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Pictures: Pitch and grandstand, and Rob Lowe - Former Treasurer of Ben Rhydding Sports Club who died in May of this year.
New hockey pitch and grandstand grand opening
Ben Rhydding Hockey Club are preparing to celebrate the grand opening of their second Astro Hockey Pitch on Saturday (9th Sept) at 12.00pm.
There will be hockey matches all day on both pitches as well as a barbeque and bar open for all. The club's junior sections will lead the way in the morning before the official opening of the pitch by former Club President Noel Hutton at noon. Noel took the lead in seeking the funds needed from Sport England, England Hockey and many others before working with contractors to deliver the new facility.
A new Grandstand has also been constructed as part of the new pitch with funding from Ilkley Round Table and club members. The Grandstand will be opened by Rachel Lowe in memory of her late husband, Robert. Rob was a member for many years and played a big part in helping to deliver the second pitch, as well being treasurer of the Sports Club, only standing down in recent months. Despite his illness, he continued to manage the restructuring of Ben Rhydding Sports Club into a Community Benefit Society. Rob died in May this year.
In the afternoon the Ladies 1st team welcome the high flying Bowdon for a pre-season friendly (at 12.30pm) followed by a friendly for the Men's 1st team against Didsbury Northern at 2pm. There will be many other games for other teams throughout the afternoon.
Club Presidents Andrew Packett and Rachel Doherty are looking forward to welcoming as many members and visitors to the new pitch and to witness some top class hockey. Entry is free.
Full Schedule for the opening day - Saturday September 9th
9.30am - Under 10 Boys & Girls
10.15am - Under 12 Boys & Girls
11.05am - Under 14 Boys & Girls
12.00 Opening of the Pitch (by Noel Hutton) followed by the Opening of the New Grandstand by Rachel Lowe.
12.30pm Ladies 1st team v Bowdon Hockey Club (New Pitch)
12.30pm Mens' 2nd/3rd Team & All Stars (Old Pitch)
2.05pm Mens' 1st Team v Didsbury Northern (New Pitch)
2.05 pm Ladies 2nd and 3rd Team (Old Pitch)
3.30pm Ladies Club and Mens' Club Teams (both pitches)
Food and Drinks will be available in the clubhouse all day.
For further information contact the club by email at brhc@benrhydding.co.uk or visit the club's website www.brhc.co.uk