ASPIRATIONS FOR a new £200,000 clubhouse for Saddleworth Rangers Rugby Club are turning into a reality as planning approval has been granted.
The current clubhouse on Shaw Hall Bank Road dates back to 1951 and is ready for renovation to improve the social area and bar and also to replace the roof.
Plans have been given the green light and now funding, including grants, sponsorship and fund matching, is being sought.
Around £3,000 has been secured through a ‘Buy A Brick’ scheme launched by club president Terry Flanagan so supporters can have their name on the new clubhouse wall for £10.
Terry said: “We’re looking forward to getting a new clubhouse to enable us to develop and do the things we want to do as a club.
“We’re pushing now with a renewed vigour and enthusiasm. We’ve had a lot of support already but welcome anyone who can help us out.”
Designs and plans for the clubhouse have been finalised and it is hoped building will start later this year, with completion in time for the 2016 season.
Meanwhile, the club has already enjoyed a small facelift as it received 58 new seats from the Olympic Aquatics Centre as part of their Legacy Programme.
And on the pitch, Rangers launched into the National Conference League, division one last Saturday away to Salford City Roosters.
Club chairman Shane Wilson is looking forward to the new campaign after a successful pre-season, including reaching the final of the Oldham Standard Cup which is to be played on Good Friday.
Rangers also beat premier division side Leigh Miners Rangers in a friendly last month under the guidance of new coach Craig Farrimond.
Shane said: “The feeling is very positive around the club. The team is starting to compete a lot more and we can see a difference in performances.
“We’ve put out a message that we are ready to compete. This is the culmination of two years’ hard work from Shane Tupaea and I am sure Craig will do a great job continuing that.”
There will be no second team this year but Rangers have combined with Milnrow to form a new under 18s group, coached by Lars Haigh and Phil Wood.
The club always welcomes new players. Please contact Craig Farrimond 07866 776349 (Open Age) or Chris Gallagher 07973 809691 (Youth Section) for more information.
Club membership costs £10 for the year, entitling members to discounts at the bar, and can be obtained from secretary Peter Townsend 07802 908412.
Follow Rangers on Twitter (@SaddRangers) or visit their website.
Saddleworth Rangers Committee 2015
| Chairman | Shane Wilson |
| President | Terry Flanagan |
| Honorary Secretary | Peter Townsend |
| Honorary Treasurer | Karen Thompson |
| Honorary Fixtures Secretary | Mick Healy |
| Youth Co-ordinators | Chris Gallagher and John Whitehead |
| Committee Members | Mick Swift, Mark Thompson and Mick Healy |
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