On a day where the weather forecasters were proved wrong, a charity cricket match to celebrate the life of Neil Woods was held between a Thursley Invitation XI and Lloyd's Cricket Club . The proceeds of over £12,000 were shared between Phyllis Tuckwell and Chance to Shine. The programme below was sponsored by Neil's company, Chubb.
The pdf below is of the match programme:
This event, widely supported by Neil's family, colleagues, friends and the village was master-minded by Giles Schofield, Mike Spencer and Jerry Horwood who put in countless hours to ensure the day was enjoyable for all and went smoothly. Not only did they organise the players and match officials, but put together a programme of events that included a sumptuous Indian lunch, catered by Empire Catering thanks to Bipin and his team, an auction brilliantly compered by Angela Traill, a Heads and Tails game compered by Giles and Tallulah Young, which tested the audience's knowledge of Neil's likes and dislikes, and the silent auction generated huge interest. They were well supported by Debbie Spencer (aka Chardonnay) and Claire Dailly with wine pre-orders and James Maclean, Emcee, and many of the men and women of Thursley in the lead up to the event. The match was a satisfying draw and the day ended with Lisa Woods presenting the trophy to the team captains.
The tables at the lunch were named after Neil's happy places:
The Toss!
A cricket themed grace delivered brilliantly by the Revd Hannah Moore
James Maclean, ruggedly handsome MC of the day
The winners of the VIP sofa enjoy their prize!
Auctioneer Angela Traill photographing the bidders!
Lisa Woods presenting the 2-pint trophy
The heavens opened minutes after the last ball was bowled and gifted us this
Hollywood ending
From Hugh Wilson, Lloyd's Cricket Club Chairman
"I wanted to say a huge thank you to you (Giles Schofield) personally and all at Thursley for a fabulous day - it was great fun and hopefully a huge success for the two charities. I know only too well how much effort it all takes and you did a wonderful job if I may say so. The Lloyd's boys all loved it and I am sure would be come to come back in 2025!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Presentation of a cheque to the Phyllis Tuckwell, Hospice Care
Some time after the event when all donations had been received and costs accounted for, a cheque for £6,666 was presented by Giles Scholfield and Mike Spencer to Ruth Masters, Head of Fund Raising - Community, Corporate and Events.
Ruth Masters said, “On behalf of everyone at Phyllis Tuckwell, Hospice Care – I just wanted to say a huge thanks to all those who organised, took part and donated through the Cricket Match organised in memory of Neil Woods held at Thursley Cricket Ground. We were so grateful to have been chosen as one of the beneficiaries and it was a pleasure for me to receive a cheque from Michael Spencer and Giles Schofield for an incredible £6,666. What a special way to honour your friend Neil. We really appreciate this support as it will help us to continue to provide the specialist end of life care to our patients and their families. Thank you so much."