A MAJOR campaign has been launched to raise £1million for a state-of-the-art sports pavilion.

The ‘Pavilion 2022’ appeal, if successful, will add the finishing touch to the improvements already made to Fernhurst Recreation Ground, which has given a huge boost to sports participation.

Thanks to the transformation, the handful of children who previously played on the Rec, now numbers 300 youngsters who are regularly involved playing football, cricket and tennis.

After 50 years of service and with almost 800 members the existing pavilion is creaking at the seams.

Fernhurst Recreation Ground Trust (FRGT) wants a pavilion that can accommodate even more residents for the next 50 years.

Trustee John Mitchell said: “The work of the trust and the sports clubs has already achieved the numbers.

“Subs are among the lowest around ensuring a true sport for all philosophy.

“Our strategic importance is clear from the number of families, not just from the village but also those who travel in from Haslemere, Lodsworth, Midhurst, Petworth, Camelsdale, Grayshott and Hindhead.

“In recent years we have delivered a proper well-drained football pitch alongside three tennis courts and practice nets for cricket.

“This is already reaping benefits with some of our youngsters being selected for district and county teams.

“Fernhurst residents have demonstrated their passion and commitment. A village where children didn’t have much to do has been transformed to one which now attracts families from outside.

“With a new pavilion we can secure our position as one of the flagship multi-sports clubs in the area.

“We have the volunteers and the vision. We invite you to join us in this final part of the transformation so Fernhurst can have a pavilion to be proud of.”

Villagers raised money for all the recent improvements with support from charities, councils and sports bodies.

The current pavilion opened in 1971 and was extended twice in the 1980s.

Since then it has only been patched up to comply with modern regulations on disabled access, food hygiene and child welfare and the public conveniences are in need of improvement.

FRGT aims to celebrate its sterling service to the community on its 50th anniversary in 2021 before demolishing it, and replacing it with a brand new facility to open the following year.

The recreation ground also hosts stoolball, keep fit sessions, dog shows, private parties and the village fete, the ‘Revels’, every May.

FRGT and the affiliated sports clubs have already raised tens of thousands. It is now seeking grants and donations from Sport England, charitable trusts, local councils, businesses and individuals.

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