The Tennent’s Monthly Awards gives recognition to volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make a positive difference to clubs across Scotland.

The winners are invited to attend Scottish Rugby’s Club Awards Celebration on Friday 31 May 2019.

Tennent’s Volunteer September – Jeremy Wares (Perthshire)

Jeremy, 43, is a an active and dedicated P6 coach for Perthshire’s mini section, regularly giving up his own time during the week to clean the changing rooms and external areas of the club.

During September the club found itself indebted to Jeremy’s dedication with a dual event happening at the club with Glasgow Warriors pre-season challenge and RBS Rugbyforce.

Jeremy doesn’t allow Parkinson’s disease to slow him down. His enthusiasm and passion for the club is second to none. He has helped to deliver food and hospitality during Perthshire’s edition of Rugby 7s and Perth Beer Festival, which is one of the clubs major fundraising events.

He brought his chef skills into play, preparing and delivering an excellent quality pre-match three course lunch for 150 guests to support the clubs fundraising, and was responsible for directing a team of volunteers to deliver the meal and service, supported by his wife Shona and daughter Stephanie.

Alan Brown Chief Executive at Perthshire rugby commented, “All our guests were very impressed, and the superb experience by all who attended will form long-term new relationships in the community with our sponsors.

”He is a big personality and big driver of our positive club culture at Perthshire RFC.”

The award was presented to Jeremy at Perthshire Rugby’s 150th Anniversary Gala Dinner by former Scotland captain, Rory Lawson. Rory said the spirit of the club was reflected in the presentation of Scottish Rugby volunteer of the month award to Jeremy.

Tennent’s Volunteer December 2018 -Gareth Falls (Garioch RFC)

Gareth has had an exceptionally busy month in January and has gone above and beyond to support both Garioch RFC and the Doddie Weir Foundation.

He has been instrumental in supporting the club’s aspirations to transform the ageing club house by liaising with local councillors and MPs to promote the club’s position and secure facilities into the future.

This has resulted in confirmation that the new Inverurie Academy will have a Scottish Rugby approved 3G surface, which Garioch RFC are now able to access for training.

Rob Bly Presidentof Garioch said, “Gareth is one of the hardest working people in the Garioch RFC set up, we would love to see him recognised for the commitment and dedication he has given to the club. This month has really come through and has been truly exceptional, however we could look at many other months in the past and say the same.

“We are very lucky to have him as part of the setup at Garioch and long may that continue.”

Over the last few months, Gareth has been part of a number of events to raise funds for the Doddie Weir Foundation, which have included a pre-Christmas club game followed by an auction, raising over £2,000 for the foundation.

He was also part of the team who organised the ‘Dancing for Doddie’ evening which raised a total of £72,000.

Gareth is also the club’s official photographer, while also compiling the weekly newsletter for members, as well as helping out with the kit for club.

Tennent’s Volunteer January 2019 – Gary Anderson (Caithness RFC)

Club stalwart Garry Anderson has been a regular fixture at Caithness RFC for 13 years and his duties currently include Sponsorship Convener, First Team Manager and Transport Manager, along with populating the social media channels which significantly raises the profile of the club with locals and exiles alike.

During his time on the clubs committee, Gary had successfully doubled the club’s sponsorship in his first year. During January he has managed to sign up three local businesses as mini-bus sponsors, as well as securing sponsorship for their U14 and U16 teams, taking sponsorship for the club in 2018 to over £20k.

George Sinclair, Club President “Garry’s enthusiasm and commitment to the club is unwavering and his willingness to help with absolutely anything is appreciated by all at the club.”

The game of rugby is a family affair for Garry, he first became involved when his son, Grant, began playing for the First XV. His youngest son Marc is now First XV Captain and his daughter, Ellie, plays for the U15 Girls, while Grandson Rory represents the minis.

Along with all his other duties, Gary still finds time to arrange the mascots for home matches.

Following the award, George Sinclair, Caithness President added, “Garry’s enthusiasm and commitment is unwavering and his willingness to help with absolutely anything is appreciated by all at the club.”

TRY OF THE MONTH

Ben Robbins of Currie Chieftains won the accolade for his fantastic solo effort back in September, while the combination of Ross Bradford and Robbie Orr’s effort against Glasgow Academicals was the winner for October.

January’s Try of the Month winner was by JonnyCampion of Catha against Dundee High following an offload which Bill Mata would be proud of!

The winners of the Tennent’s Volunteer of the Month trophy receive 16 places on the Tennent’s Visitor Centre Tour at Wellpark Brewery in Glasgow. They are also entered into the running for Volunteer of the Season.

The monthly Try of the Month winners will automatically be put forward for Try of the Season, which is announced at the Scottish Club Awards Celebration.

You can submit your nominations for Volunteer of the Month or Try of the Month HERE