Darren Hicks Memorial Ground Fundraiser

Aim

The aim is to transform the "Darren Hicks Memorial Ground" from a training facility to a playing pitch for The Next Generation of Pirates.

Who are we?

Penzance & Newlyn was formed in 1944, playing it's first game on 22nd September 1945, against Guys Hospital on the Mennaye Field.

Penzance & Newlyn RFC is a community rugby club and has two senior teams playing league rugby. Our first team in Regional 2 Tribute Ale South West League, our second team is competing in the Counties 3  Tribute Ale Cornwall. We have a Colts set up and thriving youth section supporting over 250 children promoting the importance of grass roots rugby which includes girls teams.

At a recent committee meeting Penzance & Newlyn RFC voted on a proposal to name change their Mennaye Nurseries field to The Darren Hicks Memorial Ground.

The purpose of the project is to honor Darren,  a Pirates player from the youth section and later the Pirates senior side who was a serving Lance Corporal member of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards when he was sadly killed in Helman Province Afghanistan in 2010. 

A 29 year old father of two, Darren lived in Mousehole. At the time of his passing, his wife Katie said:

"Darren was a proud Guardsman who was taken doing the job he loved. I am immensely proud of him, and he was the finest husband and father you could possibly ask for."

A statement from the Ministry of Defence also read:

"Lance Corporal Hicks was an all round great guy. He was adored by his men and respected by seniors. Whether on parade at Buckingham Place, training with his Platoon or leading the team on counter insurgency operations, he was always professional and led by example and the sun rarely set on his smile."

Phil Westren President of the Club stated:

"In respect of all servicemen, past and present, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice, it is important that they should be remembered. 

Following the successful launch of the Mennaye Nurseries Appeal Fund 34 years ago and the first game was played in December 1993.  Indeed it was also a place where Darren was coached and learnt the game. Over the years the field has proved to be of enormous benefit, and with plans presently in place to improve and develop it still further, it will be a facility to be truly proud of and importantly in memory of a special man."

Many young Penzance & Newlyn players have started their rugby journey on The Darren Hicks Memorial Ground, producing British & Irish Lions, England players, Premiership & Champ players to name a few:

• Ryan Western
• Matt Jess 
• Adam Nicholls
• Jack & Frankie Nowell
• Luke & Tom Cowan Dickie
• Kyle Moyle
• Ed Holmes
• John & Sam Stevens 
• Max Bodilly
• Tyler Gendall
• Tom Hendrickson 
• Oscar Beckerleg most recently

Even today, most weekends we field a senior team with over 85% coming from our  youth section demonstrating our commitment to grass route rugby and the local community.

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Why are we crowdfunding?

The Darren Hicks Memorial Ground project is focused on " Fundraising for the next generation of Pirates.

Our aim is to raise £81,000 for every year that Penzance & Newlyn have been playing at the Mennaye.  We wish to transform the former Nurseries from a training ground to a playing ground to be proud of.

We are looking at the next generation of Pirates to emulate the past players and we want to improve the experience for all including parents, grand parents, players and supporters. 

The renamed former Nurseries is a picturesque ground surrounded by woodland that we aim to upkeep and plant new tress and shrubs.

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How we’ll spend the money raised

Funds raised will be allocated to several areas to enhance the training pitch into an playing ground by:

• Floodlights ~ upgrade to allow evening matches and extra training nights opening and utilising the ground during the prime autumn winter season.
• Scoreboard ~ This feature has already been donated by an ex player and is much appreciated.
• Benches ~ Six benches to be erected around the edge of the ground to support spectators.
• New Entrance Porch ~ A pine or oak entrance porch to honor Darren Hicks.
• Spectator Railing ~ To provide a clear definition of the area. 
• New Pathway ~ To extend the current pathway through to the woodlands and  areas of the pitch.
• Ground Works ~ New drainage in areas prone to flooding and planting of trees and shrubs.
• New Wooden Store ~ Replacing the 25 year old rusty out of date container to blend in with the woodland and its environment.

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Community impact

" Fundraising for the next generation of Pirates."

We are upgrading for the 300 plus, adults and children that currently use this facility and hopefully to make the facility available for schools rugby.

Whilst making the Darren Hicks Memorial Ground a rugby ground to be proud of , we want to preserve this green space and natural woodlands in conjunction with building relationships with neighboring community groups.

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How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 30th December 2026 at 11:55pm