MEMBERS of Beccehamians RFC womens, mini and junior sections were celebrating after receiving a grant for £5,000 from the National Lottery's Awards for All programme.

The grant is mainly being used to provide extra changing and shower facilities for the popular women's rugby team at Beccs' clubhouse in Sparrow's Den, Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham.

The club also intends to purchase a set of new shirts for the women creating a further sense of identity.

Additional training equipment for the mini and junior sections, and coaching courses emphasises, the strong commitment Beccehamians is making to these sections.

Spokesman Nigel Putner said: "We are absolutely delighted with the award. Over the past couple of years our women's section has really taken off and is now an important part of the club.

"This means we can now provide them with better exclusive changing facilities often not available in a predominately male orientated sport.

"For the minis and juniors, it's also brilliant news as our membership has been expanding each year and the new equipment is really going to help."

Nigel also thanked Sheena Pitchford, Bromley Council's rugby sports development officer who acted as a reference and helped them with their bid.

The women's team trains every Tuesday evening at the club and on Thursdays at the Fitness Exchange, in Beckenham. If you would like to join, call Louise Thomas on 020 8776 1354.

The mini and junior sections train every Sunday at 10.30am, when not playing matches. Call Nigel Putner on 020 8776 2165. New players are always welcome, even if they just want to have a go for a couple of weeks.

For more information, you can visit the Beccehamians website at: www.beccehamians.co.uk

December 18, 2001 13:04