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Hinks Meadow, Taverham - Resurfacing project gets the green light - July 2009 Taverham FC have today confirmed funding for the Hinks Meadow resurfacing project. The announcement comes days after the Football Foundation confirmed they will be awarding the club £18,695 towards the project. The total funding target of £51,345 was completed with three grants of £10,000 from Taverham Parish Council, Broadland District Council and The Football Association County Development Fund. The club have also managed to raise £2650 themselves by various fundraising projects. Project coordinator Tim Stevens advised the funding is crucial for the long term future of the club, with the existng Hinks Meadow surface gradually deteriorating year on year. "To raise in excess of £50,000 in little over 6 months is a fantastic achievement for a community football club like Taverham. Once completed this work will transform Hinks Meadow into a quality playing surface which will benefit all those using the facility, both young and old. Our club prides itself on its community approach and we are very grateful to Taverham Parish Council and especially their clerk, Sandra Parkinson, who has supported us from the outset". Work is expected to begin during August 2009 with the facility out of action for at least one year. The club have secured other playing facilities within Drayton and Felthorpe in the meantime. Background: Taverham Football Club have enjoyed exclusive use of the Hinks Meadow playing surface since its creation in the late 1990’s. The ground was provided, under planning agreement, by the developers of a new housing estate adjacent. The club use the facilities for training and league matches throughout the season, this typically from August to May each year. A total of 255 adults and children use the facilities through the club, this typically on a weekly/twice weekly basis. Since the club gained use of these facilities it has been awarded both Charter Standard and Charter Standard Community Club status. Groups using the facilities range from 5 years of age through to adult, with well established ladies and girls teams also in place. The village of Taverham is located approx 5.5m North West of Norwich city centre and is predominantly residential in its nature. Taverham is located within Broadland Local Authority. Since its inception the playing area has been subject to surface quality issues. The ongoing nature of football being played on site is also believed to have compounded the problem over the years. Various fertiliser treatments have been applied, however little if any improvement has been noted. As a result Taverham Parish Council commissioned Agrostis Turf Consultancy to review the surface. It was their view that major work was required. The primary reason for the work is the poor soil and turf quality currently in place. The soil is very light and sandy with over efficient drainage, this causing drought problems during dry spells. In addition the soil quality is poor with little nutrients in place, as such grass growth is poor even during good growing conditions. The result is a very patchy surface with large sections of bare soil, prolific divots and weak, poor quality grass to remaining areas. It is proposed to re-surface Hinks Meadow playing area, a 3.6 hectare surface which is owned by Taverham Parish Council and rented to Taverham Football Club on an exclusive ongoing basis. Re-surfacing will comprise the removal of existing grass and cultivation of the remaining surface. A top soil application of 360 tonnes will be worked into the surface, this in addition to various bio-stimulants, fertilisers and high quality seed. The project also includes post seeding maintenance, this for a 12 month period after seeding. Aims & Objectives: i. To ensure TFC continue to have a facility for training and matches in the short to medium term. ii. To enhance the football experience for players of all ages and abilities who use this facility. iii. To encourage new players of all ages and abilities to come along to training and try out the facility. iv. To help retain existing players within TFC. v. To provide a safer playing surface, largely free from divots, loose turf and bare soil. vi. To enhance the reputation of TFC in the eyes of visiting clubs and spectators. How it was achieved: July 2009, Order placed with preferred contractor, work to commence August 2009. July 2009, Football Foundation confirm grant of £18,695. 28th April 2009, Broadland District Council confirm £10,000 grant awarded 5th April 2009, Under 9's Tigers raise £250 towards the project following Tombola event 1st April 2009, £10,000 funding confirmed from the FA's CCDP fund 13th March 2009, Revised submissions received from preferred contractor 4th March 2009, Under 9's confirm they will hold a tombola event at Taverham garden centre on Sunday 5th April, all proceeds going towards the grant application. 3rd March 2009, TFC tournament booked for Sat/Sun 13/14th June @ Hinks. Presentation fun day set for Sunday 21st June @ Hinks. 2nd March 2009, Parish Council vote in favour of increasing their contribution from £5,000 to £10,000. March 2009, Barclays Bank pledge £750 towards the project via their price match scheme 22nd February 2009, Contractor meetings scheduled for early March to review tenders 20th February 2009, Agreement reached to opt for August/Sep commencement. TFC tournament now likely June/July 2009 20th February 2009, Football Foundation request additional information following on site meeting. New submission date 31st March 19th February 2009, Broadland District Council grant application completed 31st January 2009, c£900 raised from successful TFC quiz night 20th January 2009, Taverham Parish Council approve £5000 funding December 2008, Business plan draft issued to Norfolk County FA October 2008, £548 raised from TFC Fancy Dress night September 2008, Tender specifications issued to contractors November 2008, funding request letter posted to parents and businesses August 2008, Project team formed to progress application April 2008, Secondary advisory report obtained from Rigby Taylor March 2008, Agreement reached to proceed with project March 2008, Meetings with County FA to progress applications February 2008, Agrostis conduct feasibility study carried out Contact us: Any press enquiries should be directed to project coordinator, Tim Stevens, Norwich 01603 866655. Taverham Football Club.