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.
Neil Robinson
Appointed: 7 October 2022, Chair November 2023
Sporting interests: Cricket
Neil joined ORA as a trustee in October 2022. He is currently 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 is now COO of a Performance Cycling Business.
Best 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.
Simon Payne
Appointed: 9 December 2020
Sporting interest: Rugby
Simon joined the ORA Board in late 2020. 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.
His proudest Old Ruts memories are of 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.
Helene Mayland
Appointed: June 2023
Sporting interests: Cricket, Football & Rugby
Helene joined ORA as a Trustee in June 2023. She works in finance focussing on sustainability and looks forward to supporting the club with its development in this area.
Helene has been a keen footballer for most of her life and is a FA level 1 coach. She has been slightly converted to Rugby by living so close to Old Ruts. Her two daughters have represented the club at cricket and rugby since the formation of the girls teams.
She helps with girls cricket and has also taken up the challenge of joining the first year of ladies cricket. She is excited the growth in girls and women’s sport at the club and is keen to support it continuing.
Favourite Old Ruts moment, the scene of 100s of kids at All Stars cricket on Saturday mornings in the summer.
Nick Skilton
Appointed: July 2023
Sporting interests: Football
I’ve been a member of Old Ruts for more than 25 years. I was a pupil at Rutlish School, so I am a true Old Rut!
My main sporting interest is football but I embrace all sports and support all sections of the club. You may recognise me as I am also the resident DJ at the club. This is another passion of mine, and I have travelled to New York to DJ. Old Ruts is a great place to socialise. I visit the clubhouse almost daily.
My main passion is my full-time job; running the Endeavour Youth Club in Merton. I have been associated Endeavour all my life. I enjoy encouraging children and young people to lead a better life.
I am also a Trustee and volunteer for DLAG (Dons Local Action Group). This charity is close to my heart as I have been involved since day one.
Mike Stallard
Appointed: December 2024
Sporting interests: Rugby, Cricket & Football
Mike was a trustee for many years before being elected President in July 2022, a role which he proudly held for 2 years taking us through our Poplar Road Centenary Celebrations.
He is very much looking forward to reestablishing himself on the Board as he is passionate about the place that Old Ruts has at the heart of the local community.
All 3 of his boys played cricket and rugby at Ruts and he really enjoyed managing a cricket team all the way through the age groups.
Favourite Old Ruts moments are undoubtedly reffing the Ladies tag rugby match every year and socially, playing at Rutsfest is always a great buzz!
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!
Ed Russell
Appointed: December 2024
Sporting interests: Football, Rugby, Cricket
Ed joined ORA as a Trustee taking up the role of Treasurer in December 2024. He has immediately had an impact on the club by navigating the sign off our financial audit, following the success of our Centenary events which tipped our overall revenue to a record £1M for a single year. He has over 20 years’ experience as a qualified chartered accountant. Going forward Ed will Chair the ORA Finance and Risk Committee.
Ed is the Manager of the U14 boys football team, on which his son plays. His three children and his wife Elli all play cricket for Old Ruts and Ed is a regular umpire. All the family are fans of Old Ruts Rugby and often spend their Saturday afternoons screaming encouragement at their favourite Cecil.
Favourite Old Ruts moment was a trip to Twickenham!
Mark Bridges
Appointed: May 2024
Sporting interests: Rugby & Cricket
Mark has two sons at the club and has been an active junior head coach for Ruts for over 10 years, leading an age group in cricket and rugby and is often found umpiring or refereeing at the weekends.
Mark has over 20 years’ experience as a commercial leader in business, many of which have been spent as CEO leading and scaling organisations under Private Equity ownership.
Favourite Old Ruts Moment – Watching the XV winning the Papa John’s trophy at Twickenham surrounded by hundreds of other Old Ruts was a special moment, but the last minute try to win away at Old Haileyburians to effectively win the league was my favourite!