Christmas Lunch raises thousands for charity!

Christmas has certainly come early for two of Devon's biggest charities - the Exeter Chiefs Foundation and Wooden Spoon Devon - following a hugely successful and enjoyable joint Christmas lunch.

Bringing together the Foundation, the official charity of Exeter Chiefs, and Wooden Spoon, the children's charity of rugby, over 400 guests helped to raise in excess of £22,000 for the two charities during the annual event held at Sandy Park.

Hosted by former Bath, Saracens and England prop David Flatman, guests were not only treated to a sumptuous three-course dinner prepared by Head Chef Craig Beatham, but they were royally entertained with two Question & Answer slots featuring Exeter Chiefs' international stars Jack Nowell, Nic White, Alec Hepburn and Harry Williams.

The quartet not only gave an insight into Chiefs life, but also regaled the audience with anecdotes from their international careers, as well as life away from the rugby pitch.

Also part of the day’s activities, Scotsman Brian Murray handed over a cheque for £8,600 to Devon Wooden Spoon chairman Roger Haywood after he cycled 4,300 miles in 22 days as part of the TransAm race across America, while a cheque for £27,000 was presented to Exeter Chiefs Foundation chairman, Tony Rowe OBE, from David Cosford, who led over 30 riders from Exeter to Castres in France as part of their annual Exeter Chiefs European Cycle Challenge.

A fun-filled afternoon was capped off with entertainment from leading comedian Andy Oakley.

Other VIPs for Devon’s hot ticket event included Big Chief, Spoony and 'Mr England' Pete Cross, the official mascot of the RFU.