Keswick Rugby Club chiefs have issued a plea for people to keep supporting it as major progress is made on its revamp.
Its clubhouse at Davidson Park has been demolished and groundwork has begun to make way for a new fit-for-purpose home for its teams.
Club president Tim Green said while the build was on schedule and the budget was on track, he needed to emphasise keeping up the momentum of the fundraising effort.
He said: “We’ve been regularly humbled by the generosity of members of our town, some with a lifetime connection with the club and also individuals not closely linked with the sport but who have been inspired by the club’s contribution to the local community.”
The ambitious timescale of the build is dependant on a further £93,000 – and the club is selling paving slabs to help it reach the total.
Tim said: “We see the sale of internal and external pavers as a major contributor to close out our fundraising efforts.
“The external slabs will make up the patio overlooking the pitch and are for sale at a cost of £1,000 each. The internal pavers are set in the floor in front of the bar and at a cost of £5,000 each are beautifully finished in local Honister slate.”
The pavers come with an option to personalise them with a name or brief message. So far the slabs have been bought by individuals, families, businesses and even sports teams with the senior men’s and senior women’s teams clubbing together to buy them.
Tim added: “Keswick Rugby Club has always played a huge part of my life, growing up as a player, becoming a coach, head of youth and now an officer of the club.
“Perhaps my fondest memory in recent years has been watching our children enjoy the sport and have the same connection to the club that I have.
“For that reason, my partner Sara and I decided to purchase three patio slabs to contribute to the build and also to have a lasting legacy of our time there.
“I like the idea that we have contributed this generation but future generations stood on the patio to watch the match will glance down to see our family name.”
Many of the slabs have been purchased in memory of loved ones and as a lasting tribute. Club member Ann Smith said: “I wanted to buy a paver in memory of my late husband, Colin, who was a rugby mad Welshman. He also loved Keswick so it will be a great way to remember him and the great times we enjoyed at the club.”
Tim added that the club appreciated not everyone would have the funds to buy a paver and with the increasing cost of living any donation was very welcome.
There are options to donate more modest sums and to have your name detailed on display boards that will have pride of place in the new clubhouse.
Former Keswick School teacher, David Brown, bought his paver through the Keswick Rugby Club’s Gofundme page.
He said: “I arrived in Keswick over 40 years ago to teach chemistry and physics at the school, and to be part of the boarding system. I was ‘allowed’ to coach the U13 rugby team and so began my links with the club.
“This club is special. It has always been at the heart of the community and has served the town so well (including strong links with Keswick School and with my own and so many other children) for many years despite repeated struggles with flooding. The club deserves better and after several false starts this is the chance we have to do something special for both this exceptional club and for the town.”
To learn more about buying a paver or other ways to donate visit https://keswickrugbytrust.org/
