May 2012 sees the grand opening by Watford Football Club Chairman, Graham Taylor, of York House Schools' brand new all-weather multi-sports pitches. It will be one of the finest facilities in the area and will help maintain our presence as a leading independent prep school in Hertfordshire.
This development was originally the idea of our enthusiastic and highly-motivated Head of PE & Games, Mr Woodford. With his determination and drive, the seed of an idea has grown alongside an impressive fund-raising machine driven by all the parents, teachers, governors and pupils of York House School to reach the target required. And, as is the York House way, it was achieved quickly and with great success by all those involved. With lots of fun had along the way! Works are due start in March with little disruption caused to the school routine. We look forward very much to the first ball being kicked in celebration soon.
OFF-THE-PITCH DEVELOPMENTS
WEEK 1
The first cut is the deepest for sure... We are off and running - well, standing back and watching the digging from a safe vantage point. A proud moment for Mr Woodford on Monday as he dug deep-ish(!) and realised his dream of seeing York House School with modern all-weather pitches, that underpins the ambitions of the school to provide the very best facilities for its students.
So far we have seen some very active digging and earth removal under the bluest of Hertfordshire skies. A large truck arrived to supply much aggregate, the first of many no doubt!
Nursery were out in excited numbers on Thursday afternoon seeing the men and their magnificent earth moving machines make light work of it all. A good start indeed...
WEEK 2
We are all banking on the pitches providing a great spectacle and this week it is really happening. The soil is forming an impressive gallery position on the cricket pitch side and the trucks are off-loading aggregate as quickly as the men can spread it around the footprint. A few trees have been removed and will of course be replaced by even more new ones, which has really opened up the space.
The weather has been quite glorious since the First Cut, but today signals a change... snow! Well, we'll wait and see on that one, but work is certainly moving in the right direction.
WEEK 3
The Easter eggs have been worked off, the inclement weather has passed (hopefully!) and the foundations are almost complete. The pitches are taking on another dimension this week with the outline of the pitches clearly visible and the whole surface area is looking good... and quite large!
More large trucks of aggregate arrived today and the workmen are busily distributing it across the site in the dumper truck. The cows in the adjoining field seem to be less excited about the whole thing…!
WEEK 5
After a week away and with the new Summer term now started, we return to find a black square of tarmac, briefly visible through the April showers when it decides that is enough rain for the day. Good solid progress.
The playing carpet is ready and waiting, whilst the launch event excitement is building to a fever pitch! What will next week bring us we wonder? Bright sunshine? More rain? Just maybe...