During these unprecedented times, the committee has taken the decision to start a small refurb of the clubhouse. When it became clear that we would be closed for the foreseeable future, it felt like the perfect opportunity to do the work that was required to modernise the facilities. Social distancing provided its own problems with the work getting done, including having to limit the number of tradesmen in the building and working in the same area.

The initial project was to refurbish the bar area in the hall, to make it more modern and extend it into the kitchen area, this had been planned ahead after replacing the kitchen last year. We also wanted to put in new lighting. In order to raise funds for the work, we decided to invite sponsorship from our rugby club community, in the same way we did with the lounge. Initially, we hoped to raise £5,000. Unbelievably the response surpassed all of our expectations and we raised over £20,000 towards the improvements.

This, of course, changed our plans dramatically and still, the donations kept coming in.

The sponsorship raised to date has enabled us to change the whole hall and bar area. We've installed new wall seating on both levels, new stairs to the upper level, new carpets and flooring have been fitted on both levels, we have purchased new chairs and tables and we have upgraded our entertainment system in the hall, with the addition of a 10 ft screen and a smart 4K projector with Bluetooth and screening capability, this will greatly improve everyone's ability to enjoy live sport events in the club.

Additionally, we have also completely ripped out and reconfigured the ladies toilets.

Without the support of club members, family and friends, we could never have taken on a project of this magnitude and we're grateful to everyone who sponsored the work.

We're also grateful to all the tradesmen, committee members and our club members who gave up their time to complete this project.

Looking forward, we're hopeful that there will be rugby played this season, and it’s great to see the players maintaining their fitness with there competitive runs taking place every week.

There will be a official opening of the hall, once we are back to some sort of normality, where the official name of the hall will also be revealed. Watch this space!

Meanwhile, please everyone stay safe.

John Tinlin
President, RHRFC