A Big ‘Thank-You’ From Bolingey Barbarians

A Big ‘Thank-You’ From Bolingey Barbarians

The Cornish Pirates and their supporters have been warmly thanked following a match day collection held when the Cornish Pirates played Yorkshire Carnegie at the Mennaye Field last Sunday.

Expressing appreciation having made their annual collection were members of Bolingey Barbarians who raised the excellent sum of £787-04 on the day. Their Chairman, Roger Mead BEM, has commented:

On behalf of all the Barbarians a big thank-you is expressed for the great hospitality once again extended us by the club and to all the supporters who gave so generously. Monies raised through the collection will go to help so many children in Cornwall and we would like to wish the Pirates every success for the rest of the season.

Now in their 26th season, ahead of last Sunday, Bolingey Barbarians had already been able to hand out donations to five more charities caring for disadvantaged children in Cornwall. They were Autism South West, Nancealverne School in Penzance, Penhaligon Friends at Liskeard, Tuesday Treg Gateway Club at St. Blazey plus Wild in Camborne/Redruth.

Over the years, Bolingey Barbarians have raised nearly £120,000 for 70 various worthy causes in the county, which is a fantastic achievement. Roger added:

This would not have been possible if it was not for the generosity of all our Barbarians and for the support over the years of our wonderful rugby family in Cornwall.

Cornish Pirates’ mascot Captain Benbow is pictured with the Bolingey Barbarians

Bolingey Barbarians – a brief history

Bolingey Barbarians were formed in March 1993 following an ad-hoc match that had been played between the Bolingey Inn and Perranporth RFC to raise money for Children’s Charities. As the match had been so successful it was agreed to form a club and register with the Cornwall RFU. Players can only be invited to play for the club and are mainly selected from Cornish clubs.

The first match, as Bolingey Barbarians, was played against the then past Cornwall RFC Merit Table holders Newquay 1st XV. Many an ex county player was seen gracing the turf at Ponsmere Valley, Perranporth, where all matches are played. For the first few seasons fixtures were made with senior, junior and veteran teams, but with the advent of the league system player availability became more difficult and the club is now exclusively veteran!

At the end of the match players and spectators all retire to the Bolingey Inn where the old traditions of post-match rugby take place. An excellent meal is served which, along with other nourishment, fortifies the renowned singing. It is often during these sessions that monies are raised, by different means, for selected Children’s Charities in Cornwall.

For more information please visit www.bolingey-barbarians.co.uk