Rugby
Gosforth Goes Forth Once Again
13 July 2007
Wearing its several different guises, Gosforth has always been prepared to be progressive/adventurous in its 130 years of existence.
In recent history the “new” Gosforth RFC, spawned from Newcastle Gosforth RFC (now Newcastle falcons) has existed as a tenant within Northumbria University at Bullocksteads Sports Ground. From August of this year GRFC is to relocate to a new ground at Druid Park, Woolsington (formerly the Wheatsheaf ground) thanks to the good grace and foresight of Mr David Thompson, Chairman of Newcastle Falcons.
In a visionary move Mr Thompson is converting the ex football pitch into a “state of the art” rugby complex. The focal point of this is an IRB approved 4G synthetic pitch, alongside which will be 20,000 square metres of traditional grassed areas.
The project will take some time to complete with the 4G pitch and Clubhouse being in phase one and the grassed areas, car park, fencing etc in phase two.
The complex will be used by Gosforth RFC, Northumberland RU, Newcastle Falcons Development team and other multi-sport partners. A modern Clubhouse, incorporating a massage parlour, sports bar and administration offices, will very soon be operative as well.
The move completes a full circle in Gosforth’s existence, having stared extinction in the face 11 years ago, when asked to leave Kingston Park by the regime in situ at that time, to be again at the forefront of the future development of Rugby Union throughout the UK. At the same time Mr Thompson sees the fulfilment of his promise, on taking over the Falcons, to offer help to his former Club, Gosforth RFC.
Progress and evolution have always been at the front of GRFC’s intentions – as amateurs, they are now setting the pace for others to follow once again in conjunction with the professional game just along the road at Kingston Park.
The above is just the “bones” of what could contain several human interest stories, including:
- The embracing of the amateur game by the professional
- The healing of deep wounds at Gosforth/ Newcastle/Falcons
- The latest technology in the rugby game being pioneered in the Northeast of England
- The backing of the project by the RFU with the rest of the rugby world looking on
For more information, please contact either:
1 John Short (Chairman, GRFC) on 01434 673385 or 07791576864
2 Malcolm Stokoe (President, GRFC) on 0191 2841431 or 07801151000
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