The Claygate Recreation Ground
The Recreation Ground was established in 1932, covering seven acres and is now used by tens of thousands of people every year.
The Claygate Recreation Ground Trust (CRGT) was set up in 1998 to manage and preserve Claygate’s Recreation Ground, adjacent woodland and clubhouse in an initiative set up between Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) and the community of Claygate, initiated by the late Cllr Hugh Ashton.
The CRGT is a registered charity (number 1180381) and is responsible for managing the finances of the trust and planning and implementing continuous improvements so that the recreation ground remains a focal point for the whole community.
The CRGT is also a proud member of Fields In Trust - a national organisation set up to protect our playing fields and park areas for future generations.
Our Work
Since coming into being, The CRGT has overseen a remarkable £500K of capital improvements made possible by a range of grants, awards and the generosity of the local community.
Some of the works completed include; The building of the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA or the ‘Cage’), improved drainage, fertilising, re-seeding of the entire ground, major woodland clearance, new steel palisade fencing, the planting of 2,000 daffodils, access to Claygate Primary School via a pathway at the rear entrance, the new Foley Road pedestrian gate and new wooden bins.
A major landscaping project is also ‘on the horizon’, plus other important improvements in the near future. See NEWS.
The most recent focal point of the CRGT’s work is the new Claygate Clubhouse, which was opened in May 2012 and replaced the old antiquated 1930’s building. The CRGT raised over £360k and managed the building works, including mobilising volunteer labour and supplies (to the tune of £103K) to fit-out the building interior and install a new community cafe - a magnificent community achievement.
Sadly in November 2016, the Clubhouse suffered a devastating fire as the result of criminal damage. The CRGT are working hard with Elmbridge BC to rebuild and improve the Clubhouse as soon as possible.
Trustees
The CRGT is comprised of 16 volunteer trustees, nine from represented organisations and seven locally elected representatives.
CRGT Chairman: Helen Maguire
CRGT Vice-Chairman: Tracy Scott
CRGT Treasurer: Sam Ahmed
CRGT Secretary: Fiona Chapman
CRGT Resident Trustees:
Helen Maguire
Brendan Hemmings
Tracy Scott
John Snelling
Damian Ross
Sam Ahmed
1 x vacancy
The following organisations represented on The CRGT are:
Claygate Cricket Club: Mike Roberts
Claygate Royals Football Club: Jon Harding
Claygate Youth Representative: Fiona Chapman
Claygate Village and Flower Show: tbc
Claygate Parish Council: Anthony Marques
Claygate Primary School: Caroline Bolshaw
Claygate Village Association: Vanessa Relleen
Holy Trinity Church: Helen Jones
Elmbridge Borough Council: Mike Rollings