Always on
This project successfully funded on 27th June 2023, you can still support them with a donation.
Charlton Playing Field Project
Banbury, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Aim: Our aim is to redevelop key areas within our playing fields to enable all our village residents to enjoy the community space.
Our focus is the redevelopment of the entire playing field and open this up to the village. A major part of the project is to invest in a new pavilion to provide the facilities so urgently needed to allow groups to use the field, but we also feel there are smaller, less expensive initiatives elements which will support our aim to create a space that anyone could find a reason for using.
The playing field has historically been a well-used and loved facility for groups of all ages and abilities. Up until a few years ago, it was home to Charlton Cricket Club (senior and junior sides) and Charlton & District Football Club (senior and junior sides) and used by Charlton Guides, Brownies and Rainbows (5 years – 14 years) and Newbottle and Charlton Primary School and Pre School (4 years – 11 years).
Over the last 5 years the number of groups using the field has reduced, this is down to a number of factors but it has not been helped by the deterioration of the pavilion. The pavilion has now been condemned. It is unsafe due to the condition of the roof and windows, and most seriously the electrics are a dangerous threat to life. Therefore, in its current state it can not be used.
Despite that, this year an enthusiastic junior football team, Brackley Athletic Football Club, are making good use of the well drained and grassed football pitches while paying a useful rent to the playing field committee. Whilst the playing field has retained 2 active village sports clubs, others would use the facility if a pavilion was in place.
A Playing Field Working Party has been formed to initially lead the project. This group includes members of the Parish Council plus enthusiastic villagers. The project is supported by the trustees and the Newbottle Estate who are keen for the village to gain more benefits from the playing field.
With the correct investment, there is clearly plenty of scope for this wonderful facility to be used by the local community for many leisure and sporting activities well into the foreseeable future.
Our Objectives
- Make the field a destination and focal point for all aspects of village recreation
- Open up the space making it more accessible to the village community
- Provide attractive and sustainable facilities which can be enjoyed by a wide range of groups
- Ensure its long term financial viability – the playing field must cover its annual costs as a minimum
- Provide a strategic plan for the future development of the playing field
- Put in place an operating structure that maintains the playing field
- Engage the wider community to create a sense of ownership and enjoyment
Our Plan
We have created a number of different projects that we'll be raising money in aid of these are:
- The refurbishment or new pavilion to provide changing rooms, toilets, and a clubroom that can be used to support the usage of the playing fields
- The implementation of a perimeter path which can be used as an open walking space that's accessible to all.
- The creation of a pump park.
- The refurbishment of the current basketball court into a multi use sports court.
- Improvement to the facilities and landscaping - car park improvements, picnic benches and benches, wild flowering, improved access, benches and re laying the hedge.
We are running a number of local fundraising events and are also exploring funding bodies who might be able to help us complete our plan.