Early June 2017 was to be the last dinner for the Society of Devoted Supporters to be held at Sudbury Golf Club. Next year it returns to Twyford Avenue following the move of professional rugby, its Academy and support staff to Coventry. In particular, the gymnasium has now been re-invented as a first rate facility for such functions. By way of a thank you for looking after us so well for the past six seasons, Golf Club representatives were presented with a Wasps F.C. plaque for display in their own clubhouse.

Sadly, the President was not available to host our evening of 87 members and guests but former President Richard Cargill and Mair stepped in to do the honours. Richard also paid tribute to Alan Black a former Club Captain and President, amongst many other things, both within the Club and rugby as a whole since joining us in the late 1960s. He is to move back up north shortly, but we hope to see him again when he visits us in the future. Blackie’s parting gift was several verses of Blaydon Races!

Richard Green, Chairman, spoke about the “on-goings” at Twyford Avenue over the past year, both on and off the pitch. He said that the Club was in an excellent financial position with youth and mini rugby, in particular, continuing to thrive.

The purpose of the S.O.D.S. is of course, to raise money for Wasps F.C., the amateur club, based on the number of points scored by our professional cousins, and indeed, the extent of its success over the past season. The 1,143 points scored and cup rounds progressed resulted in the S.O.D.S. members being asked to contribute a round £14 each. One third of the money (£315) was returned to members in a cash draw (see below) with the remaining two thirds going to Wasps F.C. for the benefit of youth rugby. In addition, the net proceeds of the raffle (£423.70) also goes in the same direction thanks to the generosity of those who donated a number of prizes and the vigour of the ladies selling the raffle tickets under the ‘guidance’ of Caroline Smith.

Last, but by no means least, a special thank you to John Gadsdon who is the heart of the Society and puts in so much to make this very enjoyable evening what it always is and don’t forget solely for the benefit of amateur rugby at Wasps F.C.

Next year, we would like to see more of you in our newly refurbished “home venue” at Twyford Avenue. All you have to do is buy a ticket when the date for the 2018 event is announced. Remember that the money raised is for the benefit of your Club and children.

Cash Draw Winners: £100 – Steve Golder. £80 – Barry Evans. £60 – Roy Nye
£50 – Russell Vroobel. £25 – Mary Sabin

Roger Skinner
7th June 2017