The current trustees of the Old Rutlishians’ Association (Charitable Incorporated Organisation). On 1 April 2020 Old Rutlishians’ Association launched its charitable status having previously been an Unincorporated Organisation. They are elected by members and must stand down every 3 years at which time they can stand for re-election if they wish.
Paul Cecil
Appointed: 17 March 2021
Sporting interests: Rugby & Football
Paul has been an active rugby sports lead at Old Ruts for 10 years. He is a qualified rugby and football coach and has been coaching for 20 years. He is currently Rugby Chair at Old Ruts and has 3 sons who are active rugby and football players at the club! Paul is a Chartered Banker with over 30 years’ experience in a blend of corporate finance, stockbroking, and programme management.
Favourite Old Ruts Moment – Winning on Boxing Day and beating Old Wimbledonians in the annual derby!
Simon Payne
Appointed: 9 December 2020
Sporting interest: Rugby
Simon sits on the Community, Membership & Communications Committee as well as being a member of the rugby section since 2001, as a player, coach and now a referee on most weekends. He co-ordinates the rugby referee group, working with both the RFU, Surrey and the London Society to train new referees and support our existing officials. Simon is passionate about expanding the game for both kids, girls and ladies’ rugby and especially developing young match officials. Simon is a self-employed management consultant, working with large corporate clients to deliver complex Change programmes.
Favourite Old Ruts Moment – The amazing response to the recent pandemic, seeing the whole Club work together in very difficult circumstances to serve the community and keep the Club running and financially viable.
James “JMO” Oakes
Appointed: 17 March 2021
Sporting interest: Rugby
James, or JMO is responsible for planning and designing projects which improve the facilities and grounds at Old Ruts. The addition of the canopy over the patio is one example, which has changed the way we can use the outdoor space at Old Ruts. James is also involved in the Senior Section of Men’s Rugby, assisting with fixtures, equipment results posting and match day support. When not volunteering at Old Ruts, James has a creative role, supplying natural greenery for sets in the world of film, TV and events.
Favourite Old Ruts Moments – Successfully running training sessions during Covid, carefully planning the sessions to ensure all Covid guidelines were met. Accepting an Award from Surrey Rugby, in recognition of all the support that the Club gave to the Dons Local Action Group, making the Food Bank hub happen.
Caroline Robinson
Appointed: 7 October 2022
Sporting interests: Cricket
Caroline chairs the Community, Membership & Communications Committee and is the Safeguarding lead for the ORA. She also sits on the Finance & Risk Committee and the Operations & House Committee. Caroline is Head of Junior Cricket Coaching at Old Ruts overseeing coaching programmes and recruitment of volunteer and paid coaches. She is a Level 2 cricket coach with 2 sons actively playing at the club. Caroline works for Surrey Cricket Foundation in the Participation Team having previously worked in Safeguarding and Integrity at the ECB.
Favourite Old Ruts moments – bringing All Stars cricket to Old Ruts and being part of a brilliant group of volunteers inspiring children to play, the ORA Coronation Party and making a record-breaking paper chain, and of course, Rutsfest!
Neil Robinson Chair
Appointed: 7 October 2022
Sporting interests: Cricket, Football
Neil is Chair of the ORA, Chair of the Grounds and Sports Committee and sits on the Finance and Risk Committee. Neil is Chair of Cricket at Old Ruts both Senior and Juniors. He is an All-Stars Activator and proud of it whilst trying to keep up with his wife and two sons’ love of cricket. Neil has 25 years working in media and 10 in a board capacity leading on Digital strategy, sales, content, marketing, and IT. He now consults across e-commerce and media businesses.
Favourite Old Ruts moments – Our annual Eddies performance at Rutsfest, managing the U11 football team in 2022 that went on to win the Cup Final. All Stars Cricket on Saturday mornings, working alongside an amazing group of volunteers young and old.
Helene Mayland
Appointed: July 2023
Sporting interests: Cricket, Football & Rugby
Lee Walker
Appointed: July 2023
Sporting interests: Rugby