Land Development FAQs

The Covenham Grounds

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What facilities will be available at the new grounds?

There will be a building with running water and toilet facilities only. Our aim is to keep the Peter Marsh Pavilion as the hub of the club operation as it is now.

Our lease agreement is for the grounds and the golf driving range bays (which obviously we won’t use) but we will benefit from the driving range floodlighting near the bays (once they have been refurbished) for mid-week evening training.

Where will we park?

There is NO parking available to us at the Fairmile Pub and therefore members should continue to park in Munro House or the club car park when appropriate. Also, the only changing room facilities will be at The Club.

Should we use the Fairmile Pub?

Whilst there is no issue with having a drink at the Fairmile pub, we hope that the great bar atmosphere and excellent food offered at the Club will continue to draw members in allowing the Club to continue to thrive.

The plan on the website shows three pitches – is that what will happen?

The provisional plan is for 3 sports pitches, but this may change if we find that the land can accommodate more. We will update you as this becomes clearer.

When will we be using the new grounds?

This is dependant on a number of factors - some within our control, but many outside of our remit, especially the weather. So, weather permitting, we are anticipating that we should be playing on the new Covenham pitches in January 2013.

Who will decide on the use of the new pitches?

Strategically, this will be managed by the CSA in association with the various sections.

At a tactical level, Suzanne Whealing currently takes responsibility for managing the use of the existing grounds and has kindly offered to take on the management of the additional grounds.

Who will be using the new grounds?

This is not yet finalised but the provisional plan is:

· Seniors Rugby Training

· Youth Rugby Training and Matches

· U11 & U12 Rugby Training and Matches

· Lacrosse Training and Matches

· Extended Minis Tournaments

… but, again, this is subject to change

In addition, one of the opportunities that the Rugby Club are anticipating is the introduction of Women’s Rugby to Cobham. Our current aim is to always have the younger club members on the main site.

What about crossing the Portsmouth Road?

Safety is and always has been top of the club’s agenda. We have undertaken a risk assessment on this with our Health & Safety Officer, Dick Frost, and we are developing plans of how best to control the safe crossing of the road.

A team is now investigating the options here and following a meeting last month we are pleased to report that Surrey County Council have agreed to provide at their cost an uncontrolled crossing over the Portsmouth Road at it’s junction with the Munro House access road. This will in the first instance be a matter for the club to control and monitor during periods of high usage.

What will we be calling the new pitches?

The Covenham Grounds

What can I do to help?

There will be many opportunities for you and your family to be involved in this development.

As always, if you would like to offer your assistance, in any capacity, please send an email to newland@cobhamsports.com or discuss your contribution with any member of the CSA Committee