DRINKS were all round at the opening of Thornbury Rugby Club’s £25,000 refurbished bar.


The founder of Thornbury Rugby Club, Iva Hall, cut the ribbon to celebrate the club’s new bar on August 1, and pulled the first pint of beer.


The club’s bar, in Rockhampton Road, has undergone an extensive refurbishment as part of the Rugby Football Union’s ‘Social Spaces’ initiative which supports rugby clubs building a comfortable and appealing rugby environment where television spectators can watch the forthcoming Rugby World Cup.


Chairman Michael Tinney said the project aimed to tell the community about the facilities available and welcome everyone to make use of them.


“The main purpose of undertaking the refurbishment work was to provide a modern venue for our members to welcome the local community to the club to watch every England game in the forthcoming Rugby World Cup and enjoy the best hospitality on offer from Thornburys' great rugby family,” he said.


“But most of all to get the message out to the community and local businesses that we have the facilities and warmth of welcome for everyone to make use of, whenever the occasion arises - we're proud to be part of this great community.


“Also to get behind the England team including the ex-Thornbury broncos Vinupola brothers and ‘carry them home’ to hopefully a place in the final.


“The project could not have been completed without the tireless efforts of the club's many volunteers including president Graham Bartlett, committee member Mike Burnard, former chairman Roy Black and vice chairman Geoff Sprackman.”


Funding for the refurbishment came from a number of sources, including £10,000 from the Rugby Football Union, as well as community rugby clubs, Thornbury Town Council and the club's own funds.


Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, cllr Matthew Riddle and mayor of Thornbury, cllr Guy Rawlinson, attended the celebration event alongside club sponsors.


Cllr Rawlinson said: “As we gave them a grant towards the refurbishment, the club wanted us there to see the new facilities. It was a privilege to be part of the event and they were extremely hospitable.


“They have put in a lot of effort and hard work, both fundraising and actually putting the new bar together.”


Cllr Riddle said: “It is a great achievement for the club and I was very pleased to be invited to the opening.

"I am delighted that South Gloucestershire Council has continued to help the club with grants for its redevelopment."