Project Turnaround
Background
In 1934, rich local timber merchant, Albert Turner, gave 40 acres of land to Lewes, and built a Pavilion in memory of his brother Stanley. He formed a Trust in Stanley's name, and decreed that the land should be used ‘for Public Recreation and for no other purpose’. The Trust became the responsibility of Lewes District Council in 1974. Lewes RFC has used the Ground since 1938, as have Priory Cricket Club, with whom we formed Lewes Sports Club, and in 1979 part funded the Clubroom.
Despite having no security of tenure, we have built the Grandstand, fenced off Pitch 1, installed training lights and funded Pitch drainage. In the 30 years since 1979, we have expanded 5 fold, and now have 674 members, over half of them Under 18.
We are the only Club in East Sussex to run Rugby for all ages and both sexes. The trouble is that we have a 75 year old Pavilion, 30 year old Clubroom, not enough playing space, no security on the Pitches and Parking provision laid out 35 years ago.
Because the Ground is owned by the Trust and controlled by Lewes District Council, there are many complications, and problems. We hope that the Trust is now on our side, and are actively seeking to improve things to go forward for another 75 years. There are special Planning considerations too – its an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is now within a National Park.
That is why we need project turnaround!
Latest Project Turnaround news
Turnaround presentation - consutlation, June 2011 (PDF 904 KB) >>
| Facebook