Lynne Fernquest – CEO Lynne Fernquest became Bath Rugby Foundation’s first CEO in July 2017 in preparation for the charity’s 15th year working with vulnerable children and young people in B&NES. Expand Lynne is a former editor-in-chief of the Bath Chronicle, Somerset Guardian and Frome Standard where she saw great success growing their online and social media presence as well as supporting the organisation’s business development. During her time at Bath News and Media she was closely involved with the city’s many charities and was perfectly-placed to understand challenges that disadvantaged young people face living in or around such an affluent city. As a board member of Bath Business Improvement District, she also made positive connections with the retail, office and hospitality sectors in the city and since joining the Foundation she has encouraged businesses to engage in a more meaningful way with the charity. “It’s not acceptable that in such a rich city so many children and young people are ill equipped for adulthood.” Since joining the Foundation she has become a member of the Stadium for Bath Operating Board and Bath Rugby’s Business Operating Board. Email Lynne
Halena Coury – Head of Fundraising Halena is our Head of Fundraising and has now been a Bath resident for over 20 years. Expand A linguist by nature, Halena speaks fluent French and lived there for several years before returning to the UK to live. She joined in 2012 and has grown the Fundraising Department through a series of excellent events, collaborative work with other charities and local agencies and Trusts and Grant work to support the award-winning programmes the charity delivers. Passionate about making Bath a better place, Halena champions the work of the charity and wants to help make a difference. “The diverse work of the charity for me is really special," she said. "Our coaches are fabulous mentors and really caring. It is wonderful to see the results they achieve often with vulnerable children and young people. I find inspiration in seeing the possibilities and thinking outside of the box around charity and charity work. "Through our fundraising I hope to highlight and support the work of our wonderful coaches and their impact. I know Bath businesses will engage with our stories, and see how Bath Rugby’s charity adds real, long lasting value in the community.” Email Halena
Caryl Thomas - Programme Development Manager A long-serving member of the Bath Rugby Foundation team who is also a long-serving international rugby player Expand Sport has been an integral part of Caryl's life and she's seen and experienced first-hand the positive impact it can make through her dual career in sports development and playing rugby internationally. Caryl's role as Programme Development and Impact Manager builds partnerships with experts to ensure Bath Rugby Foundation delivers the best support programme for the young people and prove our impact. "I'm so passionate about the work we do, the impact we make and excited by where we are heading," she said. "We are making real change to young peoples lives, to their families and building their armoury of life skills. It's all based on building trust and a sense of belonging."In her 'spare' time Caryl also plays rugby in the Tyrrell's Premiership League for Bristol Ladies and internationally for Wales. Caryl recently competed in her third World Cup in 2017 and gained her 50th international cap in the 2018 Six Nations. Email Caryl
Wayne Palmer - Events Manager Since joining the Foundation team a year ago Wayne has helped organise fundraising cycle rides, our entries in the Bath Half Marathon and the army of matchday volunteers Bath Rugby fans see at the Rec. Expand Wayne joined the Foundation as an Events Manager in 2017 after working alongside Dale on the French 400 charity bike ride in France. Having worked in event management for many years, Wayne brings a methodical & consistent approach to the team helping raise vital funds for the Foundation to carry out our work in and around Bath. Wayne said ''Joining the Foundation has been a fantastic experience. "The team that go out day after day delivering their great programmes in the community really are inspiring and that is what drives me to deliver along side the fundraising team to ensure the work is carried out for many years to come.'' Email Wayne
Mel Sartain - Foundation Senior Coach With 10 years' experience, Mel Sartain sees how sport can motivate, engage and educate. Expand A Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer with more than 10 years' experience, Mel studied at University of Gloucestershire, gaining a BSc in Sports Coaching. Having joined Bath Rugby Foundation in Summer 2018, Mel said it was a great opportunity to work for Bath Rugby Foundation to motivate, engage and educate participants by using sport. "I strongly believe if you have knowledge pass it on to others, I also believe that having played sports since I was 4 years old, builds character and confidence," she said. "My philosophy is to help create an active and healthy lifestyle for everyone regardless of age, gender, or ability." Mel currently plays football for Larkhall Ladies Athletic FC. Email Mel
Andy Smith - Foundation Coach Andy started at Bath Rugby Foundation as an apprentice and is now a Foundation Coach Expand Andy joined Bath Rugby Foundation in 2016 as an apprentice with a dodgy haircut and a quiet personality. During his time with the Foundation Andy has grown in confidence and has shown a strong desire to learn. In his year as an apprentice he went on a leadership award residential, became a Level 2 rugby coach, completed his Level 2 Multi Skills Course and (in his own words) finally got himself a decent haircut. "The Foundation has been an awesome experience so far. Coming in as an apprentice I knew what the Foundation did but didn’t realise how much of an impact we actually made. Every session we finish everyone leaves with a massive smile or laughing and that’s what I enjoy the most about this job. Being only 19 I’ve still got a lot to learn and that I’m really excited about - the next few years at the Foundation look really positive and I’m glad to be a part of it." After his year as an apprentice he was offered a full-time job and has gone from strength to strength. ‘My favourite programme is the HITZ course. Most of the participants are only a few years younger than me and some of them being older so can relate really well to them and have a good laugh’ Outside of the Foundation Andy can be found playing rugby for his local team or showing some questionable dance moves during a night out. Email Andy
Becks Toan - Foundation Senior Coach Becks is a shining example of how the Foundation changes lives. Expand Growing up in Liverpool, Becks first sport love was kicking a round ball and there was only one team to support in the city… and they wear red. Her love for rugby started when she was a teenager from watching on the tv or playing a little at school and after moving south there was only one rugby team for her to support. Becks is herself a perfect example of how Bath Rugby Foundation has a life-changing impact on people. She was unemployed for a number of years before taking part in a Foundation programme Get Active into Work. After completing the programme she started to volunteer with the Foundation in a number of their different programmes. Now a full-time Senior Coach with the Foundation her understanding and personal experience means she is fully committed and has a passion for everything the Foundation does. Becks believes in the power of sport and the impact it can have on people’s lives. She has a real passion for working with people who have special educational needs or disabilities. "When coaching I want to tackle any barriers facing our participants - often this is just that they think they can’t do it. By smashing this barrier it creates a memory which has huge lasting impact for individuals." Email Becks
Dale Hattey – Events Manager Dale joined the Foundation as an Events Manager in 2017 after working on a charity bike ride in France for us. Expand After the French 400 cycle ride, Dale was so impressed with what the charity was doing for the young people of Bath and the surrounding area, he stayed! Having worked in the charity events sector for many years all over the UK, Dale brings a fresh approach to the team helping raise vital funds for the Foundation to carry out their work. "It has been a very exciting time to join the Bath Rugby Foundation, with the appointment of our new CEO, Lynne, the move to the Rec and the redevelopment plans all culminating in fantastic times ahead for us. "Bring it on!" Dale is currently organising the Rec Sleep Out, which will see money raised to tackle the issue of youth homelessness. Email Dale
David Trick - Corporate Fundraiser David Trick is Bath Rugby Club President and a fundraiser at Bath Rugby Foundation. Expand Tricky represented England at every level, from under-16’s through to International and joined Bath in 1978 whilst still at school. He played almost three hundred games, scoring 191 tries. He toured Argentina and South Africa with the England team and played twelve games (scoring eleven tries) between 1980 and 1986. Now, Tricky is a keen cyclist and helps to organise a number of fundraising events in aid of the Foundation including this year's Giro di Toscana and next year's Ride Mallorca. Tricky is also the lead is creating the 1st XV, Bath Rugby Foundation's new fundraising club. Email Tricky
Jonno Wood - Education Officer A former teacher who has competed in mountain biking all over the world, has a masters degree in physics and once reached the final of a prize fight Expand Jonathan Wood - or Jonno as he'll be known from here on - joined Bath Rugby Foundation in Summer 2018 to lead our charity's education programmes. It is fair to say Jonno brings an amazing teaching knowledge, developed from a wide range or experiences to the role. A keen Downhill mountain biker, which took him all over the world, he was privileged to ride with his heroes on some of the world’s toughest tracks, which taught him the importance of mindset and attitude to learning. After living in New Zealand riding bikes he decided to become a teacher. He said: "This was the 'calling'. I really enjoying working with pupils that exhibit behavioural issues and saw success with these classes." While teaching Jonno was responsible for an intervention programme for year 11 behaviour class to help increase engagement across the school. " I want to bring this passion together with a sporting background to give young people that find themselves in challenging situations through a mere roll of the dice new opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise get. The aim is to help them build the skills access the wonderful things that school offers already." Facts about Jonno: Once took part in a 12-hour bike marathon Rugby helped him get through being bullied at school Came in the top 6 at the Welsh National downhill mountain biking championships He has ridden in NZ, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Andora, Spain. He has surfed in Africa, Spain and UK He once reached the final of a prize fight before suffering a dislocated jaw He has a masters in Physics – helping characterise a telescope looking to investigate Einstein’s theory of general relativity. Email Jonno
Dan Hine - Inclusion Officer Our Inclusion guru is dedicated to giving everyone an opportunity in life and has an equal passion for rugby and musicals..... and a habit of breaking bones Expand Dan joined Bath Rugby Foundation in 2017 as Inclusion Officer following a similar role with the Sport England Funded, London Youth Rowing. During his time with the Foundation, Dan has had a strong desire to develop each programme to offer as many sporting opportunities to underrepresented groups as possible. Dan started off being a sports coach in BANES for various sporting organisations including Bath City FC and Team Bath, as well as enjoying two years working as a soccer camp director in America where he lived with the monkey from Pirates of the Caribbean! Apart from constantly being broken, Dan’s sporting passion has always been rugby from being a season ticket holder at Bath from the age of 10 to now getting the opportunity to introduce as many young people to the game as possible. Playing wise, he started out watching Joe Aygul as a replacement prop to having played alongside him at fly half this year. Away from rugby, he enjoys a round of golf, a bit of sightseeing and the odd musical or two. There have been many highlights of his time so far at BRF but the progression of the Walcot Warriors will live long in the memory from starting out as a multi directional touch team to playing competitive contact fixtures across the country! Email Dan
Joe Aygul - Employability Officer Joe has always been inspired by Bath Rugby. Growing up locally and playing the sport, his passion for rugby came at a young age. Expand Joe has always been inspired by Bath Rugby. Growing up locally and playing the sport, his passion for the sport came at a young age. He joined the Foundation in 2012 as a coaching apprentice and quickly scaled the ranks as a fully qualified Level 2 Coach in Rugby Union and Multi Skills. Joe currently play for his local rugby club and he is the lead deliverer of the Bath Rugby Foundation’s Employability projects. "I joined the Foundation because I relate to the nature of its work," Joe said. "It’s a real pleasure to be able to work in my community, helping people to engage and achieve through sport and education. Our inclusion work has a particular place in my heart, as my little brother is autistic and suffers from anxiety. Although there have been difficult times, he always makes me laugh and helps me unwind. He inspires me to be the happiest person I can be and to always be proactive "My role is to engage young people and guide them back into employment, training or education using sport as a tool. I aim to improve a young person’s confidence, social skills and employability skills and give them the opportunity to go on and shine in whatever they love doing. "I put together the enrichment and make the course as exciting as possible adding in content such as fitness first, water parks, battle archery, paintball and sport at the beach. "My aim is to be considered one of the leading community coaches in the country. Inspiring others to follow my path and help create a happier and healthier community in the process." Email Joe
Alex Brown - Marketing and Communications Manager An experienced journalist, Alex joined Bath Rugby Foundation from the Bath Chronicle, where he had regularly used his weekly column to discuss many of the social issues the Foundation seeks to tackle. Expand Coming from a Welsh, rugby loving family, Alex’s passion for the sport is unsurprising. A second row who played for Kettering RFC (“The world’s finest rugby club” according to Alex) and Taibach RFC after (whisper it) coming through Northampton Saints’ academy system, where he experienced an U19 victory at Lambridge and then an U21 “stuffing” on the Rec. “Bath Rugby Foundation is a wonderful charity that looks to shine a light on the issues that many people here in Bath do not realise exist, such as poverty and inactivity,” Alex said. “The fact that one in five children in Bath live in poverty is unacceptable in 2018. “Our coaches are doing a remarkable job in helping young people who are not being given the same chances as others who live just a short distance away.” Email Alex
Calvin Ellis - Data Assistant Data assistant, artist and rugby player, Calvin Ellis helps the Foundation office tick Expand Any information heading into Bath Rugby Foundation in the form of paperwork finds its way to Calvin who helps the Foundation run like a well-oiled machine by putting it up on to various systems. I am from Bath but have lived in Peasedown St John for a majority of my life. When he's not keeping the Foundation's shared system in good order Calvin is rarely far away from his pen, pencil, marker, paintbrush or spray can. He said: "I really enjoy artwork and I’m often looking for inspiration. So, if my head is down with a sketch book in hand it often ends well after a short time." As well as helping in the Foundation office, Calvin has first-hand experience of the Foundation's programmes, playing for the Walcot Warriors Mixed Ability rugby team. He said: "I did take a break from it from about the middle of last season. However, I have made a return to it for the season ahead. I am just looking to make the most of it while I can."
Curtis Arber - Foundation Senior Coach The Foundation's latest addition to the coaching team believes youngsters learn to their potential when they are smiling Expand Curtis Arber joined the Bath Rugby Foundation team in September 2018, quickly fitting in with his enthusiasm for coaching and his desire to make everyone smile - programme participant and colleagues alike. It is something that Curtis believes is vital to coaching success. "I believe that enjoyment is the key factor when trying to engage with individuals," he said. "If a participant has a smile on their face they are learning to their full potential." A rugby fan, but his allegiances are not too close to his current home. (In fact they are far closer to the hometown of Foundation CEO, Lynne Fernquest.)"I am a massive fan on the Ospreys because as a child growing up I wanted to be just like Shane Williams (the greatest winger ever). I would watch the game on the weekend and then try and mirror the way he played during my school games. "After sixth form I went to the University of South Wales to study Rugby Coaching and Performance where I had the three best years of my life, meeting new people and being independent. I was never far away from a rugby pitch playing rugby throughout my time at university, except when I was more broken than Dan Hine (currently nursing a second broken hand of the year) which is hard to believe!"During my time at university I was on placement at the Cardiff Blues community department where I found my love for coaching in a community environment and making each session as fun as possible to try and encourage the kids to take up rugby or keep active within any sport." Email Curtis
Community event volunteers Throughout the year we hold regular fundraising events in and around Bath...and sometimes further afield. Expand We are always on the look out for people willing to volunteer their time to lend our team a hand. From fundraising dinners and cheese and wine evenings at city businesses who support us, to major events such as the Bath Half Marathon and the annual Bath Rugby Walk (formerly Bath Men's Walk) there are opportunities for volunteers to help the Foundation make a real difference to the lives of young people in the area. In June a small team of our volunteers helped ensure our Giro di Toscana event in Italy ran smoothly. This year we are planning to take our annual cycle ride to Mallorca. We also have a preseence at major events in Bath such as the Bath Festival, Pub in the Park and the annual Carnival. If you would like to volunteer a few hours to help at one of our community events, please download the form below and return it to [email protected] Download the form here
Help our coaches Do you have the experience to help our coaches? Expand From time to time volunteering opportunities to help with the delivery of our programmes may come up. If you have experience of working with children and young people, in an education or coaching position we would like to hear from you. If you are interested, please download the form below and return it to [email protected] Download the form here
The Clash - Be part of our team Every year the annual fixture at the home of England Rugby provides Bath Rugby Foundation with the chance to not only raise funds, but also raise the profile of our charity. Expand In April 2020, Bath Rugby will take on Wasps at Twickenham in The Clash. With an expected crowd of more than 60,000 we will be looking for extra volunteers to help us at Bath Rugby's big day out. With a party atmosphere The Clash 2020 will be a day to remember and our volunteers get the chance to be a part of it, helping Bath Rugby Foundation on one of our biggest days of the year. And, of course, there's a free match ticket on offer as well. If you would like to volunteer at one of the biggest events on our calendar, please download the form below and return it to [email protected] Download the form here
Matchday fundraising Join our small army of volunteer who help us raise vital funds at Bath Rugby's home matches Expand Bath Rugby fans will be familiar with the merry band of fundraising volunteers who attend home matches at the Rec. Bath Rugby Foundation organises the volunteers who collect donations not only for the Foundation, but also for the Samaritans, Bath Cats and Dogs Home and The RUH's Forever Friends Appeal. We also have volunteers who sell tickets for our matchday shirt raffle, where fans can win a Bath Rugby jersey signed by one of their heroes for just £1. All volunteers' hard work is rewarded with a warm office before and after the match (much-needed during the chilly rugby season) and, of course, a FREE ticket to watch the match! Our volunteers also collect donations from Bath Rugby fans at the gates of Bath United's home matches. Entry is free to these matches, but there is a suggested donation to Bath Rugby Foundation of £2. To apply to be a matchday volunteer download the form below and return it to [email protected] Download the form here
Responsible Homes Responsible Homes build flats for young professionals who want to get on the housing ladder but have no chance of raising a deposit. Expand Responsible Homes build flats for young professionals who want to get on the housing ladder but have no chance of raising a deposit. The flats are discounted by a third and tenants put the third that they are saving into a Help to Buy ISA. In three years, they should have saved enough to put down a deposit on their first home. Responsible Homes is run by long-time Bath Rugby Foundation supporters Mark and Melanie Barnett. They said: “We have supported the Bath Rugby Foundation for several years, funding a number of initiatives with the team. "The 1st XV initiative enables like-minded supporters of the Foundation to pool their resources to tackle bigger challenges in our area and inspire young people to create a better future for themselves.”
The Queensberry The Queensberry Hotel, home to the Michelin-starred Olive Tree restaurant, on Russell Street in Bath is run by long-time friends of Bath Rugby Foundation, Helen and Laurence Beere. Expand The Queensberry Hotel, home to the Michelin-starred Olive Tree restaurant, on Russell Street in Bath is run by long-time friends of Bath Rugby Foundation, Helen and Laurence Beere. Laurence said: "We have known the team at The Foundation for a number of years, both through the rugby community, and more personally through the support that they have given to our daughter. "As a family and through our business we have always given back to our community wherever possible. The opportunity to join The Foundation as a 1st XV member was something that both Helen and I were extremely excited by. "Over the years we believe that the charity has grown and developed into an exemplar of how sport and coaching can bring so much benefit to local communities and individuals with special needs. "The multiple programmes that they offer benefit so many people in our community and we are delighted to be able support their work in any way we can."
J.Paul Drake - Genesis Trust Genesis Trust has 15 professional staff that provide corporate, trust and fiduciary services to private and institutional clients. Expand J.Paul Drake said: “My wife and I met in Bath, where I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and she attended University. We have been living in the Cayman Islands for the last 25 years. I initially moved to Cayman as a dive instructor, but after three years of working in the sun on the beach, I switched back to finance by joining KPMG. "I headed up the corporate department at KPMG until 2004 when, as a result of a management buy-out, the corporate department separated away and became Genesis Trust & Corporate Services Ltd. "Today Genesis Trust has 15 professional staff that provide corporate, trust and fiduciary services to private and institutional clients. "I became a 1st XV member of the Bath Foundation because I wanted to support the work that the Foundation does. Having lived in Bath many years ago, I remain very fond of the City and the Rugby Club. I am also hoping that my exposure to the Foundation and the work it does will make me aware of some initiatives that I can bring back to the Cayman.”
Royds Withy King Royds Withy King is a UK Top 100 law firm and official legal partner to Bath Rugby. Expand Royds Withy King is a UK Top 100 law firm and official legal partner to Bath Rugby. With its head office on Midland Bridge Road and a second office just off Queen Square, Royds Withy King has been providing legal advice and services to the people and businesses of Bath for over a century. The firm offers the combined expertise of 500 lawyers and support staff based in Bath, London, Oxford and Wiltshire and is a founding member of the international network of independent law firms, Interleges. The firm is proud to be ranked for the last five years as a Sunday Times 100 Best Company to Work for and to play an active role in supporting the communities it serves, through its involvement with Bath Rugby Foundation and other good causes. Managing Partner, Graham Street, said: "Royds Withy King is committed to supporting local charities and community initiatives. "Bath Rugby Foundation’s 1st XV is a great opportunity for like-minded businesses to come together to engage collaboratively in fundraising to support development and mentoring programmes which have such a positive impact on young people’s lives."
Link FX Link FX is a wholesale bureau de change and international payments expert who have been serving corporates and private clients for over twenty years. Expand Link FX is a wholesale bureau de change and international payments expert who have been serving corporates and private clients for over twenty years. Link FX supplies foreign currency to numerous business and corporates up and down the country to help fulfil their needs for payments or servicing their customers. The firm also supplies foreign currency through its retail division for holiday makers and business travellers. Company director, Adam Durrani, said: “Link FX has a proud history of supporting good causes such as St Joseph’s Hospice and the Bath 1st XV supports a lot of good causes which the company would like to assist in.” If you need currency for a work trip or holiday, or need to send money abroad contact Link FX on 020 3005 4808 or email the Link FX team at [email protected] To find out more visit the firm’s website at https://www.linkfx.co.uk