Ruils marks the beginning of 20th year with celebration event
From kitchen table to town hall - Ruils has grown over the last 20 years into a movement championing change & equality in Richmond Borough and beyond. We celebrated with our founders, staff team, volunteers, trustees, councillors, statutory and voluntary sector partners, supporters and many more with an event at Clarendon Hall on Thursday May 11th.
The Ruils choir, led by Antonia Halse, Ruils theatre group, led by Trustee Bryony Meteyard, and client Avni gave stunning performances throughout the evening.
Performance of Bach's Prelude No. 1 in C Major by Ruils client, Avni
Ruils Theatre Group perform an excerpt from monologues Unheard Voices
Ruils choir perform a selection of songs to celebrate the Ruils anniversary
In addition to performances, it was a night spent recognising key people who have supported us over the last 20 years.
Her Worship the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Julia Cambridge helped us celebrate one of our founding members Jamal Mohamad for his part in setting up Ruils and his years of dedication.
We highlighted the fundraising efforts of Sue Dorrington, who in 6 years has raised an incredible £115,000 for Ruils.
We recognised our friends at BNI Tudor Chapter, based in Twickenham, for their long and continued support of our work. From skydives and marathons to being trusted recommendations to our clients, they have given us so much.
Even though she couldn't attend, we recognised our stellar volunteer Patty Lloyd for her 10+ years of service doing anything and everything to support us in the office.
We honoured, Cathy Kerr, who strengthened our relationship with Richmond Council and was a fierce supporter of our cause.
And we thanked Her Worship the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Julia Cambridge for her incredible support over the last year and for choosing us as her Mayor's charity.
Cllr Julia Cambridge recognising Jamal Mohamad, founding member.
Ruils Community and Volunteer Manager, Gary Williams, celebrates volunteer Patty Lloyd
From left to right - Sue Dorrington, Cathy Maker and Charlie Bronks
Ruils Vice-Chair, Jane Getley, honours Statutory Partner Cathy Kerr
Viv Sage collected the Community Partner recognition on behalf of BNI Tudor
Ruils Chair, Gareth Bubbins, honours Richmond Mayor Cllr Julia Cambridge
We ended the evening by recognising our CEO, Cathy, who has led Ruils for 19 years and carried on the legacy of our founder Richard Kember.
"We often talk about our Ruilsiness. And it’s hard to say what Ruilsiness is – it’s a feeling, it’s a collective, it’s a family. I want to acknowledge each and every one of you. Because this really is a team effort."
And we celebrated every single person who has supported us on our journey. Ruils is a collection of us all working towards a better world, so thank you! We look forward to more celebration throughout our 20th year!
Ruils President, Andrew Gairdner, recognises Cathy Maker for her dedication
Standing ovation for Cathy's outstanding leadership over 19 years
Cathy thanking all in attendance for their support over 20 years