Facility Development in planning
During a recent visit to the Failand Table Tennis Club, Amanda Leonard met with the Failand Table Tennis Club committee to discuss possible facility developments and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
It was a real privilege to visit the site and hear the remarkable story behind the club’s home: a former classroom purchased by the club forty years ago. The building was demolished, transported to the location piece by piece and rebuilt by the members. The project was managed by then-chairman Brian Reeves.
Brian said: ‘The existing building was an old wooden army hut which had long outlived its useful life and we had no choice but to develop. The then landowner, Lord Wraxall, gave the club more land and a lease with peppercorn rent. This allowed the building to be built next to the existing building. It took several years of working with club members and volunteers almost every Saturday to complete the project.”
Over the past five years, Failand TTC has gone from strength to strength after purchasing the land on which the buildings sit. Chairman Dave Reeves said: “We were at a crossroads and had to make a decision to either buy the land or face the possibility of having to pay market rents, have new landowners or find a new location for the club. It will take a few years to pay back the loans that made this possible, but it has given the club a future and long-term security.”
“It is important to protect the rich history behind clubs like Failand. Their remarkable story is built on decades of dedication by a small number of hard-working, forward-thinking volunteers whose dedication has created something remarkable for so many people. That legacy deserves to be recognized and carried with confidence into the next chapter.” Amanda Leonard.
Failand TTC offers competitive play at all levels, popular social sessions and coaching that has attracted members from around the area. Notable recent club successes include winning both the Bristol League Premier Division title and the Belsten Cup two years in a row, expanding from four league teams to eight and an increasing number of social members. Much of this success is down to the club’s Level 3 coaches: Emma Harradine, Michele Reeves and Nick Davidson.
Emma said: “Having a facility that is ours and that we can use at any time has been a huge advantage. The one-on-one and group coaching sessions have generated revenue for the club as well as new members. The club is so busy now that we need a booking app to manage needs.”
As the club has continued to grow, the building is showing its age and the activity has outgrown the available space. Discussions focused on how the club could renovate, expand or adapt the facility, and the committee is now considering a phased plan to ensure Failand can continue to meet the needs of its growing membership and community well into the future.
“Forward planning is essential if clubs like Failand are to thrive for generations to come. As membership grows and demand increases, having a clear, phased vision for facility development will ensure the club can continue to provide high-quality opportunities for the community well into the future.” Amanda Leonard – Area Manager (South West).
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Special thanks to Dave Reeves and Brian Reeves for the photos and article.
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