Hockey club celebrate floodlit pitch approval (From Bucks Free Press)

Hockey club celebrate floodlit pitch approval

MARLOW Hockey Club will have an extra reason to celebrate its centenary this month after plans for a new floodlit hockey pitch were approved.

John Fordham, Marlow Sports Club chairman and Graham Sweet, chairman of Marlow Hockey Club

The new all-weather playing surface will be built on a currently unused area of the club's grounds in Pound Lane, Marlow.

It means the club can return to playing on its own grounds.

Sir William Borlase's Grammar School are partners in the project, which has also received backing from England Hockey.

The overall cost, which includes alterations to the parking, will be £375,000.

John Fordham, Marlow Sports Club chairman, said: “We are delighted, this is excellent news for the club and for the youth of the Town.

“This decision enables the us to go ahead and secure the facilities and build the pitch in partnership with Sir William Borlase's school.

“Our goal now is to raise the funds necessary to purchase the freehold of the club’s grounds and build the pitch in conjunction with the school.”

Mr Fordham said: “Our aim is to ensure the Town has a community based sports facility for over 1,000 youngsters right in the heart of the Marlow.”

The hockey club has more than 300 members and 22 Mens, Ladies and Junior teams.

A celebratory evening to mark the club's centenary will take place at the ground on November 28.

If you are an ex-member or have Marlow Hockey Club memorabilia and you want to attend call Graham Sweet on 01628 473 235 for more details.