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Hurst Football Club could soon be playing home games in the village again, if plans for a new pitch, clubhouse and changing rooms are approved.
The plans have worried some people in the village, but there are sound reasons for moving the pitch, writes Jeff Pitt.
The current field is not well drained and this has caused problems, as many who play in the Dads v Lads match on Boxing Day know well.
The old clubhouse was burned down in an arson attack several years ago, and new facilities are required if Hurst FC is to keep its place in local leagues.
Mr Godsal from Haines Hill, who owns both fields in Hinton Road, has agreed that the club could move to Stow Bridge field, and put up a small new clubhouse, as long as it is in keeping with the landscape.
Stow Bridge field offers a playing field with superior drainage and will allow the teams to play during the wet season.
Hurst FC has plans to set up a junior team and a women's team, Saturday morning and afternoon playing times, and possibly every other Sunday morning between September and April. Club training would be two evenings a week in July and August. There will be no floodlighting at all.
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The entrance to Stow Bridge field will be safer than the current entrance, as drivers slow down for the "pinch-point" and bridge nearby.
Local architect Brian Clayden has been in consultation with Wokingham District Council to draw up plans for a wooden type pavilion with landscaping which will be in keeping with the rural nature of the site.
Hurst FC has been in the village since 1928, and in recent years enjoyed considerable success. These plans will bring the club back to Hurst where it is an important village amenity.
HAVE YOU SEEN THE SPORTING CALENDAR?
The 2002 calendar produced by Hurst FC shows well-known sites around the village with the players photographed involved in sport activities including fishing, motor-cross, rugby, golf, horse riding and wind-sailing. The subtle difference is that all the 'models' are wearing only their football socks and boots!
The calendar is on sale for £6.00 in village shops and pubs, or call Jim Wallace (932 xxxx) or Jeff Pitt (934 xxxx) for copies (in plain brown envelopes!)
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