News

When the chips are down

Alnwick Rugby Club (RFC) played host to 100 guests for a Wooden Spoon Northumberland event at their clubhouse, setting the stage for the highly anticipated 1st XV home game against Cleckheaton.

The event, which was a sell-out , saw Tim Stimpson, England and British & Irish Lions player, taking on the role of Master of Ceremonies and Speaker for the day. Key figures from the Wooden Spoon Northumberland committee, including Chairman Iain Stewart and President Francis Armstrong added to the prestige of the occasion.

The cold but bright weather set the perfect backdrop for a day filled with generosity and goodwill, as the community came together to raise an impressive £2000 through a combination of an auction and a raffle. Thank you to Newcastle Falcons for donating some of the prizes.

Special guests included representatives from the Newcastle Falcons Hitz Foundation and the Alnwick RFC mini’s & juniors, who had already raised funds for Wooden Spoon with their Santa Fun run in early December.

Despite a minor setback in the form of a power outage in the clubhouse kitchen, the Alnwick RFC catering team, undeterred and resilient, faced the challenge head-on. However, due to the gas issue, there was no way to cook the potatoes for the meal. In a true demonstration of community support, a local Alnwick fish & chip shop, Carlo’s, quickly responded to the call for help. Carlo’s rallied around and generously donated 100 portions of chips free of charge, saving the day and enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

The event was rounded off with the presentation of the Wooden Spoon partner club plaque to Alnwick RFC by Wooden Spoon Northumberland President Francis Armstrong. Alnwick RFC is the first regional Northeast club become a partner club in Northumberland. The committee is aiming to sign up many more