National Grounds Work Week is an annual UK-wide campaign organised by the Grounds Management Association (GMA) to celebrate the expertise and professionalism of those who maintain sports playing surface and green spaces, the often-unsung role of grounds staff and volunteers in making sport possible, from local grass roots pitches to elite stadiums.
This year the Chilton Miners Welfare Recreation Ground has been chosen as a case study to highlight the difference that commitment and dedication can make to turn around the quality of a much-loved community venue.
The Charlie Wayman Playing Fields, managed by the Miners’ Welfare Recreation Grounds Charity Trust, are home to natural grass pitches that were out of use for football for more than eight years due to persistent drainage issues and declining surface quality.
In 2024, the Trust engaged the GMA through Durham County FA to assist in developing a structured long-term approach to improvement to make the pitches playable once again.
Working with Joe Dredge (Durham County FA) and Chris Hunter, that ambition has been achieved.
Joe explained: “After an eight-year absence of no football, Sue Reece reached out to the Durham FA in 2024 asking for help to improve this pitch and make it playable once again.
“Not to underestimate the scale of the challenge but working together, even through technical issues around the application stage, with Sue’s perseverance we were able to secure a grant for the equipment and maintenance programme.”
Chris Hunter added: “It’s been great to see the progress at Charlie Wayman Playing Fields. Securing their own machinery and taking control of the maintenance has been a real turning point, allowing the site to be managed consistently and sustainably.”
The impact has been clear to those using the pitches. Chilton Juniors FC, who use the site on a rotational basis, have seen a dramatic improvement.
Chairman Richard Hooper said: “The condition of the Charlie Wayman pitches is as good as I’ve ever seen in their existence.
“The regular maintenance and hard work carried out by Dave English and all other volunteers has enabled games to go ahead which would never have been possible under these weather conditions a few years ago.”
Sue Reece, Chair of Trustees said: “The groundwork being led by trustee David English, supported by valuable advice from Joe Dredge and Dan McElhone (Durham County FA) and Chris Hunter (GMA) has been central to the project.”
“Thank you to Joe, Dan, Chris and David, alongside the great working partnership with Chilton Juniors FC and Chilton Club FC, we have realised the town’s ambition, following in the footsteps of the other great Chilton clubs and legends, including Sam Hartnell and Charlie Wayman, to get football back on the Charlie Wayman Field.”
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
