HAVE gloves will travel ... the never ending saga of Lydney's nomadic boxing club has taken a new turn and they have yet another new headquarters, this time at the town's Swan Hotel.
In recent years the club has had a variety of training venues and each time they been been overtaken by events outside their control.
Their most recent HQ has now been demolished to make way for the new Tesco store so once again they have had to up rings and equipment and move lock, stock and barrel.
"Fortunately we have found a venue right in the centre of the town and we are grateful to the management of the Swan for making us welcome and to feel at home," said club chairman Charlie Edwards.
A new home it may be, but there is still plenty of enthusiasm as the club has been attracting a record turn-out from local youngsters, says head coach Brian Higgs.
Higgs has plenty of experienced support with the stalwart Steve Brooks – now a judge and a referee – as a cornerstone of the club, along with former Lydney boxer Patrick Deacon who has been an army boxing coach, and ex ABA semi-finalist Shaun Barnett.
Higgs is enthusiastic about the club's prospects.
"We have a lot of youngsters in training and they are all very keen. We train twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and things are going very well at the moment," he said.
Two young boxers, Shaun Harris, aged 15, of Aylburton, and Chris Higgs, 13, of Lydney, were both due to box this week in a tournament at Bristol and both lads have recently taken part in a Western Counties training course.
Flying the flag for the girls is Becky Preest, aged14, of Bream, who is scheduled to have her first contest in Wales next month.
"Becky has been with us for about a year and is really dedicated. She has trained very hard and everyone is looking forward to her first appearance," said Brian.
•Training for juniors starts at 6.15pm and for seniors at 7.15pm.