Hadleigh Honour Military Heroes
A Busy Week of Rugby Culminating with
Help for Heroes Benefit game
The week of August 9th to the 13th was a hectic time for youngsters at Hadleigh Rugby Club where their first Summer School of Rugby was held. 30 boys from around the Hadleigh area and from local clubs , Sudbury, Ipswich, Colchester and Brightlingsea came together at Layham Road to enjoy a week of coaching and fun rugby activities, led by New Zealand coaches from the Socious Sports Group.
The boys attended from 9.30 am until 3.30pm in many rugby related activities and even the atrocious weather could not dampen their enthusiasm and enjoyment. During the week they learned how to perform the Kiwi Haka, which they manfully performed before the parents on the final afternoon.
The highlight of the week was however the Charity Game, organized by Clare and Richard Wiltshire, in aid of Help for Heroes, on the evening of Friday 13th August. Two teams , The Reds and The Blues, contained past and present military members who came together to honour and respect those Heroes who have given their limbs and lives for their country.
Although the weather was foul the occasion was a memorable one. It was carried out with full military precision and very well supported by a drenched but dedicated crowd of over 200 people. The teams and mascots were led out on to the pitch by lone piper, Rod Caird. At the centre both teams lined up facing the crowd to sing “Amazing Grace”
The words of dedication were written and read by the reverend Canon John Young, Padre and Canon of York Minster Emeritus. This was followed by a rendition of “The Last Post “ and a minute’s silence was observed. The two teams also then received the Haka from the Youth players and the game began.
Among the players on parade was the Hon Dr. Dan Poulter MP who also made the draw for the raffle later in the clubhouse.
The eventual winner on the night was The Reds Team, who were later presented with the Help for Heroes Trophy by Councillor Jan Byrne, Mayor of Hadleigh.
The evening was a great success and was an occasion of which the rugby club and the town of Hadleigh can be proud, in receiving and honouring the Heroes of our Armed Forces.
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