Feb
2
By Rita Button
Who knew it would be so easy to get a tour of the rugby club house at Simcoe and Montreal?
One cool day in December on our way home from the grocery store, Ted and I decided to talk to the guys selling Christmas trees in the parking lot at the James Bay Athletic Association building to see if we could get the telephone number of someone who would show us around. Peter Simmonds, one of the volunteers minding the trees that cold gray afternoon, said, “I can show you right now. Come on in!” So I got to see behind the closed door - both levels.
We entered downstairs through the “bowels of the building” just past a convenient washroom. The corridor led to a very cozy pub-like room with a bar the length of the wall parallel to Montreal Street. “This is where the players come after a game,” Peter told me, and I could easily see how the team would feel comfortable in the room that seemed just the right size for team camaraderie and figuring out what had been done well and where the improvements needed to occur.
I could almost hear the conversation! “Way to go - we knew you could do it!” or “Don’t worry - next time you’ll get it!” Although I’m sure that negative comments must have occurred, the room has strong positive vibes. It invites a person to be a part of the team. But we didn’t linger. We went up the stairs where Peter showed me the more expansive part of the building.
The hardwood floor creates the immediate image of a dance, maybe because of the small stage in the corner where the dj might play the music and get the party going. This room is airy and welcoming. The kitchen at the far end, above the bar on the lower level is workable, but Peter explained that they’re fund-raising to improve the facility -both the kitchen and the washrooms on this floor are on the high priority list for a renovation. Peter commented, “We rent this facility out, and it’s difficult when the amenities could use some upgrading.” But still, the room can hold 200 people sitting at tables so that if you were holding a year-end banquet to celebrate the accomplishments of your team or club, you could easily hold it in this space.
If the renovation occurs, part of the plan is to put the stairs between the floors outside, thereby creating more inside space, allowing for a larger kitchen with upgraded appliances and more work stations.
Lining the wall on the Simcoe side of the room are many rugby jerseys, some worn by well-known players. What happens at the end of a rugby game, Peter explained, is that players who have the same number but are on opposing teams, trade shirts. Theses rugby jerseys line the wall, reminding everyone who’s in the room of the strong rugby tradition in the club as well as the culture of worthy opponents.
The rugby club owns the building, and maintains it by fund-raising and applying for government grants. Peter wants to ensure that the club continues in its strong tradition of promoting team sports, thereby developing young players. To do this, they are hoping for more volunteers in a younger age bracket - people who aren’t yet retired.
In the meantime, those who enjoy the club and believe in its goals do what they can to keep the doors open. It’s a great space where you can feel the belief of team play ingrained even in its timbers!