On the weekend of June 22nd/23rd Hunmanby Playing Fields Association celebrated two important occasions, firstly it was exactly two years ago that a fire almost completely destroyed the clubhouse. Secondly it is exactly one year ago that the club reopened after the fire. To commemorate the anniversary of these two important dates the following is a brief up date on the clubs present situation and future prospects.

After the insurance company and the fire service investigations were completed the rebuilding began and was done in two phases, first the partially damaged lounge /function room was completed which enabled the club to reopen as soon as possible (February 2001).

Then the severely damaged bar area was redesigned, rebuilt and finally reopened on June 21st 2001 exactly one year after the fire.

During the rebuild various improvements and other alterations were incorporated into the new design. The changing rooms and showers etc were improved and better facilities were incorporated to accommodate the many local sports teams who use the club. The bar area was also altered, seating was rearranged, a second pool table was purchased and a memorial wall “The Phoenix Wall” was built (see photo E) into the bar to commemorate the original building. (The bar area was completely gutted in the fire). The new design also included facilities for the disabled the first pub /club to do so in Hunmanby.

The lounge/function room also included improvements, a dance floor and stage was added (see photo A). The lighting was revamped and now incorporates a series of optical lights in the ceiling above the dance floor. The kitchen was modernised. A bigger and better “big screen” was installed to view the major sporting events and improved bar facilities were added.

A new committee was elected at the AGM held in November 2001 and after a few teething problems were sorted out, and a lot of hard work and dedicated commitment by the committee and the members, the club in the opinion of some, is now in a stronger and healthier position than it was prior to the fire.

Sadly the steward and his assistant decided to move on to pastures new. Robert Burton filled the newly created position of bar manager assisted by his partner Janet Giplin and other part time staff. All have so far played a major role, along with the committee and members in getting the club back to the envious position of been one of the most popular venues in the village of Hunmanby for sporting, entertainment and private functions.

The Hunmanby Playing Fields Associations aim is to provide sporting facilities and social amenities, for the many affiliated clubs and individuals in and around the village, which include Hunmanby United and Hunmanby Hornets Saturday and Sunday football teams. Hunmanby Crown Green Bowling Club, Hunmanby Cricket Club, Hunmanby Tennis Club, Hunmanby Junior Football Club as well as pool teams, darts teams, quiz teams, domino teams etc, which are all open to both sexes.

In addition to the above the club provides John Smiths Bitter, Fosters Lager, guest beers and all other bar commodities at competitive prices. Catering is also available provided by the clubs kitchen staff. Terry and Mary Langfords traditional Sunday lunches have proved very popular with lots of people in and around the village. Private functions are another of her specialities and many local organisations now contact the club to arrange their private parties.

With all the above and the annual gala day and carnival, plus many other traditional village events Hunmanby Playing Fields Association offers a wide range of activities for all age groups. So why not pay us a visit, and become a member of one of Hunmanbys most popular local organizations. You can find us at our headquarters in Sands Lane just over the railway crossing on the road to Hunmanby Gap or telephone 01723/891057 for more details.