Revamped Rec ushers in new era for Brigg sport

Students of Sir John Nelthorpe School who took part in sports activity on the Recreation Ground during the formal opening of the new facilities pictured with Cllrs. Nigel Sherwood and Carl Sherwood (left) and Andrew Percy MP and Cllr. Rob Waltham (right) PICTURE: PETER THOMPSON EMN-170220-144815002

A plaque marking the opening was unveiled and the facilities formally opened by Brigg MP Andrew Percy who praised the efforts of project leader Coun Carl Sherwood.

The town’s cricket and hockey clubs had to leave town to find suitable pitches as the site became run down, while the football and tennis clubs used school facilities in the town.

The new development includes a full-size Astroturf pitch, full-size and junior tennis courts, a cricket square and a clubhouse with new refreshment and up-to-date changing rooms.

Coun Sherwood praised the sports clubs for their support, including Adrian Pymn and Dan Garfoot of the hockey club, and Helen Cresswell of the tennis club.

He also paid tribute to hockey club president Brid Vaughan, another driving force behind the project, who died at the end of 2016. Her son Jonty attended the opening.

Adrian, Brigg Hockey Club chairman, added: “We started playing our fixtures back in Brigg in January.

“We haven’t played in Brigg for 25 years. The club is doing really well at the moment with four men’s teams chasing promotion so this pitch has come at the ideal time.”

North Lincolnshire Council is inviting people to find out for themselves what’s on offer at the new facility by holding a taster session tomorrow (Thursday).

You will be able to have a go at tennis and football between 1pm and 3pm, and then hockey between 3pm and 4pm.

It costs £1 per person, and is open to adults and children. All sessions are supervised.