Holt Sports Courts

Background History of H.S.R.C.

Holt Sports & Recreation Committee

Trustees: Meg Slade, Jo Lilley & Andrew Beck

This management committee was formed in October 1996. The Founder – Meg Slade asked the village community if they would like to build a  Tennis Court on the Recreation Field. The idea was met favourably by the village and the Parish Council, who allowed the project to continue with the agreement that H.S.R.C. would pay an Annual peppercorn rent for the land. A committee was formed and work commenced. Initially after consultations, particularly with Sport England, it was agreed to create a larger project encompassing other sports: namely Basketball, Netball and Football. The court grew to being named a MUGA  [A Multi-use Games Area.] with Flood-lighting to allow evening use. To attract Grants it was necessary to start some serious Fund-raising. The first Fund-raiser was a Walk-Run-Ride around a 7 mile route. People took part with horses, push-chairs, bicycles and on foot. Other fund-raisers were theme evenings, sporting events and a Silent Auction. The seven strong committee worked tirelessly until the first court was built in the Spring of 2000.Sport England contributed £39.000. Awards for All - £10.000 and Area Board also supported the project. The OBI [English Basketball Assn. donated three Basketball posts and nets. This enabled the building of the small tarmacked area with the Basketball Ring and Practice board. This area was handed to the Parish Council to be alongside the Children’s Play Area for general play.

The focus was:

• To increase participation in sport.
• Provide a focus for Village activities
• To encourage the Youth to participate in Sport more
• To encourage Coaching
• To provide a safe recreational area
• To reduce the need to travel outside the village
• To develop health and fitness for all ages, families and friends

In the Year 2000, the first court was completed and straight away, as it was summer time, Tennis Tournaments were arranged. Trophies were sponsored by a variety of village businesses. In the year 2010, it was decided to build a second court. The funding for this was harder to obtain, but achieved in a similar way. It was completed and opened in October 2015.

Now in 2020 whilst the new Website is being produced the Committee continue to work hard and maintain facilities which the village can be proud of. The courts are now self-supporting with all the bookings.

March 2020