Volunteer recognition season has come to an end and we’d like to say thank you to everyone at Blackheath Rugby who gives up their time for the club and the wider community. Our own awards were given out at the end of the season and we’d like to say congratulations to:
- Andy Lock, who received the Playing Management Volunteer of the Year award for all of his work with the Men’s social section. It is obvious from his nominations that he’s a well respected and much loved figure “Puts everyone first — proper Club man”; “He puts immense thought in to each training session and pushes the team to socialise within and out inside of the club”; “He embodies the values of rugby”
- Graham Colledge, who received the Supporter Volunteer of the Year award. Graham has worn many hats at the club (including heading up and currently coaching in the Youth sections), and you can also find him looking after the shop on match days. Graham is always first to put his hand up, always has a smile on his face, and is a true club gentleman, welcoming all that come through the doors.
- Keith Oliver, who received the Mike Newsom Lifetime Contribution award. This honour was given to Keith as thanks for, and in recognition of, his outstanding contribution as a member, supporter and Friend for 40+ years. Wherever and whenever there is work to be done, Keith is on hand. From helping with the campsite at Well Hall for the 2012 London Olympics and relaunching of the Blackheath Club Development Fund, to painting the bleachers so that supporters have raised standings to watch matches from. Keith is also a very important member of the Wednesday volunteer team who turn up on a weekly basis to keep the site fit for purpose. Keith really is a true Club person, and we are incredibly lucky to have him.
- Dr Alan Thompson, former President and Club Doctor, received a Special Recognition award for his dedication to the club. More can be read here
Moving from the Club awards to the wider Honda and Kent ones, on Thursday 12 June, at Beckenham Rugby Club, the Kent rugby community came together on the second of two evenings held to celebrate the county’s volunteers across the 56 affiliated clubs. Nominated for National Honda-RFU and Kent Rugby awards by members of their clubs, it was an evening of thanks to all those attending.
Blackheath Rugby was well represented at the event, with volunteers being recognised for the amount of work they put in to the club and the community.
Congratulations to Huw Gronow, Sophie Durman and Justin Zarb who were each given awards during the evening. For the Honda awards, both Huw and Justin were recognised in the ‘Unsung Hero’ category, for going ‘…above and beyond, often behind the scenes, to support the delivery of rugby’. Justin has also been chosen by Honda-RFU as a National Finalist and has been invited to Twickenham, to celebrate with the other finalists from across England.
Sophie and Justin were also recognised in the Kent categories:
- Sophie was the winner of the Senior Rugby award for her involvement with the Blackheath Women’s and Girl’s sections, including her social media and communications work, and her behind-the-scenes efforts building links with the other senior sections of the club.
- Justin was the winner of the ‘Spirit of Rugby’ award, which celebrates non-players who make significant contributions to their club or local community. Justin was congratulated for his leadership, energy, and values-driven approach, which are shaping the future of rugby in Kent. The nomination went on to mention him championing rugby’s values in every role‚ on the pitch, in schools, and within the community, making a profound and lasting difference through selfless, consistent commitment.
Kent County RFU Volunteer of the Year Awards 2025 – Beckenham RFC: wkphotography
We are very lucky to have so many wonderful volunteers at Blackheath Rugby, including those mentioned above. We could always do with more help, though!! So if you have skills that you think would be useful to the club, or if you have a few spare hours to help at the volunteer days over the summer (or on Wednesdays at Well Hall), we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch (supportersclub@blackheathrugby.co.uk) or just turn up – you will be warmly welcomed!
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