History
Newchurch Parish Sports and Community Association was founded for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Parish of Newchurch. It was formed out of the need for proper recreational facilities in the Parish.
The NPS&CA became a registered charity in 1985 and has involved itself in a number of very successful projects. The Association has both a Trustee and a Management Committee.
In 1983 we organised and held the first Garlic Festival, a very small one day event. The Garlic Festival grew to be a two day event attracting 25,000 visitors and raising money not just for the NPS&CA but for many local and national charities.
The funds raised by the NPS&CA were used to:
- Purchase land and build the Pavilion in Watery Lane
- Purchase a recreation field in Newchurch
- Build a Community Hall jointly with the redevelopment of Newchurch School and to provide Newchurch with a large carpark in conjunction with the Parish Council.
We also supported local organisations through a grant scheme.
After 21 years, the volunteers who organised and ran the Garlic Festival felt they could no longer continue and the event was taken over by a commercial venture.
The Community Hall attached to Newchurch School was handed over to the School’s control in 2007.
Today
The Recreation Field in Newchurch, behind the Pointer Inn, is a grassed, open area with picnic table and access to the Newchurch Field of Hope and Martin’s wood. Access is through the car park in School Lane.
The Sports Field in Watery Lane has a large car park, and is used by local football clubs. Along with the Pavilion, the sports field is available for hire for fetes, sports & wedding receptions etc.
The Pavilion is used by many groups including Line Dancing, Keep Fit, Island Interest Group, Advanced Motorists, Newchurch WI, local choirs and many more and provides:
- Disabled access with ramps
- The main hall has a dance floor with carpet surround, projector screen and seating and tables for 60
- Patio doors leading to a patio and the field. Chairs and tables are available for hirers use.
- The kitchen has a range style cooker, fridge, water boiler, dishwasher, kettle and crockery for 60.
- 2 large team changing rooms and a separate referee’s room (all with shower facilities)
- Toilet facilities for Ladies, Gents and Disabled persons
A project to upgrade the Pavilion facilities was completed early in 2017 and every area of the building has been updated:
- Complete rewire and new plumbing
- Kitchen renewed
- Toilets renewed
- Heating system replaced and extra roof insulation added
- Changing rooms renewed (and disconnected from the main facilities)
- Main hall updated and ceiling height increased.
- Redecorated throughout