On Friday, June 14, Rugby for Heroes held its much-anticipated annual Mike Tindall MBE Charity Shoot at the stunning Bangrove Farm shooting ground. The event, a simulated game clay shoot, was a resounding success, raising significant funds to host our next Transition Through Rugby course, provided for current and retired service personnel. This free-to-attend course, offers an ERCA Level 2 Rugby Coaching Qualification. The course aims to equip the attendees with valuable coaching skills, increasing their opportunities for future employment, and for that, they are deeply grateful.
The day kicked off at Bangrove with a networking breakfast of bacon baps and coffee, setting the stage for a great day’s shoot. After a detailed briefing, guests moved to their pegs for the first of three challenging drives. Each drive tested the teams fully, with everyone showcasing remarkable skill and teamwork to maximise their teams score. Our guests enjoyed the sunshine, the shooting was hotly contested with everyone trying their hardest. A nice warm-up to the individual 10-shot competition that was to follow.
Post shoot, everyone headed off to the Tap room at Clavell & Hind in nearby Elmstone Hardwicke for a well-deserved lunch, and the highly-anticipated prize giving ceremony. The venue provided the perfect setting to celebrate the day’s achievements whilst reflecting on the importance of the support we offer our those who face the transition to civilian life.
The charity would like to thank its patron, Mike Tindall MBE for his unwavering support and dedication to Rugby for Heroes. This gratitude was extended further to our incredible ambassadors Amy Williams MBE OLY, Nick Knowles, Kevin Yates, and Ryan Lamb, who gave up their time so graciously to mingle with our guests, compete in the shoot, and feature in the odd selfie or 2!
We are also immensely grateful to Howard Tenens Logistics, our kit and event sponsor. Their support played a crucial role in the success of this year’s event, and the recent Transition Through Rugby courses.
We were honoured to have welcomed Tony Hellier, Lt Colonel of the Gurkhas who was among the latest group to attend the Transition Through Rugby course. He attended the shoot as our ‘guest of honour’. He was able to meet those who help make our courses possible, sharing his inspiring journey with the room and articulating exactly what the course has given to him.