OB Sports Club OB Sports Club
hand mower to provide a better all year round cutting performance.
Old Bristolians’ Sports Club Failand Pandemic rules have relaxed and sport has returned to Failand with Cricket and summer league Hockey in full swing. There are a few restrictions on the club house use but hopefully we are as close to normal as possible. Sporting body rules are slowly relaxing following Government announcements but we are proceeding with caution to avoid overcrowding in the bar and changing rooms. Last year league cricket was postponed but, having been promoted the previous season, the 1st XI are in the lower half of a more competitive WEPL league. The other three men’s teams are mid table in various Bristol and District leagues as are the Ladies team. The areas of the top boundary hedge that looked like they were dying back have sprung into renewed life. All the gaps are filling up and security issues are therefore much improved. Planning permission for work to the Beech trees has been granted and will start in August.
The major redevelopment of the pavilion envisaged now seems unlikely to go ahead in the short term due to the lack of significant funding availability from the sporting bodies as a result of the pandemic. A revised and more limited investment in improving the building is being considered and costed. This is likely to be funded from current OBSC resources and is intended to be of such a nature that when a more comprehensive redevelopment becomes possible, any interim development would not compromise this and would be capable of being integrated into the wider scheme.
Education Ltd (see following separate article) is renting an area at the top of the ground. This will provide much needed additional revenue. Simon Hunt, who is a member of OBRFC, and his team have built a classroom facility entirely from recycled materials in the top corner of Failand. This was a little used overgrown area which has been cleared and the “Cabin” has the look of an outback holiday home. Many of the materials have come from Ollie Hazel (OBRFC Captain) who has a recycling company.
We have been able to secure various pandemic and returnto-sport grants from the Local Authority and sporting bodies, particularly a large sum from the RFU. Finances are therefore as well as can be expected but we are still looking for a new treasurer to take over from Clare Coyne who would like to stand down. The gate signs have been renewed giving a brighter welcome to the ground. The tractor shed roof and alarm system have been repaired but the shed wall could do with a face lift and if anyone knows of a painting artist who would like some practice the opportunity is there. Apogee
We have reviewed the machinery at Failand and will look to trade in an old large tractor and the current mower for a heavier duty second
Bristolienses - Issue 61
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