WORK has begun on rebuilding a former members club which went up in flames.

 

The historic Colchester Officers’ Club burnt to the ground two years ago but now members are looking forward to moving into their new home by June next year.

Now foundations have been laid at the St John’s Green site, in Colchester, and the skeleton of the new building is in place.

“People thought it was an idea and that it might never happen, but it is tremendous to think how far forward we have come,” said Chris Highfield, a director of the club.

“We are never going to be able to replicate it, it was a 100-year-old building.

“But there will be all the same facilities except in a more modern environment and hopefully that will appeal to the younger generation too.”

Mr Highfield added he had feared membership would drop because the club had no base at which to meet.

Instead the club, which was Colchester’s main social venue in the 1950s and 1960s, is thriving with 300 members.

“That’s the area we are so happy with,” Mr Highfield added.

“We were prepared for people dropping off, going to other clubs or just lapsing, but we have almost seen the opposite.

To get involved in the club, go to cgoclub.co.uk.