The ambitious re-development of the once derelict recreation field on Granborough Road between North Marston and Granborough is nearly complete. We have just had confirmation about grant funding from WREN to complete the internal fit out; electrics, sanitary ware, showers, changing room benches, kitchen, disabled changing and wash room. So, all being well the multi-use Clubhouse will be ready and open for use in a few months time. Details about hiring the Clubhouse and grounds will be available soon.

November 2010 - we won the Buckinghamshire Community Empowerment Award in recognition of our achievements on the re-development project. We won £1,000, a glass trophy and entered into the regional final with the chance of winning a further £5,000. Unfortunately we didn’t win one of the top three prizes but we did collect another £500 towards the project to recognise our achievements. See the case study prepared for the regional awards.

Not a lot of people know this

North Marston Parish Council (NMPC) bought the field back in 1936 to provide its residents with a place for recreational use. The field fell into disrepair about seventeen years ago and had been used primarily to graze sheep together with the odd village event until the re-development project began in earnest late 2006.

The project team has been busy since the Summer of 2007 applying for grants and organising fund raising events such as the Spring and Christmas Plant Sales, Race Night, Boys Night, Girls Night and Quiz Night. Plus the boys successfully completed the Three Peaks Challenge and the girls a London to Cambridge Bike Ride raising considerable funds towards the project. And we launched a 100 Monthly Prize Draw Club in the Summer of 2009 which continues into 2011.

We’ve enjoyed great success with grant funding for the project totalling £170,000 from:- LEADER, AVDC’s Voluntary Sector Fund, WREN and AVDC & VAHT’s Community Chest Fund. In partnership with the Cricket Club we were also successful in receiving a grant from Awards for All of £10,000. Including local fund raising activities we have raised in excess of £180,000, which is a fantastic achievement. THANK YOU to all who have supported the project.

The last thing that we will need to find funding/volunteer help is the car park area which, most grant funders won’t provide money for. So, this last part may take a little longer and a lot of creative thinking. Any ideas gratefully received.

Site last updated 31st January 2012