Bowdon Hockey Club has completed a new pitch two weeks ahead of schedule after 160 individuals and families contributed more than £51,000 towards its replacement.
The previous surface had been used for hockey and other sports for 25 years and had reached the end of its life. An official opening will take place on Saturday September 26th, with visitors invited to enjoy a day of hockey and family activities.
The club established a working party to research playing surfaces, suppliers and prices, and the replacement had to be completed during the close season and ready before the end of August for the 2026/27 campaign.
The project finished two weeks early, allowing players to begin using the new surface ahead of the season.
Alongside donations from members and supporters, Sport England provided £15,000 in matched funding and supported the financing through a loan scheme. Members also helped through the club’s own loan scheme.
Announcing the completion, the club said: “A huge thanks must go to the pitch group who have worked tirelessly on making sure we were re-open in time for the season, and in fact we ended up being two weeks ahead of schedule!”
The new pitch replaces a surface that had become an important sporting facility for both the club and the wider community over its quarter-century of use.
See drone footage of the new pitch:
September’s official opening will coincide with the first Premier League double-header of the season, with Bowdon’s Ladies’ and Men’s First teams both taking on East Grinstead.
A full programme of hockey begins at 11.30am. The Ladies’ First XI play at 3pm, followed by the official pitch opening and plaque reveal at approximately 4.30pm. The Men’s First XI then take to the pitch at 6pm.
Food concessions, outside bars, a cake stall and a raffle will run alongside the sporting programme. Visitors will also be able to test their hockey skills through activities including “beat the keeper”.
The club said all were welcome to join members and supporters for the celebrations.
