Development of relationships between people of like interests strengthens the community, and in some cases even assists in increasing their fitness levels (not including the chess players of the Parish, unfortunately!)
As a sign of its commitment to development of its recreational strategy, the Parish Council has spent a significant amount of taxpayers money on the maintenance of sporting facilities this year, most notably the repair of, and erection of new, fencing around the Grindley Playing Field. Money it feels is well-spent.
In 2003 "Sport England" held a seminar that involved representatives from many of the midlands sports associations.
This document outlines the findings of this representative audience, and focusses on mechanisms to aid the promotion of health and fitness in the community.
This page is aimed at providing information for parents and children who have a desire to play a sport, or join others in a local club of some description.
Preferably the clubs you advise us of will be situated locally, or within a short distance from the Parish.
Below we have listed a range of clubs for residents of all ages within the community.
Sports Clubs
Meir Heath Cricket Club
Feel free to come to the club if you are interested in playing, watching, or even joining. Log on to our new Website at www.meirheathcc.com and check out the fixtures to see which side is playing and when. You could always contact the club by phone or e-mail for further information.
Everyone is Welcome
Meir Heath Cricket Club were formed in 1946 and have represented the Meir Heath community continually since. The early days saw Meir Heath compete in the Uttoxeter & Blythe Bridge League, from their home ground location known as Bartlams Field. This site is now better known as Meir Heath Primary School.
In 1948 the club joined the Stone & District League and added a second team as interest blossomed within the community. Progress on the field continued whilst off the field changes saw a change of scenery in 1959 when Meir Heath secured an agreement to lease a field along Hilderstone Road (now the home of Meir K A Football Club).
Tireless work from the members saw the introduction of facilities such as a pavilion, score box and practice nets. The endeavours of those members resulted in the club's acceptance into the North Staffs & District League in 1969.
In the mid-seventies, Club President Gordon Taylor offered the cricket club 10 acres of woodland just off Hilderstone Road at Willow Lane. Mr Taylor decreed that the land would be given to the club on the understanding that the club members rallied around and converted this thick wooded area into a cricket pitch to be proud of. A modern pavilion was built by local master bricklayer Fred Rhead. The monumental task was finally achieved and 1980 saw the ground opened by England test player Bob Taylor.
Nowadays, Meir Heath are members of the North Staffs and South Cheshire Cricket League but that is just where the story begins. As club chairman Simon Alcock explains, “Being born and bred in Meir Heath, I am well aware of what the club means to our community and the opportunity exists for all people to play a part in our future success. Meir Heath Cricket Club have proved pioneers in so many ways, through the development of junior cricket for boys and girls, right through to our national recognition as one of the leading clubs in womens cricket.
Last year saw our mens 1st X1 team appear at the highest level of local cricket in the Premier League whilst our womens 1st X1 appeared in the National Premier League North. The exposure for this community is immense.
We have many players enjoying representative recognition at county level.
This year will see 27 Meir Heath players representing Staffordshire at various age groups. Remarkably, we also enjoy recognition at national level as one of our women players has been called up to the full England squad, whilst our womens captain is part of the England U-21 squad. We have 12 qualified coaches to help us develop local youngsters from Under 9 level upwards and encourage any youngsters interested in playing cricket, to get in touch and come along to Meir Heath and join our family. Our development plan is to introduce boys and girls to the great game of cricket and to provide Meir Heath and the surrounding villages with facilities to be proud of.
Family/Social membership is just £15 per year and entitles the whole family to come along, watch cricket at the most picturesque setting in North Staffordshire and help us to ensure that we can carry on promoting our village.
A clubhouse refurbishment in 2007, along with the introduction of Big Screen Sky TV, excellent bar facilities and a major investment in an extension/conservatory has seen our social capacity rise to over 100 people.
The clubhouse is available for hire and is currently a very popular choice following these upgrades. Anyone who would like to view our facilities can call Don Adams on 01782 850940. To keep up with club news we have a website www.meirheathcc.com. "
Simon Alcock can be contacted on 07770 302169 or by email simon@potteriestyres.co.uk.
Caverswall Juniors F.C
... are setting up a completely new U9 (School Yr 3) team and are looking for players from the Fulford Parish area.
For more information contact Stephen Miller on 07989 975878 or email email Stephen here
Staffordshire Badminton League
Stone Alleynians Football Club
Blythe Bridge Cricket Club ... the official website for both the junior & senior teams.
Heart of England Equestrian Centre - B.H.S Approved
Other North Staffs Equestrian Centres
