Newport Rugby Club is launching a fundraising appeal this week as it prepares to undergo an ambitious £100,000 transformation.
Shropshire’s premier club has seen rapid progression in recent years with year on year promotions – now sitting on the brink of the National League.
And as the season in the midland division comes to a close, grand designs have been revealed to transform the clubhouse with extensive work to the changing rooms, bar and kitchen.
Plans would see an extension to the south of the existing clubhouse giving three times the amount of floor space for social functions.
Outline plans for the Forton Road overhaul will be on show at the club’s first fundraising event on Friday, April 16.
Kicking off the campaign with an auction night, a total of 50 items are expected to go under the hammer.
A 12 month target has been set to raise the cash while the first round of plans are expected to be submitted in the coming months.
Chairman of the Sponsorship and Fundraising Committee Derek Longstaff said they need the help of the town to bring the design to fruition.
He said: “We can only do this with the support of the town and we are welcoming anybody who can help in any way.
“It’s a lot of money but with the following we have and with the success of our first team we are sure it’s achievable.
“Much of our success is down to the vibrancy of the mini and junior groups which see more than 200 children down here on Sundays.
“This is paying dividends with young players starting to come through into the first team which is in the highest league it’s ever been in.”
The auction evening will kick off at the clubhouse at 7pm with an assortment of items already up for grabs.
Mr Longstaff added: “We have about half the amount of items we need from holiday villas in Sardinia, to wardrobes and a bottle of whiskey.
“But we are also appealing to all businesses in town to help by offering more items to auction.”
Everyone is welcome to attend. Beer will be £2 all night and food will also be available.
To help the local club with the fundraising appeal of prizes for the auction contact Derek on 07772 811244 or email derekthebrewer@aol.com.
By Sam Pinnington