A packed house at OCEAN Exmouth, reunited and reminisced over many years spent at EXMOUTH RUGBY CLUB. A truly memorable evening, Friday 9th February 2023.

Wayne Barnes, Rugby World Cup 2023 referee, along with many other rugby and personal accomplishments, entertained an appreciative audience that included players, past & present, many volunteers, former presidents, chairman, treasurers with 'committee members' of old. Joined by family, friends with some of our super sponsors. Guests from Devon RFU & Withycombe RFC also joined us. The evening was expertly hosted by James Chubb, Exeter Chiefs & Twickenham Stadium matchday announcer. Both Wayne & James headed off into a very late sunset to be ready for England v Wales duty on Saturday. Wayne recollections of his start in refereeing, link with being a barrister, along with stories from his large number of years, kept the guests laughing for ages.

The evening was interspersed with a few memories from Roger Holman, Honorary President, with a couple video clips of some recent activity from around the club. Laid out, was library of old photographs, not seen for some time. Guests were able to view images from the 1875 onwards, with many 80s-90s team photos causing a stir. So much hair and smaller waistlines (in most cases).

A raffle in aid of Wooden Spoon, the children's charity of rugby, raised the handsome sum of £2,500. Thank you to all who purchased so generously. David Fowler, representing Wooden Spoon, spoke of the fundraising work, with support they give to local causes. All the money raised in Devon goes to local beneficiaries, recently including Vranch House & Ellen Tinkham School in Exeter and Mill Water School in East Budleigh.

A huge thank you must go to event sponsors, Gareth Williamson & 4 SEASONS SOLUTIONS and EXE EVENTS. Age Grade player mums, Aloma Watson & Clare Tate brought the celebration to life, with the help of a number of helpers from the club. Big Cheers to The Bistro at Powderham Farm Shop, O'Neills Sportswear, St Austell Brewery & ELEMENT KARBON for raffle prizes, that also included tickets to see England v Ireland in March.

What an evening. It is my honour to be Chair of our club. Personally, I must say a huge thank you to all who joined us, along with those who could not make the evening. Our club, at the heart of the town, would not exist and continue to grow without all of you. 150 YEARS done. What's Next?

Cheers

Ian
Chair
EXMOUTH RUGBY