CROWDS of villagers gathered, despite the mist and mizzle on Saturday to celebrate the official opening of Hamsterley’s new multi-use games area (MUGA), four years after the project began.
About 50 people of all ages attended the event when there was fizz and nibbles ahead of the ribbon cutting, officiated by former England footballer Dave Thomas.
The idea to transform the tennis courts into the MUGA was initially talked about in 2015, but it wasn’t until 2019 that the project began to take shape. Working in partnership with the parish council, Hamsterley Community Sports Association (HCSA), created plans for the area, raised more than £70,000 to fund the work and organised contractors to complete the transformation.
As well as £35,000 Teesdale Action Partnerships’ town and villages fund and £10,000 from Durham County Councillors James Cosslett and Robert Potts town and villages pots, local businesses and individuals also supported the project with donations.
HCSA trustee and parish councillor Helen Kirby gave thanks to all saying without the support of Hathaway Roofing, Hydram KD-LR, L and T Heintz, Martin Tilford, Mike Thorne, Empty Ironmonger, SG Petch, YRM and Mavis Brown, the project would not have been completed. Hamsterley resident Lucy Heintz, who played a big part in the MUGA creation, said: “It has been a real team effort and everyone was so supportive.”
Residents couldn’t wait to use the revamped sports area with young and old trying out all kinds of sporting games from football and netball to basketball.
A booking system has been put in place for residents and visitors to hire the new MUGA, but it will be free for the next two weeks. Funding from Durham County Council’s fun and food programme will also see activities through the school holidays taking place at the MUGA.
Parish councillor and trustee of the HCSA, Ronnie Maughan, said: “It has been on the parish council’s agenda for a while and it will be nice to be able to take it off.”
