A 10-YEAR dream to build a £1.3m clubhouse in Royal Wootton Bassett has become a reality – and hundreds of people were there to witness the grand opening.

Party-goers attended Royal Wootton Bassett rugby club’s opening of its new clubhouse on Saturday.

A marching band kicked off Saturday’s events with a parade through High Street leading to Ballards Ash, where Bob Reeves, the president of the Rugby Football Union, cut a red ribbon to officially open the clubhouse.

Vice-chairman Jim Brierley said he was happy with the large turnout.

“Everything has been fantastic,” he said.

“It’s taken 10 years and a lot of work but it’s fantastic to have it opened. It was always our aspiration to have our own club.”

Michael Bennett, 66, of Penhill, whose grandson plays at the club, said: “The clubhouse looks really impressive.

“It’s great for the area. People will be able to use this for years to come.”

A Welsh male voice choir then entertained crowds before a military fly-past stole the limelight. A team of parachutists then brought back in the sports element to the day by delivering a match ball from the skies.

The fun continued on Sunday when youngsters had a training session before taking part in a touch-rugby tournament.

Cash raised from the events will go towards BLESMA – the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association and the Wooden Spoon, the charity of British and Irish Rugby supporting mentally and physically disadvantaged children.