HNNL December 2003 page 4
The Hook Norton Village Newsletter
December 2003 Series 28 No 6

Sports and Social


HOOK NORTON SPORTS AND RECREATION PROJECT
At the time of writing this article (10th November), work to the first phase of the project is on track with some elements nearing completion.
The football pitch was seeded a few weeks ago and is developing a green cover (at last) but it would have been helped by some earlier rain than we have had over the last 3 weeks.
Tennis court works have been slower then we would have liked but the base course has now been laid and, by the time this goes to print, the artificial grass surface should have been laid. There may even have been some games played! Floodlight installation for the tennis is awaiting the utility company who have been extremely slow, but they are being chased very hard for installation of the supply to avoid any undue delay.
Once the tennis courts are ready for play, our attention can turn to the multi-games area. We are reviewing the surface finish to try to install the best possible surface for as many sports/activities as possible. Work will probably start in the New Year. This will also see the final design and works to the car park and internal roadway that will link the new car park to the pavilion and new football pitch. Once this is in place, reinstatement work can be undertaken to the cricket outfield by removing the temporary access road.
Following the appeal decision that went against the installation of football pitch floodlights and spectator accommodation, the Sports and Social Club reviewed the pavilion location. After considering the options, it was re-affirmed that the pavilion would be located on the new land. There are reasons for and against, but it was felt that the central location best serves the whole project and enables further opportunities to be considered in the future.
The pavilion design has been reviewed and costs sought on an 'L' shaped design that is the preferred option but also on a rectangular building as well.
There is still a long way to go, and Sport England has to approve the pavilion design before confirming the lottery grant award. Further fund raising is essential and new schemes will be launched in coming weeks to continue to raise the money necessary for the project to be completed. Watch out for 'Buy a Tree' and the 'New Club Bonds.'
As far as Senior Football is concerned the HNSSC is hopeful that they will find a solution that will enable them to return to the Club as soon as possible.
Options for permanent access are still under consideration for the longer term. Any alternative solution will be subject to planning permission, and will also be governed by cost and available funding. Full details, as always, are available in the library and in the Sports and Social Club.
November 2003


CONGRATULATIONS TO HOOKY CRICKETERS
I would like to congratulate Hook Norton Cricket Club on their success. How refreshing to find a Sports Club that considers the enjoyment of the game itself is as important as the joy of winning. As you have found, those with talent are more likely to reach their potential if they are first shown how to enjoy the sport they are playing. Equally, you are also giving those who may never be top class players a chance to enjoy themselves and that is what village and amateur sport should be about. Winning is a bonus not an overriding necessity.
I hope you keep up the good work and continue to give pleasure to those boys, girls, men and women who play for the love of the game, win or lose. Hooky needs sportsmen like you. To quote from the House of the Grim Reaper “– and when the last great scorer comes to write against your name, he'll ask not if you won or lost, but how you played the game.”
Hopefully, problems at the Sports and Social Club will not result in you having to leave Hook Norton. Having finally retired, I am looking forward to watching you play next season as, I am sure, are many others. Don't give up.
Betty White