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Medway Rugby Club needs help to fill clubhouse

00:01, 13 August 2018

Members of a popular community sports club are trying to raise £10,000 for new facilities after they ran out of money.

After spending just under £100,000 extending Medway Rugby’s original clubhouse in Priestfields, Rochester, bosses realised there wasn’t enough to decorate the inside.

Players and staff are now attempting to raise the money to finish the work, which will provide “a bigger social space” for all connected to the club.

Progression of the clubhouse: July 27. Image: Medway Rugby Football Club. (3450588)
Progression of the clubhouse: July 27. Image: Medway Rugby Football Club. (3450588)

They originally attempted to raise £400,000 to make bigger changes, but after nine years, only managed to raise £90,000.

As a result they focused on a smaller extension, but cannot afford to fill the new social space with televisions, audio systems and new furniture.

President Mark Marriott, 51, of Garden Street, Brompton, joked about the shortcoming and is glad to see so many people helping and even contributing to the project.

He said: “There’s a really good energy around the changes coming.

A virtual image from the club of what the inside is set to look like. Image: Medway Rugby Football Club. (3450586)
A virtual image from the club of what the inside is set to look like. Image: Medway Rugby Football Club. (3450586)

“This project really would not be possible without Ellan Gray, our contractors, and the massive support from club volunteers and also many very supportive local businesses. I keep saying thanks to their donations, we’re getting a £200,000 job for half the price.”

Also landlord at the nearby The Cannon pub, also in Garden Street, Mark says the club’s growth over the past 10 years was a factor in their decision to improve facilities.

He added: “The club has attracted so many new members over the past decade, almost doubling from 2013.

“We have 22 different sections from the minis to men’s and women’s senior teams.

The outside of the clubhouse before building started, in April. (3450582)
The outside of the clubhouse before building started, in April. (3450582)
What the outside of the clubhouse looked like in July. (3450578)
What the outside of the clubhouse looked like in July. (3450578)

“The committee agreed that improving facilities at the clubhouse was a priority. It’s all looking like it will be ready by the middle of August.”

The club has organised a range of events from a pie your coach day to family fundraisers.

They have raised £8,000 so far.

Click here to donate.

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