Bingo group fundraising for new kitchen for Thatcham Rugby Club

A bingo group is fundraising for a new kitchen for Thatcham Rugby Club.

Every Sunday night the venue becomes home to bingo balls as well as rugby balls.

The rugby club lends its venue for free.

And when the bingo group heard that the venue was in need of a new kitchen, it returned the favour.

It has been raising money for the refurbishment by selling cakes and treats as well as people’s old clothes and shoes among other items.

The members’ efforts have raised £1,000 in just eight weeks.

The rugby club holds warm space hubs, community groups, a veterans breakfast club and a weekly coffee morning.

It also offers free or reduced hire space to charities and organisations like an NHS pre-diabetes course and a dance club run by a local CIC.

The rugby club said: “Our biggest problem is trying to cater for these groups, as well as our growing mini and youth sections in what is very much an inefficient kitchen space.

“We believe if we can upgrade our kitchen to a professional standard we will not only be able to look after our current members and guests, but open the club up to even more local organisations who are looking for the space to hold conferences and functions where food can be prepared on site.

“We would also like to host lunches in a safe space for those in our community who struggle on a daily basis to either get out, have company or even eat a decent hot meal very often.”

It is seeking donations via The Good Exchange with funds being matched by Greenham Trust.

So far, it has raised £21,868 of its £30,000 target. Donations can be made here: https://tinyurl.com/yy4frhmh

Thatcham Town Council has given a grant of £2,500.

The bingo group is still looking for unwanted items to be donated so it can continue to sell them and raise money.

It is looking for clothes, children’s toys, handbags and unwanted gifts.

Anybody looking to donate items can contact Cindy on 07857677321 or Caroline on 07766388154.