Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined veteran rugby teams for Vets Fest

Ex Scotland rugby internationals Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined 800 Men and Women for Vets Fest 2024 to Celebrate Vets Rugby and Raise Funds for Wooden Spoon.

Article Source: Wooden Spoon
Last Updated: 2 October 2024 11:37

Vets Fest 24, held at Old Reigatian RFC raised over £100,000 for Wooden Spoon.

16 men's and 12 women's veteran rugby teams gathered from across the UK and Ireland for a day of celebration, competition, and camaraderie. Wooden Spoon Ambassador Tim Visser captained the team from Scotland who were victorious in the plate final.

Vets Fest 24, held at Old Reigatian RFC raised over £100,000 for Wooden Spoon. 16 men's and 12 women's veteran rugby teams gathered from across the UK and Ireland for a day of celebration, competition, and camaraderie. Wooden Spoon Ambassadors Tim Visser and Kath Vass were both representing Scotland.

The vibrant atmosphere was enhanced by amazing fancy dress costumes and creatively decorated gazebos, with all four home nations represented from over 300 rugby clubs, making it one of the largest gatherings of veteran rugby teams in the country. Despite a week of inclement weather in the run up to Vets Fest, the event enjoyed clear skies, providing the perfect backdrop for a day filled with rugby and charitable fundraising.

The event, a cornerstone in Wooden Spoon's annual calendar, not only celebrated the sport but also raised crucial funds which could go towards projects such as The Wave Project which uses surf therapy to help young people experiencing anxiety, depression, disability, family breakdown or bullying. Wooden Spoon has recently funded a minibus to transport young people to Belhaven beach in Dunbar. https://woodenspoon.org.uk/recent-projects/new-minibus-for-the-wave-project-in-scotland/

Wooden Spoon Ambassador and former England rugby captain, Gill Burns, officially marked her retirement from full-contact rugby at Vets Fest 24. In a fitting finale to her illustrious playing career, Gill Burns captained the Merseyside and North women’s team to victory in the Plate final. Her team also clinched the fundraising trophy as they raised the most money for the charity.

Gill Burns, a long-standing supporter of Wooden Spoon, the children's charity of rugby, reflected on her final match, stating: "It’s been really special today. I met some lovely new mates in the Northern team, we really bonded, and everyone worked hard. It was an absolute pleasure, and the icing on the cake was winning the Plate final. When I retired from international rugby, we didn’t win the trophy I was hoping for, so this makes up for it in a little way. Wooden Spoon is a great charity, and it’s a pleasure to be here.”

Among the standout moments of the day were the Kent women’s team lifting the Maddy Lawrence Memorial Cup and the Kent men’s team securing the Olly Stephens Memorial Cup. These teams were the overall winners of the rugby and fundraising combined.

Sarah Webb, CEO of Wooden Spoon, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support: "It’s amazing to see the rugby community come together, not just for the love of the game, but to support such an important cause. The energy today was unbelievable, and it’s a real testament to what rugby can achieve both on and off the pitch." Webb also thanked the event’s sponsors: “A special thanks goes to our main sponsor, OMERTA, whose support made Vets Fest such a success.

Their generosity enables us to continue funding life-changing projects for children and young people. Today’s event will have a lasting impact on many lives.”

Vets Fest 24 was a remarkable celebration of sport, community, and giving back. As the day drew to a close, the event’s success was evident—not only in the funds raised and awareness generated but also in the powerful sense of unity within the rugby community across the UK and Ireland.

Image: Gill Burns MBE receiving her trophy

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Buchanan Galleries Christmas Cracker takes Childrens Hospital Charity guest donations to more than 100K

Charity donations from generous Christmas shoppers at Buchanan Galleries helped amass an impressive £66,000 during the festive season alone!

Mowgli Street Food Introduces the new 600 calorie Lite Tiffin

Healthy, hearty and great value at just £15 per person - Mowgli's new Lite Tiffin launches this January.

Return to Middle Earth as The Lord of The Rings Trilogy celebrates its 25th anniversary at Vue

One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Scottish actor Joe McFadden to lead acclaimed stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

The Theatre Royal Glasgow is delighted to announce that The Shawshank Redemption, the acclaimed stage adaptation of Stephen King's 1982 novella, will come to the venue in March!

16.5 million visits make 2025 best year yet for Silverburn

Silverburn has welcomed a record 16.5 million visits over the past year, marking 2025 as its busiest year to date and underlining its status as Scotland's leading shopping and leisure destination.

Scottish Ensemble spotlights future string stars with Musical Encounters

Scottish Ensemble begins an exciting 2026 with the return of their Young Artist programme, helping to develop the next generation of Scotland's young string players.

Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!

Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi

Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale

Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!

Glasgow Film Festival 2026 to open with UK Premiere of Everybody To Kenmure Street

A documentary about one of Scotland's most spontaneous and successful acts of civil resistance in recent memory will open Glasgow Film Festival's 22nd edition on 25th February!

Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club

If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!

Calling all Gingers!

The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!

Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026

The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.

Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot

Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!

Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!

Full casting announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical

Full casting has been announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical which will have its Scottish premiere at The King's Theatre Glasgow in April!

Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.

Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary

Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.

Silverburn expands leisure offering with new Pilates studio

Silverburn guests can kick-start their 2026 wellness journey with the arrival of the first Haus of Pilates studio.

Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot

Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!

Christmas has come early! Glasgow youngster wins the entire DreamToys list in national competition

One very lucky youngster from Glasgow has been crowned the winner of an incredible festive giveaway – taking home all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.

Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year

Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!

The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands

One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong crashes into the Kings Theatre Glasgow

Multi-award winning company Mischief return to the King's Theatre Glasgow with their new stage show – Christmas Carol Goes Wrong!

Christmas drawing by 11 year old Glasgow schoolgirl lights up the city

An 11-year-old Glasgow schoolgirl has seen her Christmas drawing light up the city after it was transformed into a glowing display as part of this year’s festive light trail.

Scottish Doctor Who actor to lead The Woman in Black at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

PW Productions is delighted to announce casting for Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, as it returns to the Theatre Royal Glasgow.

Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.

Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas

Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!