Together for Good: SBF GB&I Community Fund has provided £3,773 of match funding
Raise The Roof For Rugby
Lydney, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
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Aim
We aim to install a new roof and insulate the loft space due to leaks and high heating bills.
Who are we?
Who are we?
Lydney RFC was founded in 1888, when there were already 8 teams playing in the town. The club drew its strength and many of its players from the local tinplate works, and for many years Lydney RFC were known as the ‘Tinplaters’ later to be called the Severnsiders as close proximity to the River Severn.
For a town with a population which has only recently exceeded 10,000, Lydney has more than held its own against clubs from bigger towns, and has a great record in the National leagues, National knock out cup including playing Saracens, Sale and Exeter Chiefs. In the last 40 years or so Lydney has produced internationals such as Chris Williams, Gordon Sargent, Bev Dovey, Trevor Wintle and Peter Kingston.
Lydney RFC has produced numerous County and professional club players over the years and its junior set up was a huge part of this success, a current example is Freddie Ogden-Metherell and Kealan Freeman-Price who play for Gloucester and now are both in the England under 20's set up. In recent times, Covid 19 played a huge part in the club losing players and volunteers. The club has re-organised the committee and started looking at building a stronger organisation going forward for future generations.
The club currently fields a first and second XV in the senior section, U15's, U13's in the juniors. Within the mini section we have U11's, U9's and U7's. We also have girls teams at U16's and U12's. Pre Covid the club had around 200 mini and junior members and the plans put in place are now coming to fruition as we are starting to see a return to these numbers. The children of Lydney and surrounding areas deserve to play and build their confidence, enhance their fitness, make life long friendships and develop sporting acumen as many before them.
Club Values:
Our club values cover the following, Respect; Integrity; Inclusivity; Fun; Excellence and Collaboration and are consistent with those of the Rugby Football Union and are as follows:
• RESPECT: Our Lydney RFC members demonstrate self-respect, respect for teams, coaches, officials, volunteers, club and community by showing gratitude, discipline and a commitment to the safety of all.
• INTEGRITY: Our actions in all aspects of the club, both on and off the pitch, are open, transparent, informed, fair and always in the best interests of the players and all of those involved in the game.
• INCLUSIVITY: Lydney RFC is open to all and as a result, we enjoy a vibrant and diverse culture which enables all of our members to grow to be the best version of themselves.
• FUN: A passion for the game at all ages and stages, both on and off the pitch means that rugby is a source of joy for all involved in Lydney RFC.
• EXCELLENCE: As caretakers of Lydney RFC we will always do our very best, in playing the game, managing the club and engaging with our community.
• COLLABORATION: Openness and co-operation has always been a part of the culture of Lydney RFC and we strive to work with and expand our stakeholder network and community involvement .
Why are we crowdfunding?
Over the last few seasons we have noticed that the Clubhouse roof has started to leak in places and after numerous attempts to patch up old felt and broken tiles the time has now come to fundraise for a replacement roof. When the roof is lifted off we also plan to fit modern efficient loft insulation within the roof space to help with the rising heating costs associated with the cost of living crisis and other on-going issues around the world.
Having come through several severe flooding events within the last five years we now face a new threat of water coming into the Clubhouse via another method. The Clubhouse is vital to our community and funding will hopefully safeguard the roof for a further fifty years.
The club has been used by many individuals and organisations over the years.
The club is used for rugby and many other community groups and events including NHS clinics, christenings, weddings, funeral wakes and charity days in aid of Breast Cancer Now and Great Oaks Hospice. The club works on a Not for Profit basis and all donations received will be used in building a bigger and better asset for the town.
User groups of the clubhouse:
- Lydney Rugby Club
- Lydney Rugby Club Youth
- Lydney Rugby Club Women
- Lydney Running Group Winter Fitness Classes.
- Fostering support groups
- NHS Diabetes screening
- Little Monsters Rugby
- Skittles team
- Crib and Don cards teams
We aim to start a ladies rugby team which will compete in the leagues in 3 - 5 years time. This process has started by volunteers in the girls section. They have introduced new age grade girls teams over the last few seasons and we have seen rapid growth. We want to ensure the continued growth of both the girls and boys section of the rugby club and encourage more people to get active and participate in the sport we love.
Every one of these groups will need the clubhouse and is 100% behind the fundraising goal.
This is approximately 500 - 600 people per week.
If you're applying for extra funding, this is a good place to demonstrate why your project is eligible so refer back to the criteria to help complete this section
If we succeed and surpass our total the remaining monies will be spendt on replacing the ceilings and lighting fixtures that have been damaged since the leaks have started. This will help to future proof the facilities with modern insulating materials and LED lights to reduce our energy bills and reduce our carbon footprint further.
How we’ll spend the money raised
The money raised will be used to get both projects over the finish line. Our wonderful facilities committee will help drive the program forward and assist the appointed contractor to get the job completed in a timely manner before the new season starts. The self help we gain from our membership is incredible and once again offers of help are flowing in to get the project finished. Whether it's sorting broken tiles or removing rubbish to skips, our volunteer and supporter base are always willing to go the extra mile to support the club and ensure it's maintained for future generations to enjoy.
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How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 31st August 2026 at 3:45pm