The Sussex Committee declared UDI from neighbours Surrey in November 2005 and has since set about their objectives of:

• Raising funds for disadvantaged children and young people in the county
  
  
• Increasing the awareness of Spoon as rugby’s charity in all sectors of the rugby community
  
  
• Growing the membership in Sussex

We are delighted to have Alex King the Cleremont Auvergne, London Wasps, and England player as our President. Alex has strong connections with the Sussex having been to Brighton College and started his club rugby career with Hove RFC. We are also proud of the fact that Bob Rogers, the President of the RFU, is one our members and biggest supporters.

Next Committee Meeting

The Sussex Committee likes to get out and about and hold all meetings in rugby clubs across the county. All members and interested parties are welcome. Please contact the Chairman Ian Braid or Secretary Don Coldrick (H 01403 265989, M 07792 538773 E donandiris@uwclub.net) if you want to learn more about what we do.

Our next meeting is at Haywards Heath RFC on Jan 10th 2008 with a 7:30pm start (Tony Richards Deputy Chief Executive in attendance)

The first project the Committee decided to support was the building of a kitchen in the “Living Skills Area” at Chailey Heritage School in Mid Sussex. Chailey Heritage receives no central funding and relies on its own independent fundraising to help their severely physically handicapped children. Spoon’s project will help the older children gain a degree of independence as they prepare for life after school. (www.chaileyheritage.e-sussex.sch.uk)

The second project Sussex is hoping to support is the creation of a new outdoor activity area for the FSN youth club in St. Leonard’s on Sea in East Sussex. Our proposal is going to be presented to Spoon Trustees for approval in the summer. St Leonard’s is an area of extreme social deprivation and this youth club is at the centre of the community helping children develop life skills and talents through sport and other activities (www.fellowshipofstnicholas.org.uk).

Past Events

The Sussex Committee has been pleased to have been involved with a number of events since our inception in 2005.

·        The first event was a Regional Golf Day at the East Sussex National Golf Club. Following some excellent golf the participants were entertained by John Inverdale and Kyran Bracken.

·        In December 2006 the Treorchy Male Choir made their debut in Sussex performing in the Gothic Chapel at Lancing College. This was a memorable evening for all who attended the concert. The boys were re-hydrated after their performance at Shoreham RFC and sang for another hour and a half at their Christmas Party.

·        April 07 was the date for the 50th anniversary Sunshine 7s at East Grinstead RFC. Spoon worked hard with some of our supporters, to help the organising committee make this a day to remember. Special mention must go to

o       Kukri Sportswear for providing the 1st prize for the Men’s and Women’s tournaments, Spoon shirts for the tournament referees AND the Kukri girls

o       The Southern School of Sports Massage for  providing healing hands throughout the tournament

o       Sarah Griffiths of Oval Media for creating and managing the press releases.     

·        In May the Sussex Committee took over the running of Sussex Rugby Clubs Golf Championships. 16 teams entered the tournament at the Cottesmore Club, Pease Pottage and the top Sussex side in 2007 were Pulborough who make a bit of a habit in doing well at this event.