£85,000 Investment brings new sports and community pavilion to Elston

The REPF scheme is a UK Government initiative, integrated within the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), aiming to providing funding to rural organisations, to help address the unique challenges faced by residents and businesses within these areas.  

As a result of the grant funding, the construction of a wooden pavilion on the village recreation field has been successfully completed and opened formally on Saturday 16 August 2025.  The facility includes changing and showering rooms for two teams and officials, a kitchen for refreshments, an accessible toilet and extended on-site car parking for up to 30 vehicles, with bays for those with disabilities, and an electric vehicle charging point.

Elston was previously considered to have limited sporting and community facilites and local sports clubs were forced to play outside of the village. With thanks to the recent investment, Elston now has a much-needed base for local sports clubs, community events and volunteers, with plans to expand opportunities for junior, women’s, and walking football teams.

Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is a fantastic example of how funding opportunities can make a real difference in our rural communities. The new pavilion in Elston not only provides a home for the local sports team but it also serves as a vibrant space for community events and cultural activities. It’s about creating places where people can come together, feel proud of where they live, and enjoy healthier, more connected lives.”

The grounds are home to Elston United Football Club, managed by Stuart Cross, who played their first home match in Division 1 of the Notts Senior League, having been promoted for the 2025/26 season, against Meden Vale Colts Football Club immediately following the opening of the new pavilion.

Stuart Cross said: “The opening of these changing rooms will have a big impact on the village and the football club. For the first time, we will be able to bring organised adult sport into the village. Elston United is a community football club, and these facilities mean that we can now play our home games in the village, but they will also enable us to provide a base to grow our number of teams and to expand our other activities, such as walking football. Getting to this point has been a major effort over 15 years from many local people, the football club and the Parish Council, and we’re very grateful for the critical financial support that Newark and Sherwood District Council has been able to provide.”

Beyond sport, the pavilion will support a wide range of community uses - from outdoor festivals to local gatherings - helping to foster a stronger sense of identity and belonging in the village.

The project was delivered by Elston Parish Council, with oversight from a dedicated working group of councillors, staff and local volunteers. An opening day was held for local residents and official representatives on Saturday 16 August 2025, for Elston United FC’s first on-site game.

The pavilion is located on the Erasmus Darwin Park which has borrowed its name from the grandfather of Charles Darwin, who was born and lived in Elston Hall from 1731 until the 1750s.

Bertie Pinchera, Chair of Elston Parish Council, said: “This is a significant development for the village and the surrounding area. It would not have been possible without support from the community especially those dedicated to ensuring the project was delivered on time and within the cost constraints. We would also like to thank Newark and Sherwood District Council who provided a significant part of the funding through the Rural England Prosperity Fund.”

Enquiries regarding the facility can be made through the Parish Council Clerk at clerk@elston-pc.org.uk.