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Thank you to our sponsors1st XV,Bandits,Blackheath Women,Brigands,Club News,Club XV,Community,Girls,Juniors,Minis,Sponsorship,Touch Rugby,Walking Rugby14 Jun 2026 -
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On Thursday 11 June, volunteers throughout the county of Kent joined together in an evening of celebration at Westcombe Park RFC.
Split in to two parts, the evening recognised volunteers who were put forward for the national England Rugby ‘thank you’ scheme, as well as those who were nominated for Kent County awards. Each person was there because someone had recognised the amount of work they have put in, helping to keep rugby being played, and wanted to thank them.
Blackheath was well represented in each category, and came away with several accolades, for reasons summarised below. Our very own Dr Alan Thompson was there to congratulate all the winners, in his role as President of Kent County RFU, as was Pamela Kilmister, who is the Kent County Volunteer Recognition Coordinator.
We congratulate everyone from Blackheath who received recognition on the evening, and also thank every single volunteer at Blackheath Rugby. You keep rugby alive, and you make the Club the community we are all proud of being part of.
Finally, don’t forget to thank someone when next year’s nominations open – it only takes two minutes, and it really is well received!
ENGLAND RUGBY AWARDS
Craig Bamford
- For his commitment to the Club over the years, firstly as a Wednesday volunteer handyman, then supporting the Women’s committee, stepping in to Head Coach for a Junior age grade, and most recently becoming the cornerstone of the U6 programme. He has continually developed himself as a mentor and coach, and his cross-sectional contribution makes him a true unsung hero of Blackheath Rugby
- Out of all the nominees in Kent (c. 120 volunteers), Craig was also delighted to have been chosen as one of three runners up for Kent in the England Rugby National Awards. Pictured here, Craig can be seen accepting his beanie hat from Alan Thompson, with fellow award winners Billy Huntly (Kent Referees Society) and Sanaa Sarfraz (King’s College London).
Kirsten Jowett
- For her tireless work behind the scenes to strengthen governance and safeguarding standards across the club. Kirsten ensures that children can play, volunteers can coach and families can participate with confidence that welfare is always the first priority. Her attention to detail, calm authority and unwavering commitment ensure that safeguarding at Blackheath is not simply a policy — it is lived practice
Janet Okolie
- For her work as Chair of the Women’s section. Whilst often fighting an uphill battle in a tough season, Janet has found solutions and ways forward for the Women’s section to see that rugby can be played. Due to Janet’s leadership of the section, it’s been possible for the players to focus on playing. She has kept the section alive
Ray Granlund
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For his work as Fixtures Secretary on the Blackheath Minis Committee. Ray actively supports the “One Club” ethos, helping connect our youngest players to the senior section and strengthening the pathway identity. Ray is new to rugby, but his contribution has strengthened structure, opportunity and community across the Minis section
The Minis Committee
- Ian Lynam, Jennifer Armstrong, Katherine Hardcastle, Craig Bamford and Ray Grunland
- This committee is not simply organising rugby — they are building a sustainable future for the game at grassroots level, and ensuring that every child who starts their journey at Blackheath has the opportunity and support to stay in it
Andrew Lock
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Successfully leading the men’s social teams for many years as a vice captain, captain and now player/coach, Andy has brought the section from the brink of collapse to a thriving one. He stepped in to coaching the ladies’ team, helping to re-energise the squad, and also assists with the Minis and Juniors. A stalwart of the club: grassroots rugby would not be the same without Locky. He is a ‘whole club’ person
KENT COUNTY AWARDS
With eight categories, there were only 16 possible recipients of the Kent County Volunteer Awards (a winner and a runner up), and we were delighted that both Kirsten Jowett and the Mini’s Committee were winners of their categories.
Mini Rugby Volunteer of the Year 2025-26
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This group has reshaped the Minis section around a clear objective: keeping every child playing rugby for longer through a safe, inclusive, player-centred environment. Through structure, safety, community and aspiration, the group has built an environment where children want to stay in the game
Social Inclusion Volunteer of the Year 2025-26
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Kirsten’s impact has been transformational for the club’s governance culture. Through clearer processes and improved DBS oversight, safeguarding compliance has become structured, consistent and sustainable, increasing confidence among parents and reducing uncertainty for coaches. Her whistleblowing framework has strengthened trust within the organisation, and her work ensures that welfare is always the first priority
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