As you will see from the latest photo, we are making great progress on building the new changing rooms, which is Phase 1 of our development programme, aided by the continuing good weather, and all being well are on target for completion by the end of August

I know some members have commented on the issue of the spoil from the site being left near the Field of Dreams. This is purely a temporary measure and plans are in hand to distribute this in the glade. This will be resolved shortly.

Recent articles in local press has acknowledged the help we've been given in progressing the project, however it is right that we ensure that all those who have helped are recognised.

At Horsham District Council we have had great support from both Melanie Stowell and Ian Ford, whilst at a local level Diane Sumpter and Godfrey Newman from the Local and Parish councils have been active in supporting the proposition.

In addition both Morwen Millson and Brad Watson have been great supporters at County Council level and without the continuing support of this group of people we would not be where we are today.

Of course without the financial support of key funding bodies, projects such as this and clubs such as ours would simply not be able to afford these development.

In addition to the RFU and Sport England we have been fortunate to receive substantial grant monies from HDC and WSCC as well as the Gatwick Airport Community Trust. These funding bodies are essential to clubs such as ours and their support is greatly appreciated.

As well as the development of new changing rooms a number of members have been asking about the installation of the 4G pitch and what progress is being made.

A planning application has been submitted and we hope to have feedback in early May. In the meantime we have been having a number of discussions with the RFU on issues such as investment in pitch maintenance prior to contracts being signed.

Good progress is being made and as soon as we have further details we will inform members.

I know a number of people are interested in how we will allocated the time the club has for use of the 4G pitch across the various age groups within the club.

This was discussed at a recent Management Committee meeting and we will be working on developing a draft schedule for further discussion. The aim is to ensure all groups can make use of the facility and of the time the club has allocated to it.

Richard Ordidge
Vice Chairman and Commercial Manager
Horsham Rugby Club