Thatcham Rugby Club gets new balls

Theale-based company pitches in

THATCHAM Rugby Club has been boosted by free rugby balls from a Theale-based company.

Transit packaging group Swiftpak ran a Facebook campaign in line with the Six Nations tournament, giving away more than 150 rugby balls to local community clubs.

In a different twist on the standard company giveaway promotion, Swiftpak offered its customers the opportunity to nominate local community rugby clubs they thought could benefit from the free rugby balls.

Thatcham Rugby Club were nominated five times, which Swiftpak said showed great support for the club.

Thatcham RFC are currently building a new clubhouse at the Henwick Worthy playing fields, having been sharing Newbury and Thatcham Hockey Club’s facilities.

The new clubhouse, which includes a bar, toilets and kitchen, has cost the club around £400,000.

Support has come from businesses associated with the club, donations and grants.

Thatcham RFC are still looking for support or donations in all shapes and sizes to help them finish off and kit out their new clubhouse, from blinds for the windows to, fencing, mugs and fire extinguishers.

Club chairman William Sewell said: “Having spent an awful lot of money on the build the club needs as much help as it can get.”

Swiftpack’s campaign saw more than 150 balls donated to 13 different clubs including Thatcham RFC, Newbury RFC and Hungerford RFC.

Managing director of Swiftpak, Craig Gulley, said: “We believe it is our responsibility as a local business to support our local community causes wherever we can.”

People wanting to support the club should contact Mr Sewell on www.pitchero.com/clubs/thatchamrfc/