDakinin and Stuart Watson

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 23 Inspirati onal Fundraising Stories

We are unbelievably proud of the work carried out by our supporters to ensure that we are able to help and fund as many projects as we can to benefi t the amazing children we support. Whatever you do to fundraise for us - running a marathon, rugby shirt day or holding a cake sale – we rely on enthusiasti c people like you to ensure we can conti nue our work. Thank you to everyone who contributes; we are hugely appreciati ve of your eff orts and here are just a few recent fundraisers who have undertaken a challenge to raise funds for Wooden Spoon:

From Pwll Park to the Laura Parsons takes on 3 x 10K Rugby shirt day at Aldro School races The staff and students of Aldro School in Surrey James Harper got to fulfi l a childhood dream In 2013 Laura ran not one, not two but three held their annual rugby shirt day and raised in December as he took to the Millennium 10k races within the South Wales and West over £400 – this brings their 11- year fundraiser Stadium fi eld in a Welsh rugby top to kick a region to raise £143. For Laura the challenge for Wooden Spoon to an amazing total of win at halft ime during the Wales V Australia was a personal one. As well as being able to £4,258.45. A great example of how a small test match. James took 2 kicks in front of the help a good cause she improved her fi tness donati on of £1 can add up to raise large funds crowd and his 100% strike rate bagged James and found that running is very addicti ve. “I which go towards local children needing our the game ball. James used the opportunity to think sport of any kind is massively important help! The idea of a rugby shirt day is simple; raise £185 by asking for donati ons from friends, in bringing communiti es closer together and all students and staff are invited to wear a family and his touch rugby teammates. improving physical and mental health as well rugby shirt of their choice to school for the as being a fun acti vity. It challenges people and day, in return for a suggested donati on of £1 to creates goals.” Wooden Spoon.

James working on his kick Laura took on three 10k races Aldro School sporti ng their shirtsshirts

24 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com Dawn to Dusk along the canals Mountain Marathon Rugby Minis

On 1st February, Anthony Wiggins, Director In February Danny and Chris from Kent took on Stephen Lloyd contacted us about his 9 year at Wiggins Lockett Thompson Chartered a red-run mountain marathon at the Austrian old daughter Jessica, who on Sunday 13th Surveyors, completed a dawn-to-dusk cycling Olympic Ski Resort of Axamer Lizun. April raised funds for Wooden Spoon at the challenge. Covering 46 muddy and icy miles Cambridge Minis Rugby Festi val. Jessica spent along the Birmingham and Black Country The day started well with them clocking-up hours at the Minis festi val asking kids, parents canal network, he started and fi nished at the 12 miles in the fresh snow, but it wasn’t to and grandparents to guess the number of Stewpony Bridge aft er reaching the centre of conti nue when a storm hit the mountain and sweets in a jar. Stephen commented that ‘’I am Birmingham and tackling the Netherton Tunnel closed all the lift s leaving the pair pondering very proud of my daughter today. She spent twice. Anthony raised £300 and described their fate. Luckily, aft er the wind died down, hours fundraising for Wooden Spoon and raised his challenge as, “The trip started out as an they were given the all clear to conti nue so a fantasti c £75 all on her own!’’ Enid Blytonesque jaunt through the sunny started the accent to complete the challenge. countryside and fi nished by batt ling rain, headwinds and exhausti on in a desperate Having lost close to 2 hours of the 7 ½ hour att empt to get back to the car before the torch day the aft ernoon sti nt was exhausti ng, with Making every step count for batt eries ran out!” the last 2 runs really testi ng them through the London Marathon lactose build up in their legs, wobbles and edge catching, but both Danny and Chris pushed through and, with 20 minutes to Our Wooden Spoon runners had trained The X Runner Challenge spare, made the last lift knowing that all that through one of the wett est winters, however was left to do was get back to the “bar” and on April 13th the sun was shining for the their challenge was complete. Overall, Danny 34th London Marathon. There was no rain in Durham Wooden Spoon was pleased that and Chris covered 26 ½ miles in just under 6 sight to dampen the spirits of Wooden Spoon some challengers from DePuy Mitek, a Johnson hours and have raised over £1,600 for Wooden supporters, as they cheered on Wooden & Johnson company, decided to raise funds for Spoon. Danny said of the challenge “Raising Spoon’s 26 fundraising runners who all Wooden Spoon as part of a Corporate Social over £1,600 for what I believe to be a great completed the 26 mile 385 yard course of the Responsibility campaign they were running cause has been inspiring. I feel very sati sfi ed London Marathon. within the team. with my own achievements and have been overwhelmed by the support and donati ons The fi rst Wooden Spoon runner, Georgina, The team, consisti ng of Anna Stephenson, from friends, family and work colleagues. crossed the fi nish line in an impressive 3 hours, Michael Stephenson, Stuart Hubbard, Nicola 8 minutes and 5 seconds and was followed in THANK YOU!” Pears, Jade Anderson and Amanda Lomax, quick succession by TNT employee Martyn at took part in a Wild Thing X Runner, Mud Run 3 hours, 19 minutes and 31 seconds. But for and Adventure Race and had great fun doing it the majority, it wasn’t the ti me taken, more along with raising £1,000 for Durham Wooden A year of endurance the achievement of completi ng the course and Spoon. They completed the course, conquering raising valuable funds for the great work that obstacles such as the swamp of doom, fi re walk Wooden Spoon does for children and young and muddyy mayhem.y Ciaran Dorrity and Des Crinion from London people across the UK. started a year long fundraiser to raise money for Wooden Spoon and Acti on this Day for Kenya. To date we have raised over £40,000 from our Ciaran and Des will compete in a huge number runners which will go towards providing vital of endurance events over the next year, pushing funds to organisati ons such as specialist schools, themselves to their physical and mental limits, other chariti es and community projects that all in aid of the two causes. Events include provide support, treatment or respite care for marathons, a sprint triathlon, the 3 Peaks children with disabling or life-limiti ng medical Challenge and numerous Tough Mudder, Tough conditi ons or living in areas of severe social Guy and Spartan Events, culminati ng in the 24 deprivati on. hour non-stop unforgiving obstacle race - the World’s Toughest Mudder race in America. Over A huge thank you to all our runners; Ben The Durham X Runners the course of the year they expect to race over Johnson, Caroline Jackson, Colin Roberts, Ian 500 miles, mostly by foot. Keep an eye out for Eddie, Dominic Ashcroft , Emily Burgess, Fati ma their pgprogress. Alm, Garry Shephard, Georgina Loosemore, Shaw runs for fun and raises £3,000! Helen Clayton-De Baise, James Hillier, Jo Sinclair, Jim Finnamore, Laurelle May, Mark Shephard, Martyn Pollitt , Nick Williams, Rachel Yorkshire Region committ ee member Nigel, Loosemore, Richard Hudson, Richard Russell, set about running the Yorkshire Marathon last Ruth Kent, Scott Watson, Simon Sinclair, Steve October. This was his second marathon, having Pearce, Stuart Croft on, Tom Marti n and their run in London 10 years ago. Part of his mid-life sponsors for their tremendous fundraising crisis, he freely admits to having been sorely eff orts, dedicati on and determinati on at this tested on this challenge as he att empted it year’s London Marathon. Are you running in without the running partners he had before. 2015? Please get in touch. NNigeligel presented a cheque to Wooden SpooSpoon’sn’s SSteveteve HoHolt.lt. NigNigelel is setti nngg a ggreatreat exampexamplele to ootherther committ ee memmembersbers wwhoho are now suresurelyly ggirdingirding ttheirheir lloinsoins in order to emulateemulate thisthis greatgreat eff oort.rt. Ciaran and Des ready for whatever lies aheahead ad

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 25 Wooden Spoon Community Projects

As the UK economy shows early signs of recovery and unemployment fi gures for older people are beginning to drop, the number of young people out of work remains stubbornly high. More than 950,000 young people are sti ll unemployed and almost a third of them have been looking for work for more than a year. In March, the Insti tute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) reported a jobless ratee among under-25s as being 3.74 ti mes the adult rate, up from 3.5 ti mes the adult rate a year ago. Wooden Spoon community projects conti nue to address this priority concern for young people in ourur most deprived communiti es. Thanks to Wooden Spoon and our supporters more and more young people have graduated from our educati on projects and are either returning to full-ti me educati on (i.e. college) or gaining employment opportuniti es.

Jai Purewal, Senior Development Director, Community Projects

Inaam Mohammed, aged 18, Hitz Northampton Community Projects by numbers in the last 6 months graduate is now working at Timpsons

12 Educati onal Projects are currently live (HITZ – 9 locati ons, Game On – 2 locati ons, TRY HARD)

1032 plus NEET* young people aged 16-24 engaged in community sports sessions *Not in Educati on, Employment or Training

80 plus learners completi ng educati onal courses

8 Disability Projects are completed or currently live (including Wheelchair Rugby Clubs, Tag Rugby Festi vals, and sports opportuniti es for visually impaired individuals)

Over 1285 children and young people with disabiliti es engaging with sport (most of which had never had the opportunity to engage in competi ti ve sport before)

HITZ Worcester The award winning HITZ programme tackles some The youngsters worked with Warriors staff to plan, of the greatest challenges facing young people promote and deliver the match when Warriors’ today - unemployment, crime and disillusionment. second string - the Cavaliers - hosted the Army on Delivered nati onally by and Wednesday 12th March. funded by partners Barclays, Comic Relief, Land Rover and Wooden Spoon, HITZ uses rugby to Warriors HITZ Offi cer, Stuart Brooks, said: “By increase young peoples’ resilience, self-reliance and giving them an opportunity to be part of diff erent confi dence. It gives them the skills to get back into departments and understand day-to-day life in a educati on, vocati onal training, apprenti ceships and work-place, we have seen these youngsters grow in employment. confi dence.”

In March the HITZ Worcester parti cipants were HITZ student Connor Mitchell said, “I was so excited given the opportunity to run a matchday at about working with the Warriors staff , who give us Rugby Club as part of their study lots of support every day. It was a chance for us to programme. work as a team and learn new things.”

The Award Winning Hitz Programme

26 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com Spoon Stars Wooden Spoon Acti ve Events Spotlight On… Joe Colquhoun Programme

The Spoon Stars team with Spoony at Hull FC Winners on the podium of Acti ve Events Joe Colquhoun playing for Edinburgh Northern

Spoon Stars was developed based on the ethos Capitalising on the excitement generated Joe has been on the Game On project since last that the sprit and values of rugby have the ability by the 2012 Paralympics and the success of November. His long-term goal is to join the Army, but to give disabled children and young people a athletes such as Hannah Cockroft and Danielle he was refused entry on his fi rst applicati on. With the chance to achieve their full potenti al in life. Brown, Wooden Spoon donated £20,000 to the help of the Game On project Joe built up his fi tness, In total 169 children with learning disabiliti es Federati on of Disability Sports Organisati ons interview skills and confi dence to apply for college. from eight special schools received rugby (FDSO) for the Acti ve Events Programme. league coaching from the Hull FC Community This project provided opportuniti es for 5500 We caught up with Joe and fi nd out how the Game Foundati on and batt led it out in a tag rugby young disabled people to compete against other On programme helped him. tournament. Supporters, parents and teachers schools and clubs from across the region, in alike were in full voice throughout the event as athleti cs, boccia, table cricket, football, new age What are your experiences of Game On? they were treated to some great matches, close kurling, tag rugby, wheelchair basketball and “I made some friends and got a good relati onship score lines and fantasti c skills levels from the inclusive zone basketball. For many this is the with the coaches. I also got to see the professional children. fi rst opportunity to parti cipate in sport. rugby players up close and talk to them. Game On was great fun, I learned new skills and improved my Danny Scott , Social Inclusion Offi cer Spoon Super Pupils from Kings Mill School, Driffi eld said, “We fi tness levels.” Stars said, “It was great to see the teams get liked competi ng in our fi eld event but we liked involved and show such enthusiasm. The event the sprint event best of all. When we ran past the What are your future plans now you have was played in a fantasti c manner with teams and stands and everyone cheered; it was like being in completed Game On? supporters cheering on opposing teams as well the Olympics.” “Now I’ve completed Game On I’m in college doing as their own. The skills on show were fantasti c an Army Preparati on Course and I have conti nued for all to see and I was really pleased with how Special School PE Teacher, Doncaster said, playing rugby for Edinburgh Northern, then I will be students have taken on board the coaching ti ps “Special school sport in Yorkshire is the FDSO applying to join the Army in August.” and put them to good use.” Acti ve Events programme - without it, special needs physical educati on would be much the What is your most memorable/best thing about the Aaron Wedgewood from Oakfi eld School said, poorer.” Game On Project? “Spoon Stars has provided valuable opportuniti es “My favourite moment on the course was going to for parti cipati on in rugby to young people with Based on the success of last year, Wooden Spoon Dreghorn Barracks, meeti ng the soldiers, learning disabiliti es. Projects like this are incredibly is funding the Acti ve Events for a second year about their weapons, and getti ng a chance to try valuable and we look forward to working with running. We hope to fi nd the next generati on the rati on packs. There was also a rugby game being Hull FC and Wooden Spoon more oft en.” of elite disabled athletes - the road to Rio has played between 1st SCOTS and 2nd Royal Welsh Hull and East Riding Wooden Spoon branch started! which was prett y good to watch.” Chairman, Ian Parsons said, “We are delighted that our partnership with the Hull FC Foundati on For more informati on on Community Projects To read more about Joe Colquhoun and discover on the Spoon Stars project is supporti ng more please visit: woodenspoon.com/projects or more about Spotlight On with our learners, please disabled children to take part in such a great contact [email protected] visit www.woodenspoon.com/projects sport and we look forward to working on new projects in the near future.”

Building on the success of this project, Wooden Spoon is supporti ng Spoon Stars for a second year running.

Wooden Spoon would like to thank our Community Partners

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 27 2013 Events List

Leicestershire Scotland Devon Wooden Spoon South Pacifi c Regional Golf Day 11th Plymouth Summer Ball 11 Kilworth House Theatre 20 Western Gailes Golf Club 4 Carley Warren Gemma Bell Jerry Kessell [email protected] JUNE [email protected] JUNE glasgowspoongolf@bti nternet JULY Devon Republic of Ireland Yorkshire East Devon Regional Golf Day British & Irish Lions 40th Anniversary Dinner East Yorkshire Golf Day 12 Carley Warren 21 Fergus Slatt ery 4 Brough Golf Club carleywarren@passagehousegroup. fslatt ery@fslatt ery.com David Hewitt JUNE co.uk JUNE JULY [email protected] Wales Notti nghamshire Bedfordshire Regional Golf Day 10th Anniversary Golf Day Olney 7’s 12 Whitchurch Golf Club 24 Wollaton Park Golf Club 5 Olney, Bucks Philip Dobson Gary Pearce Oliver Richbell JUNE [email protected] JUNE 07973 662942 JULY [email protected] Central Lancashire Shropshire Nati onal Conference Lancashire West Coast Golf Day Tennis event 14 David Walmsley 25 Shore Golf Club 13 Shewsbury Lawn Tennis Club [email protected] Marti n Long Glyn Dobbs JUNE JUNE marti [email protected] JULY gdobbs@bti nternet.com Chilterns Bristol & Bath Bedfordshire Temple Golf Day Joint Fundraiser Regional Golf Day Bristol and Bath Bedfordshire River Festi val 14 Temple Golf Club 27 Long Ashton Golf Club 19 River Festival John Williams Ken Trowbridge Oliver Richbell JUNE williamsvj@bti nternet.com JUNE [email protected] JULY [email protected] Northumberland Leicestershire Bedfordshire Northumberland Annual Summer Lunch Leicestershire Rugby Clubs Golf Bedfordshire Golf Day 15 Town Foot Farm, Shilbott le 27 Championship - Kilworth Springs Golf Club 23 Aspley Guise Alan Old Ron Gould Patrick Carter JUNE JUNE JULY [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Sussex Central Leicestershire Midsummer Ladies Horse Race Night Grand Union Challenge First World War Themed Luncheon 17 Brighton Racecourse 28 Marlina Barnes 25 Cow & Plough Alan Jenkins [email protected] Malcolm Foulkes-Arnold JUNE JUNE JULY [email protected] [email protected] Yorkshire Devon Isle of Man Corporate Tag Rugby Plymouth Golf Day Barbecue and Fun Day 18 Stuart Watson 1 Yelverton Golf Club 1 Locati on TBC [email protected] Kevin Norris Allan Thompson JUNE JULY AUGUST [email protected] [email protected] Ulster West Midlands Isle of Man 1974 Lions 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner Regional golf day Fun Day 19 Culloden Hotel 2 Ladbrook Park Golf Club 4 Ape Man Tree Course Peter Wood Philip Pemble - philip.pemble@ppdg. Allan Thompson JUNE JULY AUGUST THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT co.uk or matt @moneywatchfi nance.com [email protected] Central Northamptonshire Central Ford Ranger Great Lakeland Challenge Northampti onshire Annual Golf Day Cwmtawe 7’s 2014 20 Marlina Barnes 2 Northampti onshire County Golf Club 9 Ryan Shahin [email protected] Steve Valenti ne [email protected] JUNE JULY srvalenti ne@ti scali.co.uk AUGUST

Kent Central Central West Kent Golf Day Four Peaks Challenge 2014 Prudenti al Ride London-Surrey 2020 Knole Park Golf ClClub,ub, SeSevenoaksvenoaks 2 Marlina Barnes 1010 Marlina BarnBarneses PPetereter JJohnstonohnston [email protected]@woodenspoon.com [email protected]@woodenspoon.com JJUNEUNE JJULYULY AUGUSTAUGUST [email protected]@bti nternet.com

28 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com Central Guernsey Surrey End to End Challenge 2014 Memorial Day with Wasps Legends Walton Heath Charity Golf Day 16 Marlina Barnes 6 Locati on TBC 10 Locati on TBC [email protected] Julie Chammings Paul Taylor AUGUST SEPTEMBER [email protected] OCTOBER [email protected] Warwickshire Oxfordshire Central Warwickshire Golf Day Oxfordshire Golf Day Lord Chadlington Recepti on at the 18 Maxstone Park 8 Kirtlington John Deeley 15 House of Lords Ian Holroyd [email protected] Marlina Barnes AUGUST [email protected] SEPTEMBER OCTOBER [email protected] Eastern Counti es Sussex Devon Regional Golf Day ‘Cricket meets Spoon’ Lunch Annual Pumpkin Ball 19 Stoke by Nayland Golf Club 11 Sussex County Cricket Club, Hove 31 Passage House Hotel Alan Line Ann Holt Carley Warren AUGUST alanline313@bti nternet.com SEPTEMBER [email protected] OCTOBER [email protected] Guernsey Scotland Scotland Guernsey Lily Ball Wine Tasti ng Edinburgh Dinner Locati on TBC Lulu nightclub Prestonfi eld House Edinburgh 20 Julie Chammings 11 Linda Mitchell 6 John Godfrey AUGUST [email protected] SEPTEMBER linda.j.mitchell@bti nternet.com NOVEMBER [email protected] Kent Shropshire Central Kent Rugby Club Golf Challenge Shropshire Golf day Wooden Spoon Aurora Ice Ball 2014 22 Knole Park Golf Club, Sevenoaks 12 Wrekin Golf Club 14 Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London Peter Johnston Glyn Dobbs Marlina Barnes AUGUST peter.aileen@bti nternet.com SEPTEMBER gdobbs@bti nternet.com NOVEMBER [email protected] Hertf ordshire Central Bedfordshire Hertf ordshire Golf Day Thames Path Challenge Casino Night 26 Knebworth Golf Club 13 Marlina Barnes 15 Locati on TBC John Batt ers [email protected] Oliver Richbell AUGUST johnbatt [email protected] SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER [email protected] Central Central Gloucestershire Harpenden 7’s 2014 Charity Golf Day supported by TNT Gloucestershire Book Launch Dinner 31 Ryan Shahin 25 Stoneleigh Deer Park GC, Coventry 20 Kingsholm Stadium [email protected] Marlina Barnes Tim Heal AUGUST SEPTEMBER [email protected] NOVEMBER [email protected] Devon Sussex Lancashire Devonshire Golf Final Nati onal Finals Rugby Clubs Golf Annual Luncheon 2 Woodbury Park GC 25 Challenge - Ifi eld Golf Club. 21 De Vere Village Hotel Roger Haywood Bob Rogers Marti n Long SEPTEMBER [email protected] SEPTEMBER [email protected] NOVEMBER marti [email protected] Leicestershire Yorkshire Somerset Wooden Spoon Sister Act East Yorkshire Dinner and Dance Christmas Ball 3 Kilworth House Theatre 26 Hull Ionians RUFC 28 The Somerset County Cricket Ground Gemma Bell Paul Staniford David Reed SEPTEMBER [email protected] SEPTEMBER 01482 300480 NOVEMBER davidreed952@bti nternet.com Central Central TNT Rugby Cycle Challenge 2014 Oil Industry Golf day 2014 4 Rugby 2 St Georges Hill Golf Club, Surrey Marlina Barnes Marlina Barnes SEPTEMBER [email protected] OCTOBER [email protected] Gloucestershire Chilterns Gloucestershire Rugby Clubs Golf Com- Litt le Hay Golf Day 4 peti ti on - Brickhampton 3 Hemel Hempstead Tim Heal Rosemary Higgs SEPTEMBER [email protected] OCTOBER rosemaryhiggs@bti nternet.com Hampshire Central Regional Golf Day Wooden Spoon Nati onal Golf Final 5 Tylney Park Golf Club 1100 supported by Mastersgolf DDavidavid AshAshcrocroft MMarriotarriot Forest of Arden, BirminBirminghamgham SSEPTEMBEREPTEMBER ddashcroashcroft [email protected] OOCTOBERCTOBER MaMarlinarlina BBarnesarnes [email protected]@woodenspoon.com

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 29 In these ti mes of fi nancial Bang the drum for Leave Wooden Spoon austerity we may feel less Wooden Spoon a gift in your will inclined to dig deep to support

the charity, no matt er how Help us by spreading the word to friends, In some ways this is the best donati on you close it is to our hearts. But family and colleagues, telling them your can ever make, because it doesn’t cost you experience of the charity and the work we anything at the ti me you pledge the gift there are a number of easy do. You can help us share our message with but the impact will last for years, perhaps ways you can support Wooden the wider community and bring new faces even a lifeti me for the children it supports. to our events and project openings. Who Gone are the days when leaving a legacy to Spoon which won’t cost you a knows, they may even decide to become a charity is the sole preserve of the wealthy, Wooden Spoon member themselves! or means committi ng vast sums of money. penny in the short term. We know everyone has their own prioriti es such as fi nancial security for grandchildren, paying university fees, or just having a really good ti me! Aft er taking care of loved ones, A bit of extra help Volunteer with us even leaving a small percentage to Wooden Spoon can help make a real diff erence from HMRC in a child’s life. Leaving a gift in your will Do you have ti me to spare Wooden Spoon? doesn’t have to be shrouded in sombre Our regional teams are always on the look- connotati ons of death; it’s about life, and If you are a member, have made a donati on out for extra volunteers who can help raise ensuring that the things you really value or sponsored somebody doing something funds and awareness in their local area. in your life conti nue long into the future. for Wooden Spoon in the last four years, Perhaps you could nominate us as a charity Gift s in wills enable chariti es to conti nue we may be able to claim Gift Aid on your of the year or arrange a dress down-day their good work, so please consider a gift donati on at no extra cost to you. If you at your work or child’s school. The more for Wooden Spoon when you are writi ng aren’t sure whether you’ve agreed to support, the bigger the diff erence we can or updati ng your will. For more informati on Gift Aid already,already, please just contact the make! about leaving a gift to Wooden Spoon in offi ce on 01252 773720 or membership@membership@ youryour will,will, pleaseplease speakspeak to Karen MacaulayMacaulay in woodenspoon.com. It reallyreally is as simplesimple as conconfi dencedence onon 0125201252 773720.773720. that!that!

30 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com Membership and Donati ons

Thanks For your support

Keep in touch How can we Grateful for help you? We know from speaking with former members that many had stopped giving Thank you for having your say in what you Thank you to those members who because of their immediate would like as a membership benefi t. We responded to our recent Gift Aid drive, are grateful for your feedback and hope to allowing us to reclaim Gift Aid on any circumstances, ending their update you soon. donati ons they had made in the last 4 regular monthly donati ons years. We appreciate the positi ve response Do you receive our e-newslett er? We don’t and would strongly encourage any other due to their fi nancial think we are reaching as many people as members or donors not currently ‘Gift situati on at the ti me. we could and as some of our events sell Aiding’ to contact us. out very quickly we oft en don’t have ti me Rather than lose touch with these outgoing to send postal mailings. We don’t want you members we sti ll contact them via email to to miss out so please could you provide an keep them informed about our work and email address to us. our fundraising acti viti es. We are pleased to be able to keep in touch with all our supporters regardless of whether or not they donate regularly. Please keep in touch, let us know if you change your address or if Contact us you would like to be sent emails updati ng you about Wooden Spoon acti viti es where The Wooden Spoonp supporterpp relati onshipp team would love to hear you live.live. from yyou,ou, if youyou have anyany quesquesti ons or queries,queries, pleaseplease feel free to AAlso,lso, don’t forforgetget you can also follow us on ccontactontact us at [email protected]@woodenspoon.com TwiTwitt er, or llikeike us on FaceFacebook,book, to helphelp us shareshare our goodgood news. oorr 0012521252 777737203720

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 31 Wooden Spoon Events

The 30th Anniversary Ball is a massive hit!

‘Magical’, ‘brilliant’, ‘best ball to date’,’ great balance of fundraising and fun’ are just some of the comments received from guests who joined last year’s ball to celebrate Wooden Spoon’s magnifi cent 30th Anniversary Ball, Swing Back to the Thirti es.

The evening kicked off at 6pm with a welcome recepti on of prohibiti on cocktails, generously donated by First Drinks, and bespoke 30’s style champagne in champagne saucers kindly donated by the Park Plaza. Escorted to the dining room by the beauti ful 30’s show girls, guests were stunned by the grand opening with glitt ering displays of pyrotechnics exploding from the table centres.

During the delicious four course dinner, guests enjoyed fantasti c entertainment, including Viva Aerial Dance, suspended from their silks, high above the diners; rugby celebriti es including Phil Vickery, dancing the Charleston; Miss Polly Rae singing ‘Tallulah’ and ‘Why don’t you do it right?’ to our Lead Sponsor, Phil Walker from Pharos Off shore Group. And fi nally, Bruce Airhead, the metamorphosis of a man who disappeared inside a six foot balloon only to reappear dressed as a gangster.

Dancing into the early hours aft er a cooked breakfast buff et to refuel their energy, the ball was a huge success and generated in excess of £230,000 for the charity.

Join us this year for another fantasti c evening You don’t have on Friday 14th November at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge Hotel and experience the mystery of an Arcti c Aurora in celebrati on of the to leave town to biggest fundraising challenge for the charity, the Arcti c Rugby Challenge 2015. experience the Guests will be welcomed with an Arcti c twist as they enter a magical world and experience the beauty of the Northern Lights. What a way to show our support for our brave challengers before they head mystical beauty off to the Arcti c for the toughest challenge of their lives.

of an Aurora Please join us and enjoy a fantasti c evening, all the while knowing that you are helping to change the lives and bring smiles to the faces of thousands of disadvantagedg children and youngy g people.p p

Our fabulous judge, Gregg Wallace from MasterChef

32 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com The TNT Rugby Cycle Challenge

On September 4th 2014, Have you ever wanted around 50 cyclists will be making their way to take part in a bike ride down from Rugby to but the distances/ti me in 2.5 days, covering approximately 120 miles. put you off ? Well, now’s The event concludes with a unique grand your chance. Come and fi nale parade around Twickenham Stadium in frontront ofof join us on this iconic ride a capacity crowd at the Avivaviva Premiership Rugby “London Double Header” on the 6th September Date: 4th to 6th September 2014 from the home of Rugby - 2014. Individual Entry: Each cyclist will be asked to pay Rugby in Warwickshire to A full support team will be with you on your voyage a £30 entry fee per day that you take part and to London. raise a further minimum of £250 per day that you Twickenham Stadium in parti cipate, part of which will go towards your Accommodati on will be provided along with accommodati on/meals etc and the balance will be aid of Wooden Spoon. breakfast, break stops and lunch each day. your donati on to Wooden Spoon.

Masters Golf support the Nati onal Golf Final for the fi ft h year

On Friday 10th October, the Nati onal Golf Final will be held at Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel in Birmingham.

The winner’s trophy, generously donated by Nick Faldo is currently in the safe hands of last year’s winning team from the Manchester & Cheshire Region, Chris Jackson, James Nocker, Chris O’Connor and Mark Lievsley.

The format of the day is Stableford, the best two scores counti ng on each hole. We will be playing at 3/4 handicap.

Tee ti mes will be allocated. As a general rule, we allocate the tee-off ti mes according to geographical considerati on and with the assumpti on that you will be travelling from your region to the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel. It would help considerably if you could let us know if you are going to arrive on the Thursday 9th October, so we can allocate the earlier tee-off ti mes to you, to accommodate those who will be arriving on the day.

Who will be crowned this year’s Nati onal Golf Winners? Will Manchester & Cheshire be able to defend their ti tle? We look forward to fi nding out at yet another exciti ng batt le!

A veryy specialp thank youy must gog to Masters Golf who will be sponsoringp g the Nati onal Golf Final for the fi ft h year in a row.

ForFor more informati on, or to book your place at any of the above Wooden Spoon events,events, pleaseplease contact MarlinaMarlina on 01252 773720 or at [email protected]@woodenspoon.com.

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 33 34 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com The Arcti c Rugby Challenge 2015

Wooden Spoon, has teamed up with world class polar adventurer Jock Wishart to take a group of brave individuals on a pioneering expediti on to the Magneti c North Pole, and set a World Record!

Under Jock’s expert leadership, the group including former rugby internati onals Tim Sti mpson (England and Briti sh & Irish Lions) and Pat Sanderson (England), will depart from Resolute Bay, Canada in mid-April 2015 to trek up to 100 miles to one of the furthest places north on the planet, the 1996 certi fi ed positi on of the Magneti c North Pole, all in just 7 days.

On arrival at the North Pole, having batt led harrowing Arcti c winds and temperatures as low as -50°, they will play the northernmost rugby match in history, achieving a spot in the Guinness book of World Records.

Supporti ng the challenge as lead sponsor is award winning fi nancial exchange fi rm, LMAX Exchange. Their CEO, David Mercer, has committ ed to taking part and once at the Pole will att empt to set his own world record, by placing the fi rst ever fi nancial trade from the Magneti c North Pole. Joining as a Corporate partner is Quilter Cheviot Investment Management.

Jock is no stranger to Polar conditi ons. In the summer of 2011, Jock led a crew on a voyage that rowed 500 miles on a journey to the 1996 certi fi ed positi on of the Magneti c North Pole. Wishart and his team reached this pole positi on and announced their success saying, “there is now a row boat at the 96 Mag. North Pole”. The boat is sti ll at this locati on today and part of the 2015 challenge will see the challengers make a short pit stop at the ‘Old Pulteney’.

This once-in-a-lifeti me experience will give you the chance to trek with a world class adventurer, with the added opportunity to set a Guinness World Record with two rugby greats, all the while raising money for a great cause. Due to the nature of this challenge, the very high level of interest and limited places available, parti cipati on is by applicati on only. If you would like to fi nd out more about the Wooden Spoon Arcti c Rugby Challenge please contact Marlina Barnes at [email protected] or call 01252 773720.

Jason Leonard, Pat Sanderson, Jock Wishart, David Mercer, Tim S ti mpson and James Harding Hardingg

Jock with the Old Pulteney

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 35 Challenge yourself for Wooden Spoon

Wooden Spoon has been running challenge events for over 25 years. During this ti me over £5 million has been raised for the disadvantaged children and young people that we support.

Our challenges are a fun and invigorati ng way for individuals to raise valuable funds for our cause. If you would like to take part in a challenge in aid of Wooden Spoon, whether it be a run, cycle, canoe or even a trek, then we may have just the thing for you!

Ford Ranger Great Lakeland locati on for you to collect), a Spoon Challenges branded technical top each and celebrati on BBQ at Challenge: Friday 20th June 2014 the mountain fi nish. The Great Lakeland Challenge is the ulti mate Entry Level Two: £400 entry fee and £3,100 team challenge. Teams of four (three challengers minimum fundraising per team – in additi on to and a driver) paddle the 10.5 mile length of Lake entry level one, teams will receive delivery of the Windermere, pedal 26 miles up 1:3 gradients of vehicle direct to your door, a Spoon Challenges Wrynose and Hardknott passes and conquer the branded rugby shirt each and shutt le of your team 3,208 feet of Scafell Pike, all in less than 12 hours. and vehicle from the fi nish area to the Langdale Entry Level One: £400 entry fee and £2,000 Hotel aft er the event. minimum fundraising per team - includes Spoon GLC Relay Entry Opti on: £500 entry fee and £4,000 Challenges branded vehicle (delivered to a central minimum fundraising per team

End 2 End Cycle Challenge: from the lochs and mountains of Scotland, to the beauti ful landscape of the Cumbrian Lake District, 16th – 23rd August 2014 through the gently rolling tranquil Wye Valley and Pedal 865 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End onto the rugged Cornish coastline. in 7.5 days. Our End 2 End challenge will take you Minimum fundraising required: £2,750

Our Final Four Peaks Challenge: Helvellyn, Snowdon and Carantouhill. In 48 hours, teams travel over 1,000 miles and climb 14,000 3rd – 5th July 2014 feet to achieve this ulti mate, and most iconic, UK The last chance to complete this awe-inspiring challenge. challenge which sees challengers conquer Ben Nevis, Minimum fundraising required: £4,500 per team

In additi on to our catalogue of bespoke Spoon challenges, we are delighted to announce that we have places available in a variety of mass-parti cipati on challenges.

Grand Union Challenge Ride London Cycle Challenge Thames Path Challenge Date: 28th - 29th June 2014 Date:10th August 2014 Date: 13th - 14th September 2014

It’s 100 km, 50 km, or 25 km on the Grand Union Endure the 100 mile cycle ride, starti ng in Queen The Thames Path Nati onal Trail is unique; varied and Canal towpath, a hidden green corridor that winds Elizabeth Olympic Park, through the capital and into beauti ful scenery, steeped in history - and a superb its way from the heart of London out towards the Surrey. With leg-testi ng climbs, and a route made backdrop for an excepti onal festi val of endurance Chilterns. The scenery will surprise you; its the famous by the world’s best cyclists at the London challenges. Most will walk it, some will jog parts of it Capital’s best kept secret. The Challenge will inspire 2012 Olympics, it’s a truly spectacular event for all. and quite a few will run the full 100 km. you; its London’s Great Escape! Fundraising required: £1,000 Minimum fundraising required: from £145 Minimum fundraising required: from £145

If you would like any further informati on about takingtaking part in a challengechallenge in aid of Wooden Spoon, please visit our websitewebsite www.woodenspoon.com/challengeswww.woodenspoon.com/challenges oror feelfeel freefree toto contactcontact MarlinaMarlina in thethe offi ce onon 0125201252 773720.773720.

36 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com “Over the last 25 years 806 teams have shed blood, sweat and tears on this iconic challenge”.

This announcement that this will be the fi nal Four Peaks Challenge has inspired many of our past challengers to relive their wonderful memories and come back and att empt to beat the peaks one last ti me. Whether you run, walk or stagger it, this event is a fantasti c team building experience and 2014, our 25th and fi nal year, is guaranteed to live up to past performances.

If you have taken part in the challenge before, please get in touch with your old team mates. Or if this is a challenge you have always considered taking part in, enter now – this is your last chance - and let’s make sure that the Four Peaks goes out with a mountainous bang!

2002 2008 Timeline Dean Richards & Peter Wheeler enter a Leicester A record 60 teams entered in Spoon’s 25th Tigers team and carry their Zurich Championship anniversary year and Four Peak’s cumulati ve 1991 Trophy up all Four Peaks. We move to the Hotel pledged funds hit £5million. Ford come on board as 1st Four Peaks Challenge – Four teams entered and Europe Killarney for our legendary post-event party offi cial vehicle supplier and remain to this day. Vauxhall supplied them with vehicles and 51 teams pledge £353,304 2012 1996 2005 Phil Vickery and Maggie Alphonsi enter a team and Gavin Hasti ngs enters a team driven by Gareth Fundraising hit an ulti mate high – 52 teams beat the Peaks ‘Coochie’ Chilcott . This year sees the launch of the pledged a whopping £466,211.00. Vauxhall say Cityy Challengeg and teams pledgep g £222,935, a fond farewell aft er supporti ng the event with vehiclesvehicles for 15 yeyearsars 20142014 25th25th and Final Four Peaks – are you up for it?

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 37 Wooden Spoon Case Study

Region: Chilterns Project Name: Claytons Primary School Project Type: Sensory Room Wooden Spoon Donati on: £22,995 Opened: 22nd July 2013 by Tom Guest

Thank you for our Sensory Room!

Children with social and The builders began the transformati on from It is an oasis of calm in a busy school setti ng, a disused shower and changing rooms into a valuable for children and staff alike. communicati on diffi culti es wonderful sensory room. The team, from Mike Ayres designed the room to maximise the space There are plans for other local schools to come and can fi nd a normal school and it was a joy to watch the installati on of the share our resource, we will be very proud to share environment noisy, busy equipment. Our minds fi lled with the possibiliti es, our sensory room with other ARP’s and specialist we held a grand opening where local press and setti ngs. and confusing. At Claytons guests from Wooden Spoon visited us; even a local Primary School we have a rugby star. Thank you Wooden Spoon! special needs department Our sensory room has become an integral part of Scarlet class and the school. The children in our ARP for twelve children with (Additi onal Resource provision) love the space to chill out in the fi bre opti c lights, listen to calming, these diffi culti es. We aim to soothing music, and have fun, hugging the bubble help and support them to tube and changing the coloured lights on the wall. The children watch as the mirror ball spins, make sense of school and refl ecti ng wonderful lights that move across the room and the projector shines images onto a huge ulti mately the world around screen above the sofa. The microphone has proved a them. To the children who huge success, making funny voices and even singing are part of the special needs a few songs. Children across the school have used the department’s Scarlet class, sensory room as a space to talk, read, and to it’s the place where they may have occupati onal therapy sessions. On a Friday aft ernoon, a fi lm club gather to enjoy the projector have lessons, occupati onal and sound system.y therapy and speech and language sessions or just talk ti me to review the week.

38 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 39 Sporti ng chance

TNT Express colleagues conti nue to be proud of their involvement with Wooden Spoon

The event was organised by BBS, including the As the children’s charity of team of ‘tappers’ who stood at the end of the rugby, Wooden Spoon knows pool and used a pole to tap the swimmers as they all about the power of sport approached the wall so they knew when to turn. Individuals and school groups were among the to enrich lives. competi tors and fi ve young people were given outstanding achievement awards There is no bett er example of this power than the as well as recogniti on for the male and Nati onal Visually Impaired Youth Swimming Gala, female swimmers of the day. organised by Briti sh Blind Sport (BBS), which took place last month. Alaina MacGregor, CEO of BBS said, “The young people that took part in this event TNT Express was proud to be the lead sponsor for are inspirati onal in their commitment to this event, which was also supported by Wooden sport.” Spoon. And TNT Express’ commitment to Briti sh Sixty blind or parti ally sighted young people from Blind Sport has now been extended even all over the country came to the Midlands to further with the company sponsoring the compete, accompanied by friends and family who 2014 Nati onal Visually Impaired fi ve-a-side created a fantasti c atmosphere. football tournament.

Alistair Cochrane, MD of TNT Express said, “At TNT Express we are committ ed to supporti ng charitable schemes within ti ng TNT Express UK the communiti es where we operate. We Phil Bown, General Manager Marke ti cipant presents a trophy to a par are delighted to be working with Briti sh Blind Sport to help give young people with visual impairments from across the UK the opportunitypp y to competep at such a greatg level.”

All ready to competecompete

40 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com London Marathon Fitti ngly, sport also plays a major part in TNT Express’ fundraising eff orts for Wooden Spoon.

Five TNT Express colleagues, as well as three customers, parti cipated in this year’s London Marathon each with a target to raise £1,500 for the charity. TNT Express has developed a strong relati onship with Seeing is Believing the race, having provided logisti cs support to more than 25 London Marathons, transporti ng tables and water and packing fi nisher bags. Sporty colleagues are also going to be taking on the The Seeing is Believing The project built roadways, juncti ons, traffi c TNT Rugby Cycle Challenge this September to raise lights, crossings, roundabouts and pavements in more money. initi ati ve has enabled more front of the school, with built-in speakers making than 3,000 TNT Express traffi c and rail noises. employees and customers And in Buckinghamshire, staff from the Slough The TNT Rugby and Royal Parks depots att ended the opening of to witness, fi rst hand, how the Wooden Spoon Sensory Room at Claytons Primary School in Bourne End, which was part Cycle Challenge the money they generate is funded with £23,000 from Wooden Spoon. At least 100 TNT Express employees, family, customers used to make a diff erence. as well as other supporters of Wooden Spoon will cycle The room includes light and sound projectors, bubble tubes, soft play cushions, special approximately 2.5 days, arriving at England’s HQ to take For example, TNT Express staff from Bradford fl ooring, colour wheels, mirrors, acti vity panels part in a grand parade ahead of the traditi onal Aviva and Leeds att ended the opening ceremony of Premiership London Double-Header on 6 September. and a keyboard and microphone which helps a new ‘real life street scene’ at Chellow Heights children with special needs at the school and Special School in Bradford. Wooden Spoon Each rider will be asked to raise £750 in sponsorship surrounding area. to take part in the event, which will see them cover granted £35,000 to the project which helps the distance in three legs, stopping at Buckingham and severely disabled pupils learn the fundamentals Maidenhead. of road safety in a safe yet ‘worldly’ environment. On going support of Wooden Spoon All of this endeavour is in additi on to the hard work that employees do on an individual and team basis, including dress down days. For example, one TNT Express employee, Mary-Ann Burke, Security Manager for Birmingham and Cannock depots, plans to run eight events including 5 half-marathons as well as a couple of 10km or 15km runs, the last of which – in Aviemore, Scotland, in October – will be in aid of Wooden Spoon.

Some colleagues and customers are also paying an annual fee to join a new employee membership scheme. As well as knowing that their donati on is going directly to help disadvantaged children, the scheme helps people feel even more involved with the projects. Staff from Slough and Royal Parks depots visit Claytons Primary School t Funds raised TNT Express colleagues are proud to put in so much eff ort for a charity that they have really taken to their hearts. ti ve Staff from Bradford and Leeds depots visit the Interac Last year, they raised £237,871 for Wooden Spoon Road at Chellow Heights through a mixture of direct donati ons and gift s in kind, taking the total raised since the partnership began in 19971997 ttoo ££3.48m.3.48m.

WhatWhat makesmakes TNT Express cocolleagueslleagues so eaeagerger to hhelpelp isis the fact that they ggetet to see exactly how their eff orts directlydirectly improve disadvantadisadvantagedged children’s lives.

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 41 Ambassadors

Wooden Spoon Industry Ambassadors conti nuing to make a diff erence

Enjoying the Hitz programme

Our very generous Ambassadors conti nue their support in a Talbot Underwriti ng have supportedd part of the Hitz Programme for the lastlast 4 years and Rupert Atkin, CEO writes… number of diff erent ways including engaging their company/trust or foundati on We all know that people are dealt very diff erent hands in life. The work Wooden Spoon do to try and help disadvantaged children is superb. Talbot are to fundraise and partner with proud and delighted to play our part in all this hard work, as well as to confi rm Wooden Spoon. This can be a further three years of support. organising a company challenge, sponsoring and supporti ng our events, donati ng gift s, venues We are delighted that the Wates Foundati on, through James Wates, and services in kind, aucti on lots, Chairman, is supporti ng our Visual Impairment Project… testi monials and introducti ons.

There are so many valuable ways that they To be part of the buzz of a PRL game is exciti ng. With this programme two support us to make a real diff erence to the young disadvantaged groups, Hitz benefi ciaries and visually impaired young people, people that we help. One such way is through the can come together to share that experience. We are really pleased to support sponsorship of our charitable projects. it because it allows both groups to empathise with the other’s issues and chchallenges,allenges, developdevelop ttheirheir communicacommunicati on skillsskills andand friendships.friendships. SuzieSuzie Haworth catches up with a few of our IndustryIndustry AmbassadorsAmbassadors whowho havehave donedone justjust this:this:

42 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com Travis Perkins have supported Hitz in Northampton for the past two years. Marti n Meech, Group Property Director commented …

This project targets the most disenfranchised young people who are NEET (Not in Educati on, Employment or Training) in the local Northamptonshire community, engaging them with the core values of rugby and into educati onal programmes and positi ve progression routes. It improves their lives, contributes to positi ve change within their community and beyond, adding signifi cant benefi t to society as a whole. I am delighted that we have confi rmed our commitment for 2014.

Nick Leslau, MAX property Group PLC…

We are hugely proud to be supporti ng the Hitz programme as the benefi ts to local authoriti es and, more importantly, the local communiti es they serve are truly signifi cant. Tower Hamlets, like many inner city boroughs, is confronted daily with many social challenges and the Hitz programme is designed to target disaff ected teenagers and help them learn through sport and other acti viti es, such as dance, the core values of parti cipati on, leadership, responsibility and just someti mes the art of just belonging to a group, which does not have to be a gang. Hitz shows these kids that there is another way, through sport and acti viti es, that you can learn about life in a way which is relevant to every facet of their day to day ers living experiences and that can be positi ve, caring and fantasti c for the individual and society as a whole. The Ambassador Programme off great events

Lee Green, CEO KMI Consultants…

It is with great pleasure that I have been able to help fi nd funding for the Noah’s Ark Appeal at the Children’s Hospital in Cardiff . Wooden Spoon have committ ed to fund two sensory rooms and four play areas. These valuable faciliti es will help to rehabilitate many thousands of very sick children across Wales. I am delighted that the money will fund 3 of these areas.

Jeff rey Barrett , Senior Partner Norton Rose Fulbright is also delighted that Norton Rose have agreed to sponsor the Hitz programme/Visual Impairment project. Jeff expresses his delight for their support…

As a Wooden Spoon Ambassador I am absolutely delighted that Norton Rose Fulbright have committ ed sponsorship for Wooden Spoon’s new and innovati ve project for parti ally sighted and blind young people. The Visual Impairment Project brings together Wooden Spoon’s Hitz programme benefi ciaries who are NEET with visually impaired young people. The Hitz programme benefi ciaries buddy with a visually impaired young person to be their eyes at a professional PRL game. A brilliant concept which brings two disadvantaged groups together, enabling them to recognise and empathise with each other’s real challenges, as well as developing their communicati on skills. Truly valuable work, which Norton Rose Fulbright are proud to be associated with.

To thank our Ambassadors for their generous On 9th June we will be inviti ng our Ambassadors We would love to hear from you if you are support we hold three Ambassador events each to a round the world wine tasti ng at Berry Bros. & passionate about making a diff erence to children year where they meet and network with fellow Rudd. who need our help and would like to join our Ambassadors. These events enable us to inform network of Ambassadors. Please get in touch with them on how their giving makes a real diff erence We are very grateful to all the Ambassadors who Suzie Haworth at [email protected] or to our benefi ciaries and the progress of the charity. have donated the venues and sponsorship for these call 01252 773720. This year our Annual Recepti on at the House events. In additi on to our Ambassador events, of Lords is once again kindly hosted by the Lord Ambassadors receive a tri-annual newslett er, Chadlington and will be held on 15th October. FrontRow News, to keep them informed throughout the year of any news and events.

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 43 Wooden Spoon Corporate

Wooden Spoon Partnership provides corporate employee engagement opportuniti es for supported projects

Wooden Spoon is a charity partner BITC are aiming to get more employees than ever Paul Buchanan, Nati onal Community Director of from businesses across the UK volunteering in their Business in the Community said, “Through Give of Business in the Community communiti es, lending their ti me, energy and skills to & Gain Day, Wooden Spoon is using the energy (BITC) in relati on to their Give & benefi t local communiti es. and skill of business volunteers to create a lasti ng impression on the inspirati onal organisati ons they Gain Day 2014 initi ati ve, which Organisati ons that have benefi tt ed from Wooden work with. Business in the Community hopes was offi cially launched on 16th Spoon funding in the past have been invited to put that involvement in the day will help chariti es, forward volunteering opportuniti es through the like Wooden Spoon, build strong connecti ons January at the top of the BT Tower. Wooden Spoon partnership with Give & Gain Day with business and expand their off er to employee for this coming year. Opportuniti es are open to a volunteers.” BITC is a unique business movement and team of business employees, from which the funded registered charity that works locally, nati onally and Wooden Spoon organisati on could benefi t from a internati onally with their corporate members to few extra pairs of hands, ideas and perhaps business transform businesses and communiti es. For further skills. informati on please visit www.bitc.org.uk/about-us. All types of volunteering happen on Give & Give & Gain Day is a specifi c BITC initi ati ve and the Gain Day; whether it’s brightening a community UK’s only nati onal day of employee volunteering. centre, hospice or school, creati ng a garden that Taking place on 16th May 2014, the initi ati ve will benefi ciaries can be proud to spend ti me in, or have completedp byy the ti me this copypy hits youry delivering an interview workshop to help prepare lelett erbox - look out for further news on the day in studentsstudents for the world of work, to name onlyonly a few. ourour nnextext ediediti oon.n.

44 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com Project Engagement Opportuniti es

We are raising our game at Wooden Spoon to provide a programme of excellence in order to showcase our charitable work. In additi on to our existi ng project visits, which enable you to see fi rst hand how your fundraising makes a diff erence, our future plans include engagement opportuniti es for your staff and key stakeholders. From volunteering, through to senior staff or client involvement, we can also help to support you in achieving your targets for corporate responsibility.

For further informati on please contact Rhiannon Hopkin on 01252 773720 or at Rhopkin@ woodenspoon.com. Enjoying the new playground at I CAN Meath

Zurich ‘good sports’ att end Wooden Spoon Project Opening

Last year saw the opening of the The Wooden Spoon Woodland Acti vity Centre is within the school grounds and comprises a cycle new Woodland Acti vity Centre track and a range of acti vity equipment including at I CAN Meath School in Surrey, swings, a carousel, tower and slide, climbing frames and tunnels. where Wooden Spoon was a major donor. I CAN is the children’s The centre was opened by John Inverdale, along with members and guests of the Wooden Spoon communicati on charity, providing a Surrey committ ee. Guests included Claire Purdy and Claire Purdy, Mark Wilders from the educati on team based at combinati on of specialist educati on Wooden Spoon Sporti ng Ambassador Zurich, Farnborough. Claire, famed for her England and therapy for children with the and Ladies Wasps rugby appearances, was making most severe and complex speech her fi rst visit to a Wooden Spoon project and was inspired by the experience. As a result, she has and language disabiliti es. The I become a committ ed Wooden Spoon Sporti ng CAN Meath School is a special Ambassador and has gone on to engage her fellow Wasps team members in Wooden Spoon acti viti es. school purely for primary aged children with speech, language “A fantasti c experience, which sti rred me to realise the opportuniti es to draw upon both my role at and communicati on needs (SLCN), Zurich and my passion for rugby,rugby, whilst supporti ng includingincluding Asperger’sAsperger’s Syndrome. the ggreatreat work of Wooden SpSpoon.”oon.” Claire PuPurdy,rdy, WWoodenooden SpSpoonoon SporSporti ng Ambassador / Market UUnderwriter,nderwriter, ZuricZurichh

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 45 Wooden Spoon’s Sporti ng Ambassadors

Marti n Offi ah visiti ng a school in Feltham

With 40 Regions, a Head Offi ce and numerous organisati ons, clubs and individuals all putti ng on events in the name of Wooden Spoon, the strain on our pool of amazing Rugby Ambassadors can someti mes almost reach breaking point. But ti me and ti me again, the support that these guys show to Wooden Spoon, and the young people that we help, blows us away.

Whether it is enduring 100’s Pat Sanderson and Tim Sti mpson take on the Arcti c Rugby Challenge of miles of cycling, climbing up

mountains, hosti ng dinners or Tim Sti mpson, former Briti sh and Irish Lion and Tim and Pat will be away from their families for visiti ng projects, we are never capped by England 19 ti mes, and Pat Sanderson, over 3 weeks, committi ng to a year’s worth of capped 16 ti mes by England and captaining the training beforehand, all whilst raising £50,000 short of a past or present star side on the 2006 tour of Australia, are embarking each for the charity.charity. from the game that we all love, to on the challenge of a lifeti me by trekking 100-miles to the 1996 certi fi ed positi on of the help us out. Magneti c North Pole whilst also breaking the World Record for the northernmost game of Not only does this give Wooden Spoon’s rugby played. benefi ciaries an amazing boost, seeing their heroes take ti me out of their day to come along, visit and Tim who has a long-standing history with us here help out, it also allows us to raise the funds to at Wooden Spoon, is currently the Honorary keep supporti ng disadvantaged children and young President of our Shropshire Region and helps us peoplep p for yearsy to come. out at over 10 events per yearyear.. Pat has recently helpedhelped us out withwith numerous challengeschallenges and BelowBelow are jjustust some of the hihighlightsghlights of the last 6 events starti nngg in and around tthehe City. monthsmonths herehere at Wooden Spoon:

46 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com shows his Phil Vickery, MBE welcomed onto the RFU Council support for Wooden Spoon As usual, our Lead Ambassador Phil Vickery, has been popping up all over the country helping Former England scrum-half and out at Wooden Spoon events and generally Rugby’s lead pundit, Dewi Morris, has been a promoti ng the work that we do. Phil has long-standing supporter of Wooden Spoon, recently been inducted onto the RFU Council as hosti ng regular Dewi Morris Curry Clubs for our one of the 62 Members, along with soon-to- be Manchester & Cheshire Region. President and former Lead Ambassador, Jason Leonard. Some of Phil’s main focus on the Dewi recently chose us as his charity of choice Council will be the causes that are close to his for the Sky Sports Rugby Club Six Nati ons heart, developing grass roots rugby, promoti ng Betti ng Challenge, where he has been testi ng Wooden Spoon and developing the next his betti ng knowledge against Will Greenwood, generati on of Raging Bulls. , , , Alan Quinlan and Rory Lawson, to try and win up Phil att ended this year’s Annual Ball for the Lovely Phil visiti ng HQ to £7,000 for Wooden Spoon. Dewi has been third year running, and soon had the other 10 proudly sporti ng his Wooden Spoon wristband Rugby Ambassadors in att endance learning the on The Rugby Club. Charleston to the amazement of the on looking guests.

Ambassadors Business Breakfast at Merger Market’s

Some of Wooden Spoon’s Henderson (Ireland), (Scotland) favourite and most acti ve Rugby and Tom Voyce (England) representi ng their countries opinions, the players for once were Rugby Ambassadors doing a great job on the Ambassadors; , allowed to answer back to the referee and made dancefl , Craig Chalmers the most of every opportunity to get their own oor back. and Tom Voyce gathered on the top fl oor of MergerMarket’s On the agenda was Six Nati ons performances, magnifi cent offi ces back in April to Heineken Cup insights, Rugby World Cup predicti ons and Lions Tours memories. Wayne deliver a memorable networking also gave as good as he got, and the exchanges breakfast. and insights provided an extremely amusing start to the working week. Guests gathered for a morning of breakfast and networking, before being treated to the main Wooden Spoon would like to convey our sincere event with our panel of rugby legends. With thanks Angus McIntosh, CEO of MergerMarket Wayne Barnes in charge of proceedings, and Rob and Paul Volley for kindly hosti ng the event. (l-r) Wayne Barnes, Rob Henderson, Tom Voyce and Craig Chalmers

League star signs up to Wooden Spoonn

Josh Charnley, one of Rugby League’s current pin-up boys, England World Cup squad member and a record try-scorer in the Super League last year, has pledged his support to Wooden Spoon, already donati ng several aucti on items and helping out with numerous online campaigns that we have been working on. Josh will conti nue to support Wooden Spoon in whichever ways he can throughout the year.

ForFor any informainformati on aboutabout thethe SporSporti ngng AmbassadorAmbassador pprogramme,rogramme, ppleaselease contact Ryan SShahinhahin aatt [email protected]@woodenspoon.com or callcall 01252 773720. Josh Charnley signing a Wooden SpoonSp rugby shirt oon rugby shirt

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 47 Wooden Spoon Rugby

With the evenings getti ng lighter, and the pitches fi rmer, these signs only point towards one thing here at Wooden Spoon….. That the 7s season is upon us.

A huge amount of work by the team here at Wooden Spoon, and the volunteers and partners that work alongside us, goes on in the winter months to help make our 7s seasons as successful and enjoyable as possible for all involved, with the emphasis on spreading the charity’s key messages of Passion, Integrity, Teamwork and Fun, and

we don’t expect 2014 to be any diff erent! The team are looking forward to playing in the Bournmouth 7’s

The Wooden Spoon Marauders

The fi rst major development for this season is the Tom Mitchell and Ifan Evans. Many legends of forward to conti nuing playing at the highest level announcement of a landmark partnership for us the 15-a-side game have donned the famous whilst raising the awareness of Wooden Spoon here at Wooden Spoon, and that is the coming jersey over the years including: Austi n Healey, around the 7s circuit. Wooden Spoon already together with the world famous 7s side, the White Jermy Guscott , , , has a very successful womans team and we look Hart Marauders. , Andy Nicol, Craig Chalmers, Gavin forward to supporti ng them when competi ng on Hasti ngs and many more. the Elite tours that we are to embark on in the The White Hart Marauders were also about in coming seasons.” 1983, the year Wooden Spoon was founded, and Ryan Shahin, Wooden Spoon’s Rugby coordinator are one of the longest established invitati onal 7s said, “When the initi al idea was suggested to join sides on the circuit. Having competed in, and won, forces with such a successful club as the White tournamentsto all Hart Marauders, it seemed like the possibiliti es overov the world, the were endless for two insti tuti ons with such MaraudersM can be synergy, and so it was a no-brainer to agree to. closelycl associated Our women’s side is one of the most successful in withw the rapid Europe, and I am sure this partnership will ensure developmentd the men are competi ng at the same level.” ofo the global 7s game.g Some of the One of the founders, and now Chairman of the topt stars coming White Hart Marauders, Billy White said, “I am throught their so proud of what has been achieved by the ranks are the likes club which conti nues to be run by a group of of Alex Cuthbert,Cuthbert, passionate volunteers from its ancestral home,home, Dan Bibby,Bibby, ThThee WWhitehite Hart in EversEversley,ley, HampsHampshire.hire. TThishis is England 7s7 Dan Bibby shows o ChrisChris Cracknell,Cracknell, the ststartart of a new ereraa fforor MarMaraudersauders anandd wwee llookook s Dan Bibby sho ws off Spoon Marauders shirtthe new Wooden

48 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com 2014 Tournaments Kukri Kitti ng Us Out 2014 Fixtures

In keeping with one of the Almost as important as our Wooden Spoon Men’s and Women’s sides will be competi ng at tournaments across charity’s overall objecti ves, to performances on the pitch, is the UK and Europe this season, check out raise our profi le in the rugby getti ng our message seen loud our remaining fi xture list below for details of where and when you can come along to community across the UK and and clear, and thankfully for support! beyond, we are embarking the third year running, Kukri on an ambiti ous series of will be helping us do just that. Date Team Tournament tournaments that will see Ever since coming on board in 2012, Kukri 24/4/2014 Wooden Spoon Bournemouth 7s us compete across England, have provided Wooden Spoon with cutti ng 25/4/2014 Men & Women edge kit, in terms of performance and Ireland, Wales and even 31/5/2014 Wooden Spoon Rugby Rocks design, incorporati ng the famous Wooden Men & Women

Holland! Spoon colours boldly and brightly enough for 14/6/2014 Wooden Spoon West Country 7s everyone to see! Men & Women As usual, we have been kindly supported 12/7/2014 Wooden Spoon Sevens and the by many of the tournaments we are Kukri also provide us with a full range of Men City entering, and a special menti on must go to off -fi eld and supporter’s kit, if you are 12/7/2014 Wooden Spoon Legends Rugby Bournemouth 7s and Heineken Kinsale7s. interested in coming along to cheer us on Women Festi val These are two of the biggest tournaments and looking the part at the same ti me, please 9/8/2014 Wooden Spoon Cwmtawe 7s in Europe, and due to them naming us as visit our online shop to fi nd the full range of Men Charity Partner, this will allow our teams to merchandise. 31/8/2014 Wooden Spoon Harpenden 7s be seen by almost 50,000 rugby fans across Men these two weekends. htt p://www.woodenspoon.com/shop

For more informati on on Wooden Spoon Rugby, whether you would like to play, support or sponsor, please contact Ryan Shahin at [email protected] or call 01252 773720.

Wooden Spoon RFC Partners

Getti ng to Grips with Gilbert

Wooden Spoon is also extremely pleased to announce that one of the world’s biggest rugby brands, Gilbert, have become our offi cial ball supplier.

With a relati onship going back many years, Gilbert approached Wooden Spoon to ask how they can help and do more to support one of their favourite chariti es. They have kindly off ered us a whole rrangeange ooff support. PartPart ofof thisthis isis becomingbecoming thethe offi ccialial ballball suppliersupplier forfor WoodenWooden SpoonSpoon Rugby,Rugby, providingproviding oourur teams with top-of-the-range,top-of-the-range, fully-branded,fully-branded, balls that will hopefullyhopefully bebe seen at matches,matches, clubs aandnd tournaments across tthehe countrcountry.y.

KKeepeep an eye-out for further developments in this gground-breakinground-breaking relati onship for Wooden Spoon.

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 49 50 SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 woodenspoon.com Wooden Spoon Case Study

Region: Yorkshire Project Name: Chellow Heights School Project Type: Interacti ve Road Wooden Spoon Donati on: £35,000 Opened: 5th July 2013 by Joanne Dodds,, Deputy Mayor of Bradford Learning about road safety

Chellow Heights Special Is the interacti ve road a permanent feature in the Where did you get the funding from to create the playground? Will it always be there or can it be road system? School which caters for moved to other locati ons? We applied to Wooden Spoon and put forward a children aged 2-11 years of It always has to be set up in the playground at case and a plan for creati ng the road system. The age with complex medical present, due to holes in the ground for the signs and school was successful in its bid, and was awarded signals to stand in. If we developed a free standing £35,000 from the charity. The road was then and physical needs, has had base for the signs, they could be used anywhere, as commissioned to very specifi c requirements by a the batt ery packs allow the system to be portable. leading sensory equipment specialist, to make sure a ’mock street scene’ created the roads were realisti c and met the road safety within it’s playground thanks Who can use the interacti ve road? training needs of the pupils at the school. to funding from Wooden Because it is the only one of its kind in the North, and the fi rst ever portable version in the UK, the Spoon. interacti ve road is so valuable to many young people in the district. As well as pupils at Chellow Heights, We speak to Vicki Street, Chari es & Fundraising Co- ti and our co-located school Heaton, the road can be ordinator for Chellow Heights Special School, to nd fi used by other special schools in the district. Children out how it has benefi tt ed the children that use it. with additi onal needs in mainstream setti ngs and

other groups wishing to learn road skills or cycling What are the features of the interacti ve road? profi ciency within a safe environment are also able to make use of the facility. The mock street scene is a scaled down version of

a road system, which includes working tra c lights, ffi Is this now part of the curriculum / when do zebra and pelican crossings, road signs, shops and children have lessons in road safety? Can all built in speakers which make realis c tra c and rail ti ffi children access the road system? noises.

All pupils can access the road system as part of Where did the idea for the road system come lunchti me acti viti es and it is available for lessons from? during the week. Children also use the system as part of our out of school and holiday acti viti es. We ran a survey and consulted with parents and carers, where the teaching of road safety came out What benefi ts have you seen from children using as a high priority, especially for wheelchair-bound the road system? pupils to practi ce moving around, and crossing roads in a realisti c yet secure environment. Research One of the main benefi ts is the opportunity for suggests that people with learning diffi culti es or children with disabiliti es to learn road safety disabili es are more at risk on roads (Brake UK) so ti awareness, which teaches independent skills the prac cal training we can now give on the road is ti and encourages children and young people to iinvaluablenvaluable to pupils.pupils. take rresponsibilityesponsibility forfor their own safetsafety.y. We can

teach younyoungg people to have an awareness of risk aandnd dandanger.ger. The teachingteaching prepares children for aadulthooddulthood and hashas beenbeen seen to increase youngyoung peopeople’sple’s self esteem and confi dence.

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 51 WE KNOW THAT INVESTING IN RELATIONSHIPS GETS THE BEST OUTCOME.

SEE HOW WE’RE DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY

CALL JAMES HARDING INVESTMENT DIRECTOR TEL. 020 7150 4186 OR VISIT WWW.QUILTERCHEVIOT.COM

Quilter Cheviot Limited is registered in England with number 01923571. Quilter Cheviot Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange52 SPOONEWS and authorised | SPRING 2014 and regulatedwoodenspoon.com by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. The National Autistic Society

Auti sm is a lifelong developmental disability that aff ects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also aff ects how they make sense of the world around them. It is esti mated that more than 1 in 100 people in the UK (700,000) may have auti sm.

Over the last thirty years Wooden Spoon has supported thousands of children and their families living with auti sm. More specifi cally through projects such as Nati onal Auti sti c Society (NAS) projects, £80,000 for Daldorch School in Scotland and more recently £20,000 for the Helen Allison School in Kent, but also through our support for the special schools sector by the funding of sensory rooms and gardens and outdoor play areas, for example.

The Nati onal Auti sti c Society was founded over 50 years ago by a group of friends who were frustrated by the lack of support available for them and their children. They decided to act for themselves and, today, as the UK’s leading auti sm charity, conti nue to act on behalf of everyone living with auti sm. NAS has launched a new initi ati ve designed to get more young people with auti sm playing sport and joining sports clubs. The ‘Acti ve for Auti sm’ programme is to be rolled out nati onally and is built on the success of Wooden Spoon’s project at the Kids from the Helen Allison Football Team Helen Allison School where the pupils have fallen in love with sport and, in this case, tag rugby.

Speaking aft er a recent auti sm awareness staff training session at Wooden Spoon head offi ce, Tracey Sellars (NAS) said, “Wooden Spoon’s strength is its genuine enthusiasm, across every member of its staff , to improve the lives of children with disabiliti es. It was such a delight to share our understanding of auti sm with you, and to receive such a warm welcome.”

From Ellen Notbohm’s book, Ten Things Every Child with Auti sm Wishes You Knew (2012), here are ten characteristi cs that help illuminate—not defi ne—children with auti sm:

1. I am a child. My auti sm is part of who I am, not all of who I am 2. My senses are out of sync 3. Disti nguish between won’t (I choose not to) and can’t (I am not able to) 4. I’m a concrete thinker. I interpret language literally 5. Listen to all the ways I am trying to communicate 6. Picture this! I’m visually oriented 7. Focus and build on what I can do rather than what I can’t do

8. Help me with social interacti ons Raising the awareness of au ti sm, starti ng with the staff at HQ 9. Identi fy what triggers my meltdowns 10. Love me unconditi onally

© Ellen Notbohm. For extended excerpt, visit www.ellennotbohm.com

woodenspoon.com SPOONEWS | SPRING 2014 53 ^ƟƌƌĞĚŝŶƚŽĂĐƟŽŶĂƚͬďLJ͗ Please Indicate your and your clients’ interest(s) in the following events by placing an X in the appropriate box.

Rugby Event Challenge Event sŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌKƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ Golf Event Dinner / Ball Event ,ĞůƉŵLJZĞŐŝŽŶĂůŽŵŵŝƩĞĞ I would like to become a member of Wooden Spoon. Other Please complete all 3ƐĞĐƟŽŶƐŽĨƚŚĞĨŽƌŵ͘ (please specify)ecify)

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