Isle of Wight RFC held the latest of its centenary celebrations at the Lakeside Hotel in Wootton, with the hosting of its 100th anniversary ball. Expertly organised over a period of over two years by a dedicated sub-committee, led by Kaya Simpson, the evening was a wonderful celebration of the club's history, with players and supporters past and present representing various eras.
Kaya Simpson was thanked for her efforts in leading the organisation of the event.
President Dave Metcalfe welcomed all present and introduced the order of events. As part of the evening, two of the club's foremost volunteers in the last 20 years were conferred with the ultimate IWRFC accolade of Honorary Life Membership, namely Ollie Boulter and Kieran Leahy. They join Derek 'Fritze' Ryall, who was given the same award at a function earlier in the year.
13 of the club's living Honorary Life Members. Absent from photo: N Harris, A Newnham.
Guest speaker at the event was Rob Henderson, formerly of London Irish, Wasps, Munster and Ireland, who also represented the British and Irish Lions and was 'man of the series' in their 2001 tour of Australia. He entertained those present with a highly amusing and well received speech, and also officiated at the club's charity auction which raised in excess of £3000 for MNDA IW (Motor Neurone Disease Association IW.) The club would like to thank all those who supported this endeavour by donating prizes and by bidding in the auction.
Rob Henderson officiated
Current players
Dave New, infamous for propping against Munster legend Les White
Current head coach David Blackman and his wife (and key committee member) Betsy
Club secretary Kerry Scoines and current player Sam McQueen
Dean Jennings in a reflective mood
Bonds forged on the rugby field last well beyond retirement. R Sawle and P Curless
Many more photographs can be found on the club's Facebook page. A huge thank you to Georgina Holley for her photography on the evening!
