THE S.O.D.S. CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF AGE
Yes, the Society of Devoted Supporters has now been in existence for 40 years. At the end of May 2014 it held its 40th consecutive annual supper, again at Sudbury Golf Club close to its alma mater.
Sadly the Wasps F.C.new President, former Wasps and England Captain, Sue Day had to pull out due to understandable family reasons which were explained to the 84 members and their guests, by former President, Richard Cargill.
Sue Day had, however, supplied a synopsis of what would otherwise have been her own report which Richard expanded upon. It included the ongoing successes of the men's sides where the First XV finished the season in a creditable equal fourth place in their league, the ladies were runners up to Richmond in their Cup and the Legends had continued with their very successful charitable fund raising matches. The minis and juniors, or youth sides, for whom the S.O.D.S raises its funds continue to go from strength to strength, both in numbers and on-field success. A great credit to both coaches and managers alike.
Richard said that the Club's finances were in good fettle and that all monies owed were now fully paid up with a good relationship with London Wasps. Planning permission had been obtained to install fixed flood lights thanks to a partial grant from the R.F.U.. This would help winter training greatly. All being well, their installation should be complete by the end of June.
It was further reported that discussions were under way with a view to changing the management structure of the Club to meet present day needs. Richard said that Richard Green, Chairman of the Club, amongst other things, had made tremendous strides over the season on every front, ably supported this season by "Netta" Packenham-Walsh in the office.
As far as the S.O.D.S. dues were concerned this year, factually they amounted to £13.00. The 984 points scored by London Wasps at one penny per point plus £1.00 per round of cup competitions successfully negotiated (plus a further £1.00 for the two extra competitive matches against StadeFrancais to get us into next season's European Rugby Champions Cup competition) formed the basis of this. Those present were asked to consider rounding that up further to £15.00 in recognition of the outstanding performance in Paris to get London Wasps back into the top tier of European competitions.
As a consequence, £727.00 (two thirds) of the money collected would be passed to Wasps F.C. to be used specifically by its youth section. The remaining third was returned to S.O.D.S. members on the night in the cash draw. The winners are listed below.
The raffle made a net profit of £341.80 which would again be available for use by
Wasps F.C. youth section. Thanks were passed to those who had contributed prizes, and especially the anonymous benefactor whose mystery prize envelope was found to contain a £50 note. Caroline Smith and her willing raffle ticket sellers were, as always, much appreciated.
The catering was again of an excellent quality and the friendliness of the catering and bar staff, first rate. Sudbury Golf Club always makes us most welcome.
The date of next season's S.O.D.S. Supper will be set once the 2014/15 Fixture List and Cup Final locations are known.
We would love to see more attending from the playing side of the Club, whichever sections it may be. Tickets usually become available in late February or early March time, and are sold on a first come first served basis. Enquiries may be made either to Netta in the office, Dominic Benson (a regular attendee), John Gadsden or myself.
I make no apologies for attaching a document entitled "Who are these S.O.D.S.?" which gives the background as to how the S.O.D.S. started, and more importantly the way in which it now allocates its funds for the benefit of youth rugby within Wasps Football Club.
A final and special thank you toJohn Gadsden who does so much to make the S.O.D.S.
get together such a special occasion.
Cash Prize Winners
£100Alan Massey £75Pat Roberts
£50 Ken Wallace £50 Caroline Smith
£40 Geoff Roberts £30 Sue Neill
£20 Ann Crosby
Roger Skinner
3rd June 2014