Medical Facility & Rehab Gym Officially Opened
After a couple of covid induced false starts, the new Medical Facility and Rehab Gym were officially opened by George Kruis and Mary Douglas on Sunday 25th July.
Short speeches by Jon Watts, Club President and Shaun Hammond, Club Chairman praised the spirit and generosity of the club's members, who collectively contributed over two thirds of the £600 000 required to complete the project, along with the generosity of Sport England in providing a £75 000 grant, The London Marathon Charitable Trust in providing a £53 000 grant and Mole Valley District Council £35 000. There were special mentions too for the project team led by Andy Webb, Architect Catherine Ramsden of Useful Studio and Main Contractor Stanton Construction in bringing the project in on time and on the revised (covid) budget during what has been a peculiar year for the club without much rugby being played or many members in attendance.
Following a display of skills by the DRFC youth teams, former Dorking player George Kruis, latterly of Saracens, England and The British & Irish Lions cut the ribbon to the gym entrance, and Mary Douglas, widow of the late John Douglas, Dorking club member who was a great supporter of youth sport during his tenure at Surrey Rugby and the RFU cut the ribbon to medical room 1
Director of Rugby Armand Roux commented;
"I'm absolutely delighted that we finally had the opportunity to officially open our new and improved facility with those club members who have supported this project for over 4 years. With over 600 youth players with the club, we can truly sense that supportive spirit with all helping to make this possible.
"Our facility will be one that the club will benefit from for years to come giving all players the opportunity to become the best version of themselves and we will have some fun doing it."
"Our medical facility will support both the education and rehabilitation of those athletes who are looking to enjoy playing rugby, along with their coaches and parents"
George cuts the ribbon under the watchful eye of his former coach Armand Roux
Mary Douglas does the honours with Medical Room 1
Pristine and ready to use
Kevin Beal
Hon Secretary
