Saturday 2nd of August saw the final Braintree Rugby 7s Music and beer festival take place after going ahead for 15 years all headed up by Ruan Holt who the club have proudly awarded with an honorary life membership for his contributions!

Ruan, along with the help of his family and friends, decided to set up the tournament in memory of his friend Matthew New in hopes to raise money for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, and subsequently also in memory of Maff Wadforth and raising funds for Blood Cancer UK. Along the way, we sadly lost Simon Fookes but were fortunate enough that his company, Amazing Tents, kept his wish to supply the event with the incredible tent that had been used every year!

Ruan has kept this event running through every loss & circumstance including the loss of his & wife, Sian’s two girls, Sophia-Rose & Alyssia.

Most recently the club lost Dave ‘Benny’ Benfield who was a key part of the event’s organisation and running, Ruan made sure that Benny was added to the final events celebrations with an award in his honour and a fireworks display during the final music set by Pulse.

We would like to thank Ruan for all he has done over the past 15 years. From starting as a mini at the club to dedicating so much of his time and effort. We are incredibly grateful and couldn’t think of anyone more fitting than Christy McCann to present you with your Honorary Life Membership!

Thank you Ruan!