Marlow Mini Rugby Tournament 2008: The Harry Mills Memorial Cup

The 36th Annual Mini Rugby Tournament, the largest in the South of England, took place at Marlow RFC on Sunday 30th March. It was at this time last year that Harry played in his last Marlow tournament representing the u12s. It was a beautiful sunny day and over 2000 players from u7s to u12s and from 15 different clubs attended playing in leagues of 6 in both A and B competitions. The organisation was superb, the atmosphere wonderful, and some excellent rugby was played in a great spirit of friendly rivalry.Upon completion of the under 12s finals, guest of honour Phil Vickery, London Wasps star and England Captain, presented the winners, London Irish, with the Harry Mills Memorial Cup. It was a particularly poignant moment for one London Irish player as he himself had had meningitis as a 14 month old toddler. The cup was donated by Marlow Rugby Club as a tribute to Harry and will be played for every year. Richard then presented Phil Vickery with a pair of Harry’s socks which Phil promised to wear the next time he plays in a Barbarians team! Special thanks to Mike Simmonds of Marlow RFC for his involvement in organising the Cup and Phil Vickery as special guest. Thanks too to Rosie & Sophie who collected £191.63 on the day for Meningitis Research and to all the Marlow Minis, players, parents & coaches.




_______________________________________________________

The Maidenhead Advertiser article

The day's programme signed by Phil Vickery

Emma Shepherdson raises over £1,000 for Harry

Emma, mother to David, a friend of Harry’s from Spinfield School, is on a sponsored slim and has impressively succeeded in losing 3 stone for Harry and so far raising £1,075. This was a determined effort and Emma says “It's taken a long time, but I'm pleased I've finally reached my target and can start collecting for the Meningitis charity. It means a lot to me to do this in memory of Harry, who I will always remember for his adorable smile and endless enthusiasm which was infectious to everyone around him.I know that David (on the left next to Harry) will always treasure all the memories of his best friend. He still speaks of him every day. If you would like to support Emma, please email her at simon.shep@tiscali.co.uk

Wasps CoacHclass for Marlow Merlins, Triangular Fixture and Promotional Day

On Sunday 9th March, Drifters, Marlow and Wasps competed in a CoacHclass run by Wasps at the Royal Grammar School in memory of Harry. Afterwards all of the boys went to watch Wasps play Harlequins at Adams Park. A presentation of the cup was made to the winning team at the Wasps Harlequin game.

Marlow Rowing Club Quiz Night

Marlow Rowing Club held a quiz night in aid of The Harry Mills Charity on the 9th February.

The quiz night was organised by the junior section of the Rowing club - Sophie Pain, Juliet Steynor, Dan Clarke & Mikey Mottram along with coach Russell Peacock.

Around 15 teams participated (6 to a team) many of them junior rowers. In addition there was a silent auction with superb prizes ranging from a blade signed by the GB team, a flying lesson, a sports massage, rowing accessories and a mobile phone. There was also a raffle with more modest prizes (including a pair of Harry's socks!).

There was a great atmosphere and after several tense question rounds led by question masters Sophie & Juliet, Team Harry emerged champions!

The whole event was very well organised and good fun raising around £1,475 in total which was split between the Rowing Club and Harry’s charities.

___________________________________________________

Marlow Rowing Club Quiz Night Poster

Rugby Socks Presentation – Merlins win 32 – 0

In October 2007 at an U13 festival Newbury RUFC donated a sum of money in Harry's memory. It was decided by the coaching team of the u13s to use this to fund replicas of Harry's distinctive socks (black & white hooped) with his initials on the back which the Marlow Merlins would then wear throughout their time at Marlow RUFC in his memory.

On Sunday 3rd February the Marlow Merlins pulled on their socks for the first time to play in the Bucks Plate semi-final against Aylesbury. The socks proved lucky and the team played one of their best matches of the season, going on to win a decisive victory ; 32-0.

Afterwards, in the packed Clubhouse, John Watson gave a moving tribute to Harry and presented Mark Foster the Youth Director of Newbury RUFC with a pair of ‘Harry’s Socks’. (John’s tributeis reproduced below)

The special framed plaque was unveiled featuring photos of Harry in action together with a pair of the socks and takes pride of place alongside a framed picture of one of his rugby heroes – Matt Dawson

Richard thanked both Clubs for their generosity, saying that Harry had loved playing rugby for Marlow and that he hoped his spirit would live on through the team and bring them luck. He & Judi also showed the assembled crowd the original pair of Harry’s muddy socks!

The socks went on sale, priced £10, with profits to Harry’s charities, and almost immediately sold out! New supplies have been ordered and purchases can be made through the club in person or by emailing office@marlowrfc.com

Special thanks go to Newbury RUFC for their generosity, John Watson & Marlow RUFC for their organisation, Graeme Kempson for the idea, Dave & Helen Walker for arranging the plaque, and of course the Marlow Merlins.

______________________________________________________

Bucks Free Press Report

Maidenhead Advertiser Report

____________________________________________________

Marlow RUFC: Harry’s Socks Presentation
John Watson's Tribute

Good Afternoon everyone.

Firstly, I would like to welcome all of our special guests here today. We have of course Harry’s family, Richard and Judi, George, Jenny and Marie. Also a special welcome to Richard’s Mum and Dad

We also have Mark Foster Youth Director from Newbury Rugby Club. Welcome. More of them later.

I am also delighted that we are joined by Peter trunkfield, Former President of the RFU, our Chairman, Gwyn Stone, our Youth Chairman Debbie Loveday and our Mini’s Chairman Mike Simmonds. Welcome.

We are here today for two purposes, both of course in memory of Harry and both of course to ensure that we continue to remember Harry.

Firstly, we will discuss socks and then we will unveil a photograph of Harry as a lasting memory to him in the Clubhouse.

At the start of this season we ran a small U13s tournament. We ran the tournament in Harry’s memory and invited Clubs that we were friendly with. Newbury came along and of course they won all of the trophies – and these were presented to Newbury by Richard and Judi. Newbury were also very generous. They had collected £400 at their Club and brought it as a donation to Harry’s charities. A very kind and generous donation that touched many of us. Thank you.

At that time, we were also seeking to create a lasting tribute to Harry. Graeme Kempson reminded us that Harry always wore a unique pair of socks – the traditional Black and White hoops. I believe that they were hand-me-downs from George. Seeing these socks always reminded Graeme of Harry. So, with Richard and Judi’s permission, we used the £400 to purchase socks with Harry’s initials on the back and our age group will always wear these socks throughout our time at Marlow, in memory of Harry. The sales of the socks to our age group and to anyone else who wishes to buy a pair, will ensure that Newbury’s initial investment will be paid to Harry’s charities plus a healthy surplus will be added.

Today, we wore Harry’s socks for the first time – and won!. It was a moving moment to pull on these socks. Every time we play a game, as we pull on our socks we will think of Harry. And if anyone asks who’s HM, we can explain that he was the best player in the Under 12’s: he was very fast, had great vision and skills, but most of all was so full of fun to be with and always enjoyed the game.

So, thank you Newbury. Also I would like to thank Graeme Kempson and David and Helen Walker for all their hard work in having the socks made and also making the photograph of Harry for hanging in the Club.

What I would like to do now is ask Richard and Judi to kindly give a pair of socks to to mark Foster from Newbury and then unveil the photograph.

RFU Talking Rugby Dinner raises £745

Alan Black (Blackie) of the RFU organised a ‘Talking Rugby’ Dinner in the Great Hall at Bisham Abbey on Friday 1st February with proceeds going to Harry’s charities.

The event was a sell out with over a hundred guests from local rugby clubs attending together with Peter Trunkfield (RFU Past President) and Simon Winman (RFU Head of Funding & Facilities).
After dinner Blackie introduced the panel;

ROB DEBNEY (RFU Elite Referee)
CHRIS JONES (Rugby correspondent – The Standard)
PETER SCRIVENER (London Wasps Commercial Manager)

There followed a lively question & answer session on topical issues surrounding the game including a vote on the likely outcome of the England v Wales match.

Finally, the draw was held for a hand blown ‘last drop’ crystal decanter donated by Trevor Fulton and won by Roy Carlisle. The event raised £745 for Meningitis Research Foundation.

Links:
http://www.rfu.com/
http://www.thelastdropltd.co.uk/

Dame Kelly Holmes Presents Harry’s Award

The Youth Sport Trust presented the Harry Mills Team Maker Award on 8th January at The National Talent Orientation Camp 2008 at Loughborough University. Pictured is Judi with Mikey Wilson the winner, Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe and double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes. Michael “Mikey” Wilson won the award for Canoeing having been nominated by all Team Manager’s. Mikey’s achievement was summarised as follows by the Youth Sport Trust.

"This young athlete has outstanding leadership qualities which come from his constant unfaltering energy. He leads by example and has a unique personality which allows others to come out of their shells and develop their self confidence. He is striving for team success in a totally selfless way, with outstanding courage and has been a complete asset and ambassador for this camp.”

________________________________________________

Youth Sports Award Programme

Youth Sport Trust - Creation of the Team Maker Award in Harry's memory

Further information about the Youth Sport Trust can be found on their website - click here

Art Exhibition raises over £1000 for Harry

Local artists Julie Wetenhall & Sue Fawthrop were delighted to hand over a cheque for £1,096 to Judi Mills for The Meningitis Research Foundation, the result of a weekend Art Exhibition held in November. The Exhibition, which was held on 23rd – 25th November featured a wonderful array of paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, sculpture and knitwear by a number of local artists including:

• 
  Julie Wetenhall, Sue Fawthrop, Jane Pyke,
  Tim Robinson (paintings)
• Sylvia Lotz (jewellery)
• Caroline Selvey (glass & ceramics)
• Steve Woodbridge (sculpture)
• Sue Livesey (creative knitwear)

The event was held at Julie Wetenhall’s Lane End home and was well supported by people looking for something special or unique to give as Christmas presents.

Harry’s Bash Raises £4000

Harry’s Bash, organised by Marlow coach John Hollingsworth with food provided by Donato and Michele, was a night to remember. Music featured the band Funky Custard with Harry’s mates Charlie, Ross and Tim. They performed a song written by John called “Happy Harry”. Harry’s mate Guy Lambert performed “I’ll See You in my dreams” with his Ukulele. John Hollingsworth band hit the notes as everyone danced the night away fuelled by an excellent hog roast. Marcus Lambert produced an excellent video of the evening. If anyone would like a copy please email Richard.

Marlow Half Marathon

Team Harry again raised funds on the Marlow half marathon, an arduous course but run on a beautiful autumn day.

Lex Have a Jeans Day for Harry

Lex Vehicle Leasing raise £800 (so far) for Harry with a Jeans day. Many thanks to Lex, Joanne Podmore in the Manchester Office and Lucy Hawkins (friend of Julie Murrell) in the Marlow Office.

Tree for Harry

Spinfield School, Harry’s Primary School, plant a tree in memory of Harry.

Team Harry Successfully run the "Down Tow Up Flow" Challenge

Finishing the run in good time, Colin Edwards comments – “Yes, all went well on Sunday, albeit I think there were 4 people tentatively walking around Marlow & Maidenhead after the run”.

The challenge was completed by Colin Edwards, Steve Coleman, Richard Minnett and Nikki Bolsover. Colin thanked all those who sponsored the event - “it definitely helped us get around”.

Marlow Merlins Rugby Festival

Marlow Merlins Rugby Festival was played on a sunny day in October with teams from Marlow, Maidenhead Amersham and Chiltern. Played in great sporting spirit the winners Newbury were presented with a trophy to commemorate the occasion.

________________________________________

Rugby Tournament Programme:

"Team Harry" raise over £10,000 for Harry

Team Harry organised by Colin Edwards have raised over £10,000 (twice the target of £5,000) for Harry at sporting events.