Beth Doherty
On Saturday 14th May 2022, The Fabulous Family Fun Day will descend on Salisbury Rugby Club for an afternoon of fundraising fun.
With sports, face painting, raffles, bouncy castles and a beer, Pimms and prosecco festival, there is something fun for all the family.
The fun day will kick off at midday with a football and rugby tournament. Watch as local teams take to the field to be crowned winners of the tournament.
Spencer Mulholland, one of the organisers of the event, explained how the matches will run.
“We will have the first two games and then we will stop and show our appreciation for Freddie Fontete Jones. We will have a few words from the people that used to play alongside him in our tournament and a minutes clap for Freddie.”
This year also sees the introduction of the Fair Play Shield as a tribute to Freddie Fontete Jones.
“Freddie was part of our Fun Day, playing nearly every year I can remember,” continues Spencer.
“We decided to award a trophy in his honour, which has been kindly sponsored by Guyatt’s Metal Recycling because they sponsor the first team out at Laverstock who Freddie used to play for.
“Every year the shield will be awarded to the person playing playing the tournament in the spirit of how we’d like it to be played – fairness, sportsmanship etc. The player will be nominated by the referees and their name will be on the trophy and there will be a cup that the winner can keep.”
After the day’s sporting activities, the event will continue. There will be a giant tombola, Wessex Circus will entertain the crowds, and there will be face painting, two bouncy castles, a beer festival, Pimms and prosecco bars and live music.
“We’ve got loads of top acts including Gypsy Jukebox and the local Becca Maul who is brilliant.
“We’ve got a raffle – we’re giving away a free holiday and we have been given some prizes from Jonathan Ross himself! We have got connections with Jonathan and he’s donated a load of stuff to us including a recording of his live show.
“We have also got some stuff that guests have given to him that have come on to his show including a bottle of champagne from James Bond and a cashmere scarf from Joanna Lumley.”
Salisbury Radio’s Tracy Gould and David Harber will also be broadcasting live from the day.
David said, “It’s great to be supporting The Fabulous Family Fun Day in its 8th year while raising some all-important funds for the brilliant Salisbury Hospice Charity. As the city’s local radio station we can’t wait to get out and about and support fantastic local events such as this.”
Every single penny that is raised at The Fabulous Family Fun Day will go towards Salisbury Hospice Charity.
Professional photographer Spencer said, “We are supporting them first because we love the Salisbury Hospice Charity and secondly because Greig Futcher, a life-long friend of mine, his wife Lyn, sadly passed away back in 2013.
“Salisbury Hospice looked after her and her family so well when they really needed them and Greig was so moved that he wanted to give something back to show his appreciation.”
Spencer and Greig teamed up to organise the first Fabulous Family Fun day in Amesbury with a football tournament that raised £900.
“It’s really grown from there really,” said Spencer. “This year is our 8th year, we’ve missed a couple out because of COVID, but it’s all really for our love of Salisbury Hospice.
“Lyn had three young boys and Freddie, Tom and Henry are all involved in organising the day. It’s a day not only to raise money for the Hospice but also to remember our great friend Lyn. She was such a beautiful person inside and out”.
Tamsin Murley, Community Fundraiser for Salisbury Hospice Charity added, “We are so grateful to Greig Futcher and his wonderful committee who work so hard to organise the Fabulous Family Fun Day, raising funds for Salisbury Hospice in memory of Greig’s wife, Lyn.
“There really is something for all the family to enjoy at this free entry event, with children’s entertainment, a beer festival, Pimms and Prosecco bars, a fantastic lineup of live music and a football tournament. This year – the 8th year- will be even bigger and better than ever before with the introduction of a touch rugby tournament and more vendors.”
Sponsored by motor group Hendy, the Fabulous Family Fun Day is free to attend and everyone is welcome. Parking is available at Hudson’s field from the top entrance on Castle Road. The event will run from 12pm -10pm.
Andy Munns
