Damage to the ceiling.
Cippenham’s Royal British Legion is calling for urgent help to repair its ageing clubhouse roof as volunteers warn that parts of the building may have to close without immediate action.
The club, which has served the community for decades, says two sections of the roof are now actively leaking, causing damage to spaces relied on by veterans, families and local residents.
The club launched its Raise the Roof campaign, an initiative to support improvements to its community space, in April 2024 – and has so far raised about £5,000.
But volunteers say the scale of the problem is far greater.
Writing on social media platform Nextdoor, member Lorna Hensley said:
“As we approach the Club’s 80th Anniversary [in 2028], we’re facing a challenge that we can’t overcome alone.
“Our building desperately needs refurbishment, and the roof requires a full replacement, an estimated cost of over £100,000, far beyond our means.”
She added that ‘persistent leaks’ have caused serious damage to the rear hall and disabled toilet, despite years of patch repairs.
“If we don’t act soon, these spaces may have to close, and we’re determined not to let that happen,” she wrote.
The club is now ‘urgently’ trying to raise a further £14,000 to make the building watertight before tackling the internal damage.
“The Legion is more than bricks and mortar,” Lorna wrote. “It’s a lifeline for veterans, their families, and our wider community. It’s a place for friendship, support, and remembrance.”
“Losing parts of this space would mean losing opportunities for connection that so many rely on.
“We’re a not-for-profit, run by a small team of unpaid volunteers, employing six staff, and doing everything we can to keep this vital hub open.
To boost fundraising, the club is organising a 26.2-mile walking relay challenge on Saturday, December 6, at Mercian Way Recreation Ground in Cippenham.
The aim is to involve as many local people as possible. Everyone is welcome.
The more walkers, the shorter the distance for each person. Cippenham RBL invites people to bring their children and the dog, and walk, run or skip as you all prefer.
Club chairman Bridget Orr added that volunteers, who give their time free of charge, face many struggles to run the club, face on a daily basis.
“We would like to ensure the club is here for the community for years to come,” she said.
“To do that, we need to raise as much money as we can toward fixing the roof, as well as updating and repairing the building as best we can.”
Bridget said the upcoming relay would be ‘a great opportunity to bring the community together, get active, and make a real difference for a cause that benefits so many.’
The club is encouraging people to take part, sponsor the event or donate directly.
More information and donations can be made through its JustGiving page at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bridget-orr-3
To walk, volunteer, or sponsor, contact crblsecretary@gmail.com
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