Felixstowe Rugby Club
Date: Saturday 15th February
Venue: Felixstowe Rugby Club
Occasion: VP (Vice Presidents’) Dinner
Guests: Players past and present, club supporters, sponsors, and the wonderfully mad world of grassroots rugby.
When the invite to attend Felixstowe Rugby Club’s legendary VP Dinner arrived, I didn’t hesitate. Having recently hosted club chairman Rob Brewster on my radio show — where we chatted about all things Felixstowe Rugby (you can listen here) — I knew this was a club bursting with personality, community spirit and passion for the game.
Joining me on the day was my ever-reliable plus-one (and brother-in-law) Scott, and upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by our host for the afternoon, the incomparable Michael Bowden — or as he’s affectionately known by all, Boogie (or Boogs, depending on the tone). To say he kept our glasses full is an understatement. The man is a hospitality machine.
A Proper Rugby Welcome
Just before 1pm, we were called to the tables. Alongside Boogs, our group included Bryn Ward, Andrew Osborne, and club photographer Leighton — a top group with banter to match.
The dining room was heaving — packed with ex-players, lifelong supporters, and club sponsors — a real who’s who of local rugby and a testament to the deep roots Felixstowe RFC has in the community.
What followed was a five-star meal courtesy of Barnard Catering. The starter (a hearty soup) was so good that I wore some of it on my shirt — standard behaviour. The main course? A sublime roast beef dinner that more than lived up to the hype.
The Match & The Madness
After lunch, we braved the chill to watch the team take on Braintree II. We stuck it out through the first half pitch-side, but I’ll admit that warmth and more wine beckoned us back indoors for the second. Still, we caught the highlights and the result was what mattered — a solid 30-22 win for Felixstowe RFC.
Post-match, it was time for presentations and raffles, and somehow I found myself winning three prizes:
- A bottle of mysterious treacle-flavoured whisky (as awful as it sounds, but great for communal bonding),
- A bottle of port (generously donated to Mrs. Woodard),
- And a bottle of wine that vanished into the ether (answers on a postcard, please).
Community, Chaos & Camaraderie
More drinks flowed, more old faces greeted us, and new friendships were made. There was plenty of laughter, back-slapping, tall tales, and moments that remind you why clubs like this are the heartbeat of local sport. As the whisky dregs disappeared, so too did parts of my memory — but Boog, being the gent that he is, made sure I got home in one piece.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made us feel so welcome:
- To Boogs for top-tier hosting,
- Rob Brewster for the warm invite and leadership of the club,
- And to every volunteer behind the bar, in the kitchen, and behind the scenes who make matchdays possible.
The club’s family-friendly spirit was on full display — from little ones running around the clubhouse to lifelong fans swapping stories over a pint. This is what rugby’s all about.
Final Thoughts
This was more than just a VP Dinner. It was a full-throttle, feel-good celebration of community rugby — and one I feel privileged to have been part of.
Scoreline: Felixstowe RFC 30 – Braintree II 22
Experience: 10/10
Memory: Slightly patchy, but thoroughly cherished.