Topsham Rugby Club emerge from a crisis with a smile

It has been a turbulent week for everyone at Topsham Rugby Club after a large group of travellers wreaked havoc on the pitch, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
A club statement said that ‘After an initial peaceful conversation about moving off came to nothing we have had to seek alternative routes. Notice for eviction has been served and we have instructed bailiffs to facilitate their safe removal.’
To the massive credit of everyone involved at Topsham RFC, the club quickly organised a Go Fund Me page and set the target of raising £10,000 to clear the damage.
Within just a couple of days, the money raised had exceeded £5,000 and new initiatives are being set up all the time to ensure Topsham can come through this unwanted experience even stronger than before.
Thankfully, the visitors left the site on Friday and a massive clean-up operation quickly shifted into gear.
After a miraculous community effort, Topsham RFC thanked everyone on their Facebook page, saying: “There is still a huge amount of behind the scenes work and repairs to be done but things are already looking a lot better.
“We are in this position because of the fantastic work, help and support of this brilliant community - from all of us at TRFC - 'Thank you Topsham'.
“So many people came forward to help when we asked and our messages have been flooded with well wishes and people offering their skills for the club. We appreciate it so much.
“It's also impossible for us not to write a post like this and not mention the brilliant efforts of our committee, who fought tirelessly for a speedy and safe resolution to a situation no one signed up for.
“All our players and members were also fantastic throughout and special mention must be made to our seniors, who gave up hours of their mornings, afternoons, and evenings to ensure the club remained safe. Couldn't be prouder of this bunch!
“We continue to be in touch with the police regards the damage and also to ensure the club remains safe in these next few weeks.”