FRIENDS OF WARRINGAH 2018 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER
Dear FOW Member,
I just wanted to write to you to update you on the progress of the Friends of Warringah (“FOW”) for the 2018 year. Before I do this, I would just like to thank you for your membership of the FOW. Your membership of the FOW is highly valued and your annual financial contribution helps contribute to the ongoing success of the Rats.
2018 was another fantastic season at Rat Park. The Rats won the Fourth Grade Premiership competed in the First Grade and Womens grand finals, made big improvements in our Colts and all grade sides qualified for the semi finals. The Rats experienced huge crowds and the atmosphere at Rat Park during the season was fantastic.
As you are aware, the FOW was reformed in mid-2010. As of October 2018, we have over 50 contributors (the names of each of the FOW contributors can be found on the Rats website – www.warringahrugby.com.au) and in the last eight years we have raised over to $360,000. As a reminder:
- The assets of the FOW are kept separate from those of the WRC;
- The decision as to the expenditure of the contributions is made independently by the
FOW Committee; and,
- All FOW members are welcome to review the financial records, attend any Committee
meetings or provide any input or suggestions for future projects or fundraising activities.
What has your FOW membership contributed in 2018?
The major expenditure for 2018 has been as follows:
- Financial contribution to the Green and White Rats Academy for junior players between the ages of 10 to 16 years over the 2017/18 summer;
- Made a financial contribution to the Rats Junior Development Officer, Emily Robinson, who is doing a great job liaising with the local schools and junior clubs;
- Upgraded the medical equipment at Rat Park by purchasing an additional defibrillator, a stretcher with a head block, crutches, a light box for viewing x-rays, an upgraded light and bed for the medical room;
- Table sponsor at the Rats Community charity lunch;
- Funded and produced the 2017 Rats Grand Final documentary DVD; and
- Financial assistance to relocate some of the interstate and overseas players.
It is our continued intention to prioritise our projects in accordance with what we see as providing the most benefit to WRC across the spectrum from Schools to Juniors to Colts to Grade. We will be happy to receive your suggestions for consideration.
FOW Annual Dinner
In October 2018, the annual FOW dinner was fortunate enough to have two recently retired Rat legends as our guest speakers, Mark Gerrard and Dave Feltscheer.
Previous guest speakers at the annual FOW dinner include:
2010 Jim McKay
2011 Moónia and Mark Gerrard
2012 Pat McCabe
2013 Michael Lipman
2014 Steve Menzies
2015 Scott Fardy
2016 Dominic Vaughan
2017 Gregor Townsend
At the dinner, the FOW ties and jackets were handed out to our new members and if you were unable to attend the dinner your FOW tie or jacket has been sent to you.
2018 FOW Player of the Year
At the annual FOW dinner the winner of the FOW Player of the Year was announced. The FOW members voted for 14 different individual players which just goes to show the wide range of opinions. This year we again had joint winners of the award i.e. Dave Feltscheer and Seb Wileman. Both Feltch and Seb were rewarded for their fantastic seasons with a cheque for $500 to be spent on work/educational/rugby expenses.
2018 FOW Sportsman’s Lunch
In July 2018, the FOW held their annual Sportman’s Lunch. It was a great success with 167 guests at the Parkhouse Hotel having a relaxed afternoon hearing from our Coaches Panel of Rod Macqueen, Des Hasler and 2018 First Grade Coach Darren Coleman. Hosted by ex- Wallaby hooker, Adam Freier, the FOW raised money to upgrade the medical equipment at Rat Park.
We would also like to acknowledge that auction and raffle items were kindly donated by FOW members – Ken Angus and Tracy Wenban together with JP Murphy.
FOW Box at Rat Park
As you are probably aware, the FOW have a corporate box at Rat Park which you are able to utilise. It is envisaged that this will continue for season 2019. The FOW box proven to be very popular with FOW members and their guests.
New Members
Season 2019 is a very important year for the Rats as the Club looks to continue to build on the recent successes. It would be great if we could continue to expand the FOW membership further. If you are aware of any friends, other Rats supporters or colleagues that might be interested in joining the FOW, please let us know or have them contact one of the FOW committee.
Contacts
If you have questions about this newsletter or the operation of the FOW, please do not hesitate to contact any of the FOW Committee:
Stephen Crawford
John Heffernan
Paul Schober
Stephen Doyle
Brendan Paddison
Look forward to seeing you at Rat Park in 2019!!!