First sod cut for North Nibley Playing Field pavilion (From Gazette Series)

First sod cut for North Nibley Playing Field pavilion

1:49pm Monday 15th March 2010

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The sun shone brightly over North Nibley Playing Field as the first sods were dug to make way for a new sports pavilion today.

Work on the new building got underway this morning and is the result of many years’ hard work to bring the project to fruition at the playing field, which is home to North Nibley's Football and Cricket Clubs, and also provides a much need sports facility for the adjoining Primary School, as well as other local sports clubs.

The pavilion will eventually include home and away changing rooms, showers, disabled toilets, an official’s room, some storage cupboards and a small kitchen.

Speaking on behalf of the Playing Field Committee, Roland Brown said: "The field came to us in 2002, and it was always the plan to have these facilities. However, there was a lot of background work to do and the fundraising project wasn’t launched until January 2009.

"In the first twelve months we raised £38,000 from a variety of events including Golf Tournaments, a Black Tie Ball at Berkeley Castle and as a result of some incredibly generous individual donations. It’s amazing how the village has got behind us and come up with some really imaginative ideas and schemes.

"Following feedback from a Parish Questionnaire, North Nibley Parish Council, who own the Field, agreed to take out a loan to fund the remainder of the build cost so we are now in a position to get started."

Continued Roland: "Hopefully it will be finished by the summer. The external part of the building is due to be finished by the end of April, but there’s lots to be done inside."

Ray Kerslake, from North Nibley football club, said: "The club has never in its history had changing rooms, so this is a very exciting day for us all."

Chris Marlow, Chairman of North Nibley Cricket Club, added: "This is going to transform our little club – so many people are going to want to come and play here, I don’t think we are going to get much chance to use it ourselves!"

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