At the latest AGM the constitution for Sports and Leisure was reviewed, and there have been a few tweaks and changes. Principally, membership – S&L is a community run facility and all residents living within the parish are automatically members. There is no admission fee for this, although there may be some S&L activities or events when a subscription to that particular thing may apply (eg Tennis Club, or occasional use of the tennis court).
An annual event run by a small committee, and is open to all parishioners and children attending AG School. There are classes for all ages and interests- flowers, craft, vegetables, cookery, and a children’s section (and for seasoned competitors new classes were added in 2015), so if you’d like to take part, the schedule and entry forms are always available at the shop and are also included in the mAGpie magazine centre pages before each year’s show.
Thanks to a group of volunteers the goal posts and goal mouths of the pitch on the playing field had a complete make-over in June 2014. The posts were repainted, and the worn out hollows in the goal mouths were dug out, refilled, and then re-turfed. The football pitch looked good once again , and with two new nets in place as well it was ready in time for the summer. However in 2015 the goal posts needed a further refurbishment, and thanks to Peter Smith are good for another year.
The tennis court on the Rectory Lawns is available for hire on an hourly basis; local residents can pay an annual fee which purchases a key to the court, and bookings can be made in advance at the Village Hall. Visitors and non-members are able to use the court when it is not booked by members – please enquire at the village shop to book and pay for this. The shop holds the court key, and also can lend racquets and balls. The cost of an hour is £6 for non-members. For tennis court membership; forms are available at the shop, or please contact Keren Young who is the Membership Secretary;
Memberships ; Family members £50, Single adults £34, Junior or mini members £18.
Payment and forms to Keren please, (cheques to Aveton Gifford SLA, or BACS payments can be made instead – please ask Keren for the BACS details.)
The lock is changed each year and new keys will be issued on 1st April, so please could any keys from last year be returned with your payment.
The court was resurfaced in spring 2015. The work took 6 weeks for the surface to dry out properly, but was opened again on May Bank Holiday with an Open Day for members to try it all out.
During a storm at the end of 2018 the nearby Ginkgo tree split at the top, and one of the branches crashed down on part of the tennis court perimeter netting. It was temporarily repaired, but a more permanent repair will be done in the spring.
Courses of tennis coaching from Tim Brealey have proved to be a great success. They were so popular that Tim continues to coach both adults and children in weekly sessions in the village. For further information Tim Brealey – 01626 833 985
This is held every year on the green in November; the bonfire and fireworks display with hot food and drinks for sale are all put on by volunteers. Entry is free, but participants are asked to make a contribution.
The long-serving committee all stood down in 2013 after years of hard work – a big thank you to all of them. New people are now coming forward to keep things going and develop new ideas. Sports and Leisure is well-funded, but it does need people – preferably younger people with enthusiasm and energy! There are meetings as necessary for the various activities, so do come along and join in with your particular interest; everybody is welcome. If you would like to help please contact Peter Javes on 559283 or .
For more information please contact:
Peter Javes
Tel: 01548 559283
Email: [email protected]