EXCITING PLANS for a £200,000 redevelopment of Saddleworth Rangers’ home ground are picking up pace as layouts are finalised and submitted this month.
The improvement plans aim to increase the clubhouse’s social area, expand the kitchen, lay a new roof and improve the overall appearance.
Mick Healy, who put forward the plans, said: “We want to improve the clubhouse for all to use so it functions better and looks nice, like one building not just four sections bolted together.
“We started three years ago but faltered and stumbled but now we are getting it started and back on track.”
The existing changing room and gym will remain but other sections of the clubhouse, occupied by Rangers since 1951, will be knocked down and rebuilt.
Rangers are currently applying for grants to support the project, including one from Sport England which would see the club only need to raise 25-per-cent of the final amount.
To reach this £50,000 total, fundraisers are already being organised, with the first one to be held on Saturday, November 16 at 7.30pm at the White Hart in Lydgate.
The black tie Glitz and Glamour Gala Ball will include a four-course dinner and dancing for £40 per person, with tickets available from Karen Thompson on 07970 370336.
Meanwhile, at Rangers’ Annual General Meeting, the 2013/14 committee was elected and awards were presented to the Open Age and under-18’s players and coaches.
After taking over at the helm from Terry Flanagan in March, Shane Wilson was re-elected as chairman and insisted he sees a positive future for the club.
“The move to summer rugby has been a positive one – maybe not the best rugby wise but club wise,” he said. “I believe we are going in the right direction and we’ve got to keep up the hard work.
“We are lucky enough to have Shane Tupaea staying on. I have got every faith Shane and the lads can produce a great rugby and he is the guy to lead us into the future.
And the chairman hopes more fundraisers, functions and curtain raisers with both the youth and senior teams will help to push the club forward.
He added: “If we want the new clubhouse then we have all got to pull together. With the support of all the fans, players and youth teams I am sure it will materialise quicker than we expect.”
For more details about Saddleworth Rangers visit their website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/saddleworthrangersarlfc
Volunteers who wish to help at the club during the week or weekend in whatever capacity please call secretary Peter Townsend: 07802 908412.
2013/14 Committee:
Chairman: Shane Wilson
President: Chris Grimwood
Honorary Secretary: Peter Townsend
Honorary Treasurer: Karen Thompson
Honorary Fixtures Secretary: Mick Healy
Youth Co-ordinators: Clive Walker and Chris Gallagher
Committee Members: Mick Swift, Mark Thompson and Terry Flanagan
Rangers’ annual trophy presentation recognised the hard work and success of individuals. The winners were:
Under 18s
Players’ Clubman Jed Mawdsley
Players’ Player Josh Bradbury
Coaches’ Player Tom Robinson
Open Age
Players’ Clubman Josh Bradbury
Coaches’ Player Tom Dransfield
Phillip Grimwood Memorial Trophy for Players’ Player Liam Hall
Coaches awards
Darren Connor, Steve Mawdsley, Gareth Davies, Emmerson Jackman and Shane Tupaea
Clubman of the Year – Peter Townsend
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