Rugby tackled!

Volunteers team-up for club refurb

A REAL team effort helped a rugby club with its dream of transforming a disused school into a thriving venue.

As revealed by the Chronicle last week, Higginshaw Rugby Club is behind the exciting Higginshaw Community Project (HCP) looking to boost the deprived area through the renovation of the former St Stephen’s School.

It aims to create a community venue for groups to use as well as provide employment opportunities.

Organisers issued a rallying call for volunteers to help strip-out junk from the building ready for refurbishment. And dozens of volunteers stepped forward to lend a hand.

They managed to clear out the old school hall and remove partition walls, while old store rooms were also cleared and some of the building’s original features exposed.

Kath Ward put on some chip butties and tea and coffee facilities to keep the troops fed and watered while Andy Walker provided bacon butties.

Treasurer Darryl McLean said: “We were very pleased how volunteers got stuck in.

“There was a lot more stuff than we originally thought so we have decided to split the rip-out into two phases.

“We are planning phase-two some time in early October, which will entail taking the internal roof back to the slate, and taking up the old floor as well as stripping the plaster from the back room and removing the elevated floor where the stage area once was.

“Once we get that done, all the putting-back-together work will begin!

“Things are moving in the right direction.”

HCP has registered as a charity and purchased the building.

A HCP board, headed by rugby club secretary John Mellor and with Mr McLean as treasurer, has worked tirelessly to apply for funding from the Government as well as getting community groups on board with a series of presentations.

“It has also secured support from local MP Phil Woolas and the East Oldham Partnership.

Money has already been raised to repair the roof and carry out a full structural survey. Plans have been drawn up for a gymnasium, fitness centre, sports hall, changing rooms, toilet facilities and a bar area.

An extension is planned for the back of the property as well as an outdoor children’s play area.