A SPORTS and social club in Kidderminster has reopened after a major refurbishment with a new outdoor bar, terrace area and a special tribute to one of its longest-serving members.
Franche Village Sports and Social Club has extended into the space of the former church hall in Wolverley Road and has been kitted out with a new kitchen, reception, toilet block, outdoor bar and a terrace overlooking the bowling green.
Building work started last October, paid for through members' fundraising, and was completed during lockdown in an effort to help the club expand its membership and hold more community events.
Club president Duncan Corfield said: "When the church hall became vacant and fell into disrepair, we were given the opportunity to take on the lease and redevelop the area, giving the club much-needed outside space.
"It hasn't been the easiest of projects to complete in the present financial climate, however in the limited time we have had to use the new area, it has proven a great success."
The members only club has already seen a rise in membership applications since the refurbishment and board members hope to hold more community and fundraising events in the extended space once social distancing rules are eased.
Member Richard Whitehouse said: "The club was in desperate need for an outdoor area. We were very restricted before in terms of the events we could hold because we just didn't have the space.
"Now, members can sit outside and relax and watch the bowls or watch the children play.
"The club usually holds a bonfire display but we're very restricted because we haven't had much outdoor space. The refurb opens up what we can do here. It means we can hold more community events - outdoor events in particular - and maybe hold some live music events in future."
The new outdoor area has been named The Ted Aston Terrace in honour of its longest serving member of 65 years and a plaque was unveiled to mark the club's reopening.
Richard added: "Ted has been a member of the club for 65 years and served as president in the 1980s.
"For many years, if you wanted to know where Ted was, he would either be working or doing something for the club.
"It was his 90th birthday recently and we wanted to do something to recognise the years of service he's given to the club.
"He helped to move the club forwards towards the club it has become today."
Ted, who now lives in Bournemouth, visited the Kidderminster club on Friday to admire the refurb and plaque in person.
Now aged 91, Ted told The Shuttle: "I started at the club in 1952. I used to live next door and I was a carpenter and joiner by trade, so I did different bits of work around the club.
"I put a new floor in the bar and organised bits of work that needed doing. I did a lot of it in my spare time.
"I live down by Bournemouth now but I've always stayed interested in the club.
"I was surprised and honoured when they said they wanted to put a plaque in to honour me. It's been great to come back and see how it's changed."
Ted's wife Sylvia was the first female president of the club in 1989.
Franche Village Sports and Social Club was formed in 1908 and today has more than 900 members. Club members raise more than £5,000 each year for charity, including the Severn Valley Railway to support its apprenticeship programme.
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