Falcons mark Armistice with ‘There but not There’ display
Newcastle Falcons’ marking of this weekend’s remembrance commemorations will have a visual poignancy as five ‘Tommy’ silhouettes join the crowd in the stands at Friday’s Premiership Rugby Cup clash with Bath Rugby.
Part of the ‘There but not There’ installation, the defining centenary commemoration of the end of the 1914-1918 war, these transparent figures are part of a national initiative by the charity Remembered.
Placing a representative figure for every name on local war memorials around the country, the five figures will be amongst a group of 100 current and ex-service personnel attending the game and will provide a thought-provoking representation of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
For the Falcons that will be 25 members of Gosforth Nomads who fell during World War One, and whose names adorn the roll of honour plaque located in the East Stand club shop alongside the other 101 members who served in the conflict.
Part of the work undertaken by the Newcastle Rugby Foundation, Falcons Forces sees the club’s registered charity work alongside Forward Assist, Help 4 Heroes, Royal British Legion, Sporting Force and SSAFA, providing opportunities for veterans with support on their journeys back to health and employment.
One man who has benefited from this programme is John Mew, a Falklands veteran who started his journey with the Foundation as a Newcastle Falcons Move Like a Pro participant.
After completing the 12-week men’s health programme at Kingston Park Stadium and making significant progress with both physical and mental health challenge, John was shortlisted from Premiership Rugby’s BREAKTHRU Achiever of the Year award, where he attended the prestigious awards at the Houses of Parliament and received recognition of his progress and efforts in raising awareness of PTSD and mental health.
This November the Foundation and Sporting Force are hosting the England Rugby Coaching Award for up to 20 veterans. This three-day course will provide them with the necessary qualification and skills to get involved in their local grassroots clubs, and potentially a route into employment.
The club also supports serving armed forces personnel through the Tickets for Troops initiative at selected games across the season, www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk
For more information on Falcons Forces, contact darren.greco@newcastle-falcons.co.uk
