Who is Mary Lewis...
Generally speaking most people are cheap.
I guarantee it.
I'm not talking about financially, but rather, with words of praise.
Why do so many of us hold back kind words and encouragement when it comes to colleagues?
Why do so many of us hold back kind words and encouragement when it comes to colleagues?
Why be a miser with kind words for our friends?
Given that, on occasions we sure are stingy when it comes to spreading the good word(s) of appreciation in the work we do at England Deaf Rugby Union...
However, when most people talk about Mary Lewis there is never a short word of praise for her involvement and total professionalism when working with the England Deaf Rugby Union
Given that, on occasions we sure are stingy when it comes to spreading the good word(s) of appreciation in the work we do at England Deaf Rugby Union...
However, when most people talk about Mary Lewis there is never a short word of praise for her involvement and total professionalism when working with the England Deaf Rugby Union
Mary Lewis
EDRU squad members and committee members are extremely proud to
have Mary on the team. Just recently, Mary has passed her BSL Level 4 which is fantastic news! Congratulations!
Mary is my unsung hero as without her, the EDRU would struggle to continue in the way we do now,-Her input is invaluable, and one to be treasured for the foreseeable future
I recall meeting Mary for the first time, it was 25th March 2007, between us we had arranged for me to collect Mary from her hotel in Newbury en-route to Andover RFC for one of our arranged sessions, a fairly simple task as one would expect, but only if I had realised it was the month of March and the clocks move forward for British Summer Time...something which I had forgotten, needless to say I was driving like a lunatic to collect Mary on time as this was our first encounter and frantically not trying to be too late...but only to be gently reminded by Mary via my mobile phone on my way,
“You are collecting me at 9am?..,‘cos you realise the clocks moved forward?”
I replied,
“Yeh, no worries – I remembered...I am actually in Newbury but trying to find your hotel...I should be with you in a few minutes”
Little did Mary know...I was about 20miles away!
Eventually when we got to the rugby club, I remember the weather was quite cold, the pitch was quite muddy and Mary had arrived in trainers and a thin coat, which I was concerned about – however, I was deeply impressed when Mary just got on with her job, “the cold can wait, I have a job to do”... sort of attitude, she was brilliant, running up & down the touchline, showing off with her skills as a Communicator for the Deaf members of the team – I was in awe of her.
I knew then, Mary was going to be the future of EDRU, and I am very proud to say, Mary has given us her time and total dedication, something which I admire totally and so, on the September 14th 2008, EDRU Committtee decided it was time to invite Mary Lewis to be appointed as EDRU Official Communicator. I am pleased to say, Mary accepted the position
Still today, Mary gives me the odd nudge and gentle reminders about things and I guess Mary will always be that stalwart that we all so much appreciate and treasure, and I’m honoured to know Mary Lewis of EDRU!
Thank You for your total dedication and devotion to the England Deaf Rugby Union
Tony Stoyles
Director of Rugby
Below are a few comments from some of the EDRU Members:
Mary clearly fits the image of a dedicated and willing volunteer, for me she is a joy to work with (and shares my sense of humour!) Although, I am developing my signing she is priceless for the coaching process
Mal Chumbley
Asst Coach
I think Mary has been absolutely fantastic and she's really bridged the communication gap that I so often find in rugby. She's very easy to understand, clear and doesn't reduce the quality of information that you often find with interpreters, Fantastic!
Lee Stickings
Squad Member
The 16th Player!
While 15 players are doing their very best on the field of play, the 16th team member is working equally hard on the sidelines - and sometimes on the field of play as well. Who is this mystery player? Mary Lewis, our Communicator since joining EDRU Mary has been one of the stalwarts of the support staff.
While 15 players are doing their very best on the field of play, the 16th team member is working equally hard on the sidelines - and sometimes on the field of play as well. Who is this mystery player? Mary Lewis, our Communicator since joining EDRU Mary has been one of the stalwarts of the support staff.
As the Official Communicator of the EDRU, Mary has attended virtually all functions involving the national squad and development activities. She has been the ever present facilitator assisting squad members, players and officials alike. In even the grimmest of conditions Mary can be seen patrolling the touch line ready to sprint onto the field of play whenever required. She is a real team player who is universally trusted and appreciated.
On behalf of the EDRU committee I would like to congratulate Mary on passing her BSL Level 4 exam and to thank her for all she has done for us.
Lyndon James
Secretary
On behalf of the EDRU committee I would like to congratulate Mary on passing her BSL Level 4 exam and to thank her for all she has done for us.
Lyndon James
Secretary
Mary is a integral part of our squad, as important as any of the players or coaching/management staff. She is a highly effective communicator who is a great link between the coaching staff and the players, allowing those players who are very hard of hearing to understand and communicate with those around them.
Just as important as her signing skills is her sense of humour, which is often, required being surrounded by a group such as us.
Len Fincham
Squad Member
First of all, many congrats to Mary on passing her level 4 BSL language, although I already sent her my congratulations (I was one of the guys who helped her with some of video clips that she needs to help with this).
I do hope that she'll continue to support with the England Deaf lads when require. I have found her very useful especially in the meeting or team prep etc and helped to understand and developed/improved my rugby skills, although I'm not longer play for England Deaf (still support them!)”
Craig Pothecary
EDRU Member
Congratulations to Mary. She's really made a big difference with her enthusiasm and willingness to spend her time running from the sidelines to wherever she's needed. Mary does a really good job both at the senior events and during the development days, and has helped signers and non-signers to integrate. I do think she needs to work on her sprint speed though!
Charlie James
Squad Member
As Head Coach - Mary is invaluable. Without her it would take considerably longer to get across the coaching key points and time as you know is something we have little of (together). She is integral to the coaching team and so deserves credit in enabling the players make progress over the past couple seasons
Aldam Mills
Head Coach
As scrummage coach to the EDRU squad, I have found that Mary has been vital in assisting me in my work with the players.
When coaching such a technical and explosive area of the game, safety is paramount, therefore I need to know that every player I coach not only knows what words I have just spoken but also, understands what I have said and wanted communicating.
Firstly she has to understand me, which involves coaching terms and the use of slang, then process all the information I'm saying and then deliver it to the players and when she does this, I always see the players nodding.
When you consider that Mary is not a rugby coach herself, to get the messages across in such a deteailed way that she does, I find truly remarkable. She is obviously an expert in what she does and I very much look forward to carrying on working with her in the future, thank you Mary
When coaching such a technical and explosive area of the game, safety is paramount, therefore I need to know that every player I coach not only knows what words I have just spoken but also, understands what I have said and wanted communicating.
Firstly she has to understand me, which involves coaching terms and the use of slang, then process all the information I'm saying and then deliver it to the players and when she does this, I always see the players nodding.
When you consider that Mary is not a rugby coach herself, to get the messages across in such a deteailed way that she does, I find truly remarkable. She is obviously an expert in what she does and I very much look forward to carrying on working with her in the future, thank you Mary
Dave Manders
Scrummage Coach
