Hemswell Court, a five-star wedding, hotel, conference and party venue in Lincolnshire is Switch the Play's event partner.

Fundraising Events

Every year, Hemswell Court, which features in the epic war film The Dam Busters, hosts several fundraising events with the proceeds going towards the work of Switch the Play. The black-tie dinners and sporting lunches are always memorable with guests meeting some of the UK’s best-known sportspeople. Through Switch the Plays’ sporting contacts rugby union player Tamara Taylor, former gymnast Beth Tweddle and former professional rugby players, Paul Sculthorpe and Tom Croft are amongst those who have spoken at Hemswell’s events. Hemswell also take their events to London, hosting fundraisers at the award-winning M restaurants. There are always fantastic sporting items in the Hemswell auctions. In the past they’ve auctioned off a behind the scenes Red Arrows experience at RAF Scampton; a lunch with former stars of the Six Nations; and the chance to observe the England Women’s Rugby Union team train. These really are unforgettable events.

Supporting Sportspeople

Proceeds from the Hemswell Court events enable Switch the Play to continue preparing sportspeople for their transition into a life outside of sport. Hemswell's support has funded a Rugby League Players Cares programme, a leadership and corporate governance masterclass for Women in Sport and subsidised many masterclasses. Commenting on the partnership with Switch the Play, Tim Downing, owner of Hemswell Court, says: "I chose to work with Switch the Play because I am a massive sports fan and recognise that sportspeople need all the help they can get with their transition to life outside of sport. We have worked with Leon and his team for a couple of years now and are proud to have raised so much in funds and helped the profile of such a great organisation. We are really looking forward to organising some fantastic events in the future and raising even more funds."