A Successful Evening of Fundraising for Wooden Spoon Gloucestershire

The Wooden Spoon Gloucestershire Annual Dinner took place on Thursday 20th November 2025 at Gloucester Rugby’s Kingsholm Stadium. The evening was hosted by President Lord Bathurst, Chairman Rob York, Head of Projects Gary Lewis, Committee Member Dorian Wragg, and Board Secretary Samantha Pennington. The event was held to celebrate community spirit and raise vital funds for Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby. Funds raised will go directly to supporting disadvantaged and disabled children and young people across Gloucestershire, ensuring they have access to life-changing projects, opportunities, and care.

The dinner welcomed around 120 guests and created a vibrant yet elegant atmosphere within Kingsholm Stadium. Guests enjoyed a warm, community-driven vibe, with a mix of business leaders, charity supporters, and rugby enthusiasts. Special thanks were given to CEO Sarah Webb, who shared a few words about the incredible support shown by the audience. She highlighted how every donation and act of kindness helps the charity grow its reach and deepen its impact, ensuring more children and families benefit from the projects Wooden Spoon champions.

Guests also heard updates from the SAFE Space project at Kingsholm Stadium. In collaboration with the Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation and The Pied Piper Appeal, Wooden Spoon has funded a purpose-built accessibility space that includes a sensory room, family space, multi-faith room, and accessible entrance. Thousands of people will benefit each year, including families, disabled supporters, neurodiverse individuals, and wider community groups such as schools, carers, SEN units, and charities.

Another update came from Forest Pulse, with Wooden Spoon currently funding a new Sensory Room to support its outreach facility for children and young people with disabilities in the Forest of Dean. This new space will make the facility more accessible, attract more children and young people to its services, and enhance the activities and clubs already provided. These project insights reminded everyone of the meaningful impact Wooden Spoon initiatives have on young lives.

The event featured live musical entertainment from the Sing Out Sisters dressed as police officers, a performance from Joel the evening’s busker, a Heads and Tails game, a charity auction, a silent auction, raffle prizes, and a three-course dinner prepared by Gloucester Rugby’s catering team.

The generosity of attendees and sponsors made a significant impact. While final figures will be announced shortly, early signs suggest the event is on track to exceed its fundraising target. All funds raised will support initiatives such as therapy sessions, accessible play facilities, and specialist equipment for children across Gloucestershire.

One of the standout moments of the evening was the lively charity auction, which included the event’s trademark wheelbarrow filled with bottles donated by guests. The spirited bidding and enthusiastic applause created an electric atmosphere that reflected the passion and commitment of everyone present.

Acknowledgements were given to the Wooden Spoon Gloucestershire Committee, CEO Sarah Webb, Head of Communities Matthew Bishop, and all attendees and donors whose contributions made the evening so successful. The Annual Fundraising Dinner is just one step in Wooden Spoon Gloucestershire’s journey to continue supporting children across the region, with supporters encouraged to join upcoming events including the Cricket Day, Golf Day, and next year’s Annual Dinner.

“Together, we proved that community spirit can make a lasting difference. Thank you for being part of it!”