A martial arts gym manager has come to the rescue of a boxing club in search of a new place to train.
A friend in need - Mel Spicer has offered the use of her Silver Dragon gym to members of Rayleigh boxing club whose gym was partially destroyed by a falling tree Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
On July 7, a tree collapsed onto the roof of the Rayleigh Boxing Club in an industrial unit in Quest End, Rawreth Road, Rayleigh, due to 40mph winds. The tree destroyed half of the building causing £30,000 of damage.
At the moment, the club is still training in the remaining half of the building, but the lease runs out in less than two weeks and will not be renewed.
The owner of the building, Tony Thake, said he would not be paying for the building to be repaired as he had already earmarked it for conversion into a residential development prior to the incident.
Mum Claire Mann, whose two sons Todd, 14, and Josh, 11, belong to the boxing club, had appealed in the Evening Echo last Thursday for new premises to keep her boys and their mates entertained and out of trouble.
After reading about their plight, the manager of a martial arts gym in Hockley has offered the club the use of her facilities.
Mel Spicer, who runs Silver Dragon on Foundry Industrial Estate, said the club was welcome at her gym for £15 per hour, including the use of all the equipment.
Miss Spicer, 24, from Rawreth Lane, Rayleigh, said: "I read about them in the Echo and I just felt sorry for them."
Published Tuesday July 27, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article