SWANMEAD SPORTS ASSOCIATION
Swanmead Way, Tonbridge
Swanmead thanks Topps Tiles for their continued support
The development of the project to build the original Swanmead facility as reported in the local press of the time;
12/12/1968 Tonbridge Free Press
Seven year dream will be completed within two months
Swanmead Sports Association has 120 members comprising of Invicta FC, Roselands FC and Tonbridge Athletic Club.
Chairman David Baker and member of Invicta said “we are aiming for a higher standard of football and to get that we must be able to provide better changing facilities. Invicta is not satisfied with Tonbridge League, we want to get into the Kent League or higher”
The original facility boasted three changing rooms and two shower rooms, an entrance hall and bar. Prior to which the three Clubs had to use the cricket building. Swanmead was previously allotments. It took the sports clubs three years to negotiate a lease with the council.
The final cost of the pavilion is estimated at £5,500, half of which is being paid with a grant from the Ministry Of Education and a £2000 loan from The Playing Fields Association and TUDC, which is to be repaid over ten years
Courier 7/3/1969
Three member Clubs moved from the Sportsground in 1965 and then used Tonbridge Cricket club Pavillion for changing. Soon after the move it was decided to construct a new building. The building was hampered by flooding of the foundations in 1968.
In order to raise funds, the Association rana personal effort plan where each member aimed to raise ten pounds a year on their own. To that end two members held a jumble sale which raised £30 !
It is estimated that £1,400 was saved through the Association buying all the materials themselves. Members also did all the internal and external painting, laid the water main and drainage.
Mr Meekins of Roselands FC was construction surveyor.
This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when people put themselves out for the benefit of the Club.
Initially a 21 year lease. Building began in October 1968 and delays increased the final cost to £6,100.
Mr Ken Passey, Secretary of Swanmead Sports Association said “when we move in at the end of March (1969) we aim to have the best facilities in Tonbridge and want them to be used regularly for meetings and functions. It is a functional building and especially designed to be vandal proof. The windows are nine feet from the ground except for the two at the front, which will be shuttered. Special locks have been fitted to the doors.
7/3/1969 Tonbridge Free Press
Secretary Ken Passey stated that members will have to raise four hundred pounds for the next ten years in order to cover running costs and repay loans. Joint fundraising schemes over the last year have not bought the results hoped for. The personal plan had been an almost complete failure.
Finance
Government £2782, Playing Fields Ass £1400, TUDC loan, Tonbridge Lions £100 donation
Management
Chairman – Mr D Baker Vice Chair – Mr P Mersh Sect – Mr K Passey Treasurer – P Massie Ctte members – M Redland, P Kitching, C Braddon, G Burfoot, I Jones, M Mekins
6/8/1969 Advertiser
Official opening was made by Councillor Clara Watts, Chairman of Urban council Civil Amenities Ctte
Opening ceremony, during which a fete was held, including boat trips on the river, a miniature railway, pony and tractor rides, bingo, sideshows, punch and judy and refreshments raised over £200. There was also a disply by tonbridge Judo club, Aerobatics by Flairovig Flying Club and a health and beauty display by Tunbridge Wells Thursday Club. Winning numbers in the lucky programme draw were 680, 187, 370 and 382
It was hoped that this would be the start with as well as repaying loans it was hoped to improve the building, its surroundings and the whole of the field area. A surfaced car park, covered entrance and bar were amongst the initial improvements with the outside area being landscaped.
Contact us : mail@swanmead.co.uk