News

Legendary journalist John “Jacko” Jackson mesmerised an audience in Teddington on 27th October as he revealed his behind-the-scenes encounters with world-famous sports stars such as Muhammad Ali and John MacEnroe. The Fleet Street veteran, 86, entertained an intimate gathering at the Anglers pub with vivid tales of his time working as sports and news reporter for The Daily Mirror, as part of a fundraising event for community organisation SporTedd. John, who has covered an astonishing 22 Olympic games plus countless Wimbledons and World Cups, opened up about the highlights of his celebrated career reporting on world events and grilling the giants of the sporting world. A captivated audience listened to stories of memorable run-ins with British legends Ian Botham, Daley Thompson and Virginia Wade and vivid accounts of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and the death of former Mirror publisher Robert Maxwell. John, who gained the nickname “Chief Rotter” during his career at the Mirror, effortlessly conveyed the sense of adventure and adrenalin rush involved in as life a a reporter in his conversation with SporTedd member and former Mail on Sunday sports editor Alison Kervin OBE. He also brought along some copies of his new book, Reflections of a Mirror Man: The Life and Times of Fleet Street’s Chief Rotter which were personally dedicated by him to the lucky winners of the night’s fundraising raffle. The evening took place in the room above the Anglers Pub, where SporTedd members and guests were treated to a 2-course dinner before John took centre stage. Click here to find out more about John’s new book and to buy a copy

THREE Olympic heroes from previous Games were the stars at a special SporTedd fund-raising dinner in Teddington.  It was 539 days since the last SporTedd dinner on January 28th 2020 when former England rugby World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodard was the VIP guest. Roger Black, a 400 metre and 4 x 400 metre relay silver medallist in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Christine Ohuruogu, who won Olympic gold in the 400 metres in Beijing 2008 and silver at London 2012 and Mark Hunter, gold medal winner  in the lightweight double scull in the 2008 Beijing Olympics with Zac Purchase and silver in the London Olympics 2012, were the guests last Tuesday. They told of their Olympic experiences and challenges as well as life after an Olympic triumph at a dinner for the community group SporTedd. The raffle prizes included a signed Andy Murray shirt and tennis racquet, a signed England rugby shirt, a British & Irish Lions shirt, two tickets for The Hundred cricket competition at Lord’s and a set of Masuri cricket gear including gloves, pads and helmet.  Chair, Stuart Higgins said: “It’s just great to be out and meeting people again. Our guests were just happy to be chatting and loved the storytelling of our Olympic guests. It was a fantastic night.” If you are interested in supporting local sport-themed projects in the area and want to become a member for £100 a year, see How to Apply.

SporTedd and the Wharf in Teddington have once more combined forces to host an exhilarating charity event last night. SporTedd is the brainchild of local businessman Stuart Higgins. He has inspired local men and women to raise funds to help finance sport-related good causes across Twickenham, Teddington and Hampton. In the past, SporTedd has had many inspirational sports personalities talk at their fundraising events. Last night was no exception with guest speakers Sir Clive Woodward and England Rugby referee Wayne Barnes taking the floor. Alison Kervin, who is Sports Editor for the Mail on Sunday interviewed them both during a lively and entertaining Q&A. For Sir Clive the questions revolved around the loss of England to South Africa in the final of the Rugby World Cup. As the only coach to have led an England team to the Rugby World Championship, Sir Clive was gracious in his replies whilst providing insights into technicalities and hurdles of coaching a rugby team to success. Wayne Barnes brought another perspective to a side of rugby that we all take for granted. Maybe we watch decisions made, shout for the TMO and sit there thinking we could do better than the “Ref”. Wayne received the accolade of being named the top referee at the Rugby World Cup in Japan. He delighted the audience with a multitude of wonderful tales of refereeing moments on and off the pitch. He talked about apologising to Martin Johnson for sin-binning him in his first season in 2003. He was voted the third most hated man in New Zealand after missing a forward pass that led to a French try in 2007. With a wry smile he admitted that it was impressive. His best memory was in Cardiff when Ireland played France in the last game of the 2015 World Cup. The atmosphere left a spectacular lasting impression on him. He loves Twickenham because he can walk to work, as home is only 500m from Twickenham Stadium. He is famous in the world of Rugby for sporting a referee’s shirt, but Wayne Barnes also has another “string to his bow” – he is also a practising barrister at Fulcrum Chambers housed within the Shard at London Bridge. He is very supportive of initiatives like SporTedd, because they help to make sport more accessible to everyone, in times when funding issues are putting more pressure on councils and governing bodies. Sport is massively important to communities not just for participation and competition but for health and fitness too. Ray Neve at the Wharf has continued to be a fervent supporter of SporTedd and provided a beautiful riverside setting for last night’s event. A proportion of the price of the delicious three-course dinner was added to the charitable coffers, which by the end of the evening had amassed nearly £3,300. This was a special evening for SporTedd and its members. Plans are ahead for several other events this year including an evening with Gary Lineker. Many local sports groups and charities continue to benefit from its generosity. The evening was one of pure enjoyment where charity and unforgettable entertainment are entwined concluding with a most satisfying “final whistle”.

THE community sports group SporTedd has been donating money to more local causes following new applications for funding, it was announced today.  Three projects have received a total of £3720 following consideration by the group, which was set up just over two years ago to help those initiatives, which may not qualify for local authority money. A grant of £1000 was made to DSActive, a special sports programme for the Down’s Syndrome Association based in Teddington, which will provide new funds to purchase sports equipment and clothing. Alex Rawles, project manager for DSActive, said: “We are so very delighted to be given this grant from SporTedd – it will make a significant difference. The sports programme DSActive is transforming the lives of children and adults with Down’s Syndrome by giving them opportunities to take part in sport.“The donation from SportTedd will enable the innovative programme to purchase much needed equipment for the participants.” The second donation of £2000 was made to The Friends of Murray Park to help them raise £3000 to launch a Junior Park Run. Lynda Hance, treasurer for the Friends of Murray Park, said: “Thank you so much your tremendous support!  This money will make all the difference to us being able to set up with confidence that we can check, train and provide uniforms for our volunteers.” The third donation of £720 in the current round of grants was awarded to the Kingston and Richmond branch of Crossroads Care to help them purchase twelve karate kits for young carers with disabilities. The CEO of Crossroads Care, Julie Da Costa said: “Your support helps us continue in our mission to provide vital services to those often hard to reach families and Carers – outside the statutory framework. “The generous support of organisations and Trusts like SporTedd makes it possible for our organisation to continue and grow and provide high quality services to carers and the people they care for. “Sponsorship, fundraising, volunteering and donations are especially important, as we face the daunting challenges within the current economic environment.”  SporTedd is supported by local men and women who have an interest in sport or a professional connection to sport and raises funds through a £100 a head annual subscription and various fund-raising events with high profile speakers such as Lord Coe, RFU referee Wayne Barnes, former CEO of Manchester United and Chelsea Peter Kenyon, the All England Club’s commercial director Mick Desmond and England’s most-capped rugby player Jason Leonard. Chair of SporTedd, Stuart Higgins, said: “SporTedd is growing slowly but we genuinely feel delighted that we are making a bit of an impact locally, especially when organisations, groups need financial support urgently and we can provide help quickly without the barriers of red-tape or process which sometimes seem insurmountable to these deserving causes.”

“We would like to say a big thank you to SporTedd for its very generous donation. Having a professional team kit makes the children proud to represent their school and excited about being involved in sport. It really makes a difference!​” Mr King, Headteacher at Chase Bridge Primary School “We are extremely grateful for the grant provided by SporTedd to enable Chase Bridge to purchase new, top quality and professional sporting kits this season. With their funding, we have been able to update the football, netball, rugby and athletics kits. The children look professional and are proud to wear them. Many thanks.” Miss Brown, Class Teacher and Sports Coordinator at Chase Bridge Primary School

We are delighted to announce SporTedd’s inaugural grant for Eel Pie Island Club Stand Up Paddleboarding (EpicSup), based at Twickenham Rowing Club on the banks of the River Thames. Former gold and silver medal winning Olympic rower Mark Hunter MBE handed over a cheque for £500 to the club this week, which will help provide important storage space for the fast-growing pastime across all ages. For more information see coverage of the presentation in Teddington Town.