Page 9 - Phonebox Magazine February 2008

helping in the project. John Sharp for his continuing support and arranging the meetings with the Planning Officer along with Mrs Pat Slaney. Graham Mabbett for his wise council, advice, encouragement and help to keep the scheme online and afloat with the planners and councils.
I revert back to my delight when Andrew announced the good news from DEFRA. I rang Stuart Parkin to inform him that there was a further possibility that the scheme would go ahead. He informed me the following day after consultation with Chris Talbot (the Rugby club treasurer) that during the last four years the Club had been successful in raising considerable funds to possibly purchase the field. My family were delighted and along with another senior member of the Club offered a considerable amount of financial help. We are not providing cash for honours, but do admit to having a vested interest. This is to ensure that the land which has for many years been scheduled in the Town Plan for a sports ground is put to that use. There may be some sceptics whose vested interests are for different reasons. Hope we don’t have to appear in front of a select committee.
Within four days the full Rugby Club Committee was convened all 20 member attended and unanimously agreed to buy the Field. Their decision falls in line with my aspirations to help all Sports Clubs of Olney. With the extra advantage of no building plots to be considered. The Cricket Club will be able to extend their area. The Soccer Club to have extra playing areas. The Tennis Club to expand if required. Most importantly the hundreds of children playing mini rugby and soccer will be able to increase their members to play on the extended areas.
I can’t think of a Town in Bucks, Northants or Beds that has a combined facility for all sport adjacent to the centre of town where so many can walk to use their clubs and play their sports. My personal experience is that from the age of 15, I joined Olney Rugby Club and have been a member for 57 years. My involvement in acquiring the Field was to re-pay the kindness and fun that I have derived from my association over those 57 years. I am delighted that at long last our aspirations for the field appear to have been fulfilled.
Therefore I finish this as probably a suitable opportunity to mention that all of the cash required to make the project a success is not currently available. Some of it is in the readers of this letter’s bank accounts.
It would be wonderful if some, who make their living in the Town, and enjoy the facilities, would be generous enough to help finance this scheme which benefits the Town’s youth. I am sure the members and players will look forward with enthusiasm to raising funds for the project. Once it’s done it will be there for ever as a guaranteed open space.
My sincere thanks to my wife Ann, son Duncan and a major donor who helped finance the scheme and all whose efforts in the project, I hope, will be rewarded.
At last we’ve got a result. I think Doff would give a smile and a nod of approval
Yours sincerely
Roy Mason with the support of his wife Ann and son Duncan
Copy deadline for March Phonebox Magazine is 15 February
THE
KITCHEN MAN
No Fuss No Gimmicks Personal Service Friendly, Helpful Advice
No Inferior Flatpacks!
No Exorbitant Fitting Costs!
Just Quality Kitchens & Bedrooms
Granite Worktops at Trade Prices
Harter Avenue, Cranfield, Beds MK43 0EE Telephone 01234 752354
Call FREE for an appointment or colour brochure
0808 144 2464

!"
#$ %
*+#,

& -#&
&
,

+,
. -#&
/%&

&'
# ()
#&
Phonebox Magazine 9
TELEPHONE EXTENSIONS Supply & Installation Services
O Broadband Connections
O Faults & Repairs
O Complete Property Rewires O Free Estimates
Call: 0845 833 4899 (Local Rate)