Sunday 20th October 1996 – Tottonians finally came home!  30 years ago today, after years of searching, wondering and daring to believe it would happen, our brand new clubhouse was officially opened in front of a packed audience at Water Lane.

Here is Clive Downton’s report in the Southern Daily Echo of Friday 25th October, marking the historical occasion.

HOME AT LAST AS TOTTS BUILD FOR THE FUTURE
Tottonians are coming home!  The town’s determined rugby team have officially unveiled their plush clubhouse which, ironically, has been built on their own doorstep.

The popular Hampshire League 1 side are already making full use of a top class facility at Totton College that must have seemed a million miles away – even at this time last year.

The brand new building takes Totts from bottom of the ladder in terms of facilities to the top in one giant step and ends the nightmare that faced the club as they strives to entertain visitors and look after hundreds of up-and-coming players.

No longer do they play on college grounds before driving off to the old wooden clubhouse a mile-and-a-half up the road.

Instead they walk off the field at Water Lane and into their gleaming shower rooms before welcoming envious sides to the spacious bar and balcony area.

“We have been out there searching for somewhere, we have seen what’s been out there and have not been happy with what we’ve seen and have come home,” said proud president Ken Johnston before officially opening the doors to past presidents, chairmen, club members and town dignatories.

“It’s incredible but the reason that this has happened is also down to the pioneers.

“It’s many years ago but you have to remember the pioneers who paved the way for the future.”

One of the prime movers in the scheme has been Paul Searle, a Totts first-teamer for many years, and he commented “We’re now eight years and ten months into a five-year plan to get new premises next to some pitches.”

Tottonians’ long search, which had been a long time coming, with several false dawns and protracted negotiations before agreement was reached, received a major boost when the Sports Council agreed to contribute £175,000 of National Lottery funs last year.  Totts’ put in £70,000 of their own and received grants from New Forest and Totton Councils.

Even drizzly conditions could not take the shine off the open day that had bene in the waiting for so many years.

Major Nick O’Brien and colleagues from the Army Air Corps freefall parachute display team, based at Middle Wallop, still managed to plunge from a hovering helicopter to present Ken with the match ball as Totts took on a Hampshire President’s XV.

The exciting clash gave onlookers an example of the type of rugby that is to come – Totts just lost out 24-20 but the club’s under 8s, under 16s and colts had all won against local clubs earlier in the day.

But highlight of the fun-packed day happened off the rugby field, not on it.

Tottonians’ Steve Chester was presented with the coveted Seal of Approval by the Hampshire Rugby Football Union.

The award is only given to those clubs who can prove they deserve it and they must attain and maintain high standards in facilities, first aid, coaching and organisation within the youth section of the club.

This Saturday night after the match against Petersfield, we will be holding a 30 years celebration, partying like it was 1996 with live music from The Foo Farmers (from 7pm) as we mark the occasion is full Tottonians style.