MELKSHAM Riverside Club recently completed several years of renovations in the biggest improvement project since the building first opened 46 years ago.
The renovations have included a new heating system, kitchen, complete roof and hall floor. Many parts of the building – near King George V Park – had not been changed since it was built in 1970 by the then Melksham and Corsham Round Table.
Club trustee Norman Drake said, “The club had been deteriorating for a while and the main kitchen was condemned so we decided it was time to bite the bullet and do the work.
“The building is very well used so it’s important we keep it in good condition. I was amazed how much has changed – the only insulation it had in the roof was 50mm slabs of woodwool. It’s decidedly warmer now.”
15 various groups regularly use the club including the Rainbow Day Centre, a cactus club, Sixty Plus and many other groups. It is also hired out for private parties and events.
The final part of the project – the heating system replacement – was completed with the help of a £2,000 grant from The Hills Group Ltd through the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF). The LCF is administered for Hills by Community First, Wiltshire’s ‘rural community council’.
The club has also used a considerable sum from its own reserves.
Norman continued, “We’d also like to thank Melksham’s Almshouse Charities, Melksham Area Board, Melksham Rotary Club, the Big Lottery Fund and Melksham Without Parish Council, which have all been generous in their financial support.
“We hope this work will ensure that the club is in good condition for the forseeable future. Hopefully nothing else will need doing for the next ten years!”
