BRISTOL & West Hockey Club members are looking forward to playing on a new pitch thanks to a refurbishment project carried out at Mangotsfield School.
The club has been based at the school on Rodway Hill for the last two years, after its previous pitch at Winterbourne Academy was switched to a 3G artificial surface, which is unsuitable for hockey.
This summer the pitch at Mangotsfield School was relaid with a new 2G surface, with new LED floodlights and safety barriers for spectators.
Club chairman Andy Bryce said: “The pitch refurbishment project was funded by Castle School Education Trust. B&WHC also contributed some money to the project for the provision of the spectator barriers.
“The school considered the option of conversion to a 3G pitch, which is a type of surface that is primarily suitable for football.
“However, after consultation with B&WHC and recognition of its heavy use for youth and adult hockey by the local community, the school opted for replacing the existing 2G surface.
“We are extremely grateful that Mangotsfield School and CSET took the view to safeguard the provision of Hockey in the area.
“The new surface and new energy efficient flood lighting now provide a high quality facility and will mean that B&WHC can continue to grow and offer more ways for the school and local community to get involved in this exciting and engaging sport.”
Bristol & West have also unveiled a rebrand for the club ahead of the new season, which starts this month.
A new badge, combining elements of Bristol & West and Jaspers Ladies, will go on a new kit made out of 100% recyclable shirt fabrics, manufactured from recycling waste fibres and plastic bottles.
The current club kit has been in use for over 10 years and has served us very well.
Main club sponsor Danco, along with local businesses, Bryant Associates Wealth Management and TA Baylis Electrical Services, have helped massively in subsidising the new playing kit.
On the pitch, B&WHC men came second overall in the Southport Se7ens hockey festival, with the women coming third and a mixed team second against clubs from across the country.
The club also entered teams in the Keynsham Hockey Club Annual Memorial Tournament in support of Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation, winning the tournament for a second year running and helping raise £1,434.37 was raised over a fun day of social hockey.
For more information about Bristol & West HC, visit www.bandwhc.org.uk.
Harry Bryant