The S.O.D.S. has now existed for forty-four years and came about when the then Wasps Captain, Geoff Richards, emigrated to Australia. He was subsequently capped by his new home. A number of Wasps most loyal supporters raised money for a leaving present which meant that his father was not deprived of his own suitcases. At the Treasurer’s insistence, the money was put through the Club’s accounts and was based upon the number of points scored by the First XV. The Society’s fund raising for youth rugby at Wasps F.C. is still similarly based, albeit updated a bit.

Geoff Richards has since returned to this country where he coached the England Women’s team. He now regularly attends the annual S.O.D.S. Dinner.

1st June 2018 was momentous in that the Clubhouse became available again, our professional cousin and its supporting staff having all moved to Coventry enabling the gymnasium to be dismantled and the room completely renovated and reinstated as a function room.
Our President, Susan Day, welcomed 85 members of the Society and their guests to a very enjoyable meal provided by the Club’s new caterer and some excellent draught bitter was brought in.

The President was congratulated on her recent appointment as Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Board at the R.F.U. where she has joined other noteworthy former Wasps players. She went on to talk about the past year at Wasps, both on and off the pitch. Special mention was made of women’s rugby and our success in its new format. In that context, England International Harriet Millar-Mills was formally welcomed and recently appointed Barbarians Women’s Co-ordinator, Fiona Stockley congratulated.

The overall sum raised this season as a result of points scored and competitive rounds progressed by the professional team came to £696.00, two thirds of which (i.e. £464) goes straight to Wasps F.C. for youth rugby. The balance of £232.00 was returned to members of the Society in a cash draw, the results of which are shown below.

The raffle made a net profit of £409.10 which again goes to Wasps F.C. for youth rugby. Thanks were conveyed to Caroline Smith and her very persuasive raffle ticket sellers, plus my wife Margaret for purchasing the prizes, and those who had kindly donated prizes on the night.

Behind the scenes thanks were also conveyed to Amy Wigley for putting our requirements for the evening into effect, Chelsea and Adam on the Bar, plus Costa and Mick. It also goes without saying that many thanks are also due to John Gadsdon who does so much to keep the S.O.D.S. experience going.

Next year, it would be good to see some new faces from the Twyford masses, in particular those involved on Sunday mornings, the beneficiaries of the Society’s fundraising. It is always the case of “a good evening had by all”.

CASH DRAW (paid out in cash on the night)
£80 Caroline Smith
£60 Anne Burditt
£50 Peter Wilson
£25 Bill Morrison
£17 Shazia Arif

Roger Skinner
4th June 2018