Hemyock

Grand Opening of the Longmead Sports Field on Sunday 4th November at 2pm

Sunday 4th November sees the culmination of 16 years of sweat and tears with the grand opening of the Longmead pavilion in Hemyock. The pavilion is at the heart of an exciting new sports and leisure complex comprising football pitches, all-weather flood-lit multi-use games area (for 5 a-side football, netball, basketball etc.), tennis courts and children’s play area. A trim trail, picnic area and boules pitch are also planned. The pavilion itself is not only attractive and functional; it also has many ‘green’ features such as a borehole with heat pump, solar panels and low-energy lighting. It even has a ‘green’ roof planted with sedum!

It was way back in 1991 that the Parish Council first identified an area of 12 acres west of Station Road as an ideal site for a new sports and recreation venue: central to the village, and safely accessible on foot from most parts. Following extensive resident consultations, the site was supported as a venue for a public playing field by over 70% of respondents. Since the nearest sports venues of reasonable quality were at Cullompton or Tiverton, with no public transport to either, the aim was to provide a high quality venue for football, tennis and other outdoor sports and active recreation for the enjoyment of people of all ages living in and around Hemyock.

Then began the long haul of obtaining funding for such an ambitious project. Project co-ordinator, Jack Purssell, worked tirelessly to get funding from many different sources, but by far the biggest award, of £162,700, came from the Football Foundation.

The Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, constructing modern football facilities, developing football as a force for social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in communities throughout the country. Funded by the FA Premier League, The Football Association, Sport England and the Government, the Football Foundation is the nation’s largest sports charity with a £45m budget going straight into the heart of football.

With the help of this substantial award, representing 56% of the cost of the pavilion, MUGA and car-parking, Hemyock and the surrounding areas now have the facilities to enable our young people to enjoy their football and achieve their footballing aspirations.
So come along to the opening on 4th November and join the celebrations. There will be football being played on the pitches and MUGA, tennis on the courts and refreshments in the pavilion. Kick-off at 2.00!