Well, we are well and truly shut down for the winter now, but more development plans are afoot as the club continues to progress.
Over the last couple weeks local architect, John Woods, has been surveying the clubhouse with a view to getting us plans drawn up by the end of 2020. We will then be talking to three nominated builders about prices and a full scope of works.
Whilst it is still early days, the funding has been agreed and signed off and we are ready to go in September 2021, with a completion in the early spring of 2022. Once the drawings are complete, we will present them to club members.
The purpose of the extension and refurbishment is to make it a facility that can be utilised all year round for functions involving the club and the local community. The plan is it will be fit for parties and community group meetings as well as the possibility of use by playgroups, table tennis clubs and so on.
Of course, it is also to make the club a better place to be for members and our opposition, with up to date changing facilities, showers and WC’s. The bar area will be designed with bespoke heating and lighting that will encourage players and their families to stay around after games and training nights. This of course, brings in more money to invest in playing facilities.
We will be doing this without losing external quintessential look of the club, as we feel that is important. This because we are fully aware that the reason we have annual visitors from far and wide, is because we have a traditional village club feel. This also secures the future of our club’s village idiots; without them, we are nothing.
So, that’s about it for now. Sadly, COVID-19 put paid to Dan Sumner’s efforts with the indoor sessions, with just two completed. hopefully they can resume in December or January as we ramp up for the challenge we face in our first season at County 2 Level. I understand the first two sessions were a great success.
We are hoping we may be allowed a meet up and a drink before Santa arrives but if not, please do winter well. Think ahead to sunny days, picnic blankets, cool beer and in my case, ducks and pulled hamstrings.
Cheers folks!
The Chair