Update on new development

Message to all Parents from Frank Hare - Club Chairman

The Development plan

Whilst the progress is slow , much has happened since I reported last.

a) Scheme 1 - development of the club house and multi sport floodlit arena at the rear of the school is awaiting the approval of the Scheme 2 . We need NOW two full size football pitches , to accommodate the two squads currently playing a Suckley plus a third next season . We cannot have three teams playing on Sundays on one pitch, hence Scheme 2 . The rules require matches to be played in the afternoons and there is just no time for three games.

b) Scheme 2 Planning - the acquisition and preparation of the field next to the school is under consideration and meetings have taken place . The move into this field has obvious problems related to the green belt and the village boundary. However the list of queries is shortening , down to the migration of newts and bats and other wildlife . All we want are two football pitches inc four goalposts !! . We researched three other possible sites some years ago, but they have no chance of parking and no changing facilities. To combine Scheme 1 with Scheme 2 is the ideal position. We have road access , room for parking , power, water, sewerage etc right on our doorstep. It makes sense all round.

Add to this the need to accommodate the nursery school in the club house and we can guarantee 120 hours per week of occupation of the whole site !!

Our architect Ian Guest has borne the brunt of these applications and is on his 7th re draw of the scheme’s. We cannot thank him enough for his goodwill throughout.

We have started a Social and Fundraising Committee to reduce the burden of the coaches and their immediate families who have been so brilliant since we started. If you have the time and want to help us give sporting activities to the village and surrounding area come and join us .

One thing we have learned since we started in November 2005 is that sports clubs absorb cash at a fast rate . The last three years show that we need around £9000 per annum to maintain the squads ie 5 football and one cricket , with equipment , facilities etc including mowing machines , pitch marking , goal posts , storage and playing kits. Our annual presentation / fun day too, whilst spectacular and great PR , is a costly business.

So please if you can support us financially , then please do so by contacting any members of the club .

Finally some sad news . Our Trustee/ Treasurer Nick Bilby and his family are leaving to set up home in Australia. This means we will need a new Treasurer and we are making soundings at the moment. We are so grateful to Nick for putting the club on a sound footing and helping us budget with confidence since we started. We all wish them well in their adventure !

I will endeavour to keep everyone abreast of the situation as we proceed...