helmsley sports club/karen/with pic

MEMBERS of a committee which has spent years fundraising to revamp a community facility are celebrating after the first phase of work was completed.

Local people are now being urged to support Helmsley Sports and Social Club by using the clubhouse and grounds as well as becoming members.

Chairman Carol Swift said the kitchen and changing rooms were now finished allowing then to work towards the second phase of the project, which includes refurbishing the bar and social area.

"We are absolutely delighted with how it looks and we know want people to come forward and use it," she added.

"The club is in an ideal location and we are looking to start new activities including darts and pools teams as well as other sports such as karate and keep-fit."

Carol said around £100,000 had been raised through donations, grants and events such as the annual Helmsley 10k.

"It looks amazing and we would like to thank everyone who has helped with fundraising and supported the project and we can now look forward to the second phase," she added.

"Our aim now is to have something for all ages to encourage children to get involved and get on board through to older people with tea dances and social events."

Dinah Farley, who recently retired as Helmsley Town Clerk, has taken on the role of manager of the sports and social club.

"At the moment we are only open a few days a week but it would be good if we could see the club being used every day," she said.

"We have already had interest from organisers of a new youth club for Helmsley who want to meet at the club."

Dinah added: "It is a really great place and we hope people will come and use it.

"I had only been retired a day or two when i took on this role but I like a challenge and this is such a wonderful facility."

Anyone who is interested in becoming a member, or is interested in using Helmsley Sports and Social Club should contact Carol Swift on 01439 771072 or Dinah Farley 01653 628858.