Second annual ‘Veterans v Veterans’ rugby match for charity

VETERANS of the battlefield and the rugby field will once again come together in the now annual special match to raise money for charity.

Building on the success of last year’s event, former Melksham soldiers who have served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan will again compete against a ‘veterans’ team from Melksham RFC and beyond.

The match, due to be held at the Oakfields stadium on the evening of Friday November 8th – in advance of the Remembrance Day weekend – will again raise money for the Royal British Legion.

The event kicks off at 6pm featuring the Melksham RFC minis tournament, followed by a brief ceremonial event and the ‘veterans’ game thereafter, with a bar, food, raffle and live music.

Chris Chudleigh, Melksham RFC’s head coach said, “As a serving soldier, having been in the army for many years, this event is extremely close to my heart.”

“It’s great to see the whole community getting involved, with live music, and other people giving their time and donating prizes and money to the Royal British Legion.”

Chris has been on the staff at Sale Sharks, as well as coaching teams as far afield as the USA, Spain and Latvia, and he was the head coach on the TV show ‘School of Hard Knocks’, working with Scott Quinnell and Will Greenwood.

Trevor Paterson, Royal British Legion Melksham branch president and Poppy Appeal organiser said, “With the Poppy Appeal coming into full swing, this event encapsulates the principals of the Legion perfectly.

“After the success of last year’s event, we’re looking forward to this year’s game immensely.  We will be there to watch the match and will be holding a collection before, during and after the games.”

Andy Thompson, honorary secretary for Melksham RFC said, “Since last year’s event, we have even more players looking to get involved with playing or supporting the game.  It’s great to see the match gaining momentum and building on the success of last year.”  

The bar opens at 6pm, with live music from 7.30pm. A collection will be held throughout the night, with further funds being raised from food sales and the raffle, including prizes such as signed rugby shirts and meals at local pubs and restaurants.

Raffle tickets are available from the rugby club, the Water Meadow and The Foresters Arms, but event organisers are keen to receive more raffle prizes and venues to distribute tickets.

Call Matt Sidnell on 07876 570 569 for information or to donate raffle prizes. 

The weekend of remembrance concludes with the annual parade, forming up at Kingsbury Square on Sunday November 10th at 10.30am before marching to the memorial at Canon Square and then the service at St Michael’s Church. 

The Royal British Legion supports serving and retired servicemen and woman and their families.  Visit www.britishlegion .org.uk

Melksham RFC is an official RFU-supported community rugby club, and is looking for new players for all teams, from U10s to the 1st XV.  Visit www.melk shamrfc.co.uk or call 07926 929 858.