Rugby club's new home

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34089, 28 February 1976, Page 4

Rugby club's new home

Seven years of concerted fund-raising, involving housie. raffles, and mystery envelope campaigns, wil bear fruit lor the Merivale-Papanui Rugby Club today when its new clubrooms (above) at Nunweek Park are officially opened.

Since the club shifted from its headquarters in "Balfour Terrace in 1969, it has been without permanent residence. But a plan aimed at establishing new clubrooms was launched almost immedi-

ately, and the project increased in momentum three years ago when the club secured a freehold block from the Waimairi County Council at Nunweek Park.

The splendid new building has not been gained cheaply. The estimated cost isT $250,000, of which the club has raised about $50,000. The additional finance has meant substantial borrowing, with the Canterbury Savings Bank loaning $lOO,OOO on a 25-year term. f '

After obtaining the ground at Harewood, an industrious building committee, piloted by the club president and captain, Jack Ditford and Tony Baillie, respectively and with invaluable support from Gordon Thomson, worked in unison towards the proposed goal.

Mr Baillie said that the new project had injected fresh life into the elub. The response from members to the elub’s mystery envelope appeal was particularly encouraging. Ml

Baillie also added that he was indebted to Papanui High School which had provided the club with all its facilities — a training ground, gymnasium and swimming pool. The spacious Idunge occupies 3000 sq. ft and there is also a large games-supper room. As well as four changing blocks, there is an extended shower bay and the normal toilet facilities. .An executive room and big store room complete the elaborate complex.