In 2010 I became involved in fund raising efforts for the Porthcawl and Pyle Pumas Amateur Boxing Club after a resident of Nottage told me that the Boxing Club on New Road where his grandson was a member was in need of some help to improve and expand its facilities. When I saw for myself the desperate need to improve the facilities I readily agreed to act as Fund Raising Officer for the club. The club and its supporters have pulled no punches in their efforts to raise the £75,000 needed to create a 21st century facility.
The club has received terrific support in its fund raising efforts and a key turning point in the campaign has been the support that the club has received from Ospreys Coach Jonathan Humphreys and his family. Jonathan’s father Colin, who unfortunately passed away in 2010, was a very well known and successful local boxer who trained and boxed at the New Road Gym.
Fund raising activities have included: a sponsored walk up Pen-y-Fan Mountain which raised in excess of £800; a dinner organised by the Humphreys family, sponsored by Sinclair Audi and generously supported by many rugby stars, friends and Porthcawl residents which raised over £12,000; and, a quiz by Seagull Public House quizmaster Dennis Johnson where £580 was raised. In addition the club has been lucky enough to have received personal donations from Porthcawl residents, won an award of £6,275 from the Nat West Community Force, and has received many offers of help from local businesses. Thanks go to Ian Evans (Roofing) Karl Gardner (Building Contractor) and David Brace (Dunraven Windows) for their support.
The funds that have been raised will allow the club to extend its premises into the redundant public conveniences adjacent to the current training facilities, doubling the available space. The once leaking roof has been totally replaced and new windows and doors will soon be fitted. Internal work is scheduled to start soon!
Anyone who would like to know more about their son or daughter joining the club should go along to the Gym around 17.00 on any Thursday and ask for Head Coach Aubrey. If you are interested in helping in any way please contact me.
Norah
