A facility in Rhigos has been thrown a lifeline thanks to the support of local organisations and the community – allowing it to be repaired and open in a matter of months.
During lockdown members of Rhigos RFC were dealt the devastating blow that the roof of the clubhouse had collapsed, deeming it unusable. With estimated repair costs of £30,000 the committee were at a loss of how to raise the money necessary to bring the clubhouse back into use to benefit the many local community members who use it year-round.
Club and committee members quickly got to work setting up fundraising pages, whilst challenges were also set to raise the vital funds. However, it is a £7,500 boost from local energy company, Pennant Walters, which allowed the work to go ahead, meaning that the clubhouse was allowed to open when Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.
Chairman of Rhigos RFC, Clive Harris, explains:
“You can imagine the devastation we all felt when we realised the roof had caved, meaning that the clubhouse couldn’t be used. Rhigos is a small village, and this facility is such a big part of our community – not only playing host to our rugby team but bingo, darts and other social activities.
“We knew the impact lockdown was having on people and the wider community and we were acutely aware that coming out the other side, this facility was going to be more important than ever.”
Clive, alongside committee and team members, put out an urgent call to action for support and has been thrilled with the response.
Clive added:
“We are delighted that everyone has pulled together – it has shown the true spirit of the Rhigos community. Despite our best efforts we were still short, so when we learnt of the Pennant Walters donation, we were over the moon!
“The sizable sum meant work could start, which allowed us to reopen the clubhouse much sooner than anticipated.
“Everyone is thrilled and pleased to see the reopening of our social hub. On behalf of everyone at the club I’d like to say thank you to all those who have played a huge part in bringing our community facility back to life.”
The funding from Pennant Walters is linked to Pennant Walters’ 9 turbine 22 MW Mynydd Bwllfa windfarm near Aberdare in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which became operational in summer 2015. It builds on previous donations which have seen the company provide money to support various community groups and the local school.
Dale Hart, managing director of Pennant Walters added:
“We are delighted to help the club recover from a terrible setback. We know first-hand how important local facilities are in communities like Rhigos.
“Our wind energy projects come with community funds that we use to invest in projects such as this and our aim is to bring very real benefits to the communities in the vicinity of our projects, providing financial assistance and expertise where we can.”
