Pleased as punch with premises

Dereham's long-established boxing club is pleased as punch at is new home following fears that the club could be floored after it faced a massive rent hike in its old premises.

The award-winning club has been operating in the town for more than 80 years, and is thriving with dozens of members, and it came as a knock-out blow last year when landlord Breckland Council announced it was to impose a market rent of �9,000 after years of it paying an annual peppercorn rent.

But club officials were not prepared to take the news lying down and came out fighting, eventually working with Breckland Council to identify new premises in the old wooden hut formerly occupied by the Exit youth centre on the Guildhall car park, off the town's High Street, at a rent of �40 a week.

Around �1,500 has been spent on the premises, including alterations to the ceiling and lighting, new decoration and a new carpet. Officials have been grateful for the support of local businesses in providing wiring cable and other materials free of charge.

The club meets twice a week and gives tuition to youngsters who also enjoy the fitness training and sharing their hobby with like-minded mates.

Club president Richard Sturman has previously said that officials were happy with the new temporary premises. The one disadvantage is that the new premises are smaller than the old site on the town's Rash's Green Industrial Estate and some of its equipment has had to be disposed of. It is hoped to find larger premises in the future.

Club coaches Joe Perry and Steve Garner said that the work on the new premises had been carried out by volunteers and they were particularly pleased at the support of local businesses in providing materials.

'Now we are up and running again we hope that our membership will start to increase and there is a healthy interest in tuition and training,' he said.