Refurbishing the Clubhouse
The Lounge is getting the refit treatment!
Like the bar last winter, this winter it's been the turn of the lounge, which when compared to just about every other area in the club was looking rather dated!
The refurbishment of the lounge won't change the layout in any way (after all it's a big open room!) but the old windows are going to be replaced with much larger, more thermally efficient double glazing offering an even better view. The back door and window is also being replaced.
The decor will broadly follow that of the new bar. The wood panelling will be oiled hardwood, with the walls above being painted the same as the bar.
The carpet will also be the same as the bar.
An illuminated glass trophy cabinet will be built into the recess, but this may not be completed until after the proposed re opening date.
New tables and chairs are also required to complete the transformation.
The previous phase of the clubhouse refit that is steadily bringing the club up to date and making our facilities all the better for members and visitors alike‚ is the complete (and we mean COMPLETE) refurbishment of the bar area.
On Saturday 11th March 2006‚ Richard Noble was invited to officially open the new bar‚ which had finally been completed after two months of hard work. What Richard didn’t know was that the bar was being dedicated to him. Steve Dyson‚ who is taking over the Bar Treasurer position from Richard this year‚ spoke about Richards committment to the club over the years.
“Richard joined the club in 1951 and almost immediately joined the committee. He met Jean through the club and they were married in 1953. Apart from 3 or 4 years when his job took him to work in Tunbridge Wells‚ he has always remained on the committee. He has held various positions on the committee including Bar Treasurer for over 30 years and Commodore for 3 years. During his term as Commodore he steered the club through a particularly difficult period and had the foresight to back the plans for the club refurbishment.
This started with the refurbishment of the club kitchen‚ without which we could not have held the successful functions we have that contributed enormously to making more money for further refurbishments like the changing rooms‚ the wardroom and of course‚ the bar.”
Richard was asked to unveil a brass plaque that commemorates his outstanding contribution and dedication to the Club since joining in 1951. Jean Noble was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Not only club members came to the opening‚ but many friends from the RTYC including their new Commodore‚ Davina Green. All were very impressed by the enlarged area‚ which is now much more open‚ fresh and light. The ability to extend the bar into the old entrance lobby‚ which has also received a much-needed face-lift‚ by opening the wide double doors‚ will certainly be a major advantage when larger functions are to be held.
Not everything is brand new: the picture of Harry Dipple has been returned to the bar‚ as has the old German submarine compass repeater. Did you know that it came from U–48‚ which ran aground on the Goodwin’s in 1917? The old navigation lights have also found a new place‚ as will the brass clock once it has been overhauled again.
Sincere thanks to all those who have worked on the new bar. The club members involved are listed below:
- Plumbing and Project Management — Steve Dyson
- Carpentry — Dave Adams
- Electrical Installation (including fire alarm and sound system) — Adrian Trice
- Outfitting‚ Painting and Decorating — Chris Wood
Let’s hope‚ that with continued support‚ we can finish the job and get the lounge redecorated before the end of the year.