A Weekend of Remembrance, Rugby, and Reflection

Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, is proud to have completed the VE80 Tour to Lincoln—an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, community, and commemoration. As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting military activities, particularly within the rugby community, the tour brought together veterans, rugby enthusiasts, and supporters to celebrate and remember the contributions of those who served during World War II.

A Tribute to the Past

The tour took the Wooden Spoon Veterans team to some of Lincoln’s most historic and meaningful locations, including the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) and the Lincoln Aviation Heritage Centre. These visits offered an opportunity to reflect on the incredible contributions made during WWII and to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought. The experience was made even more poignant by spectacular flyovers from a Lancaster Bomber and a Spitfire—a fitting tribute to the heroes of the past.

During the weekend, we had the honour to attend a service at the Lincoln Cathedral where Wooden Spoons’ very own Murray Stewart gave a short speech.

It is an honour to stand here today in the historic heart of Lincoln Cathedral, representing Wooden Spoon – the children’s charity of rugby – to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.
We gather not to glorify war, but to solemnly remember the service personnel and civilians who lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom. Their courage gave us the future we live in today.
We do not seek vengeance. We seek a kinder, more compassionate and peaceful world. That is their legacy—and it is our responsibility to carry it forward.
Rugby may seem a world away from the battlefields of Normandy, the banks of the Rhine, or the liberation of Paris. But it, too, can be a vehicle for unity, resilience, and hope. At Wooden Spoon, we use our game to reach across boundaries—to play and live inclusively, embracing all backgrounds, all abilities, and all walks of life.
When we pull on a Wooden Spoon jersey, we do so with pride—not for glory, but to put our bodies on the line in service of others. In doing so, we gain just a small sense of the courage it took to land on Sword Beach, to cross enemy lines, to fight not for conquest, but for peace.
The key difference, of course, is that for us, it’s only a game. For them, it was life and death. They made the ultimate sacrifice so future generations—our children—could grow up in a world of opportunity, not oppression.
Today, we shoulder the mantle of remembrance—not as a burden, but as a call to action: to build a better, fairer world for disabled, disadvantaged, and vulnerable young people. That is how we honour them—not just with silence, but with service.

Rugby, Camaraderie, and Community

The tour was more than just a chance to connect with history; it was a celebration of the spirit of rugby and community. The Wooden Spoon Veterans Squad—including many new Spooners—took to the field with passion and pride. The Women’s Team emerged as the weekend’s only victorious side, while the Men’s Teams also put on an incredible performance, highlighting the spirit of the day.

We also took the opportunity to honour four long-serving Spooners—Steve MacKinnon, Ken, John-Alan, and Colin —who received their 10th caps during the tour.

A Weekend to Remember

The VE80 Tour wasn’t just about the rugby—it was about building friendships, celebrating achievements, and paying respects. A special thank you goes out to Tour Captains Kat Brinsley and Al Blewit, the Eastern Counties Spoon Committee, and the many volunteers who made the event possible.

A warm welcome to all the new members who joined the Spoon Vets Squad during the tour. Your passion for rugby and support of our cause is invaluable. We look forward to seeing you at future matches and events!

Supporting the Military Community

At Wooden Spoon, we proudly support veterans and military initiatives, especially in the realm of rugby, including the Inter Services Championship. Our community of veterans is at the heart of our rugby family, and the VE80 Tour to Lincoln was a true reflection of our commitment to honouring their service while fostering a spirit of togetherness through sport.

To everyone who participated, supported, and made the weekend a success—thank you. The VE80 Tour will be fondly remembered, and we are already looking forward to the next opportunity to bring our community together.

Interested in playing rugby for Wooden Spoon? or upcoming events? You can register your interest to play here and follow this link to find events.