Holt Sports Court

How did Holt Manage to get a Sports court?

Vision, team work and determination!

Meg Slade moved to Holt in 1996 from Atworth where she had been instrumental in getting a public tennis court built.  She felt that Holt should have one too and set about getting together a team of determined volunteers.   The Holt Sports and Recreation Committee was born!

The next three years were spent organising fund raising events, such as sponsored walks, pop quizzes, wine tasting and raffles. We were fortunate to have generous support from local businesses, together with a variety of grants from other organisations.   However, the main source of funding came from Sport England.  Much time was spent preparing the 38 page application for Lottery funding. We were turned down twice and asked to modify our application, we were determined and did not give up.

On January 25th  2000 we learned that we had been awarded the sum of £36,887 from Sport England to enable us to build the sports  court with floodlights. Work commenced in March.  Courtstall from Yate and Steve Zatchij from Holt were employed to carry out the work. The court was finished in mid July which coincided with the start of the school summer holidays. The rest is history.

The official opening was on September 24th 2000.  The court was opened by John Palmer, Chair of Holt Parish Council. Special guests included Chris Scully from Sport England and Bob Brice, WWDC Chairman.  Entertainment was provided by the Holt Morrismen.

How do I Book the court?

The main court may be booked in the following ways:

Regular bookings of a duration of 4 weeks or more can be made through Jo Lilley at 350 The street, opposite Holt Superstore (Tel 783141). Or email jolilley@wiltscoll.ac.uk

Individual bookings can be made through Holt Superstore.

The sports court can be used without booking by residents of Holt on a first come, first serve basis, but bookings take priority over non-bookings.

Non- Holt residents are expected to book the court.

What sports can be played on the court?

1.                   Tennis - generally set up for tennis in the summer months

2.                   Netball - posts are locked away but available for hire

3.                   Basketball

4.                   Five - a - side football

How much does it cost to hire?

Tennis - adults £5.00 an hour,  Children U18 £2:00 per hour

Netball/basketball/football club training  - £10 per hour

What about lighting?

The court has floodlighting. Tokens for the floodlights and the key for the token box are available from Holt Superstore. Each token costs £0.50 and gives half and hour of lighting. Lights will go out automatically after 10:00pm.

Who is in charge?

A committee of seven volunteers, their families and friends who maintain the court, organise activities and raise funds. 

Who uses the court?

The court is used regularly, on Tuesday evenings by the Holt Netball Club.  Melksham Netball Club and Trowbridge Town frequently book  the court for matches.  The Holt football club use it during the winter months, for training.  Tennis is most popular in the summer  A village tennis tournament is organised each summer for all ages and abilities.

Who should I contact?

Andy Slade - Chairman  01225 783253

Lindsay Podger - Secretary 01225 783264

Kevin Podger - Treasurer  01225 783264

Jo Lilley - Booking Secretary  01225 783141

 If you have any suggestions for new activities including coaching or organised sessions for children or adults, we would love to hear from you.  Any feedback is welcome.