Rugby4Heroes Masquerade Ball

With just over three weeks until Old Leamingtonians RFC Rugby4Heroes Masquerade Ball at the Warwickshire Golf and Country Club, Leek Wootton, we thought we’d detail the evenings plans.

An evening of fantastic fun, marvellous music, fine food and charitable causes!

Champagne Reception with St Mary’s Church Choir – Warwick and Masked Photos
3 Course Meal with Wine
Live Music with ‘The Last Minute’
Guest Speakers including Tony Lewis (353) and Karl Hinett (ex Staffordshire Regiment)
VIP Afterparty at Altoria – Please contact gaz@liquidblu.co.uk to be added to guest list.

We also have the Raffle, Fundraising Games and Charity Silent Auction in aid of Help for Heroes and 353.

All Profits In Aid Of Help For Heroes And 353

Dress code: Black Tie/Ball Gowns and Masks

For tickets – limited availability please contact Mike Vallance 07545 602029 or e-mail trekmonkey46@aol.com

Visit our website regularly to keep up to date with the event.

Also a big thank you to our sponsors Mask-arade – Mask-arade are the original Celebrity and Personalised Mask Company. Founded in 2008 by three directors Ray Duffy, Chris O’Nyan and Dean Walton, they shot to fame after appearing on BBC TV’s Dragons’ Den. Mask-arade are based in Southam in the Midlands UK but distribute worldwide. Mask-arade – As seen on Dragons’ Den – The original and the best – often copied, but never matched. Mask-arade masks – changing the face of parties!

Band info – The Last Minute!

The Last Minute! are a covers band – we’re just a bunch of good mates having fun, doing what we do well, playing music live, our favourite songs from over the last 50 years – rock, mod, ska, indie…

Our influences include The Who, The Specials, U2, Stereophonics, The Killers, The Fratellis, The Cult, Primal Scream, Oasis, The Clash, Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, Blur, Blink 182, There are loads – Mod, Ska, Punk, Rock, Indie, Blues, … even some country and jazz!!!! :o)

We are available (often, literally, at “the last minute”) for all your functions, pubs, clubs, weddings and birthdays, street parties, etc. If necessary, we are able to provide all our own equipment, PA, etc. and are able to perform as a compact 5 piece rock/mod/indie band all the way up to an 8 piece with brass section, “The Raging Horns”, for the ska sets.

www.thelastminuteband.co.uk

353 complete the Para10 course

Last week 7 people ran the Para10 course for 353.

The 10 mile course took them up and down some of the most dangerous terrain, but they all completed it!

Founded by WO1 JJ Wilson The PARAS’10 was hosted by The Parachute Regiment in Aldershot 1982 – 1993. Since the Paras left Aldershot in 1993, this legendary event was dormant until it was revived by Major Sam McGrath in 2008 in Catterick, N.Yorkshire. Due to its success in Catterick the race was taken to the home of 16 Air Assault Brigade in Colchester in 2012 and will be introduced in Aldershot, home of The Paras in the 70s and 80s in Mar 2013. It is regarded as The Ultimate 10 Mile Endurance Race and is managed by the Parachute Regiment Charity and serving soldiers of the Parachute Regiment. The primary aim of raising funds for The Parachute Regiment Charity whilst providing a challenging and enjoyable event remains key to the events success.

Each event can be competed as a run or carrying 35lbs over 10 miles of undulating military land. Teams of 4 (3 to count) can compete for the Team prize in each race.

All profits generated by the Paras’ 10 are donated to The Parachute Regiment Charity

If anyone would like to sponsor the online link is below, we are also still getting cash donations which is fine too thank you for your continued support, and GET BUSY LIVING!

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/team353para10

353 Team completed London to Paris cycle ride

Massive congratulations to everyone who completed the London to Paris cycle ride last week! Especially to team 353 who have raised over £20k so far!

The video link below is to the highlights from the event, if you skip to 10.25 you will see Conrad’s dad speaking about 353!

If you wish to donate please use the link below…https://t.co/c2WRq4U0l5

Thank you for all your continued support… Don’t forget, GET BUSY LIVING.

353 Team London to Paris

Rugby4Heroes take part in inaugural 353 Lewis to Lewis Rally

Today 353 hosted their first 353 Lewis to Lewis rally and

Rugby4Heroes organisers Gaz Nash and Team Vallance took the roads of Great Britain in classic rally automobiles – Mini’s! Driving from Claverdon (Conrad Lewis home) to Dereham (Lewis Hendry home), stopping at a few stops including the Rockingham race way. Raising an amazing £4,000 for 353 and the charities they support.

There were many great cars on display and that took part from Porsche’s, Ferrari’s, Bentley’s and a few Aston Martin’s among others. TouchFM were the bravest who turned out in a classic Triumph Stag. TouchFM also filmed the event, see link below along with photos.

TouchFM 353 Rally Photos

TouchFM 353 Rally Video

Rugby4Heroes will be shortly uploading their own photos, so keep a look out.

The event was a great success and everyone had fun and at a guess, all will be back next year for round two! Bring it on!

GET BUSY LIVING!

Festival Itinerary

Friday 10th May 2013

19.00 2013 Formal Opening of Rugby4Heroes Festival – Real Ale Fest commences
20.00 Music Festival Begins – Harry Quick
20.45 Jonathan Waller & Eleanor Stanley
21.45 The Last Minute
23.30 Late bar, DJ and Cheeky Vimto Cocktail hour sponsored by Old Leamingtonians Ladies

Saturday 11th May 2013

07.30 Club opens for Breakfast
10.00 Ladies’ 10s Tournament Registration; Royal Leamington Sparklers Cheerleaders
10.30 Ladies’ 10s Tournament Kick off
12.00 Mens’ 10s Tournament Registration
13.00 Royal British Legion Service of Remembrance & Shirley Pipe Band
13.30 Mens 10s Tournament Kick off; Ladies 10s Finals
14.00 Ladies’ 10s Trophy presentations
14.20-14.30 Flypast by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
17.00 Mens’ 10s Semi Finals
18.00 Mens’ 10s Finals
18.30 Sambassadors of Groove
19.00 Harry Quick acoustic session in the bar
20.30 The Loaded
22.30 Whytehouse
00.30 Late bar and DJ
03.00 Bar Close

Sunday 12th May 2013

08.00 Club opens for breakfast
10.00 West Midlands Tag League Girls Festival & Mini Festival Registration
10.30 U15 Three Towns Touch Rugby Tournament for the Conrad Lewis Cup
10.45 Under 7s/8s Mini Festival Starts
12.30 Mini and West Midlands Girls Tag Festival trophy and certificate presentations
13.00 Royal British Legion Service of Remembrance & Warwick & Leamington ACF Corps of Drums
14:00 Formal Close of 2013 Rugby4Heroes Festival

Rugby4Heroes Pool Draws!

Who will be Rugby4Heroes 2013 Champions?!

Pool draws have taken place for all competitions.

Ladies Pool Draw for the OLRFC Rugby4 Heroes Ladies’ Tens

POOL 1

OLRFC
Warwick University
Rugby Lionesses
Coalville Ladies

POOL 2

Bridgnorth Ladies
OLRFC Tena Ladies
Moseley Ladies
Camphill Chargers

Team registration and photos with the display Spitfire from 9.15am, kick off 10am Sat 11th May 2013.

Men’s pool draw for the U35 men’s tens:

POOL 1

Buccaneers
OLRFC
Kenilworth Barbarians
Warwick Medics
Old Princethorpians
Cranfield University RFC

POOL 2

The Parachute Regiment
4 Regiment Royal Artillery
Old Coventrians RFC (Withdrawn)
Warwickians RFC
Old Saltleains RFC
Top Gun

Kick off 130pm; registration 11.30am Sat 11 May

Rugby4Heroes will honour 70th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid

‘Operation Chastise‘ – The daring Dambusters Raid, 16/17th May 1943

The Fifth Anniversary OLRFC Rugby4 Heroes Festival this year coincides with the 70th anniversary of one of the most daring aerial operations of the Second World War.

Operation Chastise – otherwise known as The Dambusters Raid – was carried out by 133 men and 19 Lancaster Bombers from the RAF’s 617 Squadron, based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

In an effort to shorten the war and impede the production of military equipment by the Nazi government, the RAF decided to attack and breach three dams in the Ruhr Valley area of Germany. This would affect the source of hydro-electric power, cause heavy flooding and interfering with military factories.

A new technology ‘bouncing bomb’ was developed by Dr Barnes Wallis, and was dropped by aircraft from the Lancaster Bomber squadron led by 24 year old Wing Commander Guy Gibson, VC, DFC and Bar.

The attacks on the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe Dams were partially successful, with breaches achieved to two out of the three dams. Whilst it did not seriously impact Nazi war material production, the raid provided a significant boost to Britain’s morale and demonstrated commitment to the United States and the Soviet Union.

The raid was truly a multinational operation;

Crewmen were drawn from all four parts of the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland
From further afield, crew from Australia, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and The United States of America all flew in the raid
The average age of the flight crews was 22
Rear Gunner Sergeant Stephen Burns, from Dudley, Worcestershire, flew in Lancaster H-Harry in the Raid’s second wave and completed the mission. Sadly he was killed later in 1943 when he and his crew were shot down

The human cost of the raid was very significant;

53 crewman lost their lives, a 40% casualty rate
9 aircraft out of the 19 on the raid did not return safely
13 of the lost crew were Canadian airmen, and 2 were Australian
Estimated civilian casualties were approximately 1,650 persons, of which many were Eastern European POWs working in the area in ‘forced labour’
The Raid’s Commander, Guy Gibson, was lost on operations in 1944

The operation was immortalised in Paul Brickhill’s book and the 1955 Film ‘The Dambusters’. Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit Producer, Peter Jackson, is currently engaged in filming a remake with the script said to be written by Stephen Fry.

OLRFC Rugby 4 Heroes is proud to honour the memory of these brave men who were lost on the raid and in subsequent operations. May they never be forgotten.

We will mark this with a special tribute flypast by a Spitfire and Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial flight, at 2.20pm on Saturday 11th May 2013.

WIN a brand new kitchen!

KITCHEN COMPETITION WITH A DIFFERENCE TO CELEBRATE 45 YEARS

Kitchen, bathroom and bedroom retailer and Rugby4Heroes supporter Modern Homes of Leamington Spa is celebrating 45 years in business by offering one lucky family the opportunity to win a fantastic new kitchen worth £10,000.

The competition which will be launched this spring is supported by the Leamington Courier and will invite readers to nominate a family that is worthy of winning the fabulous kitchen for their home.

“We want to do something different and give something back to the local community”, says Modern Homes owner Tina Riley. “We are looking for a family or household that will really benefit from the kitchen and hope that many people will respond so that we can select a worthy winner.”

The kitchen will be selected from the Trend Interiors collection, an exciting new range of kitchens that includes all styles, from contemporary high gloss to classically stylish hand painted shaker designs. Modern Homes has been closely involved with the manufacturer of Trend kitchens, providing quality kitchen designs and service for more than 25 years. Modern Homes will design and install the chosen kitchen; the prize also includes an oven, hob and extractor fan.

The judging panel is being finalised but includes Tina Riley, Chris Lillington, editor of the Leamington Courier and Graham Jones from Trend Interiors, so far.

Details can be found at www.modernhomesleamington.co.uk

Rugby4Heroes 2013 Band Line up confirmed!

Rugby4Heroes 2013 Band Line up has been confirmed!

Both Friday and Saturday nights are packed with an eclectic mix of Acoustic, Groove and Rock!

Check out the line up below.

353 – A sister’s perspective

Siobhan Lewis, sister of Private Conrad Lewis gives her perspective – Rugby4Heroes charity partner, 353

I am Siobhan Lewis the sister of Private Conrad Lewis of the Parachute Regiment.

Conrad was the 353rd soldier to sacrifice his life in Afghanistan fighting for a cause he thoroughly believed in, fighting so that we are free. Conrad received a ‘mention in despatches’ for his ‘unique bravery’ while serving in what was described by the coroner as the most dangerous place on earth on op Herrick 13, with a particular mention that he would do anything for his mates, including putting himself repeatedly in the position of most danger to protect them.

So it felt the right thing to do when trying to recover in some small way from Conrad’s loss, that we take a lead from his bravery, spirit and continue to support his colleagues and their families. Raising funds that can assist a number of very worthwhile but lower profile charities, those that give direct support. So we formed 353, a timeless reminder of Conrad’s service.

But 353 does not just recognise Conrad. The logo was the result of many hours of considered thought by it’s creators Chapter (who are also sponsoring the Rugby4Heroes cause this year). The inverted 3 is representative of the fact that 353 is not a number. Its so much more than that. The dots in the logo recognise and remember all those that went before Conrad and those that have sadly lost their lives since.

It’s also a very poignant reminder that we have lost a number of Warwickshire boys from a whole range of regiments in this conflict and strangely, paratroopers in particular. We like to use 353 to specifically remember, Joe Whittaker one of Conrad’s great college friends, JJ Doherty of Southam and Dale Hopkins who lived near Redditch. All paratroopers – all local – all lost in the Afghanistan war.

It seems like we are very good at producing elite fighting men of great courage, honour and integrity locally, and so it’s very important that organisations like Old Leamingtonians RFC, great rugby clubs with great traditions and their own incredible fighting spirit, stand up to be counted. There are serving soldiers in the ranks of Old Leamingtonians RFC and so in many ways the support is very real, heartfelt and personal.

So far over £220,000 has been raised and distributed in Conrad’s memory raised by the likes of Nissan GB, 353, our fabulous supporters and clearly the Rugby 4 Heroes festival. The money has gone to the likes of the Parachute Regiments Afghanistan Trust, The Parachute Regiment Charity, Troop Aid and Nowzad Dogs.

We can’t thank Old Leamingtonians RFC enough for continuing to support 353 and the other military charities that benefit from the weekend. It’s humbling but very much appreciated and you know it makes a big difference.

For more information about 353 – www.353.org.uk