WORLD CUP BRINGS IN THE FANS

VERWOOD'S NEW CLUB 31 OFF TO A CRACKING START

Never mind the disappointments of England's World Cup performance so far - Verwood's Club 31 has proven itself the place to be during the 2010 tournament. "We've been overwhelmed by the numbers of fans and members coming to use the club" said Pam Brewer, Bar & Restaurant manager. "Over 300 for each of the big games - and so enthusiastic and well behaved!". The six-foot Big Screen and surround sound is a big hit with the fans too "Amazing...this place has been a hidden secret - and it's brilliant seeing it packed and busy!" said fan Paul Randall.  

Since the opening of Club 31 in early June, over 600 members have been signed up and the club are well on their way to their target of 2000. "I'm so delighted with the response from Verwood people and those from further afield" said Club 31's chairman, Brian Giddings. "We're well on our way to our ambitious target of 2000 members - and it's just perfect timing with the World Cup after the months of disppointment and uncertainty about the future of the old Legion Club"  

Major improvements and changes have already been made - new menus, daytime opening and some proper publicity and promotion. As Operations Manager Alan Dorey says "This place just needed some focused attention. We've great plans for the future - we've already taken a load of new bookings and when we have our Grand Re-Launch on Saturday July 17th, the whole of East Dorset will be able to see what an amazing facility we have here".

Further changes are underway to enhance the already excellent facilities - and although England's football team may have the pressure mounting to keep their Wold Cup campaign going, there's no doubting the ambitions of Club 31's staff and committee.

Ian Stewart/20th June 2010