Group backs charity calendar

Showing members of the Newcastle Falcons squad in a whole new light, sales from the calendar will raise money for the nominated charities of Bobby Vickers Testimonial year – the Newcastle Rugby Foundation, Doddie Weir Trust and Stay Strong Stu as well as premiership hero Rob Vickers’ Testimonial.

Players including Toby Flood, Ally Hogg, Joel Hodgson as well as Rob himself shed their rugby strips to cheekily champion the cause for the calendars, which will be on sale at each of The Inn Collection Group’s pubs in Northumberland, County Durham, North Yorkshire and the Lake District.

Managing director of The Inn Collection Group Sean Donkin said: “Hats off – literally – to Rob and his teammates at Newcastle Falcons for daring to bare almost all for such worthy causes. They’ve produced a great calendar that will certainly bring a smile to your face right now and throughout 2019.”

“The Inn Collection Group is proud to be a longstanding supporter of the Newcastle Falcons and their players and fans. We are delighted to be able to support Rob and his chosen charities by selling the calendar across our inns and wish Rob every success for his Testimonial.”

The former Newcastle Falcons forward, who made over 250 appearances across 12 years playing for the club, said: “The support from The Inn Collection Group is something I’m truly grateful for. The calendars were a lot of fun to make and that can be seen in the pictures which I hope people enjoy. We certainly turned some heads while we were doing the shoots.”

“The money raised from the sales of the calendars will go towards three charities who are very close to my heart. Rugby and farming are my two passions and the charities I have chosen to support through my Testimonial Year reflect this.”

“As a trustee of The Falcons Community Foundation I’d like to repay the great work they do for the sport in our region. Doddie Weir is someone I know very well from his time at the club, and he has always been great with me.”

Calendars priced at £10 each are on sale at The Lindisfarne Inn, Beal; The Bamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses, The Hog’s Head Inn at Alnwick; The Commissioners Quay Inn at Blyth; The Seaton Lane Inn at Seaton; The Kingslodge Inn at Durham; The King’s Head Inn at Newton under Roseberry and The Waterhead Hotel at Coniston.

They can also be bought online at www.shopfalcons.co.uk