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SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com2 ExcitngTimesAhead..AsWoodenSpoonapproachestheendofits30thAnniversaryyearwecanreectonwhatagreatcelebratoryyearithasbeenforthecharityandthechildrenandyoungpeoplethatwesupport.OurrugbypatronsDuringthelast12monthswehaveopened63charitableprojectsthatbenetdisadvantagedchildrenandyoungpeopletotallingjustover1.2millionofsupport.AtremendousresultconsideringthecurrenteconomicclimateAmongthesewasanannouncementofafurtherthreeyearssupportfortheHitzNewEraprogramme.ThisthreeyearpartnershipwillrecogniseWoodenSpoonscommitmentandseethecharityworkinginpartnershipwithprofessionalrugbyclubsandspecialisteducatonproviderstosupportdisenfranchisedyoungpeoplebackintoeducatonemploymentandtraining.TheWoodenSpoonregionscontnuetobethedrivingforcebehindthecharitywhodespitetheworstwinterformanyyearshaverisentothechallengeandraisedawonderfulamountduringthelastyear.Wearedelightedtoannouncetheproposednewregionoverwhereitallstartedin1983inDublin.TNTExpresscontnuetobeboththelargestandlongestservingcorporatesupporterofthecharityandrecentlypresenteduswithachequetotalling237871representngthesterlingfund-raisingeortsofTNTExpressemployeesduring2013.Sincethepartnershipbeganbackin1997ithasraisedamassive3.48mfordisadvantagedanddisabledchildrenandyoungpeople.The30thAnniversaryAnnualBallwasatrulymagicalevent.Itwasfabuloustoseesomanyfamiliarfacesfromovertheyears.ThisyearsWoodenSpoonBallthemedasAuroraIcewillseeustakeinspiratonfromtheArctcRugbyChallenge2015tobringyouaneveningofbeautyandmystery.Beadvisedthattablesaresellingfastandthisreallyisntaneveningtobemissed.Aswemoveintothesummermonthsdustothegolfclubsandlookforwardtothe2015RugbyWorldCupwehaveanumberofgreatfundraisingeventsinthepipeline.Pleasebesuretopaycloseaentontotheoneshappeninginyourlocalregion.Wehopethatyoucansupporttheminanywaythatyoucan.IwouldliketothankyouallforyourcontnuedsupportofWoodenSpoon.Yourpassionintegrityteamworkandfunarewhatkeepthosesmilesstrringamongthechildrenandyoungpeoplethatwesupport.WithoutyouthemembersandthehardworkingRegionalCommieesandvolunteersourworkwouldnotbepossible.Thankyou.JohnGibsonChairmanWoodenSpoonWhoWeAreandWhatWeDoWoodenSpoonisagrantmakingcharityfoundedin1983.Sincethenwehavebeencommiedtohelpingimprovethelivesofdisabledanddisadvantagedchildren.WeareoneofthelargestUKfundersofrespiteandmedicaltreatmentcentressensoryroomsspecialistplaygroundssportsactvityareasandcommunity-basedprogrammesandhavesofargrantedover20milliontothesefantastcprojects.Inspiredandmotvatedbyourrugbyheritageandbyworkingtogetherwiththerugbycommunitywiththesupportofitstopsportngheroeswehavebeenabletohelpover1millionchildrenandfundover600projects.In2011WoodenSpoonbecametherstcharitytoreceivetheSpiritofRugbyAwardfromtheInternatonalRugbyBoardandinNovember2013becametheocialcharitypartneroftheRugbyLeagueWorldCup.WearealsohonouredtohaveHRHThePrincessRoyalasourPatron.OurRoyalPatronisHRHThePrincessRoyalwhogivesgenerouslyofhertme.TheRFUWRUSRUIRFUandtheRFLallsupportusinourcharitablework.Ourrugypatronsgenerouslyofhertme.TheRFUWRUSRUIRFUandtheRFLallsupportusinourcharitablework.SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com3 SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com41250CUSTOMERS5.3MILLIONSQMOFLETTABLESPACE5.2BILLIONPORTFOLIO488HECTARESOFDEVELOPMENTLANDDataasatDecember31st2013SEGRO.compropertysearchUKFranceGermanyPolandNetherlandsBelgiumCzechRepublicItalyANETWORKTHATSPANSEUROPEEXPERIENCETHATSPANSDECADESSHEDSSANSFRONTIRESSEGROISPROUDTOCONTINUEITSSUPPORTFORWOODENSPOON Contents6.WoodenSpoonNews10.WoodenSpoonsCharitableWork16.WoodenSpoonRegionalFundraising36.WoodenSpoonChallenges40.TNTandWoodenSpoon46.WoodenSpoonRugbyAmbassadors48.WoodenSpoonRugby352826TheArctcRugbyChallenge24InspiratonalFundraisingEventsCalenderWoodenSpoonCommunityProjectsSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com5 InMemoryofTrevorJonesIn1998TrevorJonesrespondedtothecallfromTonyRichardshislifelongfriendfromtheirschooldaystogetheratFleetwoodGrammarSchoolwhowasworkingforWoodenSpoonandchargedwiththetaskofincreasingthenumberofRegionalCommieesinordertogrowthecharity.TrevorrecruitedJohnDewhurstwhobecametherstChairmanoftheLancashireRegionandinturnJohnsetaboutcreatngasuitablystrongandenthusiastccommieewithTrevortakingontheroleofSecretaryapositonhehelduntlhispassingon4thDecember2013.TheirrsteventorganisedwiththesupportoftheThompsonfamilywasheldatBlackpoolPleasureBeach.Thelunchwassupportedby260guestsandincludedBillBeaumontandCliMorganastheguestspeakers.Trevorwasinstrumentalinseng-upandrunningtheLancashireRegionshighlysuccessfulgolfdays.Todaybothannualeventsarewellsupportedandaretheirtwomainincomegenerators.Trevorsdeathwasnotunexpected.Hehadreturnedtothecomfortofhisownhomefromhospitalandslippedawaypeacefullyattheageof67years.HisworkinassistngdisadvantagedchildreninLancashirewillbemissedbutnotforgoen.TheScoshcommieehasunveileditslatestshortlmpromotngtheworkofthecharityNorthoftheborder.ThisisthethirdlmmadewiththeworkingttleThisisWhereYourMoneyGoesanditfeaturesprojectsrecentlysupportedbyWoodenSpooninScotland.ThelatesteditoncontainsfootagefromanexcitnggameofwheelchairrugbywhenGlasgowWarriorsplayerswereshownhowitsdonebysomeofthepartcipantsinthecommunityprojectandlooksattheworkofQuarriersEpilepsyCentreandtheScoshSpinaBidaAssociatonamongothers.AlistairCrawleyoftheStevenSimsCavaliersprovedhimselfaveryablepresenterwhenhejoinedtheproductonteamtoinspectproposednewfacilitesforTeensandSleepScotlandoneofthelatestprojectstoreceivegrantfunding.WhentheproposedlearningzoneforyoungpeoplewithcomplexsupportneedscompletesthisautumnWoodenSpoonwilldedicateittothememoryofStevenSimsarugbyenthusiastandpopularall-roundsportsmanwhodiedsuddenlyagedjust23.HisfriendshavecontnuedhisfundraisinglegacythroughrugbywiththeCavaliersandothersportngactvitesdonatngproceedstoWoodenSpoon.Ashortlmisagreatwaytoputacrossalotofinformatonveryquicklyatfundraisingevents.SomeoftheyoungpeopleweinterviewcanshowanaudiencewithoutadoubtthateverypennyraisedcountsandwhatsmoreishugelyappreciatedsaysScoshcommieechairmanCharlieBryden.AnyonewishingtoviewthemovieororderacopyshouldcontactMaggieWrightatMaggieMWA-Scotland.com.WoodenSpoonNewsTheScotlandRegionReleasesNewDVDcharity.aretheirtwomainincomegenerators.SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com6 ThenewgeneratonofWoodenSpoonshinesbrightlyBrianHodgesCapitalProjectsDevelopmentDirectorAchangeatHQAgedjust16yearsoldMollieSmithistherstofthenewgeneratonofWoodenSpoonsupporterstoholdabenengeventforthecharity.ButMollieisfarfromanordinaryteenagerasshehasWoodenSpooninherveinscourtesyofhergrandfatherFredHuckeroneofthefoundersandcurrentlyaVicePresidentofthecharity.WithherPromtakingplaceinMayMolliedecidedtoholdajewellerypartyforherfriendsandtoraisemoneyforthecharityatthesametme.AndsotheideaforGirlyGlitzandGlamwasborn.ThejewellerypartytookplaceatSurreySportsParkinGuildfordSurreyonTuesday1stApril.FriendsfamilyandclassmatescametobrowsethewaresfromMakeADierenceM.A.D.theonlinefundraisingandjewelleryretailer.ArangeofwonderfulprizesincludingowerschocolateschampagnetwobeautfulbraceletandearringsetsdonatedbyM.A.D.andaweekendstaykindlydonatedbyHeadleyParkHotelinHampshirewereraedowithallproceedsgoingtoWoodenSpoon.WithfundsfromtheraeaddedtotheretailprotonjewellerysoldbyM.A.D.thateveningMolliesrstbenengeventraisedover330forWoodenSpoon.Afer7yearsservicewithWoodenSpoonBrianHodgesCapitalProjectsDevelopmentDirectorisgoingtoenjoyawellearnedretrementattheendofJuly.DuringhistmeintheroleBrianprocessedwellover300capitalprojects.HehasalsomanagedtherelatonshipwithHRHThePrincessRoyalandassistedinvariouscentralgolfeventsaswellasbeingaveryactvememberofSurreyRegionwhichhewillcontnue.WewishhimwellinhisretrementandgiveoursincerethanksforallofthetremendousworkthatBrianhasundertakeninthenameofWoodenSpoon.AttheendofMarchChiefExecutveSteveHoltresignedfromhispositonatthecharity.AlthoughStevehasbeenagreatambassadorforWoodenSpoonherecognisedthatsomeonewithadierentskillsetwouldbebeerplacedtotakethecharityforwardoverthenextfewyears.AccordinglyandwithregretStevefeltitbesttostepdownandthetrusteeshaveacceptedhisdecision.ThetrusteesareprovidingmanagementsupporttoWoodenSpoonstauntlareplacementforSteveisrecruited.Asaresultthecharityiscontnuingtofunctonday-to-dayinthesamewayasitwasbefore.StevecommentedThisdecisionhasnotbeentakenlightlyatallasWoodenSpoonthechildrenscharityofrugbyisafantastcorganisaton.WiththegenerousteamspiritoftherugbycommunityandthehelpofitstopsportngheroesWoodenSpoonprojectstrulymakeadierence.WewishStevetheverybestofluckinhisfutureendeavours.KarenMacaulayMollieSmithandFredHuckerFormerCEOSteveHoltGoodluckBrian.WewishStevetheverybestofluckinhisfutureendeavours.GoodluckBrianSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com7 NationalConferenceBarryscolourfulhaircutLetsgetsocialWearedelightedtoannouncethatthe2014WoodenSpoonNaonalConferencewillbetakingplaceonSaturday14thJuneatTheBelfrytowhichallRegionalChairmenandTrusteesarewelcometoaend.Theconferenceistheidealopportunitytomeetwithotherregionalvolunteerssharebestpracceandfreshideascatchupwitholdfriendsandmeetnewonesinarelaxedandinformalatmosphereandbeinvolvedinthefuturedevelopmentofthecharity.Wearelookingforwardtoseeingyouallthere.ForfurtherdetailspleasecontactDavidWalmsleyon01252773720.OnMonday24thMarchourveryownChiefOperangOcerBarryMonahanshavedhisheadinaidofWoodenSpoon.NotonlywasitabadhairdayforBarrybutitwasalsohisBirthdayBarryraised1000forthecharityandwearepleasedtoannouncethatitisgrowingbackslowlyDontforgetyoucankeepuptodateoneverythingwehavegoingonhereatWoodenSpoonbysimplylikingusonFacebookfollowingusonTwierorwatchingusonYouTube.ThroughWoodenSpoonsdigitalplatormsweaimtokeepyouup-to-datewithallofournewseventscompeonsandgiveaways.ItalsogivesyouadirectlinktoushereatWoodenSpoonsoyoucantellusabouteverythinggoingoninyourcommunity.AlloftheseareacompletelyfreewayofsupporngussopleasejustlikefolloworsharetheworkwedohereatWoodenSpoonandhelpusspreadourmessage.YoucanlikeusonFacebookatfacebook.comwoodenspooncharityfollowusonTwiercharityspoonorwatchusonYouTubeatWoodenSpoonTV.SteveKingisrecognisedforon-goingsupportofWoodenSpoonBirmingham-basedsupporterPertempsPeopleDevelopmentGrouphasrecentlybeenrecognisedforitson-goingsupportofthecharity.PresenngCEOSteveKingwithaframedcercateatthecompanysheadoceinEdgbastonSteveHoltformerCEOWoodenSpooncommendedthecompanyforitsfundraisingandhelpinenablingtheopeningofseveralchildrensprojectsintheWestMidlands.StevesaidWoodenSpoonreliesonitsvolunteercommieestoraisethefundsrequiredtoenhancethelivesofdisadvantagedchildrenandyoungpeople.ThedonaonofmeinordertomanageprojectsbytheRegionalChairmanPhilPembleiswellrecognisedandparcularlyappreciatedbytherecipients.Wecouldntdoitwithoutthemeyougive.ReceivingtheawardSteveKingcommentedthatSupportcantakemanyguisesnancialin-kindorasinthiscaseresource.EnablingthedonaonofmesothatPhilcanundertakeiniavesonbehalfofthecharityissomethingwevedonesincetheinceponofthebusinesssome15yearsago.ToseethesmilesonthefacesofthechildrenwehelpthroughWoodenSpoonissomethingmoneycantbuysoitwasbothanhonourandapleasantsurprisetoberecognisedonceagainforourworkinthecharitablearena.IvebeenimmenselyproudforseveralyearsnowtocallmyselfaSpooner..StevereceivinghiscercateBarrygoesbaldforWoodenSpoonannouncetattsgrowngacsowyBarrygoesbaldforWoodenSpoonSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com8 GiveasyouLiveTheRugbyLeagueWorldCup2013StirringSmilesforWoodenSpoonWoodenSpoonsupporterwinsaluxuryholidaytotheMaldivesForallyouonlineshoppersGiveasyouLiveworkswith2516leadingstoresthathavesigneduptodonateacommissiononeveryonlinepurchasetothecharityofyourchoice.ThiscommissionisalreadyincludedinthepriceofwhatyouarebuyingsoyoucansupportWoodenSpoonatnoextracosttoyou.TheRugbyLeagueWorldCupbroughttolightafantastcpoolofvolunteerswhosupportedthecharitythroughoutthecourseofthetournament.CladintheirbrightWoodenSpoonHoodiesandregalingtheWoodenSpoonstorytoanyoneandeveryonetheywerewonderfulambassadorsforthecharity.Over3000childrentookpartinaWoodenSpoonfundedCommunityDanceProgrammethroughoutthetournament.AllwereseenintheirWoodenSpoonHoodiesandthankstothesupportofthecharitymanyofthechildrenwillcontnuetodanceattheirlocaldanceworkshops.WewerethrilledthattheEnglandsquadandalsomanyofthewinningAustralianteammemberswereabletovisitWoodenSpoonbeneciariesmakingitpossibleforthechildrentocomefacetofacewiththeirrugbyheroes.Thankyoutoallwhocontributedtoourlatesttotalof7721.65withourStrringSmilescampaign.IfyouwouldliketomakeaoneodonatontoourStrringSmilescampaignyoucanbyvisitngwww.justgiving.comStrringSmiles.Onthe19thMarchweweredelightedtoannouncethewinneroftheMaldivesrae.ItwaswonbyaverysurprisedJanLawrencewhopurchasedthetcketattheWoodenSpoonFishingDaylastSeptember.TheprizewhichwaskindlydonatedbyHalcyonTravelCollectonsandAAAHotelsandResortsisa10nightshalfboardholidayfor2inaluxurybeachvillaintheMaldives.Theprizealsoincludedtransfers.WewishJanawonderfultmeonhertravels.PleasestaytunedformoreWoodenSpoonraeswithfantastcprizestobewon.l-rSeanOLoughlinLeeMossopLiamFarrellandThomasBurgessFishingDaylastSeptember.SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com9 OurmissionistomakeapositveimpactonthelivesofdisadvantagedchildrenandyoungpeopleacrosstheUKthroughourcommitmenttoqualitycharitablework.TheChilternsRegionofWoodenSpoonraisedanddonated11900toPriorsCourtSchoolforanewoutdoorhortcultureclassroomwithintheschoolgrounds.PriorsCourtSchoolisaHermitage-basedautsmcharity.TheclassroomwasociallyopenedataneventinMarchbyPhilVickeryandaendedbymanylocaldignitariesandimportantrugbyguests.ThehortcultureareaatPriorsCourtisdesignedtohelptheyoungpeopledeveloptheirvocatonalskillsnemotorskillsandincreasetheirindependence.Studentswhondtheclassroomenvironmentdicultcanourishinthehands-onenvironmentofthehortcultureareaandenjoywatchingsomethingwhichtheyhaveplantedgrow.ThefundingwillmakeahugedierencetotheyoungpeopleatPriorsCourtandLucindaStubbsHeadofFundraisingsaidWewouldliketoextendourthanksandappreciatontoWoodenSpoonforsuchgeneroussupport.TheOutdoorHortcultureClassroomisanexcellentnewfacilitywhichwillreallyhelptheyoungpeopletousethehortcultureareathroughouttheyearandenablepractcalandacademicworktobeundertakeninthesameplacetomaximisethepositvebenetsforourstudents.OntalkingaboutthedonatonMikeElliofromtheChilternsRegionsaidWearedelightedtohavebeenabletosupportPriorsCourtasitssuchaworthycauseandwecanseetherealbenetsthatthenewOutdoorHortcultureClassroomwillprovidetheyoungpeopleattheSchool.Ourprimaryaimistoraisemoneyforcapitalprojectstoimprovethelivesofdisadvantagedyoungsters.ThisprojectisanexcellentexampleoftherugbycommunitymakingadierenceintheChilternsandtheThamesValley.CHILTERNSPRIORSCOURTSCHOOLHORTICULTURECLASSROOMWoodenSpoondonaton11900Opened19thMarch2014byPhilVickeryMBEPhilVickerycutstheribbonatPriorsCourtWoodenSpoonRegionalProjectstohelptheyoungpeopledeveloptheirvocatonalskillsnemotorskillsandincreasedelightedtohavebeenabletosupportPriorsCourtasitssuchaworthycauseandwecanPhilVickerycutstheribbonatPriorsCourtSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com10 AnewsensorygardenwasopenedattheInclusionSupportUnitatWitchfordVillageCollegenearElywithfundingfromtheEasternCounesRegionofWoodenSpoonandsupportedbyPeterboroughRFC.Theoriginalaimofthegardenwastooerasafeplaceandprovideapraccalacvityareathatencouragesoutdoorlearning.Aswellashelpingtocreateanawarenessoftheenvironmentitgivesstudentstheopportunitytolearnlifeskillsandenablesocialinteraconwiththelocalcommunity.WillFraserSaracensEnglandSaxonsPresidentofHertordshireRegionwasdelightedtoopentheregions15thWoodenSpoonprojectintenyearsattheColleSchoolinHemelHempstead.TheColleSchoolisuniqueinHertordshireinbeingtheonlymediumlearningdicultyschooltohavebothprimaryandsecondarypupils.These120pupilsbetween4and16yearsoldeachhavecomplexneedsandtheWillFrasertheHertordshireRegionofWoodenSpoonsHonoraryPresidentopenedtherecentprojectatSt.AndrewsSchoolHertordshirelastOctober.TheMayorofBiggleswadeCouncillorHazelRamsaySteveHoltformerCEOofWoodenSpoonJohnBaersChairmanoftheHertordshireRegionandtheparentsofpupilsallaendedtheopening.Theschoolwelcomedtheirguestswithacakeandnon-alcoholicEASTERNCOUNTIESHERTFORDSHIREHERTFORDSHIREWITCHFORDCOLLEGESENSORYGARDENWoodenSpoondonaton4865Opened1stApril2014bySamusFarrellyCOLLETTSCHOOLSENSORYQUIETROOMSWoodenSpoondonaton16000Opened3rdOctober2013byWillFraserST.ANDREWSSCHOOLLOGCABINSENSORYROOMWoodenSpoondonaton12000Opened17thOctober2013byWillFraserVivMerryweathertheunitmanagerandherassistantVickiBaileyexplainedthatthegardenplanningwasstartedbyensuringitincludedwaterfeatureswindchimesaswellassensoryplantssuchaslavenderandbamboo.Atpresentthestudentsareplanngintheirvegetablegardensoallcanbenetfromthefruitsoftheirlabours.Thestudentshavebeenakeypartoftheprocessbyhelpingbuildtwobenchesplanngtreesandpainng.Theywereinvolvedinchoosingtheequipmentandplantsaswellasinvolvementintheoveralldesign.Theprojecthashelpedthestudentstolearnandpraccecommunicaonnumeracybudgengproblemsolvingpraccalskillshealthandsafetyissuesaswellasresearchinvolvinginformaontechnology.ThegardenwasopenedbySamusFarrellyChairmanoftheEasternCounesRegionandsupportedbyJohnGrangefromthecommiee.TNTWoodenSpoonprincipalsupporterwasrepresentedbySueBluntOperaonsManagerattheStansteddepot.provisionofbothsensoryandquietroomsatacostof16000willbeinvaluabletotheirprogress.StephenHoult-AllentheHeadmastersaidOverthelastfewyearswehaveseentheneedsofourchildrenchangetoincludethosewithmorecomplexsensoryandcommunicaonneedswithmanyofthesechildrenbeingontheauscspectrum.ThroughthegenerosityoftheHertordshireRegionanditssupporterswehavebeenabletocreatetwonewspaceswhichdramacallyimproveourprovisionforchildrenwithsensoryneeds.Wenowhaveasmallquietroomwithmusicandsubduedlighngwherethechildrencanexperienceacalmingenvironment.Inaddionwehavealargeradjoiningsensoryroomwitharangeofsensoryequipmentwhichisusedwithsomeofthechildrentoencouragecommunicaoncelebratorydrinkwhilsttheschoolchoirsungseveralsongsfortheassembledguests.TheHertordshireRegioncontributed12000towardtheWoodenSpoonLogCabinSensoryRoom.Itsprimaryfunconwillbeasateachingspaceandwillbeusedthroughouteverydayteaching.Howeverasitisequippedwithabasicrangeofsensoryequipmentsuchasalightprojectorandmobiledisplaypanelsitwillalsoprovideaspecialistfacilityduringholidayclubperiods.SueRolfeHeadTeacherattheschoolsaidWehavehadaNurtureRoomatSt.Andrewsforafewyearsnowandtheposiveimpactithasonchildrenwithsocialemoonalandbehaviouralneedsisenormous.Thechildrenusetheroomforselingintotheschooldayasasupportatbreakmesandasaplaceforgroupandone-to-oneworkonsocialskillsandacviesdesignedtoraiseself-esteem.andforothersasalearningspaceforacviessuchasinteracvestory-telling.OurchildrenandparentswerethrilledtomeetWillFraserwhenheopenedthenewfaciliesandonbehalfofthewholeschoolcommunityIwouldliketoexpressourthankstohimandtotheHertordshireRegionofWoodenSpoonfortheirfantascsupport.TheHertordshireRegionwouldlikethankSueRolfeandeveryoneatSt.AndrewsSchoolwithparcularthankstotheSchoolGovernorsfororganisingtheprojectopening.ThenewSensoryGardenatWitchfordCollegeWillFraserattheopeningofthesensoryandquietroomsCouncillorHazelRamsayJohnBaersandWillFraserwiththechildrenofSt.AndrewsSchoolRamsaySteveHoltformerCEOofWoodenSpoonJohnBaersChairmanoftheHertordshireRegionandtheparentsofpupilsallaendedtheopening.Theschoolwelcomedtheirguestswithacakeandnon-alcoholicbehaviouralneedsisenormous.Thechildrenusetheroomforselingintotheschooldayasasupportatbreakmesandasaplaceforgroupandone-to-oneworkonsocialskillsandacviesdesignedtoraiseself-esteem.CouncilorHazelRamsayJohnBaersandWillFraserwiththechildrenofSt.AndrewsSchoolSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com11 LastDecembertheWoodenSpoonCommunicaonSystematHelenAllisonSchoolwasopenedbyStewartTurnerChairmanofVigoRFC.TheHelenAllisonSchoolownedbytheNaonalAuscSocietyisbothadayandresidenalcentreforsome70childrenaged5-9yearsallofwhomsuerfromausm.Inordertofurtherenhancethelearningofthepupilsandimprovetheirfutureemploymentopportuniestheschoolhasinvested80000inastate-of-the-artfully-integratedbroadbandsystemandrefurbishedcomputerroom.TheKentRegionofWoodenSpoondonated20000towardstheinstallaonofallthebuildingshard-wiringintegratednetworkequipmentandswitchgearcontrolequipment.StewartandVigoRFCaregreatsupportersofWoodenSpoonandtheKentCommieewasdelightedthatheagreedtotakemefromhisbusyscheduletocomealong.AfertheopeningvisitorswereinvitedtojointhestaandpupilsforadeliciousfamilyChristmaslunch.Itwasadelightuldayforallwhowereabletoaendespeciallytoseehowmuchtheschoolhasalreadybenetedfromtheproject.AspiredFuturesisacharitybasedinBlackpoolwhichseekstobetheleadingadvocateandcentreofexcellencefortheprovisionoftherapeuceducaonandleisureservicesforchildreninthearea.TheLancashireRegionofWoodenSpoonmadeagrantof49500tohelpwiththebuildingofasafeplayareaatthecharitycentreandwewerethrilledthatrugbylegendandLancashireRegionPresidentBillBeaumontcouldociallyopentheprojectforAspiredFutures.KnownasTheWoodenSpoonOutdoorProjecttheplayareahasspecialaccessfromthehouseandisbuiltonafantasythemetohelpthechildrendeveloptheirimaginaons.Thechildrenareencouragedtousetheplayareatocreatestorieswhichhaveaposiveimpactontheirdevelopmentaswellasbringingsomeoutdoorexercise.ItWoodenSpoonsprincipalrugbyAmbassadorPhilVickeryopenedthenewlyrefurbished999ClubNurseryinDeptordSouth-EastLondonlastOctober.The999ClubcharityprovidescomfortrespiteandadvicetosomeofthemostisolatedexcludedandlonelypeopleinLondon.ItsDeptordcentrealsohousesasmallnurseryforchildrenwhoseparentsarendingithardtocope.Itisavitalpartofthecharitysworktooerearlyintervenontosupportpre-schoolagechildrenwhomaybeinneedofparcularcare.TherefurbishmentofthenurserywasmadepossiblewithadonaonmadetoWoodenSpoonbyTheStoryofChristmasacharitywhichraisesfundstosupportprojectsthatbenethomelesspeopleanddisadvantagedchildreninandaroundLondon.NurseryManagerCarolBestsaidOurnewnurseryisgoingtomakeitevensaferforthechildreninourcare.Itisabeerspaceanditwillallowustoworkwithtwicethenumberofchildren.includesaspecialHobbitHousewhichwecouldtellratherimpressedBillAspiredFuturessaidWearethrilleddelightedandveryproudtohavebeenawardedfundingfromtheLancashireRegiontoimproveanddeveloptheoutdoorareaofthelodge.Thiswillfullalong-helddesiretosharetheoutsidewithallourchildrenandyoungpeoplesomeofwhomhavelimitedaccesstooutdoorplayandleisure.ThegroundsofthelodgearequitemagicalandthesupportreceivedfromtheLancashireRegionmeanswewillbeabletoincreaseouracvieswithnaturetrailsandfeedingstaonsandstorydenswillmakeuseofallthelightandshadeofthegarden.KENTLANCASHIRELONDONHELENALLISONSCHOOLWOODENSPOONCOMMUNICATIONSYSTEMWoodenSpoondonaton20000Opened18thDecember2013byStewartTurnerASPIREDFUTURESGARDENACTIVITYCENTREWoodenSpoondonaton49500Opened1stOctober2013byBillBeaumontCBE999CLUBCHILDRENSNURSERYWoodenSpoondonaton58500Opened22ndOctober2013byPhilVickeryMBE.ApupilatHelenAllisonSchoolenjoysthenewcommunicaonequipmentBillBeaumontwithstaandchildrenfromAspiredFuturesPhilVickerywithstaandchildrenandthe999ClubInJanuarythelocalNorthamptonSaintsEnglandandLionsrugbyplayerMarnBayeldopenedanewgymnasiumattheBeeHiveanextensionofNorthgateSchoolArtsCollegethankstotheNorthamptonRegionofWoodenSpoon.Marngaveanentertainingaddresstopupilsstaparentsgovernorsandfriendsintheschoolhall.TheunveilingofacommemoraveNORTHAMPTONNORTHGATESCHOOLWOODENSPOONGYMWoodenSpoondonaton11500Opened27thJanuarybyMartnBayeldPhilVickerywithstaandchildrenandthe999ClMarngaveanentertainingaddresstopupilsstaparentsgovernorsandfriendsintheschoolhall.TheunveilingofacommemoraveooenpoononaonOpened27thJanuarybyMartnBayeldSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com12 TheNorthumberlandRegionofWoodenSpoonhasfundedonesectonofthemagnicentnewplaygroundfacilityatHadrianSchoolinNewcastlewithaswingandroundaboutthataccommodateswheelchairs.NorthumberlandregionalChairmanAnthonyStokerandfellowcommieememberJohnPearcewerethrilledtoaendtheopeningceremonytowitnessthejoyandenthusiasmthatthiswholeprojecthasengendered.HadrianSchoolcatersfortheneedsofabout130childrenfrom2-11withadditonalneedsincludingcomplexsevereprofoundandmultplelearningdicultesanditiswithoutdoubtoneofthenestschoolsofitstypeinthecountry.Thisnewfacilitywillgivethestaandcarersmassivenewopportunitesforentertainingandstmulatngthechildrenwhowillallgetgreatpleasureandfunfromit.AWestofScotlandcharitywhichhelpsdisabledpeoplerealisetheirambitonsofridinghorsesisbenetngfromasignicantdonatonfromtheScotlandRegionofWoodenSpoonwhichwillenablemorepeopletousetheirservices.GarelochRidingfortheDisabledAssociatonRDAwhichisbasedattheColgrainEquestrianCentrebetweenDumbartonandHelensburghiscelebratngaferreceivingadonatonof15000.GarelochRDAhasusedthedonatontobuyawheelchairlifandhoistwhichallowsdisabledriderstomounthorsesmoreeasilyandsafely.Currentlythegroupworkswith42disabledridersfromtheHelensburghDumbartonClydebankandValeofLevenareasbutwiththeinstallatonofthisspeciallifandhoistithopestoincreasethenumberofridersitcanaccommodatefromacrosstheWestofScotland.Thegroupbelievesthatbeingwithhorsesandridingcanhaveagreatbenecialeectbybuildingcorestabilityandmusclestrengthaswellasimprovingcondenceexpandingcommunicatonandsocialskillscombatnglonelinessandlowself-esteem.Thegroupalsogivesspaceandawarmwelcometofriendsandcarersoftheriders.KateBennetGroupChairmanofGarelochRDAwelcomedthedonaton.ShesaidWerelyondonatonsandpeoplegivinguptheirtmetoworkwithourhorsesandriders.ThisdonatonfromWoodenSpoonhasenabledustoinstallalifandhoistwhichwillgreatlyimprovetheserviceswecandeliverandtheexperiencesourriderswillhave.Beingaroundhorsescanhaveahugeimpactonpeopleslivesimprovingcondenceandstrength.NORTHUMBERLANDSCOTLANDHADRIANSCHOOLEARLYYEARSPLAYAREAWoodenSpoondonaton17000Opened24thOctober2013GARELOCHRDAAUTOMATEDMOUNTINGSYSTEMWoodenSpoondonaton15000Opened30thDecember2013ThenewplayareaatHadrianSchoolAttheopeningoftheautomatedmountngsystemplaquewasfollowedbyatourofthegymandBeeHivefacility.TheBeeHiveanextensionofNorthgateSchoolArtsCollegeisthebrainchildofHeadTeacherShezWebb.Thefacilityishighlyinnovatvespecicallytargetng14-to-19yearoldswithdisabilitesandaimstobridgethegapthatofenexistsbetweenyoungstersleavingschoolandgoingontofurthereducatonandemployment.TheNorthamptonRegioncontributed11500towardsthebuildcostofthegym.InadditontobeingamoderneducatonprovisionitisacommunityfacilitywithretailoutletssuchasHomeSuppliedDelioutletsoeringhigh-endsecond-handclothesartsandcrafsandconfectoneryaswellashavingarent-a-roomfacility.ShezWebbcommentedThegymisalreadyinusewithgroupsofstudentsandtheyloveitsgrown-upfeel.Thestudentsreallyenjoyaccessingthebusinessareasforwork-relatedlearningandanumberofstudentshavemademassiveleapsforwardwiththeircommunicatonskillsandselfcondencealready.MartnBayeldtakesatourofthenewgymTheScotlandRegionofWoodenSpoonraised8500forthecreatonandequippingofaquietplayzonewithinanewplaygrounddevelopmentatGilcomstounPrimarySchool.GilcomstounisamainstreamLAschoolfor280childrenaged3-12yearssituatedintheheartoftheoldAberdeencitycentre.Therearenoopenspacesintheimmediateareaandtheschoolissurroundedbycouncil-ownedtowerblocks.Theplaygroundwassimplyalargeconcretedareasurroundedbyawallandsecurityfencingwithnoxedplayequipmentorgroundmarkings.TheWoodenSpoonQuietPlayZonenowincludesatmber-walledshelterwaterowpanelsachalkboardandanumberofpercussionsensorypanels.Thisplaygroundwillbeofgreatvalueandevenusedasanoutdoorclassroomwhenweatherpermits.SCOTLANDGILCOMSTOUNPRIMARYSCHOOLQUIETPLAYZONEWoodenSpoondonaton8500Opened25thMarch2014byPeterMitchellThechildrenofGilcomstounPrimarythankingWoodenSpoonGilcomstounisamainstreamLAschoolfor280childrenaged3-12yearssituatedintheheartoftheoldAberdeencitycentre.Therearenoopenspacesintheimmediateareaandtheschoolissurroundedbycouncil-ownedtowerblocks.TheplaygroundwassimplyalargeconcretedareasurroundedbyawThechildrenofGilcomstounPrimarythankingWoodenSpoonSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com13 TheSussexRegionofWoodenSpoonopenedthenewkitchenatWhoopsadaisyinSussex.AlexPincusandAlanJenkinsfromtheSussexCommieewerejoinedbyWoodenSpoonsupporterStevePearceandJonOrrellWhoopsadaisyChairmanofTrusteesfortheocialopeningofthenewlyrefurbishedWoodenSpoonkitchenatWhoopsadaisy.Whoopsadaisyisacharityfoundedin2007thatprovidesremedialcareforlocalschool-agedchildrensueringfromCerebralPalsyandsimilarmotordisorders.WhoopsadaisyrecentlymovedtonewpremisesleasedfromBrightonandHovecouncilanoldVictoriancricketpavilion.Thenewvenuealthoughagreatspaceforthecharityrequiredalotofrefurbishmentandredecoratoninpartcularitskitchenfacilites.TheSussexRegiondonated3900towardstheretofthekitchenwhichwillmeanthatWhoopsadaisywillnowbeabletoaccommodate71childreninitsvariousactvites.SussexRegionalChairmanBobRogerssaidAllWoodenSpoonactvitesarefocussedtowardssuccessfulprojectsthatbringmaximumbenettochildrenandyoungpeoplewhoreallyneedourhelp.Whoopsadaisyisabrilliantexampleofthegenerosityofindividualswhofreelygivetheirvaluabletmetohelpothers.ItwasappropriatethataformeroldboyofGowertonComprehensiveSchoolcurrentWalesNo10DanBiggaropenedthenewsensorygardenattheschool.DanrecalledthequadrantbeinganemptyspacewithweedsgrowingeverywhereandwasamazedanddelightedatthetransformatontotheareawithintheschoolwhichhadbeenundertakennotbyprofessionalworkmenbutbythepupilsledandguidedbytheschoolsITteacherDarrenLong.DarrencommentedthatOftheworkrequired99wasundertakenbythepupils.Onlytheelectricalworkandthepaintngofareashigherthan6fwascontracted-outtoprofessionals.Thepupilsweresoenthusiastcabouttheprojectandenjoyedthechallengesomuchthattheywouldspendtmeaferschoolhoursworkingonthegarden.Theresultoftheirinvolvementfromdesigntocompletoncanbeseentodayandwillbenetotherpupilsinthefuture.HoweverwithoutthegreatsupportoftheWalesRegionofWoodenSpoonthisprojectwouldnothavegototheground.ThesensorygardenatGowertonisthethirdprojectcompletedbythecommieeoftheWelshRegionin2013followingtheopeningofthesensoryroomsatTrinityFieldsSchoolYstradMynachinJulyandtheplayareaatMiskinSchoolMountainAshinSeptember.SUSSEXWALESWHOOPSADAISYWOODENSPOONKITCHENWoodenSpoondonaton3900Opened9thDecember2013byStevePearceGOWERTONSCHOOLWOODENSPOONSENSORYGARDENWoodenSpoondonaton10000Opened22ndOctober2013byDanBiggarSmilesallroundfortheopeningofthenewkitchenatWhoopsadaisyBobHarrisandDanBiggarattheopeningofGowertonSchoolSt.Johnsestablishedin1886isarespitefacilityforchildrenbetweentheagesof10and19.Allpupilshavecomplexlearningdicultessuchasbehaviouralandemotonaldicultesandautsm.TheWoodenSpoonSensoryRoomhasbeenfundedbytheSussexRegionofWoodenSpoonandistherstprojectof2014fortheregion.Theroomhasbeencreatedbyrefurbishinganexistngstoreroomandequippingitwithmirrorsbubbletubesprojectorsbreoptcdisplaysensorylightngmusicandvibratonpanels.JoeMarlerHarlequinsandEnglandwasjoinedattheopeningbyrepresentatvesfromlocalSussexrugbyclubstheSussexWoodenSpoonRegionalCommieemembersledbytheChairmanexRFUPresidentBobRogers.StJohnswaswellrepresentedpartcularlybythestudentswhoinJoehavefoundanewhero.JoeaSussexresidentplayedhisearlyrugbyatEastbourneHaywardsHeathandWorthing.HeisapopularplayerandrecentlybecameaYouTubesensatonfollowinghismassivetackleonBritshLionGeorgeNorthintheHarlequinsvNorthamptonSaintsgameinearlyJanuary.TheSussexRegionraisesfundsthroughitsownactvites.WiththehardworkandsupportofSussexrugbyclubsitisabletoprovidefundingforthedevelopmentofnewfacilitesschoolsandotherorganisatonsthroughouttheSussexregionwhoallworktoimprovethelivesofdisadvantagedchildrenandyoungpeople.SUSSEXST.JOHNSSCHOOLSENSORYROOMWoodenSpoondonaton15800Opened16thJanuary2014byJoeMarlerJoeMarlerandchildrenfromSt.JohnsinthenewSensoryRoomThelatestprojectfortheWarwickshireRegionofWoodenSpoonwasopenedbyGrahamRowntreelastOctober.TheWoodenSpoonFarmatBrookeSchoolwasdevelopedonaformerorchardsitewhichhadbecomeovergrownandunused.Theideawastodevelopthisintoaparttherapeutcfarmandpartconservatonspiritualdevelopmentarea.ThefundingfromtheWarwickshireRegionhelpedsecurethestructuresneededtocreatepathwaysandpayforalltheinitalcosts.AtremendousamountofworkwasdoneduringthesummerbyGEPowerConversionsplusmanyfamiliespupilsstafriendsandsupportersofBrookeSchoolandthetransformatonofthiswastelandistrulyremarkable.ThefarmalreadyhaschickensducksrabbitstwogoatsPopandCrackleandtwoblackpigsNobbyandMelanie.Thefarmwillallowchildrenwhohavespecialeducatonneedstohavecontactwiththeanimalsandtodevelopbasiccareforthem.Thereisalsoaviewingsheltersothatchildrencanobserveandinteractwithnature.PupilsarealreadytakinganactvepartinlookingafertheanimalsfeedingandWARWICKSHIREBROOKESCHOOLSCHOOLFARMWoodenSpoondonaton10000Opened3rdOctober2013byGrahamRowntreeThelatestprojectfortheWarwickshireRegionofWoodenSpoonwasopenedbyGrahamRowntreelastOctober.TheWoodenSpoonAtremendousamountofworkwasdoneduringthesummerbyGEPowerConversionsplusmanyfamiliespupilsstafriends.PupilsarealreadytakinganactvepartinlookingafertheanimalsfeedingandSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com14 cleaning-outthepensandareshowingtremendousinterestinthenewadditontotheschoolsfacilites.IanHolroydChairmanoftheWarwickshireRegionisdelightedtobeassociatedwiththelatestproject.ThisisthesecondprojecttheWarwickshireRegionhavesupportedatBrookeSchool.TheOpeningoftheWoodenSpoonSchoolFarmatBrookeSchool-43TheWarwickshireRegionofWoodenSpoonwerepleasedtoprovidefundsfortheoutsideclassroomatNorthleighHouseSchoolnearWarwick.TheopeningoftheschooltookplaceinSeptemberandwasociallyopenedbyWarwickshireRegionalChairmanIanHolroyd.NorthleighHouseSchoolexiststohelpyoungpeoplewhoareunabletoaendmainstreamschoolduetoseverebullying.Withskilledandkindstainasafecalmandnurturingenvironmenttheyoungpeopleareabletoreclaimtheirselfcondenceandselfesteeminwhichtoprogressacademicallyinordertotaketheirplaceinsocietyaswell-roundedindividuals.Thefree-standingwoodenclassroomhasbeenerectedinthegroundsoftheschoolandwillprovideextraspaceformorechildren.IanHolroydtheWarwickshireChairmansaidWearedelightedtobeabletoprovidefundsforthisbuildingwhichisanadditontofundsweprovidedfortheschoolsciencelaboratoryearlierthisyear.Theschoolnowprovidesexcellentfacilitesforstudentswhichnowlivesuptoitsmooofovercomingbarriersforbulliedchildren.AllofusatWoodenSpoonwishtheschoolanditsexcellentstabestwishesforthefuture.WARWICKSHIRENORTHLEIGHHOUSESCHOOLWOODENSPOONOUTDOORCLASSROOOMWoodenSpoondonaton3900Opened24thSeptember2013byIanHolroydThenewwoodenclassroomatNorthleighHouseSchoolWoodenSpoonLeadAmbassadorPhilVickeryrecentlyopenedanewEcoZoneandMemorialGardenatSt.EdmundsSchoolBirminghaminmemoryofaformerpupilwhotragicallylostherlifeearlierlastyear.TheuniqueEcoZoneandMemorialGardenwasunveiledinmemoryofChristnaEdkinsthe16-year-oldwhowasstabbedinMarchlastyear.ChristnawasaformerpupilofStEdmundsCatholicPrimarySchoolinSpringhillBirminghamwherestaandpupilswishedtocreatealastngtributeinhername.TheWestMidlandsRegionofWoodenSpoondonated8000towardsthecostofcreatngthefacility.AlsorepresentngWoodenSpoonwasformerEnglandrugbywingerDavidDuckhamMBE.FamilyandfriendsofChristnaaendedthespecialunveilingalongwithschoolchildrengovernorsBirminghamsMayorandMayoressandBishopPargeterwhoblessedtheGarden.TheschoolapproachedWoodenSpoonforhelpinfundingtheprojectwhichincorporatesvegetablebedsbughotelsbenchesacomposterandmemorialowergarden.ThefacilitywillalsobesharedwithitssisterschoolStPatricksCatholicPrimarySchool.PhilPembleofPertempsPeopleDevelopmentGroupandWestMidlandsRegionalChairmansaidTheWoodenSpoonEcoZoneandMemorialGardenwillbealastngtributetoagifedandtalentedyounglady.Pupilsfrombothschoolswillbenetgreatlyfromlearningtogrowtheirownfoodandacquiringnewskillsbygainingaccesstoactvitestheymightotherwiseneverexperience.WoodenSpoonisallaboutprovidingopportunitythroughassistngsuchcommunityprojects.WESTMIDLANDSST.EDMUNDSECOZONEANDMEMORIALGARDENWoodenSpoondonaton8000Opened3rdOctober2013byPhilVickeryWhentheYorkshireregionofWoodenSpoonreceivedarequestfromtheYMCAinRichmondNorthYorkstherewasadegreeofsceptcismasthiswasadierentprojectinapartoftheregionithadnotbeentobefore.ThelatestYorkshireRegionofWoodenSpoonprojecttobecompletedisthenewLetsGetGoingplaygroundatWestLeedsSILCaspecialschoolinStanningleyLeeds.TheribbonwascutbyEorlCrabtreeHudderseldGiantsandEnglandinthepresenceoftheLordMayorLadyMayoressofLeeds.AlsoonhandtowitnesseventswereseveralmembersoftheWoodenSpoonYorkshireCommieegovernorsparentsstaandstudentsoftheschoolandlastbutnotleastLeedsRhinosmascotRonnieRhino.SchoolPrincipalMichelleWilmansaidOurProjectTeamincludingourpupilsworkedveryhardtosecurethewonderfulfacilitesforourSoasseeingisbelievingseveralmembersofthecommieestrodeforthtothenorthoftheregiontoseewhatcouldbedone.ThebasisoftherequestwasfortherefurbishmentofakitchenintheYMCA.Thiswouldbeusedbyandlargebyyoungadultswhocongregatedthereregularly.WhentheYMCAfundingcriteriawasexplainedtousitwascleartoseethatWoodenSpoonscontributonwasvitalWithoutWoodenSpoonscontributonthekitchenwouldnthavebeencommissionedandtheyoungsterswouldhavehadnowheretogo.school.TheSchoolCouncilcompiledawishlistofequipmentandwearedelightedtoseetheirhardworkcometofruiton.WeofcoursecouldnthavedonethiswithoutthesuperbsupportthatWoodenSpoonprovided-theyreallyhavehelpedtomakeadierencetothelivesofourchildrenandyoungpeople.WestLeedsSILCisaspecialschoolcateringforpupilsaged2-19yearswithlearningdicultesrangingfrommoderatetoprofoundandmultplelearningneedsincludingthosewithcomplexmedicalandlifelimitngconditons.ThenewLetsGetGoingplaygroundincludesanassaultcoursetrampolinesroundaboutandswings.Becauseoftheneedtokeepchildrensafetheyareofenexcludedfromthephysicalopportunitesaordedtomanyoftheirpeers.ThisnewplaygroundsetwithitssafeandappropriateplayequipmenthasbeenenormouslybenecialtothehealthandwellbeingofthestudentsandhasgivenawholenewmeaningtobreakandlunchtmeYORKSHIREYORKSHIRERICHMONDYMCAKITCHENSpoonDonaton25000Opened29thOctober2013byJohnBentleyWESTLEEDSSILCPLAYGROUNDWoodenSpoondonaton29470Opened11thDecember2013byEorlCrabtreetalentedyounglady.Pupilsfrombothschoolswillenetgreatlyfromlearningtogrowtheirownfoodandacquiringnewskillsbygainingaccesstoactvitestheymightotherwiseneverexperience.WoodenSpoonisallaboutprovidingopportunitythroughassistngsuchcommunityprojects.ooenpoonorsreommeegovernorsparentsstaandstudentsoftheschoolandlastbutnotleastLeedsRhinosmascotRonnieRhino.SchoolPrincipalMichelleWilmansaidOurProjectTeamincludingourpupilsworkedveryhardtosecurethewonderfulfacilitesforourwellbeingofthestudentsandhasgivenawholenewmeaningtobreakandlunchtmeSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com15 TheWoodenSpoonRegionsandvolunteersarethelifebloodoftheCharitywithover500regionalcommieemembersworkingtrelesslytoraisefundstoensurethatSpoonisabletomaintainitscharitableworktoenhancethelivesofchildrenandyoungpeopleacrossthefourhomenatons.TogetinvolvedinyourregionsnexteventcontactyourlocalRegionalCommiee.ThenewBedfordshireRegionofWoodenSpoonhostedtheirrstHalloweenFundraisingevent.TomarkthelaunchoftheBedfordshireRegioninSeptember2013thepassionateandfunlovingcommieewantedtoholditsinauguraleventassoonaspossibleandbeforetheChristmasperiodwasinfullswing.AcommieememberandtheRegionsrstSecretaryJenniferDavieskindlyvolunteeredtohosttherstcommieemeetngsatherstunninghomeaconvertedchurchintheBedfordshirevillageofRidgmont.TheoriginalcommieediscussedinlengthwhateventcouldbearrangedandafersomeconsultatonafancydressHalloweenpartywasdiscussedandtheuseofJennifershomebecametheidealvenue.Over80peoplecamedeckedoutinfullfancydresscostumesfromzombiebridesdevilsvampirestoevenalileMissPumpkin.Thebandplayedtwoamazingsetsandhadthedanceoorfullofwitcheszombiesandwerewolvesdancingallnightlong.TheWellsandYoungsbarwasaroaringsuccesssomuchsothatmorevolunteersdivedintocopewithdemandandevenrequiringaHarryPoerlookaliketomakeanemergencydashtothelocalpubtosourcechangeTheeveningconcludedtoosoonformostbutwithpromisestocometofutureWoodenSpoonevents.Aferhavingsomuchfuntheeventwasatruesuccessanditraisedover1600fortheBedfordshireRegion.OnFriday1stNovembertheChilternsSportsmansDinnerwasheldatAdamsPark.Theeventwasaendedby94guestsincluding3foundersPeterScoMBESteveScoandNigelTimsonandMartnSandersatrusteewhoactedasMC.InvestectheirnewcorporateAmbassadorjoinedforthersttmetogetherwiththeheadmasteranddeputyheadfromalocalschoolinReadingwhichistobeabeneciaryofournextprojectalsoaendedtheevent.TheguestswereentertainedbyGarethChilcowhowasbrilliantandthedinnerwasagreatsuccessraisingapproximately2500Abigthankyoutoallconcernedinorganisingtheevent.BEDFORDSHIRECHILTERNSAspookystartforthenewBedfordshireRegionChilternsSportsmansDinner2013WoodenSpoonRegionalFundraisingPartygoersenjoyingaspookyeveningTheSportsmansDinneratAdamsParkTheWoodenSpoonRegionsandvolunteersarethelifebloodoftheCharitywithover500regionalcommieemembersworkingtrelesslytoraisefundstoensurethatSpoonisabletomaintainitscharitableworktoenhancethelivesofchildrenandyoungpeopleacrossthefourhomenatons.TogetinvolvedinyourregionsnexteventcontactyourlocalRegionalCommiee.TheSportsmansDinneratAdamsParkSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com16 AttheendofFebruarytheCumbriaRegionofWoodenSpoonheldaSixNaonsDinnerattheexceponalWildBoarInnnearWindermere.WithsixcoursesrepresenngeachofthesixnaonsandaccompaniedbyawhiskyfromthatcountryaveryenjoyableeveningwashadbyallItwastoppedobyatourdeforcefromtheeverentertainingandinsightulIanRobertsonwhoalsoturnedauconeerparexcellenceHonourablemenonsshouldgotoAnthonySutcliewhosesterlingworkwaslargelyresponsibleforthesuccessoftheeventandisthelatestaddiontotheWoodenSpoonCumbriacommieeMrAndyLemmtheGeneralManageroftheWildBoarandhiswonderfulstawhoenabledtheeveningtogowithoutahitchandtoMrRobBuerworthwhorecruitedthemostgeneroustableofthenightCumbriaChairmanJohnCunninghamsaidTheeveningwasahugesuccesstherewasanenormoussenseoffunaroundtheenreproceedingsandweraised7500-AwinwineveningThisrepresentsafantascstarttotheyearanditisuptousnowtomaintainthemomentum.OntheeveningofThursday13thFebruarytheDevonshireRegionofWoodenSpoonhostedaSportsQuizattheRougemontbyThistleHotelinExeter.9teamsof45playersenteredthequizandtheatmosphereintheroomwasarealbuzzespeciallyasthecompeonreallygotgoing.PaddyMarchandKevinNorriswerethequizmastersfortheeveningandproudlypresentedthewinnersfromJackintheGreenwithbolesofChampagnetocongratulatethemontheirwin.JackintheGreenwerefollowedcloselybySouthWestHolidayHomes-bothteamsarecorporatemembersofWoodenSpoon.Allinallitwasaverysuccessfuleveningandwearealreadylookingforwardto2015squiz.CUMBRIADEVON6NatonsCharityDinnerExeterSportsQuizAnthonySutclieIanRobertsonandJohnCunninghamGreatfunattheExeterSportsQuizOlderSwingersgoClubbinginSupportoftheEasternCounesRegionalprojects.AverygamegroupofgolfersfromStokebyNaylandVetsGolfClubsetoutthisyeartoraisefundsundertheleadershipofVetsclubcaptainAlanLinefortheEasternCounesRegionofWoodenSpoonprojectsasthenominatedcharityfortheyear.AlanistheregionaltreasurerfortheRegion.WiththeirvalianteortstheywereinstrumentalintheinstallaonoffaciliesatDoucecrofSchoolforAusmAngliaandSteppingStonesPlayandLearnGroupbothinColchester.TherewasalsogreatnancialsupportfortheprojectsbyColchesterRFCwhohavebeenstalwartsupportersoftheEasternCounesRegionovermanyyears.OnawindydayinlateDecembersomeofthegolfersmetuptopresentanotherchequefor6500totheRegionrepresentedbySamusFarrellyChrisHaworthandSuzieHaworthforWoodenSpoonHQ.WithneweatherleadinguptotheinauguralDurhamRegionalGolfDayBrancepethCastleGolfClubwasinfantasccondionandlookingarealpicture.Unfortunatelywewerenottobesoluckyontheday.Amistystartdevelopedintorainbutthisdidnotdampenthespiritsofourcompetors.RibchestersAccountantsandYourMoveputupstrongperformancescardinga78buttheywerebeatenintosecondandthirdplacesrespecvelybyHomeKnowledge.CongratulaonstoJimMurrayDavidBartonSteveRoseandKeithPansonrepresenngBrancepethCastleGolfClubforcardingascoreof84forthewin.AspecialthankyoutoRichardHardiefromPeugeotDealershipforsponsoringthe9thholeandpungupthecarforthehole-in-1compeon.UnfortunatelynoonemanagedtowinthecarthisyearWelookforwardtowelcomingeveryonenextyear.EASTERNCOUNTIESDURHAMFundraisinginEasternCountesDurhamGolfDay2013ChequegratefullyreceivedbySeamusFarrellyAllsmilesattheDurhamGolfDayWiththeirvalianteortstheywereinstrumentalintheinstallaonoffaciliesatDoucecrofSchoolforAusmAngliaandSteppingStonesPlayandLearnGroupbothinColchester.CequegraeuyrecSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com17 Agoodaendanceofabout70arrivedforanelunchtoraisewelcomefundsfortheEasternCountesRegionofWoodenSpoonpriortotheclubshomexturewithNewarkRFC.TherewasawarmwelcomegivenbyDickClarkClubChairmanandDavidHannanwhorepresentsWoodenSpoonattheclub.SteveHoltformerCEOofWoodenSpoonsaidafewwordsofthankstoallclubmembersfortheircontnuedsupportandoutlinedtheRegionsfutureworksincludinganewsensorygardenatWitchfordVillageCollegewhichwillbebadgedwiththeclub.Afertheheartylunchanauctonandraewasheldwhichraisedabout1500.ThiswasgreatlyboostedbyFossilUKrepresentedbyNickyDzialakwhodonatedsomewonderfulitems.TheRegionwasrepresentedbyMaddieMocklerPaHallPaulandSamusFarrellyChairmanoftheRegion.Despitesomegreateortsbythehomesideinthesecondhalfthevisitorswerethewinnerswithascoreof22-15.On30thNovember2013anaudienceof750enjoyedaneveningofmusicatCheltenhamTownHallwhichraisedover6500fortheGloucestershireRegionofWoodenSpoon.TheeventwasbilledasCotswoldMoonSongsforaNovemberEveningandfeaturedtheCotswoldMaleVoiceChoirandtheBlueMoonHarmonyChoirunderthedirectonofCharmaineWorrallwiththemoneyraisedgoingtowardsspecialistplayequipmentatBelmontSpecialSchoolinCheltenhamaGloucestershireRegionproject.AspecialtreatontheeveningwasaperformancefrompupilsattheschoolwhosangSingbyGaryBarlowOBE.TimHealChairmanoftheGloucestershireRegioncommentedWeareextremelygratefultobothchoirsfororganisingtheeventandsupportngWoodenSpoon.Itwasamostenjoyableeveningthechoirscombinedandperformedreallywellontheevening.IwouldalsoliketothanktheeventsponsorsAvoGrouppensionadvisersfromCheltenhamwhonotonlyprovidednancialbackingfortheeventbutalsowereabletoentertaintheirclientsatapre-concertrecepton.OnFriday28thFebruarytheWalesRegionofWoodenSpoonorganizedathreeCountesWelshSocietySt.DavidsDaylunchinDaodilsRestaurantCheltenham.InaendancefromtheWelshcommieewereCliveNorlingCliveThomasandHuwThomas.GuestspeakerandcabaretsingerNigelOwenswasonhandtokeepex-internatonalrefereesChrisWhiteandCliveNorlinginorderwithoutresortngtothesinbin.Theeveningwasagreatsuccesswith1000beingraisedwhichwillbesharedbetweenboththeWalesandGloucestershireRegionsofWoodenSpoontobespentonlocalprojectsfordisadvantagedchildrenandyoungpeople.ThiseventisagreatexampleofWoodenSpoonRegionscomingtogethertoraisefundsforagreatcauseandalsobuildandsharenewcontacts.OnThursday21stNovembertheGloucestershireRegionofWoodenSpoonheldtheir9thAnnualDinnerattheKingsholmStadium.Yetagaintheeventwaspopularwithall27tablessoldbackinMay2013.Ontheevening300guestswerewelcomedbyAaronJamestheMCfortheeveningandbeforetheEarlofBathurstsaidgracetheCotswoldMaleVoiceChoirentertainedguests.TheGloucestershireRegionaregratefultoAndyGomarsallMBEforentertainingtheguestsandAaronJameswhodidasplendidjobandstoletheshowforthesecondyearasMCIndicatonsarethattheeventhasraisedover20000withtheliveauctonoeringavastselectonoflotsincludinganocialtourofBigBeneventtcketsanda3-dayluxuryyachtcharter.AllthemoneyraisedfromtheeventwillgotoprojectssuchasStJamessCityFarminTredworth.TheGloucestershireRegionisraising40000fortheconstructonofanewridingareaatSt.JamessaninnercitycommunityprojectinGloucester.Itwillprovideopportunitesfordisadvantagedchildrentorideandlearntocareforhorses.EASTERNCOUNTIESGLOUCESTERSHIREWALESGLOUCESTERSHIREGLOUCESTERSHIRE10thAnnualWoodenSpoonlunchatPeterboroughRFCEveningofMusicinGloucestershireraisesover6500forWoodenSpoonStDavidsDayLuncheoninCheltenhamGloucestershireBookLaunchDinnerraisesover20000EnjoyingaheartyluncheonGloucestershirebooklaunchraisesover20000CheltenhamLuncheonSpoonerswithInternatonalRefsTheCotswoldMaleVoiceChoirandtheBlueMoonHarmonyChoirorngveomasanuwomas.GuestspeakerandcabaretsingerNigelOwenswasonhandtokeepex-internatonalrefereesChrisWhiteandCliveNorlinginorderwithoutresortngtothesinbin.sevensagreaexampeoooenpoonRegionscomingtogethertoraisefundsforagreatcauseandalsobuildandsharenewcontacts.CheltenhamLuncheonSpoonerswithInternatonalRefsSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com18 TheGloucestershireRegionofWoodenSpoongratefullyacceptedachequefromJonHill2012CaptainofStnchcombeHillGolfClub.JonkindlynominatedWoodenSpoonashischarityofchoiceandheraisedmoneythrougheventsandcompettonsduringhisyearascaptainatthegolfclub.FollowinghisfundraisinghepresentedTimHealChairmanoftheGloucestershireRegionwithtwochequeshavingacombinedtotalof946.Onthedayaferanagonisinglastgasp20-18defeatbyNewZealandinthesemi-naloftheRugbyLeagueWorldCupEnglandfansfortunateenoughtobeatLiverpoolSt.HelensforaspecialLunchandQAweretreatedtoanexhilaratngthreehoursworthofrealrugbybantertorevivetheirspirits.Thesoldoutsignshadinfactbeenpostedlongbeforetheevent.ThelocalrugbyunionclubwasfulltocapacitywithguestseagertohearthelivelyopinionsofLeeBriersrecentlyretredfromWarringtonWolvesandEnglandRLWalescoachinthisWorldCupNathanBrownSt.HelensRLFCcoachandSteveGansonnowRefereesControlleraferadistnguishedinternatonalrefereeingcareer.RayFrenchdualcodeinternatonalhonourshimselfandjustbackfromhisWembleysemi-nalsmediacoveragerantheproceedingsinhisowninimitableway.AmongstawholerangeofforthrightquestonsanddiscussionwasaratherunusualinquirytoSteveGansonastowhetheritwastruethatonafamilyholidaytoTurkeywheresomeofthefooddidnotappealheoncetookwithhimadozenmeatandpotatopiesfromaSt.Helensshop.UnashamedlyherepliedthatitwasperfectlycorrectcommentnghowmuchheenjoyedheatngupthedelicacywhilehiswifeandfamilytuckedintothemorecustomarykebabAstheregulatonraewithallmannerofrugbygifsonoerconcludedaterricafernoonLeeBriershimselfmadeasuccessfulbidforoneoftherugbyleagueitemsofmemorabilia.Inexcessof1500wasraisedonthedaypromptngMerseysideRegionalChairmanStanBagshawtoindicatethattherewouldbemoreeventsalongtheselinestobestagedonMerseysidenowthattherugbyleaguelinkwithWoodenSpoonwasbecomingrmlyestablishedalongsiderugbyunionintheregion.IfyourearugbyenthusiastintheMerseysideareatheCrownePlazainLiverpoolwastheplacetobeon6thDecemberforthe4thAnnualWoodenSpoonChristmasLunch.FormerBritshIrishLionsplayerandnowSkyTelevisionpunditPaulWallacewastheprincipalspeakerandsuitablylaunchedtheproceedingswithapresentaton.MartnBeddisfromtheLiverpoolLionsWheelchairRugbyLeagueteamandalsocoachtotheEnglandWheelchairSevensRugbyUnionteamwasonhandtoreceiveachequefor700fromtheformerSaracensLeinsterandIrelandstar.Asanaidtofurthermembershiprecruitmentthetmingwasperfectandbusinessbecamebriskduringalivelyafernoon.Over150guestsenjoyedasuperbmealbeforetheentertainmentbeganinearnest.RayFrenchrecentlyretredociallythistmefromBBCRLcommentarydutesisnostrangertotheMCroleandnegotatedhiswaythrougharaeandgrandauctonwiththeusualwiyanecdotes.ItpreparedthewayforPaulWallacewhoseLionsstorieswerepartcularlywellreceivedbylegendsfromadierenterapresentintheaudienceFranCoonandMerseysideWoodenSpoonPresidentMikeSlemen.ComedianPeteEmmearegularonthecorporatehospitalitysceneatEvertonFCandSt.HelensRLFCnallyensuredthattherewasnolenguponthelaughter.Agroupof6cyclistsfromFleetwoodRUFChavejoinedforcestoraisemoneyforWoodenSpoonandthejuniorunder14sspringtour.Themainsourceoffundraisingwasplannedtocomefromasponsoredcyclecovering150milesfromFleetwoodRUFCtoHawcoateParkRUFCBarrowandbackfromFriday28thMarchthroughtoSundayMarch30th2014.TrevorJonesapastlong-servingmemberandvolunteerofLancashireWoodenSpoonsadlypassedawaylastChristmasandthe6cyclistsaendedamemorialdinnerforhim.AttheendofthedinneritwasdeclaredthatthefundsraisedinTrevorsnamewouldbeaddedtotheFleetwoodRUFCfundraisingpot.ThroughthegenerosityofthoseinaendancebutalsowiththehelpoftheRussellHaldaneTrustwhereTrevorwasaTrusteeandAddiesSolicitorswhereTrevorwasonceemployedtheyhavereceivedamassiveboostofover1500towardstheirfundraising.The6cyclistsarenaturallyextremelygratefulforthissupportandJonAmorsaidManythankstoeveryonewhoaendedtheirgenerositywillmakearealdierencetothejuniortourandtotheirfuturedevelopmentasrugbyplayers.GLOUCESTERSHIREMERSEYSIDEMERSEYSIDELANCASHIREStnchcombeHillGolfClubraisefundsforGloucestershireWoodenSpoonSomethingforeveryoneatthesell-outRugbyLeagueWorldCupLunchARealChristmasCrackerinLiverpoolFleetwoodRUFCRaiseMoneyforWoodenSpoonRugbyLeagueWorldCupLunchInmemoryofTrevorJonesJonHillpresentsTimHealwithachequeMerseysideChristmaslunchAstheregulatonraewithallmannerofrugbygifsonoerconcludedaterricafernoonLeeBriershimselfmadeasuccessfulbidforoneoftherugbyleagueitemsofmemorabilia.InexcessSt.HelensRLFCnallyensuredthattherewasnolenguponthelaughter.MerseysideCristmasluncSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com19 OnFriday17thJanuarytheScotlandRegionofWoodenSpoonhostedtheirAnnualBurnsSupperattheCrownePlazaRoxburgheinEdinburghastylishnewvenuefor2014.The200guestsinaendanceweretreatedtoawonderfuleveningoftraditonalBurnscelebratonsandentertainmentbyahugelytalentedline-upofspeakersandmusiciansledbyMCBrianDonald.Asuperb4-coursefeastwasservedtoincludeatraditonalhaggiswithneepsandtaes.Thesupperwasnishedwithadesertofraspberrycranachanfollowedbycoeewithtablet.TheeveningwhichwassponsoredoncemorebyMelvilleIndependentplcandJKFSIndependentwasagreatsuccessandraisedinexcessof10000tobespentoncharitableprojectsinScotland.TheScotlandRegionwouldliketoexpresstheirsinceregrattudetoallinaendanceandinpartculartheeveningssponsors.WithyoursupportweareabletocontnuetochangethelivesofdisadvantagedchildrenandyoungpeoplethroughoutScotland.TheShropshireRegionofWoodenSpoonsGolfDaywasheldatWrekinGolfClubonFriday13thSeptember.Fifeenteamsof4startedoinbrightsunshinebutendedthedayinpouringrain.Asitwasashotgunstartallteamswereseentobehasteningtothebartobeginwhatbecameamostenjoyableevening.TimStmpsonourPresidentinvitedChrisNichollexNorthernIrelandandSouthamptonFootballManagertotakepartinaQAsessionwhichturned-outtodealwithmanyofthenottoonerpointsoftheirrespectvegamesTohelparactnewmembersKeithJepsonofMaxBikesPRoneofShropshireslongtermmembersarrangedforaFixieBicycletobeoeredinaprizedrawforallnewmemberssigning-upontheevening.Thisresultedin10newmembersjoining.OnFriday25thOctobertheEdinburghBookLaunchDinnerwasheldatPrestoneldHouseEdinburghsprominentvestarhotel.OncemoreitwasjointlysponsoredbyMelvilleIndependentinconjunctonwithJohnKerrFinancialServices.Theeventwasaendedby197guestsincludingIanRobertsonAndyIrvineJamesRobsonandAndyNicolfortheLionsForumguestspeakerAaronJamesandCharlieRossastheauctoneerwhodidasuperbjob.GuestswereentertainedbythepanelintheLionsForumwhichwasbothhumorousandrefreshinglyfrank.Onthenightafantastc35000wasraisedand53newWoodenSpoonmembersweresignedupAbigthankyoutoallconcernedinorganisingthenight.AsoneofScotlandsagshipeventsintheWoodenSpoonfundraisingcalendarthiseventwillbeheldslightlylaterthanusualthisyear.TheEdinburghBookLaunchDinnerwilltakeplaceonThursday6thNovember2014atPrestoneldHouseHotelfeaturingaglieringlineupofentertainmentandsportngpersonalites.TheEdinburghdinnerenjoysstrongcorporatesupportandearlybookingisstronglyadvised.SCOTLANDSHROPSHIRESCOTLANDAgreatnightattheAnnualWoodenSpoonScotlandBurnsSupperShropshireGolfDay2013EdinburghBookLaunchDinner.GuestsattheTradesHallofGlasgowTheEdinburghbooklaunchOnThursday5thDecemberinGlasgowdespite4seasonsinonedayandalltrainsinScotlandbeingcancelledwestllmanagedtothrowapartyforWoodenSpoonTheScotlandRegionofWoodenSpoonheldtheirthirdannualwinetastngattheTradesHallinGlasgowaractng100aendees.WithGreatGroghostngtheeveningablyassistedbyGordonBullochtheyraisedagrandtotalof4300fortheScotlandRegion.TheWoodenSpoonPre-InternatonalLunchesatMyresidesoldoutinrecordtmethisyearraisingover30000.AndyNicolactedasMCatthepreCalcuaCuplunchandleadalivelyinterviewwithguestspeakerJasonLeonardOBE.JasongavesomegreatinsightsintosomeofhisfavouritemomentsonandotheeldalthoughhewasnotaskeenasAndytotalkabouttheCalcuagamein2000.BrianDonaldwasMCattheFrenchInternatonallunchandAberdonianPeterMitchellprovidedanentertainingspeechwithacharacteristcAberdonianslant.TheluncheshavebeensuccessfulinaractngasignicantnumberofnewmemberstoWoodenSpoon.JohnCarpenterthenewcaptainatCamberleyHeathGolfClubhasnominatedtheSurreyRegionofWoodenSpoonashisCaptainsCharityfortheyear.JohnsyearinocecommencedonSunday2ndMarchattheCaptainsDrive-inwherehewasassistedbyWoodenSpoonmascotSpoonyBearaliasMartnVincentTreasurerofWoodenSpoonSurrey.AlsopresentwasPaulTaylorChairmanofWoodenSpoonSurreywhodidashortpresentatonabouttheworkthatcharitydoesinthelocalcommunity.SCOTLANDSCOTLANDSURREYGlasgowWineTastng2013ScoshPre-InternatonalLunchesSell-outWoodenSpoonnominatedasCaptainsCharityoftheyearatCamberleyHeathGolfClubThewinningteamGuestsattheTradesHallofGlasgow.inaractngasignicantnumberofnewmemberstoWoodenSpoon..SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com20 The2013CaptainofWentworthGolfClubAlanWillistogetherwithCeciliaFlemingtheLadyCaptainhandedovertoJohnInverdalethePresidentofSurreyRegionofWoodenSpoonachequefor122575thelargestdonatonevermadetoasingleWoodenSpoonregion.AlsopresentattheceremonyonbehalfofWoodenSpoonwerePeterScoMBEFounderPresidentSteveHoltFormerCEOBrianHodgesDevelopmentDirector-CapitalProjectsPaulTaylorChairmanofSurreyRegionDavidJacksonformerSurreyChairmanandAlanJenkinsSurreyCommiee.OnreceivingthechequeJohnInverdalecongratulatedbothAlanandCeciliaandindeedtheverygenerousmembersofWentworthGolfClubfortheirfantastceorts.HesaidIhavereceiveddonatonsbeforeandgivenprofusethankstothedonorsbutevenIhaverunoutofsuperlatveswithachequeofthissizeIwanteveryonetoknowjusthowmuchgoodwillbedonewiththefundsraisedandaskeveryonetoimaginethesmilesonthechildrensfaceswhentheyseehowmuchbeertheirliveswillbe.SpecialmentonmusthoweverbemadeofoneWentworthmember.KathrynWainwrightelectedtoruntheLondonMarathonashercontributontothefundraisingandnotonlydidshebeatherfundraisingtargetbybringingintheamazingsumof10966butshealsobeatherhoped-fortmebynishinginunder4hours.TheSurreyRegionandallthechildrenwhowillbenetfromthisincredibledonatonthankallthoseinvolvedfortheirincrediblegenerosity.OnThursday27thFebruarytheAnnualSurreySportsmansDinnerreturnedtotheRACWoodcoteaferanabsenceof5years.Over200guestsenjoyeda3-coursedinnerinsuperbsurroundings.JohnInverdalewashostfortheeveningandtheexcellentMCwasBenKayMBEwhoregaledguestswithstoriesandmemoriesofhisrugbypastdays.Allguestswereinvitedtoputa20noteinanenvelopeasoursolecashcallonthemfortheeveningforwhichtheyreceiveda2014WoodenSpoonRugbyWorldYearBookentrytotheheads-and-tailscompettonandraetckets.JohnInverdaleauctonedanumberofitemswhichtogetherwithasilentauctonandraehelpedraiseover7000onthenighttohelpdisadvantagedchildrenandyoungpeopleintheSurreyRegion.ThesengattheRACprovidedasuperbvenuefortheeveningandasusualthefoodwasexcellent.WeareverygratefultotheteamatRACWoodcotefortheireortsduringtheevening.SURREYSURREYWentworthFundraising2013ThereturnoftheAnnualSurreySportsmansDinnerChequepresentatonatWentworthGolfClubTheSurreySportsmansDinner180supportersofWoodenSpoonassembledinBrightonPiersPalmCourtRestaurantonThursday12thDecemberforSussexRegionofWoodenSpoonsAnnualChristmasLunch.Aferathree-courselunchwhichincludedthetraditonalshandchipsthegatheringwassuperblyentertainedbytopcomedianandsportsimpressionistAaronJames.Asaresultoftheexcellentaendanceheadsandtailsandan8-itemauctontheeventraised5614.80tobespentoncapitalprojectstobenetdisadvantagedchildrenandyoungpeoplelivinginSussex.SUSSEXSussexAnnualChristmasLunch2013SussexChristmasLuncheonIhavereceiveddonatonsbeforeandgivenprofusethankstothedonorsbutevenIhaverunoutofsuperlatveswithachequeofthissizeIwanteveryonetoknowjusthowmuchgoodwillbedonewiththefundsraisedandaskeveryonetoimaginethesmilesonthechildrensfaceswhentheyseehowmuchbeertheirliveswillbe.SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com21 TheFacilitesDepartmentofAdmiralInsurancerecentlypresentedWoodenSpoonwithachequefor13209.26togotowardsprojectsinWalesfordisadvantagedchildrenandyoungpeople.Themoneyisraisedviaretailerswhovisittheirocesthroughouttheyearsellingbooksandperfumeriesetc.Aspartofthesevisitsa10contributonismadetowardscharity.HuwLlewellynHeadofPropertyatAdmiralrecentlypresentedthechequetotheWoodenSpoonWalescommieeatthecompanyHQinCardi.HuwexplainedOurFacilitesteamworkhardduringtheyeartoensurethecontributonsarecollectedanditisverysatsfyingtoseethemoneygoingtosuchagoodcause.HuwThomasChairmanoftheWalesRegionofWoodenSpoonacceptedthechequeandexpressedhisgrattudeonbehalfoftheWelshcommieesayingThisisafantastceortbyAdmiralsFacilitesteam-donatonsliketheseareourlifebloodandsoimportanttoourfundraisingactvites.Themoneywillbespentonsensoryfacilitesforaspecialneedsschoolwhichwillbeopenedlaterintheyear.WhenstaatLasIguanasinCardinominatedWoodenSpoonWalesastheircharityforChristmaswiththeoeroffreetoysforadeservingcauseChairmanHuwThomasimmediatelyputthemincontactwithTouchTrustacharityprovidingrespitecareforindividualswithlearningdicultes.WeareextremelygratefultothestaatLasIguanasandTheEntertainertoyshopfortheirkindnessandgenerosityandforthinkingofWoodenSpoon.TheTouchTrustCentreisafantastcfacilityrunbywonderfulcaringpeopleandtogethertheyhavemadesomespecialguestsveryhappyovertheChristmasperiodsaidHuw.TouchTrustisaregisteredcharitybasedinCardiattheiconicWalesMillenniumCentre.TouchTrustprovideuniquecreatvemovementprogrammesforindividualswithlearningdisabilitesthoseaectedbyautstcspectrumdisorderASDcomplexneedsbehaviourwhichchallengesandothervulnerablegroupsinthecommunity.WALESWALESAdmiralInsuranceSupportsWoodenSpoonWalesLasIguanasCardiNominateWoodenSpoonastheirCharityforChristmasAsuccessfulChristmaslunchwasheldatCoventryRugbyClubfortheWarwickshireRegionofWoodenSpoonwith200gueststhebestaendancesofarTwoexcellentspeakersSeanFitzgeraldandIanRobertsonprovidedentertainmentandwereverywellreceivedbyallwhowerepresent.ThiseventconcludedaverysuccessfulyearfortheWarwickshireRegion.FundsprovidedforfourprojectsinthecountythelastonebeingforaschoolfarmatBrookeSchoolinRugby.AsevertheWarwickshireRegionareverygratefulfortheexcellentsupportfromallthemembersandsupportersofthecharitywithoutthiswecouldnotprovidefundsfortheprojects.WARWICKSHIREWarwickshireChristmasLunch2013WeareextremelygratefultothestaatLasIguanasandTheEntertainertoyshopfortheirkindnessandgenerosityandforthinkingofWoodenSpoon.TheTouchTrustCentreisafantastcfacilityrunbywonderfulcaringpeopleandtogethertheyhavemadesomespecialguestsveryhappyovertheChristmasperiodAdmiralsupportsWoodenSpoonWalesWoodenSpoonsupportersattheWarwickshireChristmasLunchLasIguanasStrSmilesatChristmasThisisafantastceortbyAdmiralsFacilitesteam-donatonsliketheseareourlifebloodandsoimportanttoourfundraisingactvites.WoodenSpoonsupportersattheWarwickshireChristmasLunchSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com22 OurmaninSouthYorkshirediditonceagainllingBaldwinsOmegarestauranttothegunnelsfortheSteelCitysbestlovedrugbyeventBillReichwaldistobecongratulatedonorganisingthis8thwonderfulandjoyousrugbyevening.Aseverthe6coursesdrawnfromthe6NatonswereasdeliciousaseverandservedincopiousrugbyportonsThecompanywasgoodthebeerowedandwewereallonceagainbrilliantlyentertainedbyMCRogerDakinand1974LionsankerFergusSlaerywhokeptusallamusedwithtalesfromanotherera.MostpeopleinaendancecouldperfectlywellrememberFergussexploits40yearsagobeerthantheycouldrememberwhattheydid40minutesagoOver200peopleaendedthissplendideventandyearinyearoutitneverfailsintermsofqualityoffareandtopclassentertainment.TheOmegahasagrandreputatonlocallylivinguptoitstopbillingandDavidBaldwinassuresqualitythroughout.Agameofeliminatonbasedonanswerstofairlydicultquestonskepttheaudienceontheirfeetforawhileandthistheliveauctonandsilentauctonshouldleadtoahealthy5-guresurpluswhichwillbespentinSouthYorkshire.GratefulthankstoCFCwhokindlysponsoredtheeveningandofcourseBillandMandyReichwaldforalltheirtrelessworkbehindthescenes.Welookforwardtonextyear.TheYorkshireRegionofWoodenSpoonsChristmasLunchprovesahitwithoursupportersJustafewdaysbeforeChristmasnearly500peoplesatdownfortheYorkshireRegionsagshipeventattheQueensHotelLeeds.WewereblessedwithanexcellenttoptableofstarsincludingStuartLancasterBobReevesRFUPresidentSteveHoltformerWoodenSpoonCEOandspeakersWillGreenwoodandcomedianJoshDaniels.ThiswasallheldtogetherbyRogerDakinasMCandtheinimitableRichardStrudwickasToastmaster.24000wasraisedonthedaywhichonceagainreectedwellonthegenerosityofYorkshireWoodenSpoonmembersandtheirguests.AgreattmewashadbyallandwelookforwardtodoingitallagainnextDecemberLastFebruarytheHorseandGroomInninWestburyhostedalunchinsupportofWoodenSpoon.Over40peoplejoinedthelunchtowatchtherugbyandenjoya3-coursemealwhilstcontributngtothecharityviaasweepstakeandaraecollectng400overall.BobMuskerlandlordoftheHorseandGroomandakeenRugbysupportersaidThiswasourrstmajoreventsincereopeningthepubnearlyayearagoandweallhadafantastctme.CollectngsomuchforWoodenSpoonwasagreatbonus.ThefundsraisedwillgotowardsprojectsintheWiltshireRegionsuchastheSwindonSt.GeorgeWheelchairSportsClubwhere8550willbedonatedtowardsspecialisedsportswheelchairstoprovideopportunitesforanincreasednumberofdisabledchildrenandyoungpeopletoreceivetheenjoymentandphysicalbenetsofregularsportspartcipaton.YORKSHIREYORKSHIREWILTSHIRESheeldSixNatonsDinnerTheYorkshireChristmasLunch2013HorseGroomCharityLunchAgranddayattheHorseandGroomOnSaturday1stMarchtheYorkshireRegionofWoodenSpoonheldtheirFirstXVlunchatIlkleyRUFC.Thedaysawsome50guestsenjoyadelicious3-courselunchfollowedbyalocalYorkshireLeagueGame.RepresentatvesfromChellowHeightsFDSOandLeedsWestSLICwereinvitedtoaendthelunchallofwhomarelocalorganisatonswhohavebeneedfromthesupportofWoodenSpoonoverthelastyear.Eachwereabletospeakabouttheirindividualprojectsandwhatthesupportfromthecharityhasenabledthemtoachieveforthechildrenandyoungpeoplethattheysupport.ThelunchwasgratefullysponsoredbyPlacesforPeopleErnstYoungIn-sitePropertySolutonsPremexMacintoshJamesPartnersandLawrenceStreetDentalPractce.WewouldliketogiveourthankstooursponsorsonthedayIlkleyRUFCandeveryonewhowasabletojoinusforagreatdayfortheYorkshireRegion.YORKSHIRETheYorkshireRegionFirstXVLunchatIlkleyRUFCCertcatepresentatonattheYorkshireRegionFirstXVLunchYorkshireChristmasLunchRogerDakinandStuartWatsonYorkshireChristmasLunchDainandStuartWatsonSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com23 InspiratonalFundraisingStoriesWeareunbelievablyproudoftheworkcarriedoutbyoursupporterstoensurethatweareabletohelpandfundasmanyprojectsaswecantobenettheamazingchildrenwesupport.Whateveryoudotofundraiseforus-runningamarathonrugbyshirtdayorholdingacakesalewerelyonenthusiastcpeoplelikeyoutoensurewecancontnueourwork.ThankyoutoeveryonewhocontributeswearehugelyappreciatveofyoureortsandherearejustafewrecentfundraiserswhohaveundertakenachallengetoraisefundsforWoodenSpoonJamesHarpergottofullachildhooddreaminDecemberashetooktotheMillenniumStadiumeldinaWelshrugbytoptokickawinathalfimeduringtheWalesVAustraliatestmatch.Jamestook2kicksinfrontofthecrowdandhis100strikeratebaggedJamesthegameball.Jamesusedtheopportunitytoraise185byaskingfordonatonsfromfriendsfamilyandhistouchrugbyteammates.In2013Laurarannotonenottwobutthree10kraceswithintheSouthWalesandWestregiontoraise143.ForLaurathechallengewasapersonalone.Aswellasbeingabletohelpagoodcausesheimprovedhertnessandfoundthatrunningisveryaddictve.Ithinksportofanykindismassivelyimportantinbringingcommunitesclosertogetherandimprovingphysicalandmentalhealthaswellasbeingafunactvity.Itchallengespeopleandcreatesgoals.ThestaandstudentsofAldroSchoolinSurreyheldtheirannualrugbyshirtdayandraisedover400thisbringstheir11-yearfundraiserforWoodenSpoontoanamazingtotalof4258.45.Agreatexampleofhowasmalldonatonof1canadduptoraiselargefundswhichgotowardslocalchildrenneedingourhelpTheideaofarugbyshirtdayissimpleallstudentsandstaareinvitedtoweararugbyshirtoftheirchoicetoschoolforthedayinreturnforasuggesteddonatonof1toWoodenSpoon.FromPwllParktotheMillenniumStadiumLauraParsonstakeson3x10KracesRugbyshirtdayatAldroSchoolJamesworkingonhiskickAldroSchoolsportngtheirshirtsLauratookonthree10kracesJamesworkingonhiskicAldroSchoolsportngtheirshirtsLauratookonthree10kracesSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com24 On1stFebruaryAnthonyWigginsDirectoratWigginsLockeThompsonCharteredSurveyorscompletedadawn-to-duskcyclingchallenge.Covering46muddyandicymilesalongtheBirminghamandBlackCountrycanalnetworkhestartedandnishedattheStewponyBridgeaferreachingthecentreofBirminghamandtacklingtheNethertonTunneltwice.Anthonyraised300anddescribedhischallengeasThetripstartedoutasanEnidBlytonesquejauntthroughthesunnycountrysideandnishedbybalingrainheadwindsandexhaustoninadesperateaempttogetbacktothecarbeforethetorchbaeriesranoutInFebruaryDannyandChrisfromKenttookonared-runmountainmarathonattheAustrianOlympicSkiResortofAxamerLizun.Thedaystartedwellwiththemclocking-up12milesinthefreshsnowbutitwasnttocontnuewhenastormhitthemountainandclosedallthelifsleavingthepairponderingtheirfate.Luckilyaferthewinddieddowntheyweregiventheallcleartocontnuesostartedtheaccenttocompletethechallenge.Havinglostcloseto2hoursofthe7hourdaytheafernoonstntwasexhaustngwiththelast2runsreallytestngthemthroughlactosebuildupintheirlegswobblesandedgecatchingbutbothDannyandChrispushedthroughandwith20minutestosparemadethelastlifknowingthatallthatwasleftodowasgetbacktothebarandtheirchallengewascomplete.OverallDannyandChriscovered26milesinjustunder6hoursandhaveraisedover1600forWoodenSpoon.DannysaidofthechallengeRaisingover1600forwhatIbelievetobeagreatcausehasbeeninspiring.Ifeelverysatsedwithmyownachievementsandhavebeenoverwhelmedbythesupportanddonatonsfromfriendsfamilyandworkcolleagues.THANKYOUStephenLloydcontactedusabouthis9yearolddaughterJessicawhoonSunday13thAprilraisedfundsforWoodenSpoonattheCambridgeMinisRugbyFestval.JessicaspenthoursattheMinisfestvalaskingkidsparentsandgrandparentstoguessthenumberofsweetsinajar.StephencommentedthatIamveryproudofmydaughtertoday.ShespenthoursfundraisingforWoodenSpoonandraisedafantastc75allonherownOurWoodenSpoonrunnershadtrainedthroughoneoftheweestwintershoweveronApril13ththesunwasshiningforthe34thLondonMarathon.TherewasnoraininsighttodampenthespiritsofWoodenSpoonsupportersastheycheeredonWoodenSpoons26fundraisingrunnerswhoallcompletedthe26mile385yardcourseoftheLondonMarathon.TherstWoodenSpoonrunnerGeorginacrossedthenishlineinanimpressive3hours8minutesand5secondsandwasfollowedinquicksuccessionbyTNTemployeeMartynat3hours19minutesand31seconds.ButforthemajorityitwasntthetmetakenmoretheachievementofcompletngthecourseandraisingvaluablefundsforthegreatworkthatWoodenSpoondoesforchildrenandyoungpeopleacrosstheUK.Todatewehaveraisedover40000fromourrunnerswhichwillgotowardsprovidingvitalfundstoorganisatonssuchasspecialistschoolsothercharitesandcommunityprojectsthatprovidesupporttreatmentorrespitecareforchildrenwithdisablingorlife-limitngmedicalconditonsorlivinginareasofseveresocialdeprivaton.AhugethankyoutoallourrunnersBenJohnsonCarolineJacksonColinRobertsIanEddieDominicAshcrofEmilyBurgessFatmaAlmGarryShephardGeorginaLoosemoreHelenClayton-DeBaiseJamesHillierJoSinclairJimFinnamoreLaurelleMayMarkShephardMartynPolliNickWilliamsRachelLoosemoreRichardHudsonRichardRussellRuthKentScoWatsonSimonSinclairStevePearceStuartCrofonTomMartnandtheirsponsorsfortheirtremendousfundraisingeortsdedicatonanddeterminatonatthisyearsLondonMarathon.Areyourunningin2015Pleasegetintouch.CiaranDorrityandDesCrinionfromLondonstartedayearlongfundraisertoraisemoneyforWoodenSpoonandActonthisDayforKenya.CiaranandDeswillcompeteinahugenumberofenduranceeventsoverthenextyearpushingthemselvestotheirphysicalandmentallimitsallinaidofthetwocauses.Eventsincludemarathonsasprinttriathlonthe3PeaksChallengeandnumerousToughMudderToughGuyandSpartanEventsculminatnginthe24hournon-stopunforgivingobstaclerace-theWorldsToughestMudderraceinAmerica.Overthecourseoftheyeartheyexpecttoraceover500milesmostlybyfoot.Keepaneyeoutfortheirprogress.DurhamWoodenSpoonwaspleasedthatsomechallengersfromDePuyMitekaJohnsonJohnsoncompanydecidedtoraisefundsforWoodenSpoonaspartofaCorporateSocialResponsibilitycampaigntheywererunningwithintheteam.TheteamconsistngofAnnaStephensonMichaelStephensonStuartHubbardNicolaPearsJadeAndersonandAmandaLomaxtookpartinaWildThingXRunnerMudRunandAdventureRaceandhadgreatfundoingitalongwithraising1000forDurhamWoodenSpoon.Theycompletedthecourseconqueringobstaclessuchastheswampofdoomrewalkandmuddymayhem.YorkshireRegioncommieememberNigelsetaboutrunningtheYorkshireMarathonlastOctober.ThiswashissecondmarathonhavingruninLondon10yearsago.Partofhismid-lifecrisishefreelyadmitstohavingbeensorelytestedonthischallengeasheaempteditwithouttherunningpartnershehadbefore.NigelpresentedachequetoWoodenSpoonsSteveHolt.Nigelissengagreatexampletoothercommieememberswhoarenowsurelygirdingtheirloinsinordertoemulatethisgreateort.DawntoDuskalongthecanalsMountainMarathonRugbyMinisMakingeverystepcountfortheLondonMarathonAyearofenduranceTheXRunnerChallengeShawrunsforfunandraises3000TheDurhamXRunnersCiaranandDesreadyforwhateverliesaheadNigelpresentedachequetoWoodenSpoonsSteveHolt.Nigelissengagreatexampletoothercommieememberswhoarenowsurelygirdingtheirloinsinordertoemulatethisgreateort.CiaranandDesreadyforwhateverliesaheadSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com25 WoodenSpoonCommunityProjectsTheawardwinningHITZprogrammetacklessomeofthegreatestchallengesfacingyoungpeopletoday-unemploymentcrimeanddisillusionment.DeliverednatonallybyPremiershipRugbyandfundedbypartnersBarclaysComicReliefLandRoverandWoodenSpoonHITZusesrugbytoincreaseyoungpeoplesresilienceself-relianceandcondence.Itgivesthemtheskillstogetbackintoeducatonvocatonaltrainingapprentceshipsandemployment.InMarchtheHITZWorcesterpartcipantsweregiventheopportunitytorunamatchdayatWorcesterWarriorsRugbyClubaspartoftheirstudyprogramme.TheyoungstersworkedwithWarriorsstatoplanpromoteanddeliverthematchwhenWarriorssecondstring-theCavaliers-hostedtheArmyonWednesday12thMarch.WarriorsHITZOcerStuartBrookssaidBygivingthemanopportunitytobepartofdierentdepartmentsandunderstandday-to-daylifeinawork-placewehaveseentheseyoungstersgrowincondence.HITZstudentConnorMitchellsaidIwassoexcitedaboutworkingwiththeWarriorsstawhogiveuslotsofsupporteveryday.Itwasachanceforustoworkasateamandlearnnewthings.AstheUKeconomyshowsearlysignsofrecoveryandunemploymentguresforolderpeoplearebeginningtodropthenumberofyoungpeopleoutofworkremainsstubbornlyhigh.Morethan950000youngpeoplearestllunemployedandalmostathirdofthemhavebeenlookingforworkformorethanayear.InMarchtheInsttuteforPublicPolicyResearchIPPRreportedajoblessrateamongunder-25sasbeing3.74tmestheadultrateupfrom3.5tmestheadultrateayearago.WoodenSpooncommunityprojectscontnuetoaddressthispriorityconcernforyoungpeopleinourmostdeprivedcommunites.ThankstoWoodenSpoonandoursupportersmoreandmoreyoungpeoplehavegraduatedfromoureducatonprojectsandareeitherreturningtofull-tmeeducatoni.e.collegeorgainingemploymentopportunites.JaiPurewalSeniorDevelopmentDirectorCommunityProjectsHITZWorcesterTheAwardWinningHitzProgrammeCommunityProjectsbynumbersinthelast6months12EducatonalProjectsarecurrentlyliveHITZ9locatonsGameOn2locatonsTRYHARD1032plusNEETyoungpeopleaged16-24engagedincommunitysportssessionsNotinEducatonEmploymentorTraining80pluslearnerscompletngeducatonalcoursesOver1285childrenandyoungpeoplewithdisabilitesengagingwithsportmostofwhichhadneverhadtheopportunitytoengageincompettvesportbefore8DisabilityProjectsarecompletedorcurrentlyliveincludingWheelchairRugbyClubsTagRugbyFestvalsandsportsopportunitesforvisuallyimpairedindividualsurInaamMohammedaged18HitzNorthamptongraduateisnowworkingatTimpsonsTheAwardWinningHitzProgrammeSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com26 JoehasbeenontheGameOnprojectsincelastNovember.Hislong-termgoalistojointheArmybuthewasrefusedentryonhisrstapplicaton.WiththehelpoftheGameOnprojectJoebuiltuphistnessinterviewskillsandcondencetoapplyforcollege.WecaughtupwithJoeandndouthowtheGameOnprogrammehelpedhim.WhatareyourexperiencesofGameOnImadesomefriendsandgotagoodrelatonshipwiththecoaches.Ialsogottoseetheprofessionalrugbyplayersupcloseandtalktothem.GameOnwasgreatfunIlearnednewskillsandimprovedmytnesslevels.WhatareyourfutureplansnowyouhavecompletedGameOnNowIvecompletedGameOnImincollegedoinganArmyPreparatonCourseandIhavecontnuedplayingrugbyforEdinburghNorthernthenIwillbeapplyingtojointheArmyinAugust.WhatisyourmostmemorablebestthingabouttheGameOnProjectMyfavouritemomentonthecoursewasgoingtoDreghornBarracksmeetngthesoldierslearningabouttheirweaponsandgengachancetotrytheratonpacks.Therewasalsoarugbygamebeingplayedbetween1stSCOTSand2ndRoyalWelshwhichwaspreygoodtowatch.ToreadmoreaboutJoeColquhounanddiscovermoreaboutSpotlightOnwithourlearnerspleasevisitwww.woodenspoon.comprojectsSpoonStarswasdevelopedbasedontheethosthatthespritandvaluesofrugbyhavetheabilitytogivedisabledchildrenandyoungpeopleachancetoachievetheirfullpotentalinlife.Intotal169childrenwithlearningdisabilitesfromeightspecialschoolsreceivedrugbyleaguecoachingfromtheHullFCCommunityFoundatonandbaleditoutinatagrugbytournament.Supportersparentsandteachersalikewereinfullvoicethroughouttheeventastheyweretreatedtosomegreatmatchesclosescorelinesandfantastcskillslevelsfromthechildren.DannyScoSocialInclusionOcerSpoonSuperStarssaidItwasgreattoseetheteamsgetinvolvedandshowsuchenthusiasm.Theeventwasplayedinafantastcmannerwithteamsandsupporterscheeringonopposingteamsaswellastheirown.TheskillsonshowwerefantastcforalltoseeandIwasreallypleasedwithhowstudentshavetakenonboardthecoachingtpsandputthemtogooduse.AaronWedgewoodfromOakeldSchoolsaidSpoonStarshasprovidedvaluableopportunitesforpartcipatoninrugbytoyoungpeoplewithdisabilites.ProjectslikethisareincrediblyvaluableandwelookforwardtoworkingwithHullFCandWoodenSpoonmoreofen.HullandEastRidingWoodenSpoonbranchChairmanIanParsonssaidWearedelightedthatourpartnershipwiththeHullFCFoundatonontheSpoonStarsprojectissupportngmoredisabledchildrentotakepartinsuchagreatsportandwelookforwardtoworkingonnewprojectsinthenearfuture.BuildingonthesuccessofthisprojectWoodenSpoonissupportngSpoonStarsforasecondyearrunning.Capitalisingontheexcitementgeneratedbythe2012ParalympicsandthesuccessofathletessuchasHannahCockrofandDanielleBrownWoodenSpoondonated20000totheFederatonofDisabilitySportsOrganisatonsFDSOfortheActveEventsProgramme.Thisprojectprovidedopportunitesfor5500youngdisabledpeopletocompeteagainstotherschoolsandclubsfromacrosstheregioninathletcsbocciatablecricketfootballnewagekurlingtagrugbywheelchairbasketballandinclusivezonebasketball.Formanythisistherstopportunitytopartcipateinsport.PupilsfromKingsMillSchoolDrieldsaidWelikedcompetnginoureldeventbutwelikedthesprinteventbestofall.WhenweranpastthestandsandeveryonecheereditwaslikebeingintheOlympics.SpecialSchoolPETeacherDoncastersaidSpecialschoolsportinYorkshireistheFDSOActveEventsprogramme-withoutitspecialneedsphysicaleducatonwouldbemuchthepoorer.BasedonthesuccessoflastyearWoodenSpoonisfundingtheActveEventsforasecondyearrunning.Wehopetondthenextgeneratonofelitedisabledathletes-theroadtoRiohasstartedFormoreinformatononCommunityProjectspleasevisitwoodenspoon.comprojectsorcontactrhopkinwoodenspoon.comSpotlightOnJoeColquhounSpoonStarsWoodenSpoonActveEventsProgrammeWoodenSpoonwouldliketothankourCommunityPartnersJoeColquhounplayingforEdinburghNorthernTheSpoonStarsteamwithSpoonyatHullFCWinnersonthepodiumofActveEventsSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com27 2013EventsListLeicestershireWoodenSpoonSouthPacicKilworthHouseTheatreGemmaBellgemmabellcorporatearchitecture.co.ukDevonEastDevonRegionalGolfDayCarleyWarrencarleywarrenpassagehousegroup.co.ukWalesRegionalGolfDayWhitchurchGolfClubPhilipDobsonphildobsonaol.comCentralNatonalConferenceDavidWalmsleydwalmsleywoodenspoon.comChilternsTempleGolfDayJointFundraiserTempleGolfClubJohnWilliamswilliamsvjbtnternet.comNorthumberlandNorthumberlandAnnualSummerLunchTownFootFarmShilboleAlanOldoldfamhotmail.comSussexMidsummerLadiesHorseRaceNightBrightonRacecourseAlanJenkinsdajfatherhotmail.comYorkshireCorporateTagRugbyStuartWatsonswatson1uk.ey.comUlster1974Lions40thAnniversaryGalaDinnerCullodenHotelPeterWoodTHISEVENTISSOLDOUTCentralFordRangerGreatLakelandChallengeMarlinaBarnesmbarneswoodenspoon.comKentWestKentGolfDayKnoleParkGolfClubSevenoaksPeterJohnstonpeter.aileenbtnternet.comScotlandRegionalGolfDayWesternGailesGolfClubJerryKessellglasgowspoongolfbtnternetRepublicofIrelandBritishIrishLions40thAnniversaryDinnerFergusSlaeryfslaeryfslaery.comNotnghamshire10thAnniversaryGolfDayWollatonParkGolfClubGaryPearce07973662942LancashireLancashireWestCoastGolfDayShoreGolfClubMartnLongmartn.longnapthens.co.ukBristolBathRegionalGolfDayBristolandBathLongAshtonGolfClubKenTrowbridgekentrowbridgemsn.comLeicestershireLeicestershireRugbyClubsGolfChampionship-KilworthSpringsGolfClubRonGouldron.gouldberea.euCentralGrandUnionChallengeMarlinaBarnesmbarneswoodenspoon.comDevonPlymouthGolfDayYelvertonGolfClubKevinNorriscarleywarrenpassagehousegroup.co.ukWestMidlandsRegionalgolfdayLadbrookParkGolfClubPhilipPemble-philip.pembleppdg.co.ukormamoneywatchnance.comNorthamptonshireNorthamptonshireAnnualGolfDayNorthamptonshireCountyGolfClubSteveValentnesrvalentnetscali.co.ukCentralFourPeaksChallenge2014MarlinaBarnesmbarneswoodenspoon.comDevon11thPlymouthSummerBallCarleyWarrencarleywarrenpassagehousegroup.co.ukYorkshireEastYorkshireGolfDayBroughGolfClubDavidHewidavid.horbitbusinessdevelopment.comBedfordshireOlney7sOlneyBucksOliverRichbelloliver.richbellpictons.co.ukShropshireTenniseventShewsburyLawnTennisClubGlynDobbsgdobbsbtnternet.comBedfordshireBedfordshireRiverFestvalRiverFestivalOliverRichbelloliver.richbellpictons.co.ukBedfordshireBedfordshireGolfDayAspleyGuisePatrickCarterpc27live.co.ukLeicestershireFirstWorldWarThemedLuncheonCowPloughMalcolmFoulkes-Arnoldvfacorporatearchitecture.co.ukIsleofManBarbecueandFunDayLocatonTBCAllanThompsonallantmanx.netIsleofManFunDayApeManTreeCourseAllanThompsonallantmanx.netCentralCwmtawe7s2014RyanShahinrshahinwoodenspoon.comCentralPrudentalRideLondon-SurreyMarlinaBarnesmbarneswoodenspoon.com11204122141224514251314271915272317251828119142029202210JUNEJUNEJULYJUNEJUNEJULYJUNEJUNEJULYJUNEJUNEJULYJUNEJUNEJULYJUNEJUNEJULYJUNEJULYJUNEJUNEAUGUSTJUNEJULYAUGUSTJUNEJULYAUGUSTJUNEJULYJULYAUGUSTnoearouevenoasPeterJohnstonpeter.aileenbtnternet.commbarneswoodenspoon.commbarneswoodenspoon.comJUNEJULYAUGUSTSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com28 CentralEndtoEndChallenge2014MarlinaBarnesmbarneswoodenspoon.comWarwickshireWarwickshireGolfDayMaxstoneParkIanHolroydianlook-whos-talking.co.ukEasternCounesRegionalGolfDayStokebyNaylandGolfClubAlanLinealanline313bnternet.comGuernseyGuernseyLilyBallLocaonTBCJulieChammingschammingscwgsy.netKentKentRugbyClubGolfChallengeKnoleParkGolfClubSevenoaksPeterJohnstonpeter.aileenbnternet.comHertordshireHertordshireGolfDayKnebworthGolfClubJohnBaersjohnbaersaol.comCentralHarpenden7s2014RyanShahinrshahinwoodenspoon.comDevonDevonshireGolfFinalWoodburyParkGCRogerHaywoodrogerhaywoodpassagehousegroup.co.ukLeicestershireWoodenSpoonSisterActKilworthHouseTheatreGemmaBellgemmabellcorporatearchitecture.co.ukCentralTNTRugbyCycleChallenge2014RugbyMarlinaBarnesmbarneswoodenspoon.comGloucestershireGloucestershireRugbyClubsGolfCom-peon-BrickhamptonTimHealthealalderking.comHampshireRegionalGolfDayTylneyParkGolfClubDavidAshcrofdashcrof9me.com1816192022263123445AUGUSTAUGUSTAUGUSTAUGUSTAUGUSTAUGUSTAUGUSTSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERGuernseyMemorialDaywithWaspsLegendsLocaonTBCJulieChammingschammingscwgsy.netOxfordshireOxfordshireGolfDayKirtlingtonJohnDeeleysimmsfarm.deeleysvirgin.netSussexCricketmeetsSpoonLunchSussexCountyCricketClubHoveAnnHoltannholt1hotmail.comScotlandWineTasngLulunightclubLindaMitchelllinda.j.mitchellbnternet.comShropshireShropshireGolfdayWrekinGolfClubGlynDobbsgdobbsbnternet.comCentralThamesPathChallengeMarlinaBarnesmbarneswoodenspoon.comCentralCharityGolfDaysupportedbyTNTStoneleighDeerParkGCCoventryMarlinaBarnesmbarneswoodenspoon.comSussexNaonalFinalsRugbyClubsGolfChallenge-IeldGolfClub.BobRogersbobrogerstherfu.comYorkshireEastYorkshireDinnerandDanceHullIoniansRUFCPaulStaniford01482300480CentralOilIndustryGolfday2014StGeorgesHillGolfClubSurreyMarlinaBarnesmbarneswoodenspoon.comChilternsLileHayGolfDayHemelHempsteadRosemaryHiggsrosemaryhiggsbnternet.comCentralWoodenSpoonNaonalGolfFinalsupportedbyMastersgolfMarriotForestofArdenBirminghamMarlinaBarnesmbarneswoodenspoon.com86111112132525262310SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBEROCTOBEROCTOBEROCTOBERSurreyWaltonHeathCharityGolfDayLocaonTBCPaulTaylorpaukkingsmill.co.ukCentralLordChadlingtonReceponattheHouseofLordsMarlinaBarnesmbarneswoodenspoon.comDevonAnnualPumpkinBallPassageHouseHotelCarleyWarrencarleywarrenpassagehousegroup.co.ukScotlandEdinburghDinnerPrestoneldHouseEdinburghJohnGodfreyjohn.godfreybarclays.comCentralWoodenSpoonAuroraIceBall2014ParkPlazaWestminsterBridgeLondonMarlinaBarnesmbarneswoodenspoon.comBedfordshireCasinoNightLocaonTBCOliverRichbelloliver.richbellpictons.co.ukGloucestershireGloucestershireBookLaunchDinnerKingsholmStadiumTimHealthealalderking.comLancashireAnnualLuncheonDeVereVillageHotelMarnLongmarn.longnapthens.co.ukSomersetChristmasBallTheSomersetCountyCricketGroundDavidReeddavidreed952bnternet.com15103161415202128OCTOBEROCTOBEROCTOBERNOVEMBERNOVEMBERNOVEMBERNOVEMBERNOVEMBERNOVEMBERDavidAshcrofdashcrof9me.comSEPTEMBERMarriotForestofArdenBirminghamMarlinaBarnesmbarneswoodenspoon.comOCTOBERSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com29 AbitofextrahelpfromHMRCBangthedrumforWoodenSpoonVolunteerwithusLeaveWoodenSpoonagifinyourwillInthesetmesofnancialausteritywemayfeellessinclinedtodigdeeptosupportthecharitynomaerhowcloseitistoourhearts.ButthereareanumberofeasywaysyoucansupportWoodenSpoonwhichwontcostyouapennyintheshortterm.IfyouareamemberhavemadeadonatonorsponsoredsomebodydoingsomethingforWoodenSpooninthelastfouryearswemaybeabletoclaimGifAidonyourdonatonatnoextracosttoyou.IfyouarentsurewhetheryouveagreedtoGifAidalreadypleasejustcontacttheoceon01252773720ormembershipwoodenspoon.com.ItreallyisassimpleasthatHelpusbyspreadingthewordtofriendsfamilyandcolleaguestellingthemyourexperienceofthecharityandtheworkwedo.Youcanhelpusshareourmessagewiththewidercommunityandbringnewfacestooureventsandprojectopenings.WhoknowstheymayevendecidetobecomeaWoodenSpoonmemberthemselvesDoyouhavetmetospareWoodenSpoonOurregionalteamsarealwaysonthelook-outforextravolunteerswhocanhelpraisefundsandawarenessintheirlocalarea.Perhapsyoucouldnominateusasacharityoftheyearorarrangeadressdown-dayatyourworkorchildsschool.ThemoresupportthebiggerthedierencewecanmakeInsomewaysthisisthebestdonatonyoucanevermakebecauseitdoesntcostyouanythingatthetmeyoupledgethegifbuttheimpactwilllastforyearsperhapsevenalifetmeforthechildrenitsupports.Gonearethedayswhenleavingalegacytocharityisthesolepreserveofthewealthyormeanscommingvastsumsofmoney.WeknoweveryonehastheirownprioritessuchasnancialsecurityforgrandchildrenpayinguniversityfeesorjusthavingareallygoodtmeAfertakingcareoflovedonesevenleavingasmallpercentagetoWoodenSpooncanhelpmakearealdierenceinachildslife.Leavingagifinyourwilldoesnthavetobeshroudedinsombreconnotatonsofdeathitsaboutlifeandensuringthatthethingsyoureallyvalueinyourlifecontnuelongintothefuture.GifsinwillsenablecharitestocontnuetheirgoodworksopleaseconsideragifforWoodenSpoonwhenyouarewritngorupdatngyourwill.FormoreinformatonaboutleavingagiftoWoodenSpooninyourwillpleasespeaktoKarenMacaulayincondenceon01252773720.oceon01252773720ormembershipwoodenspoon.com.ItreallyisassimpleasthatyourwillpleasespeaktoKarenMacaulayincondenceon01252773720.SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com30 KeepintouchHowcanwehelpyouGratefulforWeknowfromspeakingwithformermembersthatmanyhadstoppedgivingbecauseoftheirimmediatecircumstancesendingtheirregularmonthlydonatonsduetotheirnancialsituatonatthetme.Ratherthanlosetouchwiththeseoutgoingmemberswestllcontactthemviaemailtokeeptheminformedaboutourworkandourfundraisingactvites.Wearepleasedtobeabletokeepintouchwithalloursupportersregardlessofwhetherornottheydonateregularly.PleasekeepintouchletusknowifyouchangeyouraddressorifyouwouldliketobesentemailsupdatngyouaboutWoodenSpoonactviteswhereyoulive.AlsodontforgetyoucanalsofollowusonTwierorlikeusonFacebooktohelpusshareourgoodnews.Thankyouforhavingyoursayinwhatyouwouldlikeasamembershipbenet.Wearegratefulforyourfeedbackandhopetoupdateyousoon.Doyoureceiveoure-newsleerWedontthinkwearereachingasmanypeopleaswecouldandassomeofoureventsselloutveryquicklyweofendonthavetmetosendpostalmailings.Wedontwantyoutomissoutsopleasecouldyouprovideanemailaddresstous.ContactusTheWoodenSpoonsupporterrelatonshipteamwouldlovetohearfromyouifyouhaveanyquestonsorqueriespleasefeelfreetocontactusatmembershipwoodenspoon.comor01252773720ThankyoutothosememberswhorespondedtoourrecentGifAiddriveallowingustoreclaimGifAidonanydonatonstheyhadmadeinthelast4years.WeappreciatethepositveresponseandwouldstronglyencourageanyothermembersordonorsnotcurrentlyGifAidingtocontactus.MembershipandDonatonsThanksForyoursupportyoulive.AlsodontforgetyoucanalsofollowusonTwierorlikeusonFacebooktohelpusshareourgoodnews.fromyouifyouhaveanyquestonsorqueriespleasefeelfreetocontactusatmembershipwoodenspoon.comor01252773720SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com31 JoinusthisyearforanotherfantastceveningonFriday14thNovemberattheParkPlazaWestminsterBridgeHotelandexperiencethemysteryofanArctcAuroraincelebratonofthebiggestfundraisingchallengeforthecharitytheArctcRugbyChallenge2015.GuestswillbewelcomedwithanArctctwistastheyenteramagicalworldandexperiencethebeautyoftheNorthernLights.WhatawaytoshowoursupportforourbravechallengersbeforetheyheadototheArctcforthetoughestchallengeoftheirlives.Pleasejoinusandenjoyafantastceveningallthewhileknowingthatyouarehelpingtochangethelivesandbringsmilestothefacesofthousandsofdisadvantagedchildrenandyoungpeople.MagicalbrilliantbestballtodategreatbalanceoffundraisingandfunarejustsomeofthecommentsreceivedfromguestswhojoinedlastyearsballtocelebrateWoodenSpoonsmagnicent30thAnniversaryBallSwingBacktotheThirtes.Theeveningkickedoat6pmwithawelcomereceptonofprohibitoncocktailsgenerouslydonatedbyFirstDrinksandbespoke30sstylechampagneinchampagnesaucerskindlydonatedbytheParkPlaza.Escortedtothediningroombythebeautful30sshowgirlsguestswerestunnedbythegrandopeningwithglieringdisplaysofpyrotechnicsexplodingfromthetablecentres.DuringthedeliciousfourcoursedinnerguestsenjoyedfantastcentertainmentincludingVivaAerialDancesuspendedfromtheirsilkshighabovethedinersrugbycelebritesincludingPhilVickerydancingtheCharlestonMissPollyRaesingingTallulahandWhydontyoudoitrighttoourLeadSponsorPhilWalkerfromPharosOshoreGroup.AndnallyBruceAirheadthemetamorphosisofamanwhodisappearedinsideasixfootballoononlytoreappeardressedasagangster.Dancingintotheearlyhoursaferacookedbreakfastbuettorefueltheirenergytheballwasahugesuccessandgeneratedinexcessof230000forthecharity.The30thAnniversaryBallisamassivehitYoudonthavetoleavetowntoexperiencethemysticalbeautyofanAuroraOurfabulousjudgeGreggWallacefromMasterChefWoodenSpoonEventsSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com32 HaveyoueverwantedtotakepartinabikeridebutthedistancestmeputyouoWellnowsyourchance.ComeandjoinusonthisiconicridefromthehomeofRugby-RugbyinWarwickshiretoTwickenhamStadiuminaidofWoodenSpoon.OnSeptember4th2014around50cyclistswillbemakingtheirwaydownfromRugbytoTwickenhamStadiumin2.5dayscoveringapproximately120miles.TheeventconcludeswithauniquegrandnaleparadearoundTwickenhamStadiuminfrontofacapacitycrowdattheAvivaPremiershipRugbyLondonDoubleHeaderonthe6thSeptember2014.AfullsupportteamwillbewithyouonyourvoyagetoLondon.Accommodatonwillbeprovidedalongwithbreakfastbreakstopsandluncheachday.Date4thto6thSeptember2014IndividualEntryEachcyclistwillbeaskedtopaya30entryfeeperdaythatyoutakepartandraiseafurtherminimumof250perdaythatyoupartcipatepartofwhichwillgotowardsyouraccommodatonmealsetcandthebalancewillbeyourdonatontoWoodenSpoon.OnFriday10thOctobertheNatonalGolfFinalwillbeheldatMarrioForestofArdenHotelinBirmingham.ThewinnerstrophygenerouslydonatedbyNickFaldoiscurrentlyinthesafehandsoflastyearswinningteamfromtheManchesterCheshireRegionChrisJacksonJamesNockerChrisOConnorandMarkLievsley.TheformatofthedayisStablefordthebesttwoscorescountngoneachhole.Wewillbeplayingat34handicap.Teetmeswillbeallocated.Asageneralruleweallocatethetee-otmesaccordingtogeographicalconsideratonandwiththeassumptonthatyouwillbetravellingfromyourregiontotheMarrioForestofArdenHotel.ItwouldhelpconsiderablyifyoucouldletusknowifyouaregoingtoarriveontheThursday9thOctobersowecanallocatetheearliertee-otmestoyoutoaccommodatethosewhowillbearrivingontheday.WhowillbecrownedthisyearsNatonalGolfWinnersWillManchesterCheshirebeabletodefendtheirttleWelookforwardtondingoutatyetanotherexcitngbaleAveryspecialthankyoumustgotoMastersGolfwhowillbesponsoringtheNatonalGolfFinalforthefhyearinarow.FormoreinformatonortobookyourplaceatanyoftheaboveWoodenSpooneventspleasecontactMarlinaon01252773720oratmbarneswoodenspoon.com.TheTNTRugbyCycleChallengeMastersGolfsupporttheNatonalGolfFinalforthefhyearrontofGolfFinalforthefhyearinarow.FormoreinformatonortobookyourplaceatanyoftheaboveWoodenSpooneventspleasecontactMarlinaon01252773720oratmbarneswoodenspoon.com.SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com33 SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com34 TheArctcRugbyChallenge2015WoodenSpoonhasteamedupwithworldclasspolaradventurerJockWisharttotakeagroupofbraveindividualsonapioneeringexpeditontotheMagnetcNorthPoleandsetaWorldRecordUnderJocksexpertleadershipthegroupincludingformerrugbyinternatonalsTimStmpsonEnglandandBritshIrishLionsandPatSandersonEnglandwilldepartfromResoluteBayCanadainmid-April2015totrekupto100milestooneofthefurthestplacesnorthontheplanetthe1996certedpositonoftheMagnetcNorthPoleallinjust7days.OnarrivalattheNorthPolehavingbaledharrowingArctcwindsandtemperaturesaslowas-50theywillplaythenorthernmostrugbymatchinhistoryachievingaspotintheGuinnessbookofWorldRecords.SupportngthechallengeasleadsponsorisawardwinningnancialexchangermLMAXExchange.TheirCEODavidMercerhascommiedtotakingpartandonceatthePolewillaempttosethisownworldrecordbyplacingtherstevernancialtradefromtheMagnetcNorthPole.JoiningasaCorporatepartnerisQuilterCheviotInvestmentManagement.JockisnostrangertoPolarconditons.Inthesummerof2011Jockledacrewonavoyagethatrowed500milesonajourneytothe1996certedpositonoftheMagnetcNorthPole.Wishartandhisteamreachedthispolepositonandannouncedtheirsuccesssayingthereisnowarowboatatthe96Mag.NorthPole.Theboatisstllatthislocatontodayandpartofthe2015challengewillseethechallengersmakeashortpitstopattheOldPulteney.Thisonce-in-a-lifetmeexperiencewillgiveyouthechancetotrekwithaworldclassadventurerwiththeaddedopportunitytosetaGuinnessWorldRecordwithtworugbygreatsallthewhileraisingmoneyforagreatcause.Duetothenatureofthischallengetheveryhighlevelofinterestandlimitedplacesavailablepartcipatonisbyapplicatononly.IfyouwouldliketondoutmoreabouttheWoodenSpoonArctcRugbyChallengepleasecontactMarlinaBarnesatmbarneswoodenspoon.comorcall01252773720.JasonLeonardPatSandersonJockWishartDavidMercerTimStmpsonandJamesHardingJockwiththeOldPulteneyJockwiththeOldPulteneySPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com35 ChallengeyourselfforWoodenSpoonWoodenSpoonhasbeenrunningchallengeeventsforover25years.Duringthistmeover5millionhasbeenraisedforthedisadvantagedchildrenandyoungpeoplethatwesupport.Ourchallengesareafunandinvigoratngwayforindividualstoraisevaluablefundsforourcause.IfyouwouldliketotakepartinachallengeinaidofWoodenSpoonwhetheritbearuncyclecanoeorevenatrekthenwemayhavejustthethingforyouFordRangerGreatLakelandChallengeFriday20thJune2014TheGreatLakelandChallengeistheultmateteamchallenge.Teamsoffourthreechallengersandadriverpaddlethe10.5milelengthofLakeWindermerepedal26milesup13gradientsofWrynoseandHardknopassesandconquerthe3208feetofScafellPikeallinlessthan12hours.EntryLevelOne400entryfeeand2000minimumfundraisingperteam-includesSpoonChallengesbrandedvehicledeliveredtoacentrallocatonforyoutocollectaSpoonChallengesbrandedtechnicaltopeachandcelebratonBBQatthemountainnish.EntryLevelTwo400entryfeeand3100minimumfundraisingperteaminadditontoentryleveloneteamswillreceivedeliveryofthevehicledirecttoyourdooraSpoonChallengesbrandedrugbyshirteachandshuleofyourteamandvehiclefromthenishareatotheLangdaleHotelafertheevent.GLCRelayEntryOpton500entryfeeand4000minimumfundraisingperteamOurFinalFourPeaksChallenge3rd5thJuly2014Thelastchancetocompletethisawe-inspiringchallengewhichseeschallengersconquerBenNevisHelvellynSnowdonandCarantouhill.In48hoursteamstravelover1000milesandclimb14000feettoachievethisultmateandmosticonicUKchallenge.Minimumfundraisingrequired4500perteamEnd2EndCycleChallenge16th23rdAugust2014Pedal865milesfromJohnOGroatstoLandsEndin7.5days.OurEnd2EndchallengewilltakeyoufromthelochsandmountainsofScotlandtothebeautfullandscapeoftheCumbrianLakeDistrictthroughthegentlyrollingtranquilWyeValleyandontotheruggedCornishcoastline.Minimumfundraisingrequired2750GrandUnionChallengeDate28th-29thJune2014Its100km50kmor25kmontheGrandUnionCanaltowpathahiddengreencorridorthatwindsitswayfromtheheartofLondonouttowardstheChilterns.ThescenerywillsurpriseyouitstheCapitalsbestkeptsecret.TheChallengewillinspireyouitsLondonsGreatEscapeMinimumfundraisingrequiredfrom145RideLondonCycleChallengeDate10thAugust2014Endurethe100milecycleridestartnginQueenElizabethOlympicParkthroughthecapitalandintoSurrey.Withleg-testngclimbsandaroutemadefamousbytheworldsbestcyclistsattheLondon2012Olympicsitsatrulyspectaculareventforall.Fundraisingrequired1000ThamesPathChallengeDate13th-14thSeptember2014TheThamesPathNatonalTrailisuniquevariedandbeautfulscenerysteepedinhistory-andasuperbbackdropforanexceptonalfestvalofendurancechallenges.Mostwillwalkitsomewilljogpartsofitandquiteafewwillrunthefull100km.Minimumfundraisingrequiredfrom145IfyouwouldlikeanyfurtherinformatonabouttakingpartinachallengeinaidofWoodenSpoonpleasevisitourwebsitewww.woodenspoon.comchallengesorfeelfreetocontactMarlinaintheoceon01252773720.InadditontoourcatalogueofbespokeSpoonchallengeswearedelightedtoannouncethatwehaveplacesavailableinavarietyofmass-partcipatonchallenges.IfyouwouldlikeanyfurtherinformatonabouttakingpartinachallengeinaidofWoodenSpoonpleasevisitourwebsitewww.woodenspoon.comchallengesorfeelfreetocontactMarlinaintheoceon01252773720.SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com36 Overthelast25years806teamshaveshedbloodsweatandtearsonthisiconicchallenge.ThisannouncementthatthiswillbethenalFourPeaksChallengehasinspiredmanyofourpastchallengerstorelivetheirwonderfulmemoriesandcomebackandaempttobeatthepeaksonelasttme.Whetheryourunwalkorstaggeritthiseventisafantastcteambuildingexperienceand2014our25thandnalyearisguaranteedtoliveuptopastperformances.Ifyouhavetakenpartinthechallengebeforepleasegetintouchwithyouroldteammates.Orifthisisachallengeyouhavealwaysconsideredtakingpartinenternowthisisyourlastchance-andletsmakesurethattheFourPeaksgoesoutwithamountainousbangTimeline19911stFourPeaksChallengeFourteamsenteredandVauxhallsuppliedthemwithvehicles1996GavinHastngsentersateamdrivenbyGarethCoochieChilco.ThisyearseesthelaunchoftheCityChallengeandteamspledge2229352002DeanRichardsPeterWheelerenteraLeicesterTigersteamandcarrytheirZurichChampionshipTrophyupallFourPeaks.WemovetotheHotelEuropeKillarneyforourlegendarypost-eventpartyand51teamspledge3533042005Fundraisinghitanultmatehigh52teamspledgedawhopping466211.00.Vauxhallsayafondfarewellafersupportngtheeventwithvehiclesfor15years2008Arecord60teamsenteredinSpoons25thanniversaryyearandFourPeakscumulatvepledgedfundshit5million.Fordcomeonboardasocialvehiclesupplierandremaintothisday.2012PhilVickeryandMaggieAlphonsienterateamandbeatthePeaks201425thandFinalFourPeaksareyouupforitvehiclesfor15years25thandFinalFourPeaksareyouupforitSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com37 RegionChilternsProjectNameClaytonsPrimarySchoolProjectTypeSensoryRoomWoodenSpoonDonaton22995Opened22ndJuly2013byTomGuestChildrenwithsocialandcommunicatondicultescanndanormalschoolenvironmentnoisybusyandconfusing.AtClaytonsPrimarySchoolwehaveaspecialneedsdepartmentfortwelvechildrenwiththesedicultes.Weaimtohelpandsupportthemtomakesenseofschoolandultmatelytheworldaroundthem.TothechildrenwhoarepartofthespecialneedsdepartmentsScarletclassitstheplacewheretheymayhavelessonsoccupatonaltherapyandspeechandlanguagesessionsorjusttalktmetoreviewtheweek.ThankyouforourSensoryRoomThebuildersbeganthetransformatonfromadisusedshowerandchangingroomsintoawonderfulsensoryroom.TheteamfromMikeAyresdesignedtheroomtomaximisethespaceanditwasajoytowatchtheinstallatonoftheequipment.OurmindslledwiththepossibilitesweheldagrandopeningwherelocalpressandguestsfromWoodenSpoonvisitedusevenalocalrugbystar.OursensoryroomhasbecomeanintegralpartofScarletclassandtheschool.ThechildreninourARPAdditonalResourceprovisionlovethespacetochilloutinthebreoptclightslistentocalmingsoothingmusicandhavefunhuggingthebubbletubeandchangingthecolouredlightsonthewall.Thechildrenwatchasthemirrorballspinsreectngwonderfullightsthatmoveacrosstheroomandtheprojectorshinesimagesontoahugescreenabovethesofa.Themicrophonehasprovedahugesuccessmakingfunnyvoicesandevensingingafewsongs.Childrenacrosstheschoolhaveusedthesensoryroomasaspacetotalkreadandtohaveoccupatonaltherapysessions.OnaFridayafernoonalmclubgathertoenjoytheprojectorandsoundsystem.Itisanoasisofcalminabusyschoolsengvaluableforchildrenandstaalike.ThereareplansforotherlocalschoolstocomeandshareourresourcewewillbeveryproudtoshareoursensoryroomwithotherARPsandspecialistsengs.ThankyouWoodenSpoonWoodenSpoonCaseStudySPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com38 SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com39 SportngchanceAsthechildrenscharityofrugbyWoodenSpoonknowsallaboutthepowerofsporttoenrichlives.ThereisnobeerexampleofthispowerthantheNatonalVisuallyImpairedYouthSwimmingGalaorganisedbyBritshBlindSportBBSwhichtookplacelastmonth.TNTExpresswasproudtobetheleadsponsorforthiseventwhichwasalsosupportedbyWoodenSpoon.SixtyblindorpartallysightedyoungpeoplefromalloverthecountrycametotheMidlandstocompeteaccompaniedbyfriendsandfamilywhocreatedafantastcatmosphere.TheeventwasorganisedbyBBSincludingtheteamoftapperswhostoodattheendofthepoolandusedapoletotaptheswimmersastheyapproachedthewallsotheyknewwhentoturn.Individualsandschoolgroupswereamongthecompettorsandveyoungpeopleweregivenoutstandingachievementawardsaswellasrecognitonforthemaleandfemaleswimmersoftheday.AlainaMacGregorCEOofBBSsaidTheyoungpeoplethattookpartinthiseventareinspiratonalintheircommitmenttosport.AndTNTExpresscommitmenttoBritshBlindSporthasnowbeenextendedevenfurtherwiththecompanysponsoringthe2014NatonalVisuallyImpairedve-a-sidefootballtournament.AlistairCochraneMDofTNTExpresssaidAtTNTExpresswearecommiedtosupportngcharitableschemeswithinthecommuniteswhereweoperate.WearedelightedtobeworkingwithBritshBlindSporttohelpgiveyoungpeoplewithvisualimpairmentsfromacrosstheUKtheopportunitytocompeteatsuchagreatlevel.TNTExpresscolleaguescontnuetobeproudoftheirinvolvementwithWoodenSpoonAllreadytocompetePhilBownGeneralManagerMarketngTNTExpressUKpresentsatrophytoapartcipantAllreadytocomSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com40 SeeingisBelievingTheSeeingisBelievinginitatvehasenabledmorethan3000TNTExpressemployeesandcustomerstowitnessrsthandhowthemoneytheygenerateisusedtomakeadierence.ForexampleTNTExpressstafromBradfordandLeedsaendedtheopeningceremonyofanewreallifestreetsceneatChellowHeightsSpecialSchoolinBradford.WoodenSpoongranted35000totheprojectwhichhelpsseverelydisabledpupilslearnthefundamentalsofroadsafetyinasafeyetworldlyenvironment.Theprojectbuiltroadwaysjunctonstraclightscrossingsroundaboutsandpavementsinfrontoftheschoolwithbuilt-inspeakersmakingtracandrailnoises.AndinBuckinghamshirestafromtheSloughandRoyalParksdepotsaendedtheopeningoftheWoodenSpoonSensoryRoomatClaytonsPrimarySchoolinBourneEndwhichwaspartfundedwith23000fromWoodenSpoon.Theroomincludeslightandsoundprojectorsbubbletubessofplaycushionsspecialooringcolourwheelsmirrorsactvitypanelsandakeyboardandmicrophonewhichhelpschildrenwithspecialneedsattheschoolandsurroundingarea.LondonMarathonFinglysportalsoplaysamajorpartinTNTExpressfundraisingeortsforWoodenSpoon.FiveTNTExpresscolleaguesaswellasthreecustomerspartcipatedinthisyearsLondonMarathoneachwithatargettoraise1500forthecharity.TNTExpresshasdevelopedastrongrelatonshipwiththeracehavingprovidedlogistcssupporttomorethan25LondonMarathonstransportngtablesandwaterandpackingnisherbags.SportycolleaguesarealsogoingtobetakingontheTNTRugbyCycleChallengethisSeptembertoraisemoremoney.TheTNTRugbyCycleChallengeAtleast100TNTExpressemployeesfamilycustomersaswellasothersupportersofWoodenSpoonwillcycleapproximately2.5daysarrivingatEnglandsHQtotakepartinagrandparadeaheadofthetraditonalAvivaPremiershipLondonDouble-Headeron6September.Eachriderwillbeaskedtoraise750insponsorshiptotakepartintheeventwhichwillseethemcoverthedistanceinthreelegsstoppingatBuckinghamandMaidenhead.OngoingsupportofWoodenSpoonAllofthisendeavourisinadditontothehardworkthatemployeesdoonanindividualandteambasisincludingdressdowndays.ForexampleoneTNTExpressemployeeMary-AnnBurkeSecurityManagerforBirminghamandCannockdepotsplanstoruneighteventsincluding5half-marathonsaswellasacoupleof10kmor15kmrunsthelastofwhichinAviemoreScotlandinOctoberwillbeinaidofWoodenSpoon.Somecolleaguesandcustomersarealsopayinganannualfeetojoinanewemployeemembershipscheme.Aswellasknowingthattheirdonatonisgoingdirectlytohelpdisadvantagedchildrentheschemehelpspeoplefeelevenmoreinvolvedwiththeprojects.FundsraisedTNTExpresscolleaguesareproudtoputinsomucheortforacharitythattheyhavereallytakentotheirhearts.Lastyeartheyraised237871forWoodenSpoonthroughamixtureofdirectdonatonsandgifsinkindtakingthetotalraisedsincethepartnershipbeganin1997to3.48m.WhatmakesTNTExpresscolleaguessoeagertohelpisthefactthattheygettoseeexactlyhowtheireortsdirectlyimprovedisadvantagedchildrenslives.StafromSloughandRoyalParksdepotsvisitClaytonsPrimarySchoolStafromBradfordandLeedsdepotsvisittheInteractveRoadatChellowHeights1997to3.48m.WhatmakesTNTExpresscolleaguessoeagertohelpisthefactthattheygettoseeexactlyhowtheireortsdirectlyimprovedisadvantagedchildrenslives.SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com41 AmbassadorsWoodenSpoonIndustryAmbassadorscontnuingtomakeadierenceWeallknowthatpeoplearedealtverydierenthandsinlife.TheworkWoodenSpoondototryandhelpdisadvantagedchildrenissuperb.Talbotareproudanddelightedtoplayourpartinallthishardworkaswellastoconrmafurtherthreeyearsofsupport.TobepartofthebuzzofaPRLgameisexcitng.WiththisprogrammetwodisadvantagedgroupsHitzbeneciariesandvisuallyimpairedyoungpeoplecancometogethertosharethatexperience.Wearereallypleasedtosupportitbecauseitallowsbothgroupstoempathisewiththeothersissuesandchallengesdeveloptheircommunicatonskillsandfriendships.OurverygenerousAmbassadorscontnuetheirsupportinanumberofdierentwaysincludingengagingtheircompanytrustorfoundatontofundraiseandpartnerwithWoodenSpoon.Thiscanbeorganisingacompanychallengesponsoringandsupportngoureventsdonatnggifsvenuesandservicesinkindauctonlotstestmonialsandintroductons.Therearesomanyvaluablewaysthattheysupportustomakearealdierencetotheyoungpeoplethatwehelp.Onesuchwayisthroughthesponsorshipofourcharitableprojects.SuzieHaworthcatchesupwithafewofourIndustryAmbassadorswhohavedonejustthisTalbotUnderwritnghavesupportedpartoftheHitzProgrammeforthelast4yearsandRupertAtkinCEOwritesWearedelightedthattheWatesFoundatonthroughJamesWatesChairmanissupportngourVisualImpairmentProjectEnjoyingtheHitzprogrammecaengeseveoptercommuncaonssanrensps.SuzieHaworthcatchesupwithafewofourIndustryAmbassadorswhohavedonejustthisSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com42 ThisprojecttargetsthemostdisenfranchisedyoungpeoplewhoareNEETNotinEducatonEmploymentorTraininginthelocalNorthamptonshirecommunityengagingthemwiththecorevaluesofrugbyandintoeducatonalprogrammesandpositveprogressionroutes.Itimprovestheirlivescontributestopositvechangewithintheircommunityandbeyondaddingsignicantbenettosocietyasawhole.Iamdelightedthatwehaveconrmedourcommitmentfor2014.WearehugelyproudtobesupportngtheHitzprogrammeasthebenetstolocalauthoritesandmoreimportantlythelocalcommunitestheyservearetrulysignicant.TowerHamletslikemanyinnercityboroughsisconfronteddailywithmanysocialchallengesandtheHitzprogrammeisdesignedtotargetdisaectedteenagersandhelpthemlearnthroughsportandotheractvitessuchasdancethecorevaluesofpartcipatonleadershipresponsibilityandjustsometmestheartofjustbelongingtoagroupwhichdoesnothavetobeagang.Hitzshowsthesekidsthatthereisanotherwaythroughsportandactvitesthatyoucanlearnaboutlifeinawaywhichisrelevanttoeveryfacetoftheirdaytodaylivingexperiencesandthatcanbepositvecaringandfantastcfortheindividualandsocietyasawhole.AsaWoodenSpoonAmbassadorIamabsolutelydelightedthatNortonRoseFulbrighthavecommiedsponsorshipforWoodenSpoonsnewandinnovatveprojectforpartallysightedandblindyoungpeople.TheVisualImpairmentProjectbringstogetherWoodenSpoonsHitzprogrammebeneciarieswhoareNEETwithvisuallyimpairedyoungpeople.TheHitzprogrammebeneciariesbuddywithavisuallyimpairedyoungpersontobetheireyesataprofessionalPRLgame.Abrilliantconceptwhichbringstwodisadvantagedgroupstogetherenablingthemtorecogniseandempathisewitheachothersrealchallengesaswellasdevelopingtheircommunicatonskills.TrulyvaluableworkwhichNortonRoseFulbrightareproudtobeassociatedwith.TothankourAmbassadorsfortheirgeneroussupportweholdthreeAmbassadoreventseachyearwheretheymeetandnetworkwithfellowAmbassadors.Theseeventsenableustoinformthemonhowtheirgivingmakesarealdierencetoourbeneciariesandtheprogressofthecharity.ThisyearourAnnualReceptonattheHouseofLordsisonceagainkindlyhostedbytheLordChadlingtonandwillbeheldon15thOctober.On9thJunewewillbeinvitngourAmbassadorstoaroundtheworldwinetastngatBerryBros.Rudd.WeareverygratefultoalltheAmbassadorswhohavedonatedthevenuesandsponsorshipfortheseevents.InadditontoourAmbassadoreventsAmbassadorsreceiveatri-annualnewsleerFrontRowNewstokeeptheminformedthroughouttheyearofanynewsandevents.WewouldlovetohearfromyouifyouarepassionateaboutmakingadierencetochildrenwhoneedourhelpandwouldliketojoinournetworkofAmbassadors.PleasegetintouchwithSuzieHaworthatshaworthwoodenspoon.comorcall01252773720.ItiswithgreatpleasurethatIhavebeenabletohelpndfundingfortheNoahsArkAppealattheChildrensHospitalinCardi.WoodenSpoonhavecommiedtofundtwosensoryroomsandfourplayareas.ThesevaluablefaciliteswillhelptorehabilitatemanythousandsofverysickchildrenacrossWales.Iamdelightedthatthemoneywillfund3oftheseareas.TravisPerkinshavesupportedHitzinNorthamptonforthepasttwoyears.MartnMeechGroupPropertyDirectorcommentedNickLeslauMAXpropertyGroupPLCJereyBarreSeniorPartnerNortonRoseFulbrightisalsodelightedthatNortonRosehaveagreedtosponsortheHitzprogrammeVisualImpairmentproject.JeexpresseshisdelightfortheirsupportLeeGreenCEOKMIConsultantsTheAmbassadorProgrammeoersgreateventsSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com43 WoodenSpoonCorporateWoodenSpoonisacharitypartnerofBusinessintheCommunityBITCinrelatontotheirGiveGainDay2014initatvewhichwasociallylaunchedon16thJanuaryatthetopoftheBTTower.BITCisauniquebusinessmovementandregisteredcharitythatworkslocallynatonallyandinternatonallywiththeircorporatememberstotransformbusinessesandcommunites.Forfurtherinformatonpleasevisitwww.bitc.org.ukabout-us.GiveGainDayisaspecicBITCinitatveandtheUKsonlynatonaldayofemployeevolunteering.Takingplaceon16thMay2014theinitatvewillhavecompletedbythetmethiscopyhitsyourleerbox-lookoutforfurthernewsonthedayinournextediton.BITCareaimingtogetmoreemployeesthaneverfrombusinessesacrosstheUKvolunteeringintheircommuniteslendingtheirtmeenergyandskillstobenetlocalcommunites.OrganisatonsthathavebeneedfromWoodenSpoonfundinginthepasthavebeeninvitedtoputforwardvolunteeringopportunitesthroughtheWoodenSpoonpartnershipwithGiveGainDayforthiscomingyear.OpportunitesareopentoateamofbusinessemployeesfromwhichthefundedWoodenSpoonorganisatoncouldbenetfromafewextrapairsofhandsideasandperhapsbusinessskills.AlltypesofvolunteeringhappenonGiveGainDaywhetheritsbrighteningacommunitycentrehospiceorschoolcreatngagardenthatbeneciariescanbeproudtospendtmeinordeliveringaninterviewworkshoptohelppreparestudentsfortheworldofworktonameonlyafew.PaulBuchananNatonalCommunityDirectorofBusinessintheCommunitysaidThroughGiveGainDayWoodenSpoonisusingtheenergyandskillofbusinessvolunteerstocreatealastngimpressionontheinspiratonalorganisatonstheyworkwith.BusinessintheCommunityhopesthatinvolvementinthedaywillhelpchariteslikeWoodenSpoonbuildstrongconnectonswithbusinessandexpandtheiroertoemployeevolunteers.WoodenSpoonPartnershipprovidescorporateemployeeengagementopportunitesforsupportedprojectsleerbox-lookoutforfurthernewsonthedayinournextediton.studentsfortheworldofworktonameonlyafew.SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com44 LastyearsawtheopeningofthenewWoodlandActvityCentreatICANMeathSchoolinSurreywhereWoodenSpoonwasamajordonor.ICANisthechildrenscommunicatoncharityprovidingacombinatonofspecialisteducatonandtherapyforchildrenwiththemostsevereandcomplexspeechandlanguagedisabilites.TheICANMeathSchoolisaspecialschoolpurelyforprimaryagedchildrenwithspeechlanguageandcommunicatonneedsSLCNincludingAspergersSyndrome.TheWoodenSpoonWoodlandActvityCentreiswithintheschoolgroundsandcomprisesacycletrackandarangeofactvityequipmentincludingswingsacarouseltowerandslideclimbingframesandtunnels.ThecentrewasopenedbyJohnInverdalealongwithmembersandguestsoftheWoodenSpoonSurreycommiee.GuestsincludedClairePurdyandMarkWildersfromtheeducatonteambasedatZurichFarnborough.ClairefamedforherEnglandandLadiesWaspsrugbyappearanceswasmakingherrstvisittoaWoodenSpoonprojectandwasinspiredbytheexperience.AsaresultshehasbecomeacommiedWoodenSpoonSportngAmbassadorandhasgoneontoengageherfellowWaspsteammembersinWoodenSpoonactvites.AfantastcexperiencewhichstrredmetorealisetheopportunitestodrawuponbothmyroleatZurichandmypassionforrugbywhilstsupportngthegreatworkofWoodenSpoon.ClairePurdyWoodenSpoonSportngAmbassadorMarketUnderwriterZurichZurichgoodsportsaendWoodenSpoonProjectOpeningWeareraisingourgameatWoodenSpoontoprovideaprogrammeofexcellenceinordertoshowcaseourcharitablework.Inadditontoourexistngprojectvisitswhichenableyoutoseersthandhowyourfundraisingmakesadierenceourfutureplansincludeengagementopportunitesforyourstaandkeystakeholders.Fromvolunteeringthroughtoseniorstaorclientinvolvementwecanalsohelptosupportyouinachievingyourtargetsforcorporateresponsibility.ForfurtherinformatonpleasecontactRhiannonHopkinon01252773720oratRhopkinwoodenspoon.com.EnjoyingthenewplaygroundatICANMeathClairePurdyWoodenSpoonSportngAmbassadorProjectEngagementOpportunitesincludingAspergersSyndrome.thegreatworkofWoodenSpoon.ClairePurdyWoodenSpoonSportngAmbassadorMarketUnderwriterZurichSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com45 WoodenSpoonsSportngAmbassadorsWith40RegionsaHeadOceandnumerousorganisatonsclubsandindividualsallpungoneventsinthenameofWoodenSpoonthestrainonourpoolofamazingRugbyAmbassadorscansometmesalmostreachbreakingpoint.ButtmeandtmeagainthesupportthattheseguysshowtoWoodenSpoonandtheyoungpeoplethatwehelpblowsusaway.Whetheritisenduring100sofmilesofcyclingclimbingupmountainshostngdinnersorvisitngprojectswearenevershortofapastorpresentstarfromthegamethatwealllovetohelpusout.NotonlydoesthisgiveWoodenSpoonsbeneciariesanamazingboostseeingtheirheroestaketmeoutoftheirdaytocomealongvisitandhelpoutitalsoallowsustoraisethefundstokeepsupportngdisadvantagedchildrenandyoungpeopleforyearstocome.Belowarejustsomeofthehighlightsofthelast6monthshereatWoodenSpoonMartnOahvisitngaschoolinFelthamTimStmpsonformerBritshandIrishLionandcappedbyEngland19tmesandPatSandersoncapped16tmesbyEnglandandcaptainingthesideonthe2006tourofAustraliaareembarkingonthechallengeofalifetmebytrekking100-milestothe1996certedpositonoftheMagnetcNorthPolewhilstalsobreakingtheWorldRecordforthenorthernmostgameofrugbyplayed.Timwhohasalong-standinghistorywithushereatWoodenSpooniscurrentlytheHonoraryPresidentofourShropshireRegionandhelpsusoutatover10eventsperyear.PathasrecentlyhelpedusoutwithnumerouschallengesandeventsstartnginandaroundtheCity.TimandPatwillbeawayfromtheirfamiliesforover3weekscommingtoayearsworthoftrainingbeforehandallwhilstraising50000eachforthecharity.PatSandersonandTimStmpsontakeontheArctcRugbyChallenge.Belowarejustsomeofthehighlightsofthelast6monthshereatWoodenSpoon.helpedusoutwithnumerouschallengesandeventsstartnginandaroundtheCity.SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com46 FormerEnglandscrum-halfandSkySportsRugbysleadpunditDewiMorrishasbeenalong-standingsupporterofWoodenSpoonhostngregularDewiMorrisCurryClubsforourManchesterCheshireRegion.DewirecentlychoseusashischarityofchoicefortheSkySportsRugbyClubSixNatonsBengChallengewherehehasbeentestnghisbengknowledgeagainstWillGreenwoodScoQuinnellStuartBarnesIeuanEvansAlanQuinlanandRoryLawsontotryandwinupto7000forWoodenSpoon.DewihasbeenproudlysportnghisWoodenSpoonwristbandonTheRugbyClub.AsusualourLeadAmbassadorPhilVickeryhasbeenpoppingupalloverthecountryhelpingoutatWoodenSpooneventsandgenerallypromotngtheworkthatwedo.PhilhasrecentlybeeninductedontotheRFUCouncilasoneofthe62Membersalongwithsoon-to-bePresidentandformerLeadAmbassadorJasonLeonard.SomeofPhilsmainfocusontheCouncilwillbethecausesthatareclosetohisheartdevelopinggrassrootsrugbypromotngWoodenSpoonanddevelopingthenextgeneratonofRagingBulls.PhilaendedthisyearsAnnualBallforthethirdyearrunningandsoonhadtheother10RugbyAmbassadorsinaendancelearningtheCharlestontotheamazementoftheonlookingguests.SomeofWoodenSpoonsfavouriteandmostactveRugbyAmbassadorsWayneBarnesRobHendersonCraigChalmersandTomVoycegatheredonthetopoorofMergerMarketsmagnicentocesbackinApriltodeliveramemorablenetworkingbreakfast.Guestsgatheredforamorningofbreakfastandnetworkingbeforebeingtreatedtothemaineventwithourpanelofrugbylegends.WithWayneBarnesinchargeofproceedingsandRobHendersonIrelandCraigChalmersScotlandandTomVoyceEnglandrepresentngtheircountriesopinionstheplayersforoncewereallowedtoanswerbacktotherefereeandmadethemostofeveryopportunitytogettheirownback.OntheagendawasSixNatonsperformancesHeinekenCupinsightsRugbyWorldCuppredictonsandLionsToursmemories.Waynealsogaveasgoodashegotandtheexchangesandinsightsprovidedanextremelyamusingstarttotheworkingweek.WoodenSpoonwouldliketoconveyoursincerethanksAngusMcIntoshCEOofMergerMarketandPaulVolleyforkindlyhostngtheevent.JoshCharnleyoneofRugbyLeaguescurrentpin-upboysEnglandWorldCupsquadmemberandarecordtry-scorerintheSuperLeaguelastyearhaspledgedhissupporttoWoodenSpoonalreadydonatngseveralauctonitemsandhelpingoutwithnumerousonlinecampaignsthatwehavebeenworkingon.JoshwillcontnuetosupportWoodenSpooninwhicheverwayshecanthroughouttheyear.ForanyinformatonabouttheSportngAmbassadorprogrammepleasecontactRyanShahinatrshahinwoodenspoon.comorcall01252773720.DewiMorrisshowshissupportforWoodenSpoonPhilVickeryMBEwelcomedontotheRFUCouncilAmbassadorsBusinessBreakfastatMergerMarketsLeaguestarsignsuptoWoodenSpoonJoshCharnleysigningaWoodenSpoonrugbyshirtl-rWayneBarnesRobHendersonTomVoyceandCraigChalmersLovelyPhilvisitngHQRugbyAmbassadorsdoingagreatjobonthedanceoororanynormaonaoutteporngmassaorprogrammepleasecontactRyanShahinatrshahinwoodenspoon.comorcall01252773720.JoshCharnleysigningaWoodenSpoonrugbyshirtSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com47 TheWoodenSpoonMaraudersTherstmajordevelopmentforthisseasonistheannouncementofalandmarkpartnershipforushereatWoodenSpoonandthatisthecomingtogetherwiththeworldfamous7ssidetheWhiteHartMarauders.TheWhiteHartMarauderswerealsoaboutin1983theyearWoodenSpoonwasfoundedandareoneofthelongestestablishedinvitatonal7ssidesonthecircuit.HavingcompetedinandwontournamentsallovertheworldtheMarauderscanbecloselyassociatedwiththerapiddevelopmentoftheglobal7sgame.SomeofthetopstarscomingthroughtheirranksarethelikesofAlexCuthbertDanBibbyChrisCracknellTomMitchellandIfanEvans.Manylegendsofthe15-a-sidegamehavedonnedthefamousjerseyovertheyearsincludingAustnHealeyJermyGuscoLawrenceDallaglioColinCharvisRobHowleyAndyNicolCraigChalmersGavinHastngsandmanymore.RyanShahinWoodenSpoonsRugbycoordinatorsaidWhentheinitalideawassuggestedtojoinforceswithsuchasuccessfulclubastheWhiteHartMaraudersitseemedlikethepossibiliteswereendlessfortwoinsttutonswithsuchsynergyandsoitwasano-brainertoagreeto.OurwomenssideisoneofthemostsuccessfulinEuropeandIamsurethispartnershipwillensurethemenarecompetngatthesamelevel.OneofthefoundersandnowChairmanoftheWhiteHartMaraudersBillyWhitesaidIamsoproudofwhathasbeenachievedbytheclubwhichcontnuestoberunbyagroupofpassionatevolunteersfromitsancestralhomeTheWhiteHartinEversleyHampshire.ThisisthestartofaneweraforMaraudersandwelookforwardtocontnuingplayingatthehighestlevelwhilstraisingtheawarenessofWoodenSpoonaroundthe7scircuit.WoodenSpoonalreadyhasaverysuccessfulwomansteamandwelookforwardtosupportngthemwhencompetngontheElitetoursthatwearetoembarkoninthecomingseasons.TheteamarelookingforwardtoplayingintheBournmouth7sWiththeeveningsgenglighterandthepitchesrmerthesesignsonlypointtowardsonethinghereatWoodenSpoon..Thatthe7sseasonisuponus.AhugeamountofworkbytheteamhereatWoodenSpoonandthevolunteersandpartnersthatworkalongsideusgoesoninthewintermonthstohelpmakeour7sseasonsassuccessfulandenjoyableaspossibleforallinvolvedwiththeemphasisonspreadingthecharityskeymessagesofPassionIntegrityTeamworkandFunandwedontexpect2014tobeanydierenttoocldEngland7sDanBibbyshowsothenewWoodenSpoonMaraudersshirtWoodenSpoonRugbyDanBibbyChrisCracknellTheWhiteHartinEversleyHampshire.ThisisthestartofaneweraforMaraudersandwelookEngland7sDanBibbyshowsothenewWoodenSpoonMaraudersshirtSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com48 DateTeamTournament24420142542014WoodenSpoonMenWomenBournemouth7s3152014WoodenSpoonMenWomenRugbyRocks1462014WoodenSpoonMenWomenWestCountry7s1272014WoodenSpoonMenSevensandtheCity1272014WoodenSpoonWomenLegendsRugbyFestval982014WoodenSpoonMenCwmtawe7s3182014WoodenSpoonMenHarpenden7sFormoreinformatononWoodenSpoonRugbywhetheryouwouldliketoplaysupportorsponsorpleasecontactRyanShahinatrshahinwoodenspoon.comorcall01252773720.WoodenSpoonMensandWomenssideswillbecompetngattournamentsacrosstheUKandEuropethisseasoncheckoutourremainingxturelistbelowfordetailsofwhereandwhenyoucancomealongtosupport2014FixturesWoodenSpoonRFCPartners2014TournamentsKukriKingUsOutInkeepingwithoneofthecharitysoverallobjectvestoraiseourproleintherugbycommunityacrosstheUKandbeyondweareembarkingonanambitousseriesoftournamentsthatwillseeuscompeteacrossEnglandIrelandWalesandevenHollandAsusualwehavebeenkindlysupportedbymanyofthetournamentsweareenteringandaspecialmentonmustgotoBournemouth7sandHeinekenKinsale7s.ThesearetwoofthebiggesttournamentsinEuropeandduetothemnamingusasCharityPartnerthiswillallowourteamstobeseenbyalmost50000rugbyfansacrossthesetwoweekends.AlmostasimportantasourperformancesonthepitchisgengourmessageseenloudandclearandthankfullyforthethirdyearrunningKukriwillbehelpingusdojustthat.Eversincecomingonboardin2012KukrihaveprovidedWoodenSpoonwithcungedgekitintermsofperformanceanddesignincorporatngthefamousWoodenSpooncoloursboldlyandbrightlyenoughforeveryonetoseeKukrialsoprovideuswithafullrangeofo-eldandsupporterskitifyouareinterestedincomingalongtocheerusonandlookingthepartatthesametmepleasevisitouronlineshoptondthefullrangeofmerchandise.hpwww.woodenspoon.comshopGengtoGripswithGilbertWoodenSpoonisalsoextremelypleasedtoannouncethatoneoftheworldsbiggestrugbybrandsGilberthavebecomeourocialballsupplier.WitharelatonshipgoingbackmanyyearsGilbertapproachedWoodenSpoontoaskhowtheycanhelpanddomoretosupportoneoftheirfavouritecharites.Theyhavekindlyoeredusawholerangeofsupport.PartofthisisbecomingtheocialballsupplierforWoodenSpoonRugbyprovidingourteamswithtop-of-the-rangefully-brandedballsthatwillhopefullybeseenatmatchesclubsandtournamentsacrossthecountry.Keepaneye-outforfurtherdevelopmentsinthisground-breakingrelatonshipforWoodenSpoon.angeosupport.PartotssecomngteocaasupperorooenpoonRugyprovngourteamswithtop-of-the-rangefully-brandedballsthatwillhopefullybeseenatmatchesclubsandtournamentsacrossthecountry.Keepaneye-outforfurtherdevelopmentsinthisground-breakingrelatonshipforWoodenSpoon.SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com49 SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com50 RegionYorkshireProjectNameChellowHeightsSchoolProjectTypeInteractveRoadWoodenSpoonDonaton35000Opened5thJuly2013byJoanneDoddsDeputyMayorofBradfordChellowHeightsSpecialSchoolwhichcatersforchildrenaged2-11yearsofagewithcomplexmedicalandphysicalneedshashadamockstreetscenecreatedwithinitsplaygroundthankstofundingfromWoodenSpoon.WespeaktoVickiStreetCharitesFundraisingCo-ordinatorforChellowHeightsSpecialSchooltondouthowithasbeneedthechildrenthatuseit.WhatarethefeaturesoftheinteractveroadThemockstreetsceneisascaleddownversionofaroadsystemwhichincludesworkingtraclightszebraandpelicancrossingsroadsignsshopsandbuiltinspeakerswhichmakerealistctracandrailnoises.WheredidtheideafortheroadsystemcomefromWeranasurveyandconsultedwithparentsandcarerswheretheteachingofroadsafetycameoutasahighpriorityespeciallyforwheelchair-boundpupilstopractcemovingaroundandcrossingroadsinarealistcyetsecureenvironment.ResearchsuggeststhatpeoplewithlearningdicultesordisabilitesaremoreatriskonroadsBrakeUKsothepractcaltrainingwecannowgiveontheroadisinvaluabletopupils.LearningaboutroadsafetyIstheinteractveroadapermanentfeatureintheplaygroundWillitalwaysbethereorcanitbemovedtootherlocatonsItalwayshastobesetupintheplaygroundatpresentduetoholesinthegroundforthesignsandsignalstostandin.Ifwedevelopedafreestandingbaseforthesignstheycouldbeusedanywhereasthebaerypacksallowthesystemtobeportable.WhocanusetheinteractveroadBecauseitistheonlyoneofitskindintheNorthandthersteverportableversionintheUKtheinteractveroadissovaluabletomanyyoungpeopleinthedistrict.AswellaspupilsatChellowHeightsandourco-locatedschoolHeatontheroadcanbeusedbyotherspecialschoolsinthedistrict.Childrenwithadditonalneedsinmainstreamsengsandothergroupswishingtolearnroadskillsorcyclingprociencywithinasafeenvironmentarealsoabletomakeuseofthefacility.IsthisnowpartofthecurriculumwhendochildrenhavelessonsinroadsafetyCanallchildrenaccesstheroadsystemAllpupilscanaccesstheroadsystemaspartoflunchtmeactvitesanditisavailableforlessonsduringtheweek.Childrenalsousethesystemaspartofouroutofschoolandholidayactvites.WhatbenetshaveyouseenfromchildrenusingtheroadsystemOneofthemainbenetsistheopportunityforchildrenwithdisabilitestolearnroadsafetyawarenesswhichteachesindependentskillsandencourageschildrenandyoungpeopletotakeresponsibilityfortheirownsafety.Wecanteachyoungpeopletohaveanawarenessofriskanddanger.Theteachingprepareschildrenforadulthoodandhasbeenseentoincreaseyoungpeoplesselfesteemandcondence.WheredidyougetthefundingfromtocreatetheroadsystemWeappliedtoWoodenSpoonandputforwardacaseandaplanforcreatngtheroadsystem.Theschoolwassuccessfulinitsbidandwasawarded35000fromthecharity.Theroadwasthencommissionedtoveryspecicrequirementsbyaleadingsensoryequipmentspecialisttomakesuretheroadswererealistcandmettheroadsafetytrainingneedsofthepupilsattheschool.WoodenSpoonCaseStudyinvaluabletopupils.teachyoungpeopletohaveanawarenessofriskanddanger.Theteachingprepareschildrenforadulthoodandhasbeenseentoincreaseyoungpeoplesselfesteemandcondence.SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com51 SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com52QuilterCheviotLimitedisregisteredinEnglandwithnumber01923571.QuilterCheviotLimitedisamemberoftheLondonStockExchangeandauthorisedandregulatedbytheUKFinancialConductAuthority.WEKNOWTHATINVESTINGINRELATIONSHIPSGETSTHEBESTOUTCOME.SEEHOWWEREDOINGTHINGSDIFFERENTLYCALLJAMESHARDINGINVESTMENTDIRECTORTEL.02071504186ORVISITWWW.QUILTERCHEVIOT.COM TheNationalAutisticSocietyOverthelastthirtyyearsWoodenSpoonhassupportedthousandsofchildrenandtheirfamilieslivingwithautsm.MorespecicallythroughprojectssuchasNatonalAutstcSocietyNASprojects80000forDaldorchSchoolinScotlandandmorerecently20000fortheHelenAllisonSchoolinKentbutalsothroughoursupportforthespecialschoolssectorbythefundingofsensoryroomsandgardensandoutdoorplayareasforexample.TheNatonalAutstcSocietywasfoundedover50yearsagobyagroupoffriendswhowerefrustratedbythelackofsupportavailableforthemandtheirchildren.TheydecidedtoactforthemselvesandtodayastheUKsleadingautsmcharitycontnuetoactonbehalfofeveryonelivingwithautsm.NAShaslaunchedanewinitatvedesignedtogetmoreyoungpeoplewithautsmplayingsportandjoiningsportsclubs.TheActveforAutsmprogrammeistoberolledoutnatonallyandisbuiltonthesuccessofWoodenSpoonsprojectattheHelenAllisonSchoolwherethepupilshavefalleninlovewithsportandinthiscasetagrugby.SpeakingaferarecentautsmawarenessstatrainingsessionatWoodenSpoonheadoceTraceySellarsNASsaidWoodenSpoonsstrengthisitsgenuineenthusiasmacrosseverymemberofitsstatoimprovethelivesofchildrenwithdisabilites.Itwassuchadelighttoshareourunderstandingofautsmwithyouandtoreceivesuchawarmwelcome.Autsmisalifelongdevelopmentaldisabilitythataectshowapersoncommunicateswithandrelatestootherpeople.Italsoaectshowtheymakesenseoftheworldaroundthem.Itisestmatedthatmorethan1in100peopleintheUK700000mayhaveautsm.FromEllenNotbohmsbookTenThingsEveryChildwithAutsmWishesYouKnew2012herearetencharacteristcsthathelpilluminatenotdenechildrenwithautsm1.Iamachild.MyautsmispartofwhoIamnotallofwhoIam2.Mysensesareoutofsync3.DistnguishbetweenwontIchoosenottoandcantIamnotableto4.Imaconcretethinker.Iinterpretlanguageliterally5.ListentoallthewaysIamtryingtocommunicate6.PicturethisImvisuallyoriented7.FocusandbuildonwhatIcandoratherthanwhatIcantdo8.Helpmewithsocialinteractons9.Identfywhattriggersmymeltdowns10.LovemeunconditonallyEllenNotbohm.Forextendedexcerptvisitwww.ellennotbohm.comRaisingtheawarenessofautsmstartngwiththestaatHQKidsfromtheHelenAllisonFootballTeamEllenNotbohm.Forextendedexcerptvisitwww.ellennotbohm.comSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com53 IwouldliketobecomeamemberofWoodenSpoon.Pleasecompleteall3PleaseIndicateyourandyourclientsinterestsinthefollowingeventsbyplacinganXintheappropriatebox.GolfEventRugbyEventDinnerBallEventChallengeEventOtherpleasespecifyMEMBERSHIPDONATIONPAYMENTTitleFirstNameSurnameHomeAddressPostCodeHomeTelWorkTelMobileEmailDateofBirthYOURDETAILSMembershipSeniorMembershipOver65StudentMembershipUnder25WoodenSpoonvaluesyoursupportandpromisetorespectyourprivacy.Underthetermsofthepurposeofprovidingservicesinaccordancewithitscharitableaims.WewouldlovetokeepyouupdatedbyemailaboutourworkandhowyoursupportischangingSignatureDate1.2.3.PleasepayWoodenSpoonSocietyDirectDebitsfromsafeguardsassuredbytheDirectDebitGuarantee.WoodenSpoonSocietyandifsodetailswillbepassedelectronicallytomyBankBuildingSociety.NameandaddressofyourBankorBuildingSocietyNamesofAccountHoldersBranchSortCodeBankBuildingSocietyAccountNumberPleasecompleteinBLOCKCAPITALS.PleasereturnthecompletedformtoFreepostRSTS-RSYS-HSXRWoodenSpoon115-117FleetRoadFleetGU513PDNameonCardCardNumber-WeareunabletoacceptDinersStartDateExpiryDateSecurityCodeSIGNOr403020432Serviceusernumber42ReferenceSpoonUseSignatureDateSIGNGIFTOPTIONWoodenSpoonTieToteBagWristbandcifyedSPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com54 BedfordshireOliverRichbell07905408759oliver.richbellpictons.co.ukwoodenspoon.comBristolBathAndrewSheridanradiosheri25yahoo.co.uk07774196881woodenspoon.combristolbathChilternsBarrieMairbarriemairbulldoghome.com07836534269woodenspoon.comchilternsCornwallKevinOliverklowelcome-rest.com07980532523woodenspoon.comcornwallCumbriaJohnCunninghamjmcchguk.com07808909241woodenspoon.comcumbriaDevonRogerHaywoodrogerhaywoodpassagehousegroup.co.uk01626355515woodenspoon.comdevonDorsetDavidGullickdavidgullickhotmail.co.uk07967185708woodenspoon.comdorsetDurhamMichaelStephenson07714213753stephenson15aol.comwoodenspoon.comdurhamEasternCounesSeamusFarrellyseamusiceni-fs.co.uk07768875789woodenspoon.comeasterncounesEmiratesRobinHaddrillrobinhaddrillhotmail.comwoodenspoon.comemiratesGloucestershireTimHealthealalderking.com01452627128woodenspoon.comgloucestershireGuernseyJulieChammingschammingscwgsy.netwoodenspoon.comguernseyHampshireTonyWilkintonyoak-bm.co.uk08453921462woodenspoon.comhantsHertordshireJohnBaers01438816077johnbaersaol.comwoodenspoon.comhertsIsleofManPeterJenkinsscorex4yahoo.com07624481832woodenspoon.comiomJerseyRogerTrowerrogerbroadlandsjersey.com01534880770woodenspoon.comjerseyKentPaulShrubsallpshrubsgmail.com01732368102woodenspoon.comkentLancashireMarnLongmarn.longnapthens.co.uk01253754870woodenspoon.comlancsLeicestershireMalcolmFoulkes-Arnoldmvfacorporatearchitecture.co.uk01162789257woodenspoon.comleicsLondonNickMobley02088785381nicklondonschoolofdiving.co.ukwoodenspoon.comlondonManchesterCheshireCharlieWomersleycharliecharliethewine.com07771510052woodenspoon.commanchestercheshireMerseysideStanBagshawbagshawstangmail.com07968856077woodenspoon.commerseysideMidWalesTedCochranee.cochrane007bnternet.comwoodenspoon.commidwalesNorthamptonshireSteveValennesrvalennescali.co.uk07708195202woodenspoon.comnorthhantsNorthumberlandAnthonyStokeranthonyvillagefarmcoages.co.uk07801378691woodenspoon.comnorthumberlandNonghamshireJohnCohencohenjhrlhotmail.com07798670808woodenspoon.comnosOxfordshireJohnDeeleysimmsfarm.deeleysvirgin.net07753432354woodenspoon.comoxfordshireScotland-NaonalChairmanCharlieBrydencibspoonaol.com07831101183wodoenspoon.comscotlandScotland-GlasgowJamieLivingstonjamielivingstonlivingstonjames.com01415723068woodenspoon.comscotlandScotlandAberdeenHowardRoperhowardhroperscali.co.uk07712579750woodenspoon.comscotlandShropshireGlynDobbsgdobbsbnternet.com07740774573woodenspoon.comshropsSomersetDavidReeddavidreed952bnternet.com01823332045woodenspoon.comsomersetSurreyPaulTaylorpaulkingsmill.co.uk02086867942woodenspoon.comsurreySussexBobRogersbobrogerstherfu.com01903785046woodenspoon.comsussexUlsterPeterWoodpeterwood444bnternet.com07799711914woodenspoon.comulsterWalesHuwThomashuwhuwthomascpc.com07976602734woodenspoon.comwalesWarwickshireIanHolroydianlook-whos-talking.co.uk07831602131woodenspoon.comwarwickshireWestMidlandsPhilPemblephil.pembleppdg.co.uk01217115084woodenspoon.comwestmidlandsWiltshireGarethJohnjohng2sky.com07813140226woodenspoon.comwiltsWorcestershireJohnGibsonjohngrmingers.com0190520636woodenspoon.comworcsYorkshireStuartWatsonswatson1uk.ey.com01937841027woodenspoon.comyorkshireHeadOceFleetOce01252773720charitywoodenspoon.comwoodenspoon.comWoodenSpoonContactsEditorPhillieJamespjameswoodenspoon.comContribungTeamManythankstoallwhohavecontributedtothismagazine.RegionalCommieessupportersandWoodenSpoonsta.ForalladversingenquiriesPhillieJamesTel01252773720pjameswoodenspoon.comPublishedonbehalfofWoodenSpoonbyMMediaDesignLtdwww.mmediadesign.co.ukSpoonewsisapublicatonofWoodenSpoonthechildrenscharityofBritshandIrishrugbywww.woodenspoon.comTheviewsexpressedinthismagazinearethoseofthecontributorsandareintendedtoprovidegeneralinformatonwhichmaybeofinterestandforwhichWoodenSpoonacceptnoresponsibility.Theinformatonprovidedinthismagazineisnotintendedtobecomprehensiveortoprovideanyspecialistadvice.Readersshouldobtaindetailedspecialistadvicebeforetakingorrefrainingfromanyactonasaresultofthecommentsmadeinthispublicaton.Reproductoninwholeorpartwithoutwrienpermissionisstrictlyprohibited.2014WoodenSpoon.Allrightsreserved.WSandtheWSlogowhereshownaretrademarkswhetherregisteredunregisteredorinapplicatonofWoodenSpoonoritslicensorsintheUnitedKingdomandorothercountries.Othercompanyproductandbrandnamesmentonedmaybethetrademarkswhetherregisteredunregisteredorinapplicatonoftheirrespectveowners.CharityRegistratonnumberEnglandandWales326691ScotlandSC039247PhillieJamesTel01252773720pjameswoodenspoon.comWoodenSpoonacceptnoresponsibility.registeredunregisteredorinapplicatonofWoodenSpoonoritslicensorsintheUnitedKingdomandorothercountries.SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com55 SPOONEWSSPRING2014woodenspoon.com56Aroundtheworldandaroundtheclock......werejustaroundthecorner.WhereveryouoryourcustomersareintheworldTNThelpsconnecteveryoneseamlesslythankstoourunprecedentedlocalknowledgeandintegrateddoor-to-doornetworkspanningmorethan200countries.Supportedby80000peopleeachwiththeexpertiseandlocalknowledgetodeliverparcelsacrosstheglobesafelyandontime247365daysayearTNToffersawiderangeofflexiblescalableservicestosuityourbudgettimescalesandyourcustomersexpectations.Ourknow-howhelpssmooththecomplexitiesofdifferentcustomsandshippingregulationstoensureyourshipmentsarrivewithyourcustomerswhenyoupromisedwhetherbyairroadorseaday-definiteortime-criticalorevenSpecialServicesforsomethingoutoftheordinary.WanttoknowmoreVisitwww.tnt.co.ukorcall0800100600Forthelatestnewsvisittwitter.comtntexpress