Lake District: New Keswick RFC clubhouse opened by Abbie Ward

Hundreds turned out on Saturday, May 11 as the doors to the new Keswick Rugby Club clubhouse were officially opened by England Rugby Union player Abbie Ward, who originally hails from the town.

The rugby union club launched the Big Build Project in 2023 to raise £1.5million, which has seen major improvements to the current facilities - and a new clubhouse being built at Davidson Park.

Abbie Ward (Image: Ben Challis) Speaking on the opening day, immediate past president of Keswick Rugby Club and chairman of Keswick Community Rugby Trust, Trevor Keough said: "We are blessed with an incredibly beautiful location, facilities that are second to none, a belief in our Keswick Way and confidence in the future.

"Let us all honour the people who have gone before, and ourselves now, by achieving continuous development on and off the field ensuring that Keswick Rugby Club remains successful, financially viable, sustainable and offers a safe, friendly, welcoming environment for decades to come."

Big Build Committee Member David Thomas enjoys the celebrations. (Image: Ben Challis) The speech from Mr Keough was followed by a speech from chairman of Keswick Rugby Club Tim Green, who thanked the many people whom had worked tirelessly in fundraising and in the creation of the new clubhouse over the last few years.

Plenty of happy faces as the new Keswick RFC clubhouse is opened. (Image: Ben Challis) Mr Green said: "At this point, I have many people to thank. The truth is, it takes a community to build a clubhouse."

He added: "The exciting part begins now: filling this incredible new space with community, celebration, and new memories.

"The only thing this clubhouse doesn’t have yet is history. Let’s make some together."

Cumberland Council Leader Mark Fryer, Penrith and Solway MP Markus Campbell- Savours, Trevor Keough, Abbie Ward and Carrick Wharmby outside of the new clubhouse (Image: Supplied) The day was topped off with a win from the Keswick Men's Second team who returned to the club with the Cumbria Shield, already creating some great memories for the new clubhouse.

Penrith and Solway MP Markus Campbell-Savours said: “It was a fantastic day at the grand opening of the new Keswick Rugby Club house.

“The building is a testament to a lot of hard work by local people. And it was fitting that one of England’s Roses - the town’s Abbie Ward - cut the ribbon today.

Keswick RFC Senior Men with the Cumbria Shield (Image: Ben Challis) “The celebration was made all the sweeter by the second team bringing home the oldest rugby union shield in the county - the Cumbria Shield. Keswick won 28-27 with a last minute converted try against Penrith at Wigton in a hard-fought game.”