THE FORSHAW GROUP COMMUNITY REFURBISHMENT DAY AT SOUTHPORT RFC
W L FEATURE
THE FORSHAW GROUP COMMUNITY REFURBISHMENT DAY AT SOUTHPORT RFC
Liverpool based construction company , The Forshaw Group , got stuck into the scrum to support Southport RFC with an ambitious community refurbishment day .
In this inspiring project , joint Managing Director of The Forshaw Group , Jay Calvert co-ordinated several overlapping projects that would accelerate the club ’ s refurbishment programme planned over the next five years to be completed over a few days .
The initial works included the provision of land drainage to the south end of the main pitch to alleviate the recent water logging and flooding issues experienced . The provision of fencing and a tarmac hardstanding to the equipment storage area created a more organised space to access and store the club ’ s wealth of sporting inventory .
A fifty-strong task force was made up from the management staff and tradesman from The Forshaw Group , apprentices from their academy , volunteers from the club players and officials , and junior members .
With military precision and timing , the Waterloo Road ground was soon awash with dust sheets , scaffolding and all manner of work benches and power tools . A fifty-meter access pathway was laid to the southern side line to create additional mud free spectator space . A lean-to structure with timber racking was constructed in the new storage area to provide easy access and weather protection for the club ’ s training equipment .
Three teams of decorators set about freshening up the internal and external spaces of the main club buildings and perimeter railings around the pitch .
Three joinery teams stripped back the rotten benching and terraced platforms to the main stand , then refurbished them in marine plywood and all new solid wood benches , in a conveyor belt of stripping , renewing and painting activity . Torrential rain threatened the project completion many times throughout the day , but with Jay ’ s innovative thinking and re-planning and some well-timed bacon butty breaks , all works were completed on time with the sun shining ready for the 3pm first team kick off .
Jay said , ‘ It was great to be involved in such a project knowing the difference it would make to the club and the local community . My own boy ’ s use these facilities each week and really enjoy the game of Rugby . I am proud of the team spirit and camaraderie of The Forshaw Group , our apprentice academy and all the club members that pulled together to make it happen . Both Liam Hanlon and I , are passionate about our corporate and social responsibilities for the community , youth development and sport .”
Jay and Liam would like to thank all those who turned out to help with the project and Southport Rugby Club for their hospitality throughout the day , with pots of tea , pie dinner ’ s and in true Rugby fellowship , the copious amounts of ale upon completion !
Club president Graham Ellis raised a glass to efforts of the day saying “ A huge thank you to Jay and the Forshaw Group for the unbelievable amount of work completed over the past few days . They are all a cracking bunch of lads and the club is extremely grateful for all they have achieved .” wirrallife . com 13