Woodside Park was acquired by Lymington Town Council in 1980 for the development of all sports in the area. It is the equidistant (half a mile) from the town centres of Lymington and Pennington and Priestlands School and both the indoor pool and the Seawater Baths. In particular it provides two extra cricket pitches (without which the Cricket Club could not support TEN teams) and three football/hockey pitches.

There is space for much more: six tennis courts (LTC plans), croquet, two boules terraines (we are twinned with Vitre!!), outdoor circuit, skate-boarding, all weather pitch (hockey, six side soccer, group coaching) and a running track and safe area for archery, javelin etc.

It should be a Centre of Exellence for the New Forest. A clubhouse (The Woodside Pavillion) will be the focus and fundraising centre for all sport. Lymington Town Council supports this initiative.

1. ALL sports organisations and individuals (of ANY age) interested in such facilities are invited to AN OPEN  MEETING at The Chequers Inn, Woodside on Monday May 1st at 7 pm. (Held in the Marquee - sausage rolls provided!!). This may also be used as a "recruiting day" for individuals who wish to create a group - equestrian, ramblers, ornithologists, joggers, Hash-House Harriers, etc. It is then planned to have several "Open Days" at Woodside Park in June and July.

2. To create a sports club for the benefit of the whole community.

3. Membership to be individual or associate (existing clubs). Sportsmen and women of all levels and ages, youth volunteers and retired people who have time and experience to offer will be most welcome.

4. Purpose: To develop all sports and facilities in the area including, but not exclusively: aerobics, athletics, archery, badminton, basketball, croquet, gym, cross-country, table tennis, netball, volleyball and beach volleyball, chess, swimming, cycling and THE MARATHON CLUB (Hon members) and so on. Wherever you practice or play this should be your home.

5. Existing clubs (field sports, golf, etc) may be associate members.

6. Commence fundraising with initial target of £100,00 (60 x 60 clubhouse).

7. Produce a feasibility study (environmentally friendly, carbon neutral).

8. Stage 1:

Pavillion, bar, clubroom, meeting rooms, games room etc.

Stage 2:

Sports Hall with viewing gallery (inside) and balcony (outside).

Future projects:

All weather pitch for hockey, six a side, group coaching, (roller skating?).

Outdoor circuit facility for woodland walk, half mile jogging, power walking.

All weather running track (400 metres).

It is not reasonable to expect such facilities to be provided by the ratepayer. They, through the Council are providing the land (half the cost). We must do the rest by showing the need and enthusiasm.

Anyone interested should contact:

Mike Halliwell at Mikehalliwell@aol.com or on Mob: 07979 865895