President Rob Ewen extended a warm welcome to everyone to his 'Festival of Rugby and Fundraising Day' at Okehampton Rugby Club on Saturday.

His hope that it would  be a great festival of rugby certainly lived up to all his expectations.

There was plenty to enjoy with a feast of rugby — the President's XV playing Okehampton first team, Oke Colts v North Devon Barbarians and a display by the club's junior U12s.

It was also a day to raise funds both for the club and a charity close to Rob's heart — the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund that supports injured Royal Marines and helps them with their transition back to service or into civilian life. Haslar Company, based in Plymouth, was formed to support injured men and is part of the Naval Service Recovery Pathway. The total sum raised from the event was in excess of £3,000 which will be split 50/50 between the club and the charity. There was also a bucket collect for the RMCTF which raised £218.68 for the charity. 

The club will use its share to provide playing equipment to help with training in the new season and much needed new shirts for the players.

At the evening function following on from the afternoon's entertainment Rob Ewen thanked all those who had helped in organising the  event — from Mark Stevens, who arranged the President's XV players, club secretary Dave Potter for his assitance, Sylvia Langan, Brenda Campbell and all the ladies who prepared the food, bar staff, grounds staff who prepared the pitch and those who acted as stewards on the day.

The president also thanked the sponsors of the event, including Phoenix Gyms, Mike Harding Light Solutions, Andy Ewen of Okehampton Glass, Andy Dennis Bryant and Chandler, Neil Folland Tarka Water, Cherry Mawle of Country Sew and Dave Wills.

Rob also thanked the players at all levels for a wonderful afternoon's rugby and especially former England and British and Irish Lions player Julian White for giving his time to help his old club and for being such a presence throughout.