After much anticipation, the long-awaited new home for Romsey Rugby Club facilities finally opened on Friday 3rd February. Pictured here is Nick Smith who has led this project for the Club over the last 10 years, together with Ian Paxton of Cocky Anchor, pulling the first pints. Whilst the Ganger Farm Pavilion opened last August, that turned out to be just the start of the process for the Club transitioning from the Sports Centre to Ganger Farm after 25 years.
Tristan Pattison, Director of the Club said that
“the challenge is now to make the most of the next two months whilst the Rugby Six Nations tournament is on to maximise our revenues, as well as optimising its use during the summer months”.
Since August, Nick Smith and his team have worked tirelessly alongside the Cocky Anchor and TVBC to largely rebuild the bar and cellar facilities to offer a ‘Clubhouse experience’ operated by the Cocky Anchor.
When asked, Smith said “he was delighted and very relieved to finally see members being able to enjoy the facilities and to welcome visiting Clubs in the traditional rugby manner. In due course, the Club will launch a social membership package and be prepared to hire out the Clubroom to other users for meetings and social events, supported by excellent catering facilities”.
Smith went on to say “the Club have invested in TVs and a large drop-down screen to show major sporting events, but equally useful for business presentations. The long-term benefits are really to be gained by the growing number of children participating in Mini and Junior rugby, bringing together all the age groups every Sunday morning. The Club have also started a girl’s and women’s section, with the intention of running some sides next season. the extensive Ganger Farm site means that for the first time, all the club’s activities will be brought together in one place”.
When asked about the wider use of the site, Iain Messenger, Chairman of Romsey RFC said
“In contrast to other venues in the area, Ganger Farm offers plenty of accessible car parking on site. This move offers not only a great future for the Club but also to the local community, which may include us extending an Associate Membership to other local sports clubs. We see the combination of other sports using this facility as a really positive move, not only to ensure the Club’s financial viability, but also for the enjoyment of players, local residents and spectators alike”.
