community pages
Twyford Snooker Club Re-dedication of historic building in 2019 Members of Twyford Snooker Club are appealing for help to enable them to realise their aim of re-dedicating their historic club building on Wargrave Road in July next year. The former Wesleyan chapel was given to the men of Twyford in 1919, as a place where those who had returned from the horrors of WW1 could socialise and relax. The men who died fighting for their country are commemorated on a memorial board inside the building, and they are remembered on the centenary of their death through printed posters outlining their lives being displayed on the front gate. Unusually, the memorial board also lists those men who returned from the war: many of the names are still familiar today, with their descendants living in the area. The men’s club nowadays is Twyford Snooker Club, which welcomes female members. Sadly the gift of the building was not accompanied by any financial provision for future repairs and the hall fell into serious disrepair over time. A fundraising campaign over the past few years has enabled the building to be saved and attracted new members to the club. The exterior of the hall has been transformed with new plaster, windows and doors, and the garden is now being cultivated by volunteers from Twyford in Bloom. Two rowan trees donated by Mullie Estate Agents are now in situ and borders have been dug out for planting. Although the hall is no longer an eyesore in a conservation area, it is a different story when viewing the interior… The electrics were renewed and a security system installed last year, but the walls and ceiling are still in a very poor condition. This is due mainly to water damage that occurred before the roof was repaired and will require costly refurbishment works. A new toilet also needs to be installed. Quotes are currently being sought and it is hoped this work can be carried out over the summer, to cause minimum disruption to club members. This year donations have been received of £1,000 from the Berkshire Masonic Charity and £250 from the Ashley Hill Lodge. These are the second such amounts contributed by the masons, thanks to the efforts of Bill Johns, the almoner of Ashley Hill Lodge. He had attended an open day at the hall and was moved by its history and dilapidated state.
Bill Johns presenting cheque to Malcolm George Further donations have been made by Waitrose customers via the green token scheme and by Twyford & Ruscombe Local History Society, for which the committee is very grateful. However, a large hole in the finances still remains to be filled if the hall is to be made fit for re-dedication next year. Club chairman, David Warner, said: ‘The club is thriving. We have around 100 members and it is a much valued facility for the village. Although it has been and remains an uphill struggle to fund the repairs, I'm certain it was the right decision to restore the building. ‘We hope that in future, once the current schedule of works has been completed, we will be able to restore the meeting room at the rear of the main building and open it up for community use.’ Ways you can help • Make a donation • Offer practical help • Approach your business or company for sponsorship • Join the club! Snooker memberships available for men and women. If you can provide any assistance or would like more information, please contact the club secretary. Malcolm George Honorary Secretary Twyford Snooker Club 19 Wargrave Road, Twyford RG10 9NY T 07938 735045 E twyfordsnookerhall@gmail.com W www.twyfordsnooker.com Please mention rg10 when responding to advertisements
25