Happy New Year to you all. It feels great to say that the season starts later this year!
I was delighted earlier this week to take part in a discussion / consultation session with Junior players and parents. The call which was set up to present and review the plans and options for the pavilion rebuild. More than 40 people joined the call so we had excellent participation and lots of valuable feedback for the project team to take on board. It was very pleasing that the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone was excited and impressed by the speed at which the plans have developed. Thanks to all of the Project Board who, under Matty Davies’ leadership, are working so hard for all of us.
Whilst the plans look great, it now seems certain that the costs of the rebuild will exceed the insurance pay out, let alone the costs of temporary accommodation until the new pavilion is open for business. This is because we are not only improving what we had before but also we are taking the opportunity to solve for some infrastructure issues that have developed in the last decade or so. These include, for example, the drainage system. It’s not very exciting stuff (!) but now that we operate 12 months of the year, and with a larger number of users, the septic tank we have used for so long is no longer fit for purpose. As a result we will be taking the opportunity to connect our drainage to the main sewer system on Park Road. The cost for this alone could run to £100,000. This means our fundraising is still a critical part of the program. To that end please look out for more exciting and fun events planned before the season starts.
Speaking of the season start, good luck to all those who will be taking part in the first indoor winter training sessions this Sunday. Have fun and no injuries please!
Finally, the 2024 Surrey Championship league fixtures are now published and will be on the website and across our social media channels soon. Bring on 11 May when the Adult season starts!