The glorious weather made the Cholmondeley Room setting with views over the Thames all the more impressive. As attendees enjoyed their business and social networking and cool refreshments speeches and notes of thanks were delivered by Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and Olympics, David Faries from Investec, Bill Hill CEO and Suzie Haworth Corporate Development Director for Spoon. All speakers took the opportunity to thank those present for their continued support and generosity, without which the work of Wooden Spoon would not be possible.

"Although we, as a charity, can engage in the delivery side we cannot do the work without the help of the corporate world. Whether it is because you are in a position to redirect your Corporate Social Responsibility programme or because it's something that you want to give back to society or you just have a big generous heart, Wooden Spoon thanks you hugely for all the input you have given to these programmes, without that support these projects would definitely not happen" Bill Hill.

Hugh Robertson thanked the charity, on behalf of the government for all its hard work, expressing gratitude to the wider Rugby community for supporting and backing the charity's initiatives. He thanked Investec Specialist Private Bank, in particular, for sponsoring the event and for their continued support in these challenging economic times. The Sport's Minister also urged other corporate organisations to follow Investec's great example of giving back to society. He also spoke of the importance of sport in today's society highlighting the power it has as a medium to change and influence the lives of young people. The synergy between the work of Wooden Spoon and government legislation has never been so closely aligned as it is with the introduction of the Big Society.

"Within Spoon's community structure, the rugby side in particular, there is no exclusion. It's all about inclusion, getting everybody to take part in our community work. There's not one young person we can't help, that's got to be our aim, what we've got to achieve" Jason Leonard, Lead Ambassador.

It was a wonderfully joyous occasion and the feedback from all who attended has been extremely positive. Many thanks to all who were there to help us celebrate what has been a highly successful year for Spoon's charitable work as well as a magnificent first year of our Ambassadors Programme. As was emphasised by all speakers on the evening none of our successes would be possible without your tremendous support. We are sincerely grateful to you for all you do to enable us all to make a real difference to thousands of children and young people who desperately need our help. We look forward to continue working closely with you all in the year ahead.