Stroud Rugby solves internet wipe-out for neighbours
When a vehicle towing a caravan wiped out the BT Openreach unit in Rodborough, just south of Stroud, it was soon apparent that it would take at least a week to repair, leaving hundreds of local residents unable to get online.
Stroud Rugby, now in its 150th year of playing rugby, quickly came to the rescue, working with Rodborough Parish Council to open up the clubhouse at Fromehall Park providing internet access and a place to work while the service was restored.
For over a week they became a drop-in centre and daily workspace with internet and refreshments on tap while BT got the network up and running again. Local residents were dropping in for periods from half an hour up to a full day. “The level of care and hospitality would be hard to match.” said Cllr Robin Layfield.
Neil Westwater, U9s coach and club committee member, set up the drop-in centre, running his software company, Polaris Elements from the clubhouse each day to be onsite, making tea and serving the occasional pint of Guinness.
Neil said: “While our main focus is on rugby, we are more than a rugby club. We have a great relationship with the people of Rodborough and the wider community of Stroud. We were more than happy to be there for our neighbours when they needed our help. It was anything from a full day’s work, a Zoom call to family in Australia or simply just downloading a film for later on that evening. A number of people said how pleasant it was to simply be working amongst others (when they are normally home based) and some brought along kids who were kicking a rugby ball about in the sunshine out on the pitch all day. We’ve certainly gained a few social members, with people coming along to watch the first XV.”
