The end of the 2023/24 rugby season is now upon us, and Bristol Referees Society celebrated in style on Friday night with their annual end of season dinner. Hosted at Lockleaze Sports Centre, over 100 BRRS members, representatives from local clubs and esteemed guests from the rugby community came together to eat, drink and enjoy an entertaining evening!

The dinner showcased the achievement of Bristol Society's referees over the course of the past season during the presentation of our end of season awards ceremony. Firstly, Cam Livingstone, joining us virtually all the way from Nicaragua, was presented with the Ed Morrison Young Referee of the Year Award. Secondly, John Vercoe was awarded the Chris Brocket Most Improved Referee of the Year after showing huge development through the year, and finally, Tony Swash was awarded the coveted Jim Scut Member of the Year Award for his unrivalled support of the society this season. Congratulations to Cam, John and Tony on their well deserved awards.

BRRS Chairman, Andy Weymouth, also presented life membership certificates to Vice Chairman, Ian Smith, and Sunday Appointments Officer, Keith Bohr, before Adrian Siddorn from GRFU recognised the contributions of seven BRS referees for 25 years of outstanding service to the rugby community in Bristol.

Our charity auction and raffle raised over £1300, which will support the Bristol Referees Society Charity in performing its vital work in the local rugby community. The headline prize, a Rugby World Cup 2023 match shirt, signed and donated by Tom Foley, fetched a fantastic £320 donation to the charity. Thank you to everyone for their generous donations.

Tom, a Bristol Society member, officiated as TMO in the World Cup Final, and also spoke inspiringly about his journey from young match official to experienced professional officiating in rugby's pinnacle event during a Q&A with BRRS President, Steve Leyshon, and RFU Council Member, Dr Tim Miller.

Attendees were also entertained by former Premiership referee and current Women's Premiership Match Official Manager, Dean Richards, who gave an enjoyable speech on his debut as guest speaker.

We are incredibly grateful to Dean, Tom and Tim for their excellent contributions, and thank them all for supporting our annual dinner. Thanks also go to everyone who attended the event and made it a truly special evening celebrating the end of the season.