Bowker Blackburn Dedicates Refurbished BMW Centre Re-opening to Amateur Rugby Unsung Heroes.
Three Blackburn Rugby Club volunteer coaches have officially reopened the newly-refurbished Bowker BMW Centre on Trident Way in Blackburn.
Martin Gaffey, Nick Koncsol and Chris Ham have coached Blackburn Rugby Club Mini rugby teams for a combined total of more than 20 years. In that time, Martin and Nick have both taken teams through from the Minis all the way to Colts (Under 19s) winning four Lancashire County trophies along the way.
And the three coaches were VIPs for the day – officially re-opening Bowker BMW in Blackburn after a £1 million refurbishment.
For Bowker Blackburn, Chris Eccles said: “We enjoy a great relationship with Blackburn Rugby Club, and have done for several years. We wanted to acknowledge the wonderful work volunteers do to make such a difference to the lives of young rugby players in Blackburn. So we dedicated our re-opening celebration to them. And we were delighted they could be our VIPs for the day.”
The celebration on Saturday April 28th and Sunday April 29th included prosecco and craft beer from Burnley brewer Moorhouses; a bouncy castle; car wash supporting Child Action NW; prize draws for stays at the new 1823 Spinning Block Hotel and Storrs Hall Hotel; and a display of classic and rare BMWs and a Hog Roast.
Local Lancashire contractors JK Beardsworth and Speakmans delivered the million pound refurbishment. The enhancements have transformed the customer experience with a new open plan design; upgraded customer spaces with free wifi; and, a mezzanine administration area.
The main showroom concourse now has electric powered bays that mean customers can experience the full range of interactive digital features available in the latest BMW models. There are even ipads alongside each car with access to interactive information.
For Blackburn Rugby Club Tony White said: “It was lovely to be part of Bowker BMW celebrations, and enjoy the VIP hospitality in the dealership over the weekend. Coaching young rugby players is a labour of love but very rewarding.
“Thanks to the hard work of volunteer coaches, many of our senior players started out in Mini Rugby. Martin and Nick are great examples. Three of their players have represented Lancashire and one has represented the North of England. Their experience working with U9 and U11 players is outstanding for the community.
“And Chris Ham is a coach and the groundsman – looking after four of the best pitches in the North West of England. Our coaches don’t expect any sort of public acknowledgement. But we enjoy it when it comes along!”
