Memorial match nets £700 for wounded

A Newark Rugby Club team took on the RAF Hawks in a memorial match to raise money for a fund that helps local wounded Servicemen and their families.

The match, at Kelham Road, ended in a 17-17 draw.

It was a continuation of a memorial fixture for former Newark player George Crawford, who was one of 22 people killed in Germany in February 1985 when a coach carrying an RAF band collided with a fuel tanker.

In the years after his death, Newark Rugby Club played a fixture against an RAF Support Command team, now called the RAF Hawks.

Corporal Crawford, an RAF policeman, was part of a successful Newark team in the early 1980s while he was based at RAF Newton. He also played for the RAF Support Command.

Newark Patriotic Fund should receive around £700 from Tuesday’s game.

Members of Corporal Crawford’s family attended, including his brother, Lawrence, who presented a new trophy to both captains afterwards.

A late try by wing James Stark earned Newark a draw after the RAF had led 17-12 going into the final minutes.

The patriotic fund is looking for premises in Newark town centre that could be used as a drop-in centre.

It says wounded Servicemen, veterans with mental health problems and/or their families need a point of contact.

The fund has a part-time co-ordinator, Mrs Karen Grayson, but no base.

It believes more people would come forward for help if they had somewhere to go.

The office could also act as a signposting service to other help.

The fund’s main function has been to help wounded Servicemen with their physical injuries but is increasingly looking to help with mental health problems such as post traumatic stress disorder.

It is keen to engage with veterans of the Falklands War.

More then 260 who served in that conflict have committed suicide since it ended 30 years ago.

The drop-in centre would open one day a week.

The fund is appealing for a landlord to offer premises on a free short-term let, while it would cover the running costs.

Its money comes solely from fundraising and donations.

Mrs Grayson said: “We feel we could reach so many more people if only we had a base to work from that was accessible to the public.

“Whether people are in need of help now or have anxieties over loved ones serving overseas that can be eased. We are here for them.”

Mrs Grayson can be contacted on 07777 691909.