Chapel-en-le-frith footballers are enjoying a double celebration this month. Not only have the restrictions been lifted so that they can train and play again; they also have a new and improved club mower which means the pitch is always match-ready.
Chapel Town Football Club which has six junior, two senior and a girls’ team all train and play on the one pitch. The club’s old mower was more than 20 years old and had required major maintenance over recent years, making it very unreliable. Thanks to a donation of almost £14,000 from Tarmac’s Landfill Communities Fund*, the Club has been about to buy a three-bladed sit-on mower which is already making a big difference to the grounds staff and players.
The Club’s chairman Alastair Carrington said: “Many thanks to all at Tarmac for providing us with this chance to upgrade our machine. Players, committee members and supporters are all very grateful.”
Josie Shereston, environmental coordinator at Tarmac’s nearby Tunstead cement plant, added: “Grass roots sport has had such a struggle over the last year with very little time where people have been able to play or train. I am delighted that Tarmac has been able to give this club such a practical boost with the grant to replace their old mower. Hopefully all the teams will be back soon, enjoying the well-cut playing surface!”
*The Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund (or Landfill Tax Credit Scheme as it was formerly known) enables landfill operators like Tarmac, to donate part of their annual tax liability to enrolled Environmental Bodies for a variety of approved community and environmental projects. Landfill operators can reclaim 90% of their contribution as a tax credit which means the remaining 10% must be provided either by them or an independent third party. Through the fund Tarmac donates around £1 million each year to community projects throughout the UK. The fund is open to applicants who meet the strict criteria for projects delivering community benefit. For more information, please go to www.entrust.org.uk
Photo caption: The Chapel Town Football Club girls’ team show off the new mower to Tarmac Tunstead Cement Plant’s environmental coordinator Josie Shereston (in the seat of the mower).