The Ambleside Club

Since we have lived here, the little club across the road has grown and grown, those of you who have had the pleasure of a party there, been to either one of the annual events such as New Years Eve, Valentines night, a sportsman's evening or have just popped in for a drink will know what a gem the club is for the local community.

I remember some 17 years back standing at the bar with rain being caught in a bucket on the floor behind me, at that time the club opened on a very ad hoc basis and the facilities were basic.

Now it boasts a Sportsman's bar, a very nice main function room, a new very well equipped function room extension, changing rooms a plenty, kitchen(still being equipped) 3 bars. A sun terrace and a face lifted car park with a drop off point for taxi's, Wedding cars etc. Its the ideal venue and is very well used, hence the need for the extra room.

They have a children's football area, Five a side/netball/tennis court, Bowling green and clubhouse. A separate netball court, cricket nets, cricket and football pitch, its a hive of activity and very well run.

The committee all work very hard to make the club what it is today but two men, who I am proud to have as friends stand out.

John Bosworth the Chairman, can't fish for toffee and jinx's my fishing(only joking mate) has been the driving force behind the ever evolving facility, I don't think a lot of people realise just how hard he works so other people can have fun, It's taken its toll in so far as he is only 45 but was offered a pensioner rate the other year when we went fishing to Monks Pool in Bulkington(now I know he is going to batter me)

No really he is a great bloke and I am really pleased to have him as a mate. John has also paid for the prize draw tickets to be printed, not as I previously though that we had been sponsored by the printers, I had to weedle this out of his as he is so modest. Cheers John, next time we go fishing I promise I'll let you win.

The other chap who works very hard indeed is Mikey Farrell, the club secretary (Potter), always willing to help and is the driving force behind the bar, only ever done one thing wrong in my eyes and that was taking the Stella off draught and putting Premier on its place(we all make mistakes said the hedgehog climbing off the yard brush) Mike has very kindly agreed to run our Race night next week and has put me right on the admin side of things(thanks for the templates mate) at his own expense he is also hiring in top notch DVD's so its a professional jobby. Mike has also very generously donated the bottles for the Horse owners(prizes for 1st, 2nd and maybe 3rd winning owners on each race) Another man I am proud to have as a friend.

All in all the club are being very good to us and I wish to thank them publicly, we have had free hire of the rooms and facilities too.

A Massive thank you then is in order to you both, the committee, the bar staff and all the regulars.

Bob and Neil