Second hockey turf a step closer

The dream of a second hockey turf at Clareville took a step closer to reality last month with the start of excavations at the new site adjacent to the existing hockey pitch.
Plans are for the water-based
turf to be fully drained and fenced and the surroundings paved in time for the start of the 2009 season around May 1 next year.
Complementing that playing surface will be a brand new two-storey hockey pavilion housing changing rooms and storage facilities below and capped off with a 350 square metre clubrooms/ lounge capable of holding up to 165 people.
Kitchen and bar facilities will mean spectators can relax and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat while watching the play on either turf from the outdoor balconies if they prefer.
The pavilion will be constructed as a "community build" project, whereby volunteer tradesmen and general labourers come in on a staged basis to complete the structure.
"The cost of the new pavilion is in the order of $400,000 for product alone and many local companies are getting in behind the project and offering cut rates," Hockey Wairarapa committee member Lindsay Annear said.
"Juken Nissho Ltd have
already donated the timber for the framing of the upstairs,
which is incredibly generous of them."
Whilst other savings will ensue, the Hockey Wairarapa committee has been busy generating income in a variety of ways.
Organiser Matt Spicer said the sale of advertising hoardings had been very positive.
A 4.8m by 1m hoarding for three years on the new turf costs
about $3 per day maximum, something which Spicer described as "value for money in anyone's language". About $42,000 has been pledged by local business so far and more are being visited each day.
Running concurrently is the drive for hockey players, past and present, to contribute to the Supporter's Club by way of individual, family or business donation.
Convenor Mike van Woerkom said contributions began as low as $50 for an individual, which basically amounted to the cost of mowing two lawns.
"If every youngster did that we would see some tremendous progress, it is imperative that all players make a special effort to contribute and that must happen now," he said.
Included in the latest set of donations has been $1000 each from the Dalefield School board of trustees and Wairarapa College, on behalf of both boys and girls hockey.
Local club Kia Kaha have also kicked in with $400, as have the Tinui School parents fundraising committee and the Kahutara School board of trustees.
"We desperately need more clubs to step up and take ownership of this fundraising drive," van Woerkom said.
"They need to realise just how fantastic it will be for themselves to be enjoying the new facility in six months time and to help make it a reality means t they must act soon.
"It is important to keep the momentum going especially as we are now in the off-season."
To date $20,00 has been donated to the new pavilion through the Supporter's Club.
Names of donators will be recorded for posterity on an honours board which will mounted on the interior wall of the pavilion.