My life’s not quite normal at the moment as I’m recovering from foot surgery so I’m in pot and on crutches, which means that if I want to go anywhere I have to ask someone to take me – this doesn’t come easily as I’m a very independent person.
Monday
Manager Lucy is my saviour today as she collects me at 2.30 to go to Headingley for the LRF Board of Trustees meeting – it really does say something for my life at the moment when I can get excited about spending 2 hours taking the minutes! The meeting is preceded by the AGM so it's almost 6pm by the time we've finished. My taxi home is kindly provided by Phil Caplan.
Tuesday
This is one of my biggest events of the year – the Culley Sevens. 16 primary schools are taking part in this full contact event – it was 20 teams but 4 dropped out yesterday so I have had to rewrite the schedule, meaning I have to go to Kirkstall early to re-print the programmes. Today Leon is my driver and as he picks me up I wonder what my neighbours think – he's the 8th different man to pick me up or drop me off in the last 2 weeks! Normally I would manage the event on my own but that's not possible this year so Leon and Tony come to my aid and it's off to Stanningley ARLFC who have generously given us the use of 2 pitches. By 4pm 8 mini pitches have been coned out and all 16 teams are playing their first game. With a bit of encouragement from Tony, Leon and student Chris from Priesthorpe the early rounds run perfectly and we're ready for the finals. We have 2 special guests – Martin Culley, the great grandson of John Culley after whom the tournament is named, and Rhinos' forward, Ian Kirke, who patiently signs autographs and poses for photographs with a never ending line of children. Finally the medals are presented to the teams from Adel and Alwoodley primary schools who could not be separated even after extra time and the cup is shared. I feel particularly proud as many of the players from these teams are from North Leeds Leopards. As soon as we've finished it's a quick trip up to Moortown (Taxi provided by Anna, our treasurer) where the NLL U12s are training – including some Culley winners – to catch up with them.
Wednesday
A very quiet day until U12s coach Danny comes at 5.30pm to take me to Leopards training – this time it's our 5-10 year olds. Lots of things to sort with parents – registrations, teams for future festivals and bookings for our annual BBQ are just a few. Straight after training it's our Committee meeting – a very lively one with lots to talk about as we continue to grow. Home after 10pm thanks to taxi Phil.
Friday
I finally get round to writing up the minutes from the Board meeting – 2hours of agonising over the right wording before I send the draft to Chairman Neil, who amends and sends back ready for me to distribute. Next job – the minutes of the Leopards' Committee Meeting – they'll wait until the weekend!
Not the most exciting week, I know – I can't wait to be able to drive again and regain my independence. A massive THANK YOU to all my drivers – I'd have gone crazy without you.