Last Saturday evening Cobham Club members enjoyed a very special evening of celebration following one of their most successful seasons ever. Chairman of Rugby Steve Heard reflected on the success of the first team winning the league and gaining promotion to London South 1 the Under 21s winning their competition, the Under 17s winning the National Shield Cup, Under 13s winning the Waterfall Cup and the creation and success of Cobham's girls rugby section thanks to the exceptional work of coach Vicky Alexander
Awards were presented to
Youth Award :- Tim Hilladge who has been with the Under 17 age group through thick and thin and has ensured fair play and an extremely fair selection policy.
Mini Award :- Alastair Lewis- for the substantial effort that goes into organising a very successful mini tour this season
Senior Section Award :-Dan Walsh - who joined the club three seasons ago as a player and subsequently upon retirement has moved into coaching. He is totally committed to the cause and has brought a level of expertise to the coaching team and throughout this season has encouraged an extremely positive culture and attitude in the 2nd team.
Value the volunteer award :- Jim Findlay
Steve Heard said 'that the vote for this year's value the volunteer award has demonstrated just how many volunteers are valued in the club and how their contributions make a real difference to those they work with. Over 20 names were put forward but the winner this year has been a staunch supporter of his own age section providing them with timeless memories of their tours and their wonderful Under 17 National Shield Cup victory using his photographic skills.
It was however when the request went out for a volunteer photographer to support the Club's Rugby World Cup efforts last August that we and he saw what those skills could achieve.
Jim Findlay had a rugby season he will never ever forget as he stepped forward to volunteer. From the first day he was working with the players and management of Namibia and establishing such a rapport whereby they asked him to take their official team photograph.
Anyone wondering whether volunteering is worthwhile please talk to Jim'
President Lionel Frewin ensured no one was in any doubt why he believed Cobham was such 'a special properly inclusive family club evidenced by the wonderful work done by our volunteers in so many areas and seen in the magnificent event that the Summer Ball has become'. He made his award to Tony Balkwill who was chairman of the RWC 2015 committee who raised Cobham's profile to an international level by ensuring the success of hosting Namibia and Italy. Tony Balkwill in accepting the award graciously called on RWC Committee to come forward and share the moment.
Finally enormous thanks for the success of the evening go to the Cobham Ball Committee of Carl Lemmer, Courtney Sargood, Jacky Harris, Jason Mengers, Paige Mengers, Jeremy Simpson, Elizabeth Simpson, Jess Joyce.Tim Grey Vets player and Minis coach who stepped up and did a splendid job as MC and auctioneer.
A big thank you should also go to our Ball Sponsors. Clay Hair Salon, The Running Mare, Ditton Construction, Ascend Developments, Vineking, Greenking and Vanilla Bean along with all of the individuals and companies who kindly donated items for the auction, especially Andy Ward.
