Our Sponsorship Champions
Raymond James, Hitchin
Welcome to Raymond James, Hitchin
your trusted financial partner since 2002
Our Sponsorship Champions 2024
At Raymond James, Hitchin, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back to the place we call home.
As a local business, we take pride in supporting charities, organisations, and individuals across North Hertfordshire. We sponsor these organisations not only to help them survive and grow, but also to help them succeed whilst strengthening the bonds that make our community so special.
Whether it’s empowering local athletes, aiding impactful charities, or backing innovative organisations, our commitment to North Hertfordshire is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we’re building a brighter future for our home.

Hitchin Ladies Rugby
Hitchin Ladies is a social rugby team based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. With two successful teams in Championship Midlands 2 and NC2 Midlands (South) leagues, we offer competitive and social playing opportunities for all. With regular socials, playing tours, community outreach opportunities, physio and wellbeing support, Hitchin Ladies is much more than just a rugby team.
Rugby truly is a sport for all, and at Hitchin Ladies there is a place for everyone. Whether you’re picking up a ball for the first time or have played for years, we welcome players of all abilities and experience to come along and join the fun.
What does RJH sponsorship mean to us?
Sponsorship is fundamental to the success of community sports clubs like Hitchin RFC. Without the support of businesses like Raymond James, we couldn’t offer our members many of the benefits and opportunities they currently enjoy. We’re very grateful for the support, and look forward to continuing our fantastic partnership!
Hayley Everett – 1XV Ladies Captain

The Queen Mother Theatre, Hitchin
The Queen Mother Theatre, based in the heart of Hitchin, in North Hertfordshire is owned and run by amateur dramatics groups, The Bancroft Players. The Bancroft Players were founded in 1945 and will be celebrating their 80th anniversary in 2025. Originally the group performed in local halls and community centres in and around Hitchin, but in the early 1980s it was granted permission to build a brand-new theatre and in 1983, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother gave her name and her patronage when she opened the venue in the July of that year. Forty years later and they now have around 200 members across three performing groups, The Bancroft Players, Big Spirit Youth Theatre, and The Bancroft Juniors covering ages 8 to well over 90. Plus, we host regular film nights and NT Live events, hosted by Hitchin Films, a local film club.
What does RJH sponsorship mean to us?
As a local charity in need of funds, the support of our members in running the theatre and the support of our audiences in buying tickets to see the variety of shows each year is paramount, but doesn’t always allow us to do everything a busy theatre needs to do, which is why strong strategic partnerships, like the one we have with Faye and Susie at Raymond James, Hitchin, is so important. Their contribution supports the marketing and publicity we must do to engage audiences and get “bums on seats” to see our shows. But Faye and Susie are different to most corporate sponsors because they are also actively involved in running the theatre too. You can often see them behind the bar serving drinks to the audiences. They are really setting an example of how to do it – thank you!
Elliott Bunker – Chairman of the QMT and The Bancroft Players

Hitchin Belles
Hitchin Belles is one of the UK’s largest all-female grassroots football clubs, with over 500 registered players from Under 5 through to adult age. Raymond James Sponsors the Under 12 Red Team. The team play in Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership Division 7. This years team has been made up of the core of last years “Blue” team with a number of additions from last years “Red” and “White” team plus a number of new players to the club. Managed by Grace who has previously supported with younger age groups and Chris who has been coaching one of the other same age group teams for a number of years as well as in boys football and hockey. The key message for the team is to enjoy playing the game first and foremost while working on gameplay and technical skills!
What does RJH sponsorship mean to us?
Raymond James, Hitchin have supported the team since it commenced last year in 2023 sponsoring the full Blue Home kit the girls wear most weeks. Having a prominent local business supporting the team allows a close connection to Hitchin. The fact that it is a local business led by women
has a great synergy and reinforces the strength of the Belles.
Adam Lucas – Assistant Coach

Hitchin Ladies Cricket
Hitchin has a wonderful heritage in cricket, and we are lucky to have some of the best facilities in the whole of Hertfordshire. The Men’s Club is long established, but it is only in recent years that the Women’s team has started to blossom. We are delighted that there are now over 100 women and girls signed up to the Club.
In 2024, the Women’s 1st XI is on course to have its most successful season to date. Earlier in the year, the team topped the table in the T20 Home Counties Women’s League (Group A) for the first time. And the team is challenging for promotion from Division 1 in the Home Counties Women’s Cricket League, lying in second place. A huge achievement.
It is a brilliantly diverse team with players in their teens through to those in their 40s and 50s. All are welcome and we are always looking for people to join our Club – it doesn’t matter if you have never picked up a ball or bat!
What does RJH sponsorship mean to us?
Whilst we have seen huge steps forward in the support of women’s cricket at a national level, the grassroots game is still a little overlooked. To have the support of Raymond James, Hitchin has been incredible and allowed the team to invest in much needed kit and training – helping us to our best season ever!
In addition, the investment has already seen us attract new up and coming talent, which is key as we look to build our women and girls squads for the future. We are hugely grateful to Faye and Susie for their passion in supporting local women’s sports – it makes a genuine
difference every week.
Rachel Godschalk, Captain of Hitchin Women’s 1st XI.

Garden House Hospice
Garden House Hospice Care (GHHC) has been providing compassionate palliative care to the communities of North Hertfordshire since June 1990. With a commitment to improving quality of life, GHHC supports patients, families, and caregivers in their preferred settings, whether at home through the Hospice at Home service or in the hospice itself. The organisation’s 13 community hubs in Stevenage, Letchworth, Baldock, Hitchin, and Royston combat loneliness and offer essential resources for people navigating serious illness.
To provide these vital services free of charge, GHHC must raise nearly £7.7 million annually, with 70% of this income coming directly from community donations and events, supported by government funding for the remaining 30%. The hospice runs a year-round calendar of engaging activities from charity bake sales to its renowned Tractor Rally, to bring people together and sustain the hospice’s mission. With the unrelenting commitment of volunteers and supporters, GHHC can continue to provide specialised care and support for those in need, 365 days a year.
What does RJH sponsorship mean to us?
The support Garden House Hospice Care receives from local businesses like Raymond James is crucial to our mission. Beyond financial assistance, their partnership enriches our community by promoting connection and shared purpose. Faye, Susie, Nicki and all the team at Raymond James in Hitchin have generously supported our charity for over 20 years and actively participated in a variety of our events and campaigns. They have been proud sponsors of our Gala Dinner and Farmers Christmas Lights Tour in recent years while also raising funds for the Hospice through their Executive membership of our Connect Corporate Networking Group and volunteering locally.
In January 2024, they further cemented their unwavering support of the Hospice by becoming official Founders of our new frailty service. Their dedication to social responsibility mirrors our own commitment to transforming lives. Raymond James’ involvement enables us to offer compassionate care to all who need us, reinforcing the power of community-driven impact.
Harry Folgate, Kuljit Kaur and Erman Housein – The Corporate Fundraising Team

Growing People
Growing People is a community-focused horticultural charity based in the heart of Letchworth Garden City. Through therapeutic gardening, training, and community engagement, Growing People nurtures both plants and people, fostering improved mental health, personal development, and social inclusion.
By providing a safe, supportive environment, the charity empowers individuals to build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with others, all while contributing to the vibrant community gardens they help create and maintain. At Growing People, the focus is not just on growing plants but also on cultivating a sense of purpose, wellbeing, and belonging for everyone involved.

North Herts Crusaders - Men's Rugby
Founded in 2012, the North Herts Crusaders Men’s Rugby Team has become a formidable presence in southern England’s Rugby League scene. From its inception as a single team, the Crusaders have grown into a club renowned for excellence and inclusivity, while staying true to their roots in the men’s game.
The Crusaders Men’s Rugby Team embodies strength, teamwork, and dedication on the pitch, with a focus on personal and collective growth. Their commitment to the sport is matched by their dedication to the local community, making them more than just a rugby team—they are a pillar of North Hertfordshire’s sporting and social culture.
What does RJH sponsorship mean to us?
“Raymond James Hitchin’s sponsorship has been invaluable in supporting the growth and success of the North Herts Crusaders Men’s Rugby Team. Their generosity has enabled us to develop our players, enhance our facilities, and strengthen our community programs. We are proud to partner with a company that shares our values of community, excellence, and inclusivity—thank you, Raymond James, for everything!”
– Josh Dell, Chairman

North Herts Crusaders - Women's Rugby
The North Herts Crusaders Women’s Rugby League Team is a shining example of growth and opportunity in the world of sports. Established as part of the club’s commitment to inclusivity and development, the team has quickly gained recognition for its passion, teamwork, and competitive spirit.
The Crusaders Women’s Team provides a welcoming space for women to engage in rugby league, develop their skills, and build lasting camaraderie. Their dedication to the sport is matched by their commitment to inspiring the next generation of players, contributing to the club’s legacy both on and off the field.
What does RJH sponsorship mean to us?
“Raymond James, Hitchin’s sponsorship has been instrumental in helping us launch and grow the North Herts Crusaders Women’s Rugby League Team. Their support has enabled us to provide opportunities for women to thrive in rugby league, enhance our facilities, and strengthen our community programs. We are incredibly proud to partner with a company that shares our vision for inclusivity and excellence—thank you, Raymond James, for believing in us!”
– Josh Dell, Chairman

North Herts Crusaders Netball
The North Herts Crusaders Netball Team represents an exciting evolution for the club, expanding its reach into a new sport while continuing its legacy of community engagement and inclusivity. With four teams and a thriving membership, the netball division offers players of all levels the chance to compete, grow, and connect in a supportive and dynamic environment.
The Crusaders Netball Team has quickly become a cornerstone of the club’s multi-sport offering, fostering teamwork, skill development, and a sense of belonging both on and off the court. Their commitment to excellence mirrors the values that have made the Crusaders a leader in community sports.
What does RJH sponsorship mean to us?
“Raymond James, Hitchin’s sponsorship has been pivotal in supporting the rapid growth of the North Herts Crusaders Netball Team. Their generosity has allowed us to quadruple our membership, enhance training opportunities, and strengthen our community initiatives. Thanks to their belief in our vision, we’ve been able to provide even more opportunities for players to excel and feel part of something truly special. Thank you, Raymond James, for your invaluable support!”
– Josh Dell, Chairman

British Schools Museum
Here at the British Schools Museum we have been bringing history to life for over 30 years. There has been a School on this site since 1810, and we use our site to tell the story of the history of Education over the past 200 years – welcoming Victorian or WWII school trips, pre-schoolers to our Play Café, or opening up to the general public at weekends and holiday crafts.
Our core team is very small: Emma Calver, our Manager, has recently joined us having previously been the Museum Development Officer for Bedfordshire and is taking the Museum to exciting new places. Our Assistant-Manager Max Campbell keeps the Museum together, organising school visits, Craft Fairs, holiday crafts, and even stepping in as a Victorian teacher for Drill. Bee Smyth, our Curator, organises our large collection which is always available behind the scenes for researchers interested in the history of education, and Jenny Powell is our Finance Officer. In the Café Yvonne, Marta and their team offer delicious cakes and a whole range of clubs for young children. But most crucially, on top of these staff members, we have over 80 volunteers who make every part of this Museum possible.
What does RJH sponsorship mean to us?
Sponsorship from Raymond James, Hitchin has had a massive impact on our small Charity Museum in two ways. Firstly, we are incredibly grateful for their financial support, which will allow us to re-open an unused display space with new heating. Secondly we cannot say how wonderful it was that the entire Raymond James, Hitchin team came to us to help us to whitewash our historic Grade II* listed Monitorial Schoolroom earlier this year – preserving an important part of Hitchin’s history with both these actions for future generations, and encouraging all of us here
at the Museum with such a lovely local show of support. Thank you all!
Bee Smyth – Curator

East & North Herts Hospital Charity
East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity is the dedicated charity for the East & North Hertfordshire NHS Trust and funds invaluable projects above and beyond the remit of the NHS to support patients, staff and families at the Lister, New QEII, Hertford County Hospitals and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre.
With invaluable donations the charity is able to fund the very best medical kit equipment, cutting-edge research, training for staff, volunteering projects such as the Butterfly volunteers, patient comfort items and refurbishments to hospital indoor and outdoor spaces. The charity is proud to have funded projects including a brand new families room for the neonatal unit, toys and sensory equipment for the children’s ward, advanced scanners for the paediatric cardiology team, free complementary therapy sessions for cancer patients and therapy pony visits to wards.
What does RJH sponsorship mean to us?
“We are incredibly proud to work in partnership with the Raymond James, Hitchin team. They have been champions and dedicated supporters of our charity for many years now, helping us raise vital funds by sponsoring and taking part in our events, as well as giving up their time and expertise to make a difference at our hospitals.
The funds raised by Raymond James, Hitchin help us fund projects that go above and beyond for our patients, families and staff at Lister Hospital, New QEII Hospital, Hertford County Hospital and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. Support from Raymond James, Hitchin helps us fund the very best medical equipment; toys, gifts and comfort items for patients; specialist volunteering services; cutting-edge research; enhancements to our indoor and outdoor spaces and reward and recognition schemes for our NHS staff. Every donation received really does make all of the difference and we are so grateful to have that support from Raymond James and our local community.”
Bethany McNeil Head of Public Fundraising

Visit Hitchin
The Hitchin BID (Business Improvement District) is a local initiative in Hitchin, a historic market town in Hertfordshire. It’s set up by the town’s businesses, who vote to establish it, and covers a specific part of the town centre. The aim is to make Hitchin a better place to live, work, and visit by funding various projects that support local businesses and improve the town’s overall experience.
Essentially, businesses in the BID area pay a small additional levy on their business rates, and that money is used for projects that everyone agrees will benefit the town. This might include things like organising events, improving the appearance of the streets, or running marketing campaigns to attract more visitors and shoppers.
The Hitchin BID ensures that local businesses have a say in how the town develops and gives them a collective voice when it comes to improving the local environment, making it safer, cleaner, and more welcoming for everyone.
What does RJH sponsorship mean to us?
We’re thrilled to have Raymond James, Hitchin sponsor our Cardboard and Coffee electric van. Their support has made a real difference, allowing us to take another step towards sustainability in our business. With the van, we can now make our deliveries in an eco-friendly way, reducing our carbon footprint while continuing to serve the community. It’s fantastic to have a partner like Raymond James, Hitchin who shares our vision for a greener future and actively supports local initiatives like ours.
– Tom Hardy, Town Centre Manager

Poppy Radford – Javelinist
I’ve been a proud member of Dacorum Athletics Club in Hemel Hempstead for four years, surrounded by a community of passionate athletes and dedicated coaches who nurture talent and foster a love for the sport. At 17 years old, I compete at a national level in the U20 category and have had the privilege of representing my county at the English Schools Championships for four consecutive years. In 2022, I placed 4th, earning a reserve spot for the international team.
Currently, I am part of the Youth Talent Programme at Loughborough College, which has been an incredible stepping stone for my athletic and personal development.
Achievements
- County Champion since 2018
- County Schools Champion
- Holder of several club records and the district record (39.98m, 2022)
- Placed 4th overall in the UK in 2021
What does RJH sponsorship mean to me?
Receiving this sponsorship has been transformative for me as a young athlete. Beyond the financial support—which helps cover the cost of high-performance gear, travel, and competition expenses—this sponsorship has boosted my confidence and reinforced my belief in my potential.
With this backing, I can train with greater focus and intensity, access the best equipment, and continue developing as an athlete. This support is not just an investment in my athletic journey; it’s an investment in my dreams. I am deeply grateful to Raymond James, Hitchin, for believing in me, and I’m committed to making the most of this incredible opportunity.
Todd in the Hole Festival
What does RJH sponsorship mean to us?
“Todd in the Hole can’t thank Raymond James, Hitchin enough for their continued support of the festival. From sponsoring our VIP tent in 2023 to becoming our Woods Arena sponsor in 2024, their contribution is invaluable. As a small festival, the support from Raymond James, Hitchin and other local businesses means that we can provide our festival goers with the best possible experience. Faye, Susie and the team have become an integral part of the festival weekend, and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2025 with our biggest and best yet!”
Nat Webber – Festival Manager

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
WINSTON CHURCHILL

SUSIE & FAYE
What it means to us to support our local community…
“Supporting local organisations and teams is something we’re both incredibly passionate about. For us, it’s about giving back to the community that has been such an integral part of our personal and professional journeys. Local organisations aren’t just the heartbeat of our area—they’re the driving force behind its vibrancy, growth, and sense of togetherness.
When we invest in our community, whether through sponsorships, partnerships, or volunteering, we’re helping to build a stronger, more connected place for everyone to thrive. Supporting local teams, in particular, is so meaningful because they bring people together, foster talent, and provide opportunities for growth that extend far beyond the pitch or the project.
For us, it’s not just about business; it’s about making a positive impact and showing that Raymond James, Hitchin is here for more than just financial advice—we’re here as proud and active members of the Hitchin community. Being part of their success and seeing the difference that even small acts of support can make is incredibly rewarding and keeps us motivated every day.”