A new clubhouse for 2017
It had been long overdue. Much as its members know that Hanley is a unique club with a very special charm of its own, nobody could deny that it had begun to show its age. With bathrooms and kitchens that were well past their best, and a main area that had bags of character but was crying out for a bit of TLC, Hanley harboured a little dream of one day undergoing a makeover.
But, of course, makeovers are expensive. And, with membership rates that are far lower than at many of the bigger clubs, it seemed we would have to wait or rethink what was realistic.
But, of course, makeovers are expensive. And, with membership rates that are far lower than at many of the bigger clubs, it seemed we would have to wait or rethink what was realistic.
We've never looked so good! Hanley's dream, as imagined by our resident genius architect, Nigel
Then Sport England stepped in like a true fairy godmother. Their Inspired Facilities Fund exists to help improve the facilities of sports clubs such as Hanley. And their generous investment of £38,702 has meant that we have finally been able to give our clubhouse the new lease of life it has so badly needed for such a long time.
It is a very exciting time for Hanley. With designs that have safeguarded the personality of the club but brought it well and truly into the 21st Century, we will now have showers in the modernised men’s and women’s changing rooms, a revitalised common area, new disabled facilities and a kitchen we can be truly proud of. We’ve heard nothing but good things from our members - and we’re looking forward to putting on even more tournaments and social events, and to offering a more attractive facility for coaching and holiday camps.
So, how did all this come about…?
In January 2016 our bid for funding was put in - it followed many weeks of hard work by Maurice Vidowsky on the application, by treasurer Martin Dolphin, and the fine tuning of architectural designs by Nigel Vogel and Mike O’Rourke that had been years in the planning. By the summer we were in the happy position of learning that we had been successful and that Sport England were contributing a fantastic £38,702.
Nigel and Maurice, along with trustee Ian Lepper and Captain of Tennis, Mathew Bell, then invited contractors to bid for the works, in the end choosing Flamstead Builders, who were then approved by Sport England. Longtime Hanley member, Steve Smith, offered to supervise the works. And we were good to go…
It is a very exciting time for Hanley. With designs that have safeguarded the personality of the club but brought it well and truly into the 21st Century, we will now have showers in the modernised men’s and women’s changing rooms, a revitalised common area, new disabled facilities and a kitchen we can be truly proud of. We’ve heard nothing but good things from our members - and we’re looking forward to putting on even more tournaments and social events, and to offering a more attractive facility for coaching and holiday camps.
So, how did all this come about…?
In January 2016 our bid for funding was put in - it followed many weeks of hard work by Maurice Vidowsky on the application, by treasurer Martin Dolphin, and the fine tuning of architectural designs by Nigel Vogel and Mike O’Rourke that had been years in the planning. By the summer we were in the happy position of learning that we had been successful and that Sport England were contributing a fantastic £38,702.
Nigel and Maurice, along with trustee Ian Lepper and Captain of Tennis, Mathew Bell, then invited contractors to bid for the works, in the end choosing Flamstead Builders, who were then approved by Sport England. Longtime Hanley member, Steve Smith, offered to supervise the works. And we were good to go…
Hanley as we knew it. Much loved but in dire need of a refurb.
Following our AGM on Sunday 13 November, ready for the contents of the kitchen to be boxed up for storage. Sofa so good, sorting 40 years of rubbish! Work begins on November 14. Goodbye tatty sofas. Kitchen demolition starts - bye bye old bar, you served us well. The walls are taken down. No turning back now! Deep into November and outside tennis continues as normal, while inside, well, welcome to the worksite. Doors are installed just before Christmas, as the new clubhouse begins to take shape. Not a lot of progress over Christmas as budgets are discussed. But towards the end of December the kitchen starts to look like a kitchen again. Thank you to Howden’s in Hornsey for their generosity in donating towards the full cost of the units. By the end of December it's a case of Happy New Loo! Meanwhile Yogi, deep in thought, takes a moment to contemplate this brave new world. Alan inspects. Just look at our brand new counter. All we need now is June to keep bar. And check out the tiling on that kitchen! February 2017. Nearly there now. The finishing line is in sight. Watch this space for updates. Now we're cooking!
We've always catered with style at Hanley, but now we'll be catering in style too!
And doing so for events, matches or tournaments is going to be so much easier from now on. With thanks Thank you, Hanley members for your patience during the refurb. Thank you, Sport England, for your generous funding. Thank you Leo and team for doing such a great job. Thank you, Maurice, Nigel, Steve, Martin, Mike, Mathew, Ian and everybody who has given up their time and energies to help. Proof that Hanley’s cooperative spirit is alive and well! The clubhouse is already looking so much better and we’re hearing how impressed our existing members are. We’re hoping that a few new faces might come along to see our wonderful updated facilities too. A few last touches and we’ll be ready to celebrate. Our Cinderella club has had her magic makeover. Watch this space for news of a very special do to celebrate our clubhouse makeover. |
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