Hethersett Sports Association
A number of years ago I had the idea of starting a sports association for Hethersett and the nearby villages of Little and Great Melton. Nothing came of it at the time, but with the London 2012 Olympic Games fast approaching the idea became a recurring theme in my life and the time seemed appropriate to have another go, particularly in the light of the fact that the village had its own Olympic Committee, organising Olympic themed events in the run up to the Games.
I felt the best way to go about things was to call an initial meeting of as many interested parties as I could and take things from there. From small acorns, mighty Oak Trees grow and slowly the sports association increased its membership as clubs realised that we were not just a talking shop. Today the association meets four times a year at Park Farm Hotel thanks to the generosity of the management. I am currently chair and secretary of the association.
We began to work closely with a number of organisations including Active Norfolk, sports governing bodies, Norfolk County Council and South Norfolk Council.
Thanks to a generous grant of almost £4,000 from South Norfolk Council we were able to start new sports/fitness groups and also support existing groups. Some of our support and work is detailed below.
I felt the best way to go about things was to call an initial meeting of as many interested parties as I could and take things from there. From small acorns, mighty Oak Trees grow and slowly the sports association increased its membership as clubs realised that we were not just a talking shop. Today the association meets four times a year at Park Farm Hotel thanks to the generosity of the management. I am currently chair and secretary of the association.
We began to work closely with a number of organisations including Active Norfolk, sports governing bodies, Norfolk County Council and South Norfolk Council.
Thanks to a generous grant of almost £4,000 from South Norfolk Council we were able to start new sports/fitness groups and also support existing groups. Some of our support and work is detailed below.
- We were able to financially support the setting up of Hethersett Croquet Club on Hethersett Memorial Playing Field. The grant allowed two purpose made croquest lawns to be put in place as well as the purchase of equipment for over 20 club members.
- Financial support for a petanque terrain on the memorial field which has provided a playing surface for the public.
- We gave financial support to kick start improvements to the pavilion on Hethersett Playing Field Bowls Club.
- We provided funds for start-up teams at under-6 and under-7 level for Hethersett Athletic Football Club.
- We provided funding for equipment for the junior section of Crusaders Rugby Club.
- We supported the setting up of a table tennis club based at Hethersett Methodist Church
- We worked with Active Norfolk to set up junior and senior running groups under the expert guidance of Norfolk Olympic runner Paul Evans.
- We provided funding for equipment to set-up a junior section of Hethersett Netball Club
- We provided funding to help with coaching and facilities for Hethersett Queen's Road Badminton Club
- We supported South Norfolk Council's award of a public address system for Hethersett Hawks Cycle Speedway Club and a £6,000 grant for Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club.
- To Be Continued