Therfield sports pavilion reopens after refurbishment

An official open day was held on Sunday, July 9 by Therfield, Royston and Kelshall Sports Association (TRAKSA).

All local councillors were invited, including from North Herts Council, who had given a grant of £50,000 towards the project.

Therfield sports pavilion before the refurbishment (Image: Nigel Reader)

TRAKSA and Royston Cricket Club chair David May gave a speech thanking the various councils and the members of afiliated sports clubs who helped with funding the project.

He also thanked the professional tradesmen from the area who gave their time and experience free of charge, as well as the small team of volunteers who carried out all the fundraising, administration, project management and construction.

Mr May then asked residents Courtney and Jasmine to cut the ribbon to declare the building officially open.

The pavilion after the refurbishment (Image: Nigel Reader)

Project manager Nigel Reader said: "I am delighted to have completed this project on time and on budget.

"Courtney, who lives in the village, was the biggest inspiration for me to push to complete this project and ensure that the building includes access and facilities for wheelchair users."

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Therfield's pavilion is 70 years old, and is home to cricket and football clubs as well as Royston Runners, Parkfit and several other outdoor activity classes, with around 1,200 total users.

Courtney and Jasmine cutting the ribbon to open the pavilion (Image: Nigel Reader)

The updated facility includes two refurbished changing rooms with separate toilets and showers.

The changing rooms have a movable partition wall to create a 40 square metre open space for different functions and uses.

In the extension, there is a food preparation area, toilets, additional changing rooms and a disabled toilet facility with baby changing.

Volunteers who worked on the project (Image: Nigel Reader)

Soon a defibrillator will be installed at the site for use by formal users of the pavilion and recreation ground, and there are plans to complete the refurbishment of the facilities with new car park surfacing, upgrades to the existing storage sheds, and installation of a rainwater harvesting system.

This will begin as soon as funding can be identified and secured.

Anyone interested in using the pavilion or recreation ground for formally organised events can contact therfieldpavilion@outlook.com.