Major clubhouse developments set to aid community organisations

A £500,000 makeover is transforming a rugby clubhouse into a state-of-theart community hub for more than 20 local organisations.

Work on the massive upgrade of the facilities at Clwb Rygbi Bethesda is underway with the aid of a £10,000 contribution from Magnox in addition to £250,000 from the Big Lottery Fund and £128,000 from the Rural Communities Development Fund.

Included in the upgrade will be the clubhouse, changing rooms, upstairs bar area, function room and business room, office accommodation and toilets.

The Magnox grant will go towards the purchase of essential IT and AV equipment.

Wil Sandison, director of rugby at Bethesda, said everyone is extremely grateful for the support of Magnox and other sponsors and backers.

Bethesda run two senior teams, a youth team for U18s, age group teams for six to 16-year-olds, and three girls’ teams.

“We were only able to come in on budget because of the very generous support of companies like Magnox,” said Wil, a botanist with Natural Resources Wales.

“Although the clubhouse is owned by Clwb Rygbi Bethesda, it is very much a community hub.

“It is used by more than 20 organisations which meet regularly.

“A total of more than 2,000 people are involved with the different organisations and clubs and come through the club’s doors at one time or another.

“As well as that, the local secondary school, Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen, and the town’s five primary schools use the club’s facilities and pitches.”

Wil said the whole lot – sport, leisure, commercial and office accommodation – will be part of the major six-month upgrade.

“We couldn’t be more delighted,” he said.

Stuart Law, Wylfa site director, said: “We are very pleased to be able to support the hub.

“This is an excellent example of community working and the Magnox funding will benefit a variety of groups in the area.

“The IT and audio visual equipment will assist with encouraging and developing education and sporting skills and also secure local employment in the three incubator business units.”