Our History
In 1842, the Parish of Garboldisham was granted a 4-acre allotment of land, abutting Broomscott Common, with the purpose of providing a recreational space for the community. This generous provision has since served as a lasting foundation for the well-being and enjoyment of the people of Garboldisham. Today, we continue to honor this legacy, offering a space that connects the past with the present while fostering a sense of community and outdoor recreation for all.
The Journey so far....
1842 – Parish of Garboldisham awarded an allotment of 4 acres.
In 1842, the Parish of Garboldisham was awarded an allotment of 4 acres (approx. 2.2 hectares) of land abutting Broomscott Common for the recreation of the people of Garboldisham.
1974 – First Managerial Trustees of the recreation ground convened. Fundraising for a permanent football pitch begin.
It was in 1974, following pressure from the then Football Club for a permanent football pitch that a committee of D. Sheppard, P. Girling, M. Baker, W. Gamble, C. Lambert, R. Rixson and G. Wilcox was instigated and became the Managerial Trustees of Garboldisham Recreation Ground instituted and authorised by the Charities Commission. Garboldisham Parish Council remained as the Custodial Trustees, whilst the newly formed Management Trustees undertook to raise funds, to manage, and improve and maintain the Recreation Ground.
July 1975 – Groundworks for permanent football pitch complete and pavilion opened.
With work being undertaken to improve the playing surface the pavilion was built by a team of volunteers – Mervyn Fulcher, Jock Morrison, Alan Newby, Mervyn Pawsey and Michael Ling with assistance of the Managerial Trustees such as Bill Gamble and Philip Girling. Once the pavilion had been completed and opened on July 27th 1975, the Pavilion was used not only as a changing room for the Football Club, but also for Village user groups.
1984 - Long Jump Pit installed for the use of the Young Athletes group.
In 1984 a Long Jump Pit was installed for the use of the Young Athletes group led by Wally Thrower, when upwards of fifty children would meet each Saturday to participate in a range of athletic pursuits.
c.1990 – New children’s play equipment and safety surfacing installed.
Further facilities for children were improved by the assistance of a grant of £30,000.00 from WREN under the Landfill Tax Legislation which allowed for all new play equipment and full BSI approved safety surfaces at a cost of £33,500.00.
Sep 1990 – Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) opens
September 1990, the Multi-Use Games Area was opened, much of the money for this having been provided by local sponsors and grants from the Heritage Lottery Funding and the Football Association. This floodlit area allowed the Tennis Club, The Netball Club, 5-a-side Soccer and Football Training to take place, as well as private hire.
c.2000 – Football club grow and further groundworks complete.
The Football Association and the Heritage Lottery also generously supported the reinvigorated Football Club, who worked tirelessly stone picking and spreading 34 tonnes of earth across the pitch to smooth the surface.
2009 – Rabbit proof fencing erected to protect football pitch
In 2009 rabbit proof fencing was erected to try to eradicate the perpetual undermining by rabbits and moles. This club was so successful that it boasted 2 x senior teams and 2 x junior teams in leagues, and every Saturday the pitch was full of children being trained by volunteers with a further training evening on Wednesday evenings.
2024 – Garboldisham Community Green group established to take over management of the recreation ground
In 2024, The Garboldisham Community Green group indicated that they wished to take over the management of the Recreation Ground to attempt to upgrade facilities. Members of this group now form the Management Trustees of Garboldisham Recreation Ground whilst the Parish Council remain as Custodial Trustees.
2025 – Garboldisham Sport and Community Green grows from strength to strength
Recently improvements to the Pavilion, children’s play equipment and multi-use games area have been undertaken. A small fruit orchard planted, and work undertaken upon the boundary hedge, with some of the scrub undergrowth removed to facilitate access and rejuvenate existing flora and fauna.
Over the years it has been used by Garboldisham Football Club, Garboldisham Tennis Club, Garboldisham Netball Club, Garboldisham Playgroup, Garboldisham Gardening Club, Garboldisham Grovels Cycling Club, Paul Morgan Band, Garboldisham Drama Group, W.I. Darts, Garboldisham Cubs and Scout Groups, Garboldisham Rainbows and Brownie Packs, Garboldisham Parish Charities, Garboldisham Parish Council, Garboldisham Lace Ladies, Craft Groups and private bookings..
Sadly, the number of clubs using the facilities has diminished over the years, mainly through the lack of volunteers to run them (this includes Scouts and Brownie Packs) the Football Club, Playgroup, W.I. Darts etc). It is hoped that more user groups can be found to use the facilities available, and grant monies, as well as fund raising, can continue to improve the whole area.
The Trustees of the Allotment for the Recreation Ground and the Management Committee are working tirelessly to reinvigorate the community space, see the ‘Projects’ tab for more info and how you can support.