Bedford Rugby Club’s £100k SOS fundraiser to save historic Scrum Bar

The Scrum Bar at Bedford Blues has been a much loved part of the club's history since its opening in 1910.

It has been a gathering place for generations of players, supporters, families, and friends, where they have celebrated match days, shared post-match pints, and created many memories. The bar is not just a place to drink, it is a part of the club's fabric and family.

However the popular Scrum Bar is now in need of a major upgrade to preserve its legacy and to ensure it remains a welcoming and functional space for years to come.

The fundraising SOS campaign (Save Our Scrum) aims to raise £100,000 to cover the necessary upgrades and improvements which are vital for the club's future.

A spokesperson said: ”The Scrum Bar has been part of Bedford Blues since 1910, now’s your time to save our dearest bar and put your name into our history.

“It’s a place that has seen friendships made and countless pints poured. But now, The Scrum Bar needs your help and we are looking to crowdfund as the roof needs replacing, facilities need upgrading and accessibility needs improvement.

"This building is very important to us, and we want to see it at Goldington Road for the next 100 years, so we need to make it safe, welcoming, functionable and continue to be loved for years to come.”

The club explained it has been issued with advice from various inspections on what’s needed in order to keep the Scrum Bar doors open next year. But it insists – The Scrum Bar is NOT for closing.

Its website states: “The Scrum Bar is more than just a bar. It’s part of our history, our fabric, our family. Everyone will have their own story. Maybe yours involves a pre-match pint, a celebration, a post-match gathering, a friendship made and many a memory created.

“That’s why we’ve launched SOS with one simple goal – to raise £100,000 to Save Our Scrum.

“Every contribution will help us get closer to starting the works and protecting The Scrum Bar for the future.

“Throughout the season, we’ll be keeping track of our progress and celebrating each milestone.

“We’ll share progress along the way, so everyone can see just how far the campaign has come.”

There’s also an opportunity for supporters to become a permanent part of The Scrum with a chance to their name displayed behind the bar, when making a donation of £100 or more.

“You will have a little piece of Bedford Blues history with your name on it, in a place that has been part of the club for more than 100 years.

“Every donation makes a difference.

“Whether it’s £5, £50 or £500, your support will help us reach our £100,000 target.”

Bedford Rugby Club has a legacy dating back to1886 when it was founded following the merger of Bedford Rovers (1876) and Bedford Swifts (1882). The first match was played on October 9, 1886 against Olney at Goldington Road and won by Bedford 10-3.

You can support the club by donating via its GoFundMe page.