More than quarter of a million to be spent on sports pavilion (From Thurrock Gazette)

More than quarter of a million to be spent on sports pavilion

12:00pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News

THE Veolia Mardyke Trust has made the largest grant in its history to refurbish and extend the sports pavilion at South Ockendon Recreation Ground.

The dilapidated and old fashioned building will benefit from new changing rooms, toilet facilities and kitchen and social areas, thanks to the £275,000 cash boost.

The three main users of the facility are South Ockendon Bowls Club, Brandon Groves Football Club, and Belhus Cricket Club, who have worked with the trust, Thurrock Council, and architect Roland Hobbes on the refurbishment scheme.

The aim is to use as much as possible of the old building, while transforming it so that it can now also be used by other community groups, providing a base for events and activities in the park.
 

The project is the latest in a long line the trust has supported at the park over the last 13 years, including improving the children’s play area, tennis courts, bowls green, car parking, a pedestrian bridge linking the site to Brandon Groves, and providing new equipment for the football and cricket clubs.

To celebrate the pavilion's makeover, The Friends of Ockendon Rec have arranged a special celebration for the reopening of the pavilion on Saturday, October 27.

The fun kicks off at 12.30pm with the official opening ceremony performed by councillor Charles Curtis, chair of the Veolia Mardyke Trust, followed by activities including novelty races, welly wanging, a childrens' entertainer, nail and face painting, and crafts.

Sports clubs and Ockendon Scouts and Guides will be in attendance, and there will be a special appearance by The ECB Cricket Factory, in partnership with Clydesdale Bank, who will be offering children the chance to try their hand at cricket for free.