Seasonal Greetings to all Bournemouth Sports Club Members

As 2016 draws to a close it provides a good opportunity to reflect on the year, celebrating the achievements and not dwelling too long on the areas for improvement! 

Overall we have we have made some significant improvements to the facilities at the Sports Club following successful applications for grants from Tesco’s and the Talbot Village Trust Fund. These have enabled us to improve the Garden area with the benefit of new fencing, benches and the installation of a children’s play area. We have also decorated the Lounge Bar and converted this into an attractive business meeting room. The main bar and Garden Room have also been decorated.

There has also been a major drive to improve much needed Club maintenance following Alex joining Trevor in our small team. Derek and Bill have continued to work wonders regarding the grounds across the site, always combating the weather to ensure we have pitches to be proud of!

Mark and our small dedicated office team of Sue, Emma and Catherine have continued in their commitment to support the sections and our visitors, and deliver good customer service despite the many challenges!

This significant progress in upgrading the building has been enabled by a major charitable donation from Liverpool Victoria accompanied by a generous helping of professional services support.  As a result of their efforts we have been able to achieve the following:

• Replacement of the main changing room boilers - these were at risk of failing and replacement will also hopefully secure significant annual fuel savings
• Undertaken essential replacements and repairs to the main Clubhouse boiler
• Regulation and Health & Safety check completion including fire, asbestos, and electrics.
• Replacement of office equipment, some lounge tables and provision of equipment generally
• Design and build of a new website – content is being uploaded and the site will be launched in the New Year
• Finance reporting and monitoring spreadsheets
• Input to communications
• Organisation of a Fix It Day to undertake routine maintenance followed by a team day and engagement of a volunteer to continue the work
• Lastly their input has allowed us to develop a soon to be opened Business Function Suite on the first floor, which along with associated catering will provide a new source of revenue. If you think your company will need a small meeting room from time to time contact Mark, who will be delighted to show you how it is progressing - markrance@chapel-gate.co.uk.

Much of this work is ‘invisible’ but it is a reminder of the enormous task entailed in maintaining the appearance and safety of our wonderful Club.   After a year with us LV= will be focusing their attention on other areas of the community but intend to maintain an ongoing, albeit more remote interest as potential ad-hoc users of our new business suite.  We wish them well and thank them most sincerely for making a difference and providing the energy and drive to double our efforts to enhance the site and guarantee the Club’s sustainability for future generations.

We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and successful 2017.

David Williams

Chairman – Board of Trustees

The Bournemouth & District Recreational Charity