Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge’s Mayor has opened a new modern boxing gym in the town.
King Alfred Boxing Club has moved into a new unit at Premier Business Park, off Huntspill Road, as it expands its facilities in its 20th year.
Mayor Bill Hancock cut a ribbon to formally open the club’s new premises on Saturday in front of a crowd of members and their families.
The club has dozens of boxers on its roster of all ages, with both men and women taking part, many of whom train 3-4 times a week.
The new facilities include a large boxing ring, a training area with punch bags, office and changing facilities and a large area for kit storage.
Mayor Cllr Hancock said: “It’s fantastic to see this club doing so well and growing. I am impressed with what they are doing in helping young people build fitness and self-confidence. I congratulate all the dedicated people who run it. Hopefully Highbridge will get its own world champion one day!”
The club’s coach Andy Churches said: “We want to keep people keep out of trouble, be happy with themselves, and also make champions. I thank all the club’s coaches, committee and those people who help us in the background who you don’t always see. I hope the boxers can really go places here.”
The club’s Roger Cross said: “Getting the new premises is fantastic – it is inspiring the club to do bigger and better things. There’s a real buzz about the club.”
Club secretary Janet Keen said the organisation had outgrown its former premises at Burnham Waste. “We are very grateful to Terry Rickard for giving us his support over the years. Without his generosity, the club wouldn’t be here now.”
She added: “Boxing is great for building fitness, upper body strength and self-confidence, and its popularity is growing all the time.”
The club has also recently submitted an application to the Charity Commision seeking charitable status, to allow it to access new funding and grow.
Saturday’s event was also attended by Burnham and Highbridge Mayoress Frances Hancock, Deputy Mayor Andy Brewer, and local councillor Roger Keen, among many families and supporters, as pictured here.
