At the recent coronation, the King declared that he came not to be served but to serve. When I heard those stirring words, I thought of those in Cheltenham who have lived by the same principles and have made such a lasting contribution to our community.
One was Edward J Burrow, the successful nineteenth century publisher who headed a Cheltenham company based in Lypiatt Road that produced ninety per cent of all the guides to cities and towns in Britain. He decided to share his wealth with the town, paying for the organ in the Town Hall and also the Burrow’s Field sports ground in Leckhampton.
How pleased he would have been to see that his gifts to the town are going from strength to strength. I could see that for myself when visiting the new sporting facilities last week, including Leckhampton Rovers’ impressive new changing rooms. The rooms have been decorated by local Paint Festival artists with images of Rovers’ team strips from yesteryear – as well as the shirts of some more modern footballing greats.
The adjacent DugOut café is open to all members of the public, as well as the players and supporters of Leckhampton Rovers FC, cricketers and BMX bikers. So if you’re out with the family, attending the wonderful Broadlands play group, using the play area or walking the dog, do pop in. The café is open Wednesday to Sunday, 9 to 5 pm.
Thanks to the work of the Trustees, Leckhampton Rovers are now the second biggest football club in Gloucestershire. The club has over 40 teams, including youth teams, girls’ sides, adult and veterans’ teams as well as a minis academy for 5-8 year olds.
The club’s success has been boosted by a community-led bid for Government funding that I was delighted to support. Over £400,000 has now been spent on pitch and changing room improvements at Burrow’s Field.
It’s all part of a £230 million investment to build and improve 8,000 grassroots football and multi-sport facilities across the country.
Let’s hope it will inspire Cheltenham sports stars, but also philanthropists, of the future.
[Column published in the Cheltenham Post]