Lochnell Lottery cash expands sports field facility
Tuesday 21 August 2001
Sir Jimmy Saville OBE will perform the opening ceremony today at the Lochnell Sports Development Partnership’s (LSDP) new floodlit, all weather, multi court located within the grounds of Lochnell School, Benderloch.
"The all weather pitch is a major achievement and a fantastic facility for such a small community."
With the support of a £32,500 award from the sportscotland Lottery Fund, the new multi court will significantly expand the sporting opportunities for the school and the wider community.
The start of the ceremony will be heralded by a procession through the village to the school led by Sir Jimmy and the Argyll Samba Band. Once at the pitch, speeches will be given by Sir Jimmy, Martin Bowie, sportscotland Project Officer and the LSDP Chairman, Stuart Calder. Sir Jimmy will cut the ribbon at the gates of the pitch and Emma Law, will play the pipes onto the pitch to mark the occasion.
Councillor Robin Banks, from Argyll and Bute Development and Environment Department, said: “This is an excellent example of what small communities can achieve while working in partnership with the Council. The idea for the playing field came from LSDP and we stepped in to help.
“The Council adopted a playing fields strategy in 1999, making a commitment to a five year programme of work upgrading existing facilities all over Argyll and Bute. The Lochnell Playing Field is the first such project to be completed under this partnership arrangement which was essential to attracting vital funding from sportscotland.”
Jane Sayer, Publicity Officer of LSDP, said: “The all weather pitch is a major achievement and a fantastic facility for such a small community. It was only made possible with such huge support from grant giving bodies and the local community.”
Ian Robson, Chief Executive of sportscotland said: “sportscotland are delighted that this new all weather multi court will promote participation in sport by all ages and abilities.
“This is an ideal opportunity to improve the health and well being of the inhabitants of Benderloch. It not only encourages children to enjoy physical activity during school hours and at after school clubs but also provides an excellent facility for the wider community.”
· The opening ceremony will take place at Lochnell School, Benderloch on Saturday 25 August at midday.
· Sir Jimmy Saville OBE will be officially opening the pitch.
· Other contributors towards the project are: Argyll and the Islands Enterprise, National Playing Fields Association/Robertson Trust, Gannochy Trust, Argyll and Bute Council, Scottish Community Foundation, School PTA, local community and businesses.