Facility Development in the planning

During a recent visit to Failand Table Tennis Club, Amanda Leonard met with Failand Table Tennis Club committee to discuss potential facility developments and the exciting opportunities ahead.

It was a real privilege to visit the site and hear the remarkable story behind the club’s home — a former classroom which was purchased by the club forty years ago. The building was taken down, transported to site piece by piece, and rebuilt by the membership. The project was managed by then Chairman Brian Reeves. 

Brian said ‘the existing building was an old wooden Army hut which had far outlived its useful life and we were left with no choice but to develop. The landowner at the time, Lord Wraxall, gave the club more land and a lease with peppercorn rent. This enabled the building to be erected alongside the existing one. It took several years working nearly every Saturday with club members and volunteers to get the project completed.’ 

In the past five years, Failand TTC has gone from strength to strength after purchasing the land where the buildings are situated. Chairman Dave Reeves said ‘We were at a crossroads and had a decision to make to either purchase the land or face the possibility of having to pay market rent, have new landowners or find a new site for the club. It will take a few years to repay the loans which allowed us to do this but it has given the club a long-term future and security.”

“It’s important to protect the rich history behind clubs like Failand. Their remarkable story is built on decades of commitment from a small number of hardworking, forward-thinking volunteers whose dedication has created something remarkable for so many people. That legacy deserves to be recognised and carried confidently into the next chapter.” Amanda Leonard.

Failand TTC offers competitive play at all levels, popular social sessions and coaching which has attracted members from across the surrounding area. Notable recent club successes include winning both the Bristol League Premier Division title and Belsten Cup two years running, expanding from four league teams to eight and increasing social members. Much of this success is down to the Level 3 coaches at the club – Emma Harradine, Michele Reeves and Nick Davidson.

Emma said ‘having a facility that is our own and that we can use anytime has been a huge benefit. The one-to-one and group coaching sessions have generated income for the club as well as bringing in new members. The club is so busy now we need a booking app to manage its needs.’

As the club has continued to grow, the building is now showing its age and activity has outgrown the available space. Discussions focused on how the club might renovate, extend, or adapt the facility, and the committee is now considering a phased plan to ensure Failand continues to meet the needs of its expanding 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 ensures the club can continue providing high-quality opportunities for the community long into the future.” Amanda Leonard – Area Manager (South West).

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Special thanks to Dave Reeves and Brian Reeves for the photographs and article.

If you have any stories, news or good practice that you would like to share please use the contact us button at the top of the page or email Amanda Leonard.

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