A TEN-year dream will come true as work on a new clubhouse at Chippenham Sports Club begins this month.

Contracts have been signed to build the £700,000 clubhouse with social and changing facilities and a new bowls green at the Bristol Road ground.

The clubhouse has been in the pipeline for ten years until final plans were agreed upon.

"At long last it is on it's way," said development committee member Jill Kee.

Chairman Mike Smith said he hoped the improvements would ensure the future of the club.

"Our playing facilities are of a very high standard, but lately our changing rooms and social facilities have let us down," he said.

"Now we can change all that and attract more members."

The Sports Club has 600 members and promotes bowls, cricket, hockey and tennis as well as providing low-cost coaching for youngsters.

The club is funding the building work through a sale of a piece of land adjoining the Bristol Road, without reducing the playing facilities on site but it still needs to raise £20,000.

Fundraising, however, has got off to a good start. Club members have raised £6,000 so far.

Some of the money has come through donations from the various sports clubs that use the facility.

The rest was raised at a race night where people placed bets on horses and then watched them race on a film.

"It is like going to the races but you are watching it on a screen," said Ms Kee.

Various fundraising events are still being arranged

The next major event is a draw with a first prize of £1,000 and a summer ball is also being planned.

To make a donation to the building fund or for more information about the club contact Ms Kee on 07973 860633.