THE ‘OVERWHELMED’ owner of a popular gaming lounge in Rugby town centre has thanked supporters for helping to keep his business afloat after it was hit by floods.
The Scrum Gaming Lounge has found a new home in Sheep Street, just a few doors down from its previous premises, thanks to Rugbeians who chipped in to a crowdfunding campaign.
Over 70 people clubbed together to raise over £2,000 towards the costs of a deposit and fit-out of new premises for the business, which hosts sessions for board and card games such as Dungeons and Dragons, Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon TCG and Warhammer 40k.
The original venue had to close after it flooded for the second time in four months, before repairs from the first flood were complete, leaving owner Matt Hughes no choice but to find a new home.
Matt said he was overwhelmed with the response from the community.
He said: “I am so grateful to everyone who has contributed to the crowdfunder over the last few weeks.
“Against a backdrop of the fast-increasing costs of living, I have been touched by how many people have given so much in support of a local business like mine.”
He was also moved by the response to his call for help in moving stock to the new premises, which was answered by close to 30 volunteers who turned up to lend a hand.
He said The Scrum had thrived since it first opened just over a year ago, adding: “I started the Scrum as a gaming venue, community hub and mental health check-in place and it’s grown from there.
“I can’t wait to see the shop filled with more happy gamers playing their favourite board and card games. Together, we have created something quite special and I look forward to seeing that grow over the coming years.”
