Burnham Rugby Club is embarking on a significant transition as they inaugurate the construction of their new clubhouse. The groundbreaking ceremony, which occurred on Saturday, April 13, was a momentous occasion for both the club and the community.
The forthcoming clubhouse will boast cutting-edge amenities, including changing rooms, a physio room, and upgraded toilet and shower facilities. Additionally, the club has outlined plans to revamp the current bar area.
President of Burnham-on-Crouch Rugby Club, Bob Blunden, conveyed the community’s enthusiasm for the project during the ceremony. He emphasized the prolonged anticipation for the clubhouse, as it represents a substantial stride towards autonomy from the Dengie Hundred Sports Centre. This newfound independence will grant the club full control over their bar and changing rooms, free from any constraints.
The significance of the clubhouse is underscored by its potential to generate essential income for the club’s sustenance. Bob articulated, “It is undeniably imperative, as it provides us with autonomy and the financial means to maintain our current operations.”
The symbolic inaugural excavation was conducted by the great-granddaughter of Warwick Bridge, a founding member of the club. The event attracted a noteworthy audience, with esteemed local councillors Wendy Stamp and Vanessa Bell in attendance, much to the satisfaction of Bob and the club members.
In the coming months, the club endeavours to finalize the construction within a year, albeit fundraising remains pivotal for the project’s triumph. Bob disclosed, “We estimate that we are approximately £100,000 away.” To mitigate this financial shortfall, the club has launched a ‘buy a brick’ initiative, where individuals can sponsor a brick and receive a commemorative plaque on the completed clubhouse. For further information on sponsoring a brick, interested parties are encouraged to visit the rugby club’s website.
The initiation of construction on the new clubhouse signifies a thrilling phase in the annals of Burnham Rugby Club. With the unyielding support of the local community and devoted members, the club is poised to establish a venue that will benefit players, supporters, and the wider community for years to come.
As the project advances, the club anticipates the ongoing endorsement of the local community in realising their fundraising objectives and materialising this transformative endeavour.