REBUILDING

The Surrey Rifle Association Millenium Building Project

The project was conceived early in 1998 and a sub committee formed to look into the feasibility and costs. The Works committee consisted of the trustees of the Poulter Fund, Peter Dodd and John Jackman. The Chairman, Peter Smith and Secretary Geoff Hooton. And the architect Ron Lambe.

The works were mainly funded by the Poulter fund, a smaller amount was provided by the Building fund and the Gunroom extension was funded entirely by a kind donation from John Jackman.

The first phase of the works consisted of demolishing the old bar store, Ladies toilet and sadly the Kings Terrace, which had in the opinion of the GPC outlived its usefulness. Due to lack of use due to noise generated by the constant use gallery ranges and its dangerous condition. For those who recall the Kings Terrace was built with funds provided by the Peek Trust in 1985. A large dining room extension was then built along with a new beer cellar, bar store and new ladies toilet for the long suffering female members.

The second stage involved demolishing the old secretaries bathroom and shed. The laying of new foundations and building of the Gunroom extension, and new kitchen store and staff entrance.

The building works were carried out by Howard Parnell Builders Limited and our thanks go to them for their co-operation and flexibility. All interior decorations were carried out by a few energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, our thanks to Peter Dodd, Peter Smith, Gerry Gloag and Geoff Hooton for there hard work. Great effort was made to keep the interior decoration complement the old and our special thanks go out to Les Hill’s son Robert, for his help in the making from scratch, the chandeliers which are exact copies of the originals in the old Dining room.

The works were completed just in time for the 2000 Imperial Meeting and it was apparent that everyone who visited the Clubhouse was impressed and pleased with the results, even those who had their doubts about the project. We hope all our members and guests enjoy their new and improved facilities in the years to come.