Brightwell

Registered Charity Number: 1070119

(aka Brightwell Recreation Ground Association)

In 1944 Thomas Brightwell bequeathed in his will, in memory of his son who was killed in action in France in 1918, the land known as Dove Close to Byfield Parish Council for use as a recreation ground. The Parish Council purchased adjacent land from British Rail in 1979. In 1987 the two pieces of land were levelled and made into one, creating the present recreation ground. The original charity, the Brightwell Recreation Ground Association, dates from 1946 with the constitution revised in 1987 to manage the enlarged ground. For administrative reasons a new scheme was approved by the Charity Commissioners in 1998.

The objects of the charity are to manage the Brightwell Recreation for the benefit of all the inhabitants of Byfield. Everybody in the village is a member of the association; there is no joining fee or subscription. The different clubs that use the grounds do have subscriptions or playing fees.

However it is not necessary for Byfield residents to join a club to use the facilities. They can be hired on a casual basis for a small fee. The amount depends on the facility required.

The ground is in a most attractive setting and the facilities include a football/cricket pavilion with cricket square (including an all weather non turf wicket) and 2 football pitches; a bowls/tennis pavilion with associated greens and courts; and children’s play equipment.

The AGM is held in May each year to which everybody in the village is invited to attend.

The Management Trustees for 2007 are:

Chairman: (Appointed by Parish Council) - John West

Secretary: (Elected at AGM) - John Cannell

Treasurer: (Elected at AGM) - Claire Fox 01327 260173

Elected members (at AGM) - Mike Bosley

Ex-officio: Head of Byfield School - Andrew Ward

Ex-officio: Chairman of Village Hall - Brian Haynes

Byfield School PTA representative - Paul Fox

Parish Council representatives - John Cannell

Tennis Club representative - Rod Healey

Bowls Club representative - Chris Cross

Football Club representative - Mark Oliver

Cricket Club representative - Mick Lamb

Byfield Scout Group - Mark Bowell