The Jeppe Quondam Sports Club received a facelift worth more than half a million Rand.
The club’s chairman, Mr Bob Huntington, said the club has been transformed into a bright, colourful and modern version of its former self.
“The renovation has been a long time coming. With no changes made to the clubhouse in over 15 years, we knew it was time to revitalise the club. We hope to create a new atmosphere here, one that attracts younger members and encourages the social side of sport,” said Mr Huntington.
He said the club has undergone many changes since it was first started by the Jeppe Old Boys over 100 years ago.
“A group of ex Jeppe scholars used to meet once a week to play table tennis and socialise. By the late 1930s, the club had been formally established in Kensington, but was later sold during World War II.
“The club purchased new grounds in Bedfordview, but there was no clubhouse at the time and members were forced to use an old farmhouse as their watering hole. In 1949, the clubhouse and change rooms were finally completed and club life really took off, with a manager’s office and swimming pool added to the facilities,” said Mr Huntington.
He said during the recent project, local contractors were used.
“We tried to use local suppliers and tradesmen where possible. Many of the contractors involved in the project come from the Bedfordview and Edenvale areas,” he said.
Mr Huntington said the developments will leave a legacy for future members.
“Seeing the club as it stands today, I can’t help but get a little emotional. I really am proud of what we have managed to achieve here and I hope that future members enjoy these facilities as much as we have all enjoyed it in the past,” he said.
