THE development of Bicester Sports and Social Club took a big step forward in December 1975 when a £18,000 building project was opened.

The scheme included the Trophy Bar - designed mainly for players of all the affiliated clubs - new changing rooms and showers, as well as new toilets.

Since the club was opened in 1969, more than £30,000 had been spent on the building and Vic Redfern, the first secretary, said the latest work was a big step forward.

He added: "Sport is growing tremendously in Bicester and, now we have the building right, the next thing we have to do in the coming two or three years is to get more land to develop our present field."

The Trophy Bar was opened by William Whitbread, the managing director of brewery Thomas Weathered, which supplied an £18,00 loan for the work.

Mr Whitbread said the brewery was pleased to be associated with the club and he wished it success.