Coniston AFC, the catalyst for a living legacy – P. Hill

Coniston AFC, the catalyst for a living legacy – Coniston Sports and Social Centre. When local man John Usher died, tragically, in 1993 he left the bulk of his estate to five Village organisations: Coniston Village Institute, The P.C.C. of Coniston St. Andrew 's Church, Coniston Cameo Club, Coniston Cricket Club and last, but by no means least, Coniston Football Club. Coniston Amateur Football Club very kindly donated their legacy towards the founding of the Coniston Sports and Social Centre. The legacy of John Usher stimulated the original plan for improvement here. The land is still owned by the Coniston AFC, who kindly lease it to the Coniston Sports and Social Centre Committee for the benefit of the Community of Coniston. This major plan commenced several years ago and came to fruition, on the Coniston Amateur Football Club Ground in 2004. The project consisted of the building of a completely new Sports and Social Centre for the district of Coniston. A massive fund-raising scheme was necessary and the organising committee also secured a substantial grant from the "Sport England" Lottery Fund which along with John Usher’s legacy secured creation of the Sports and Social Centre. The Soccer pitch remains, of course, but a multi-use games area has been added outdoors, with an all-weather surface and floodlights. There’s a gym, modern changing rooms and showers, a bar and function room and a greatly enlarged car-parking area that enables sportsmen and sportswomen (and spectators) to leave their vehicles nearby. Also there are the wonderful views from the Club looking up to the fells, enough to make any off comer green with jealousy. Throughout the time of building there were some tremendously difficult times. Without the tenacity and stubbornness of a group of local people the project could very easily not reached fruition. A Management Committee now exists whose responsibility it is to manage all the affairs of the Sports and Social Centre. The current committee is building from the sterling work of previous Committee Members and employees without whom the Centre would not be the thriving place it is today. The Committee work in partnership with the Coniston Amateur Football Club to enhance and enrich the opportunities for everyone in the district of Coniston. We are indebted to many people – thank you. Coniston Sports & Social Centre has quickly become the premier venue for functions and parties, and also, hosted the “Music With A View” music festival during July of this year. Bar / Function Room The bar is open 6 days a week, is featured in the CAMRA real ale guide with 2 guest cask ale pumps and a variety of beers supplied by Thwaites of Blackburn. The Centre Licensees take great pride in the product they sell. You’ll be pleased at the prices as well! News Football Association’s ANNUAL REPORT 2004/05 AWARDS - “A number of awards are available from The Football Association and I am pleased to congratulate Bob Airey of Coniston FC who received County Groundsman of the Year Award.” As of 23rd Aug 2005 TALBOT INSURANCE WESTMORLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE Division 1 Coniston lie 3rd Coniston Water Festival 2005. It is with great delight that the Coniston Sports and Social Centre will be hosting some of the Water Festival events. Throughout the week - 5-a-side football To register call John E Kirkbride on 01539441082 or fill in the sheet at the Sports Centre notice board. Entry fee£5 per team Friday 23rd September Waterfestival Quiz Night Sunday 25th September Soap box racing No entry fee Turn up on the day at 5pm