Touch of magic from BT Volunteer of the Month

A dedicated clubman who has been a member of Annan RFC for nearly 40 years has been named BT Volunteer of the Month for December for his tireless service and fundraising efforts.

L-R: Ed (far right) as minis coach in 2000 and receiving his award from Club President, Gary Coupland

Ed Woodman, 60, played a lead role in Annan’s ‘Tartan Touch’ programme last year, which raised more than £1,000 for the club and boosted their squad numbers.

‘Tartan Touch’ is Scottish Rugby’s simplified version of the sport aimed at getting new players of all ages involved in the sport through simple and social activity.

The programme also inspired Annan to organise a 24-hour game of touch rugby which raised a further £5,000.

Ed was central in putting the event together and was at the club for the duration of the fundraiser, taking part in six of the sessions and playing for two hours.

He said: “It’s absolutely brilliant to win BT Volunteer of the month for December.

“Annan is a fantastic club to be a part of and that is its own reward.

We’ve seen a lot of changes since I first joined the club but the community spirit has always remained and I look forward to being involved long into the future.”

Ed first joined Annan in 1979, playing in the backline and now spends his time at their Violetbank home keeping things running off the field.

He has been a member of Annan’s committee for six years and has previously taken up roles as a minis coach, referee and on the social committee.

His efforts in fundraising to support the development of rugby and keep membership fees down, general maintenance, hosting sponsors and match day support are invaluable to the club.

President of Annan Rugby, Gary Coupland, said: “Volunteers like Ed are the backbone of Annan Rugby.

“His work goes unnoticed by the masses, such is his unassuming nature and he greets everyone he meets with a smile and a joke.

Every club should have an Ed and I hope that he enjoys being part of our rugby family as much as we value having him.”

Every winner of BT Club Volunteer of the Month is invited to BT Murrayfield, with nine friends, to attend the annual Scottish Rugby Club Awards Dinner.

At the Awards Dinner, each of the winners will be in with a chance to win the BT Club Volunteer of the Season award, which will be announced on the night.

The winner of the annual award will receive a £1,000 grant for their club.

To nominate your club, a volunteer or try for the BT Awards please visit: http://www.scottishrugby.org/clubnominations