A group of like-minded people have got together to form a support organisation for one of the area’s most cherished institutions.
WORDS Martyn Torr
All are members, supporters or users of the Burgau Sports Centre (the tennis, squash and fitness centre run by the Robinson family for almost 40 years).
Secretary Carole Meldrum comments, “Being a part of the centre is like being a part of the family, the Robinsons make everyone that comes through their doors feel like that. I feel blessed to be a part of it and so I was thrilled when Martyn Torr asked if I would be interested in helping out with the group that he was setting up.”
A membership-based entity, with 800 members, it is chaired by David Taylor, a retired business consultant who lives in Burgau. The treasurer is Carol Allen and thanks to expert help and assistance from Felipe Borges, (a Lagos-based lawyer), the association has been registered with the Lagos Notary.
There will soon be a bank account, which we will be shared on the FB Page and website to make subscriptions/donations and sponsorships easier to process. In the meantime membership forms and payments can be completed at the Burgau Sports Centre.
Membership to the group is 20€ per annum for an individual / 50€ for a family or a discretionary more substantial sum can be paid for a lifetime membership (this is a membership to the group and is in no way related to activity memberships at the centre).
Friends of BSC are also holding fundraising events to pay for the repairs and improvements. They have already held two successful quiz nights and a 3rd is planned for the beginning of July. There are also plans for live music events and Family Fun days. All details can be found on their FB Page and Website.
To date, the car park has been improved, floodlighting installed and new signage erected above the entrance. Teams of volunteers have spent many hours cleaning, painting and carrying out a myriad of jobs to improve the general outlook.
The Robinson family has recently undergone a family tragedy, which has put a huge strain on the running of the establishment. Andy Robinson commented: “I can’t express enough gratitude to everyone who rallied around at this particular time. The support has been overwhelming and we are truly grateful.”
