AFTER more than 10 years of working towards its new home, a rugby club has finally opened its new clubhouse.
The long-awaited new facilities for Romsey Rugby Club opened on Friday, February 3, leaving the club’s previous home of 25 years at Romsey Sports Centre behind.
Club member Nick Smith and his team have worked hard with the Cocky Anchor and Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) since Ganger Farm opened in August to make the new base a home and a community asset.
The team have rebuilt the bar and cellar facilities to offer a clubhouse experience operated by Romsey pub the Cocky Anchor, in line with their hope of opening the facility in time for the first Six Nations match on February 4.
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Smith said: “I’m delighted and very relieved to finally see members being able to enjoy the facilities and to welcome visiting clubs in the traditional rugby manner.
“In due course, the club will launch a social membership package and be prepared to hire out the clubroom to other users for meetings and social events, supported by excellent catering facilities.
“We’ve invested in TVs and a large drop-down screen to show major sporting events, but equally useful for business presentations.
“The long-term benefits are really to be gained by the growing number of children participating in mini and junior rugby, bringing together all the age groups every Sunday morning.
“The club has also started a girl’s and women’s section, with the intention of running some sides next season. The extensive Ganger Farm site means that for the first time, all the club’s activities will be brought together in one place”.
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Club director Tristan Pattison added: “The challenge is now to make the most of the next two months while the Rugby Six Nations tournament is on to maximise our revenues, as well as optimising its use during the summer months.”
Chair Iain Messenger said: “In contrast to other venues in the area, Ganger Farm offers plenty of accessible car parking on site. This move offers not only a great future for the club but also to the local community, which may include us extending an Associate Membership to other local sports clubs.
“We see the combination of other sports using this facility as a really positive move, not only to ensure the club’s financial viability, but also for the enjoyment of players, local residents and spectators alike.”
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