Many of you will by now be aware that training at the Uplands has been discontinued for the time being. This is due to the enforced removal of the permanent floodlighting at the site (which was completed last Sunday - 9/1/05) following the threat of possible legal action. Removal of the lighting was totally unavoidable and the Club had absolutely no choice but to strictly adhere to the wishes of the North Somerset Council. Our future use of the Uplands now needs to be considered very carefully by the Club Committee, taking into consideration the Council's stipulation about usage and associated conditions.

With a Club of over 100 playing members, this leaves us with a distinct problem, but I am pleased to report that today (Tuesday, 11/1/05) we have received some very positive news. Derek and Steve have managed to secure weekly use of an all weather facility at the Clifton College Sports Ground, Abbots Leigh (where Bristol City train). From Thursday, 3rd February 2005 and each Thursday until the end of March, we have a full sized all weather football pitch to train on from 6.00 pm until 7.30 pm. There will be enough space for four of our sides to train on (First team, Reserves, 'A' and 'B' teams) and will broaden the scope of the content of the sessions. The Colts will also be welcome but having spoken to Kav, they will still be holding a separate session at a location to be determined each Tuesday.

The facility comes at a substantial price and we will need to charge around £2.50 per session from each of you the players. However, I have agreed with Derek that the Club will cover any shortfall in the total cost - I hope you will all agree that we simply must have somewhere appropriate to train.

I realise this site is not in Nailsea and it will mean a car journey. However, as you are all aware, this wonderful town of ours remains devoid of any all weather facility and we have little choice but to look beyond. However, Abbots Leigh is a superb facility with an excellent pitch, changing facilities, showers and bar and in my and Barry's view is the right way forward now and beyond. Please support this initiative by attending - this is the only way we will be able to sustain the facility.

Can I just finish by thanking Derek and Steve for arranging this facility, one which I hope you will all get the most out of.

Spence

For more information on the Clifton College sports ground please click here

A map and directions to the Clifton College sports ground are here

No excuses for a bad touch on here...oh dear!