As the build-up to next spring’s Central Fife ClubSport Awards in Fife College continues, the Fife Free Press profiles a woman whose sterling voluntary work for Kirkcaldy Rugby Club over 40 years was deservedly recognised at this year’s ceremony eight months ago when she got a Service to Sport Award.

With her club roles extending to everything from child protection officer to coach, youth convenor, Wee Blues convenor, Gold Club stalwart for 25 years, taking kids on rugby tours abroad or – in her own words – ‘general dogsbody’, Heather Bonner has done an incredible amount across four decades.

Kirkcaldy-born Bonner, 58, an ex-dance teacher for 30 years who now works with special needs adults, is married to ex-Blues winger, captain and club president James, 63, and they have sons Rhys, 31 and Owen, 28 who are men’s 1st XV Blues stars, while her grandson Archie plays for the Wee Blues. Widely known around Beveridge Park as “Auntie Heather” by players and officials, she has helped fundraise for youngsters to buy sports goggles to wear during matches.

"I think Kirkcaldy Rugby Club gives a lot back to the community,” Bonner – who spectates at all the men’s 1st XV matches - told the Fife Free Press. “Being a part of it is great.

"I remember way back in 1986 when I came into the club for the first time I was approached by a man called Ron Ferguson (who died in 2024), who coached the elite Colts team of Kirkcaldy and nobody could beat them.

"Ron became a really good friend. His mannerisms were great, he was just a funny older man.

"My uncle Tam White was a past president but I only went along there because my future husband – who I went on to marry when I was 27 - had started to play there.

"It’s not just about the games, it’s afterwards as well because parents are on the pitch playing and the parents are all mixing.

"I’m always referred to as ‘Auntie Heather’ by all around the club. I remember I won an award at Glasgow Warriors for Volunteer of the Year there the year before last.

"And the first thing George Horne – who I know very well from youth rugby in Fife years ago – shouted at me when I was on the stage was: ‘Oh, it’s Auntie Heather’ and I could have killed him! When I was getting my photos taken he was just being a cheeky chappie and all the boys were laughing.

"I’ve taken a step back from the club in the last year or two and I laughed when I heard that for the job I did with the Wee Blues, 10 people are doing that job now. They have sectioned it off so everybody is not doing as much.

"I just know where everything is in the club.

"At the moment, we’re trying to organise a Loony Dook because we’re doing that for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (MND charity) and for Arden House in Leven. And some of the boys are going to cycle to Paris for Doddie Weir’s charity with Rob Wainwright in February.”

If you would like to nominate Bonner – or any other local sporting hero for that matter – to receive an award at next spring’s ceremony or find out further information on all the categories, please visit https://www.centralfifeclubsport.co.uk/awards-nomination/