Away facilities

[CJB1]

It's interesting to locate the stadia of our future opponents and look at them on Google Earth. While we know that Coventry, Plymouth and Esher have developed their grounds and have stands with cover of varying kinds (and Mowden Park play in a 25,000 capacity all-seated all-covered stadium), some others seem not to, unless the Google fly-past is now outdated. I can't spot anything at Old Albanians resembling a stand, though there is a club house, and the same is true at Blaydon. At Ampthill there's a building that might have a stand element to it, towards one end of the ground. There might be a small stand at Hull Ionians in front of the clubhouse, difficult to tell accurately.

It looks like careful reading of the weather forecast might be wise! Perhaps supporters of these clubs could comment in case I've got it all wrong and they've put up facilities that don't show up yet.

[grooveavenue]

Welcome to National 1.

Mind you it was bad enough at London Welsh - not only weather exposed terrace for many fans but the Mose team were locked out of the dressing rooms at half time in the pouring rain (not LW who had facilities under the 'main stand area'!!). I also have a feeling that many more Nat 1 grounds are more rural so heavy footwear and water proofs are a must. Nevertheless, it will all be part of 'the match day experience'

[Westcountry Mose]

Let's not forget we only recently had a nice new covered stand to sit in. I can recall some visitors to BC expressing concerns over our uncovered 'second hand' stand and a friend and I nearly fell through some rotten timbers. I think the officials at the RFU and those that are keen to keep pumping £ms into the Premiership need to carefully consider the facilities facing ordinary (extraordinary?) players and fans up and down the country without whom there would be no RFU.

[CJB1]

Macclesfield seems to be clubhouse + pitch only as well. I'm sure the welcome will be excellent, but protection from the elements a bit lacking.

Has anyone here ever been to Hartpury College or Loughborough Uni?

[southernmose]

oddly enough I drove past Hartpury the other day. After the initial "oh, that's where it is" moment I had a quick squiz over the wall (so to speak). Assuming* I was looking at the right thing I think they've got a clubhouse and (newer) Bedford/Reddings style stand. 3 sides grass beyond the perimeter fence.

*so in reality it'll turn out to be either a park pitch or a 27,000 all-seater job...

[martinwatson aka Camera Shake]

Sept 8, 2016 9:29:44 GMT CJB1 said:

Has anyone here ever been to Hartpury College or Loughborough Uni?

Last time I was at Loughborough Uni filming on the main pitch, there was nothing. Just a pitch and a perimeter fence. No stand. No clubhouse. No immediately obvious location of toilets. Admittedly this wasn't for a Nat 1 league game so I don't know if they make any special arrangements for such games.

[kingsheathlad]

My son was at Loughborough. I will ask him.

[kingsheathlad]

My son said they have a modern stadium but he does not know about availability of a bar, food etc.

[kingsheathlad]

Just had a look at the Loughborough page under useful links. There is information about buying tickets on line pre match day £10 or £12 on the day. You can also book a pre match lunch at £15. Not clear if this includes the game ticket or food only.

[CJB1]

Sept 8, 2016 19:09:44 GMT kingsheathlad said:

Just had a look at the Loughborough page under useful links. There is information about buying tickets on line pre match day £10 or £12 on the day. You can also book a pre match lunch at £15. Not clear if this includes the game ticket or food only.

Sounds like a slap-up three course feed with fine wines if the ticket is extra.

[kingsheathlad]

You can't beat a Loughborough Merlot.

[CJB1]

Looking ahead to this weekend, photos on Hull Ionians' website confirm the existence of a main stand with roof, attached to the clubhouse. Also a balcony and standing area.

[CJB1]

Rosslyn Park would seem to have a stand on one side and a cowshed on the other. Does that sound right to anyone who's been there before?

[southernmose]

from memory, yes

[CJB1]

Checking on Blaydon after their visit here - their website refers to a stand that was put up a few years ago. Looking at Google Earth, there does seem to be a smallish stand on the halfway line on the south side of the main pitch - I think I was looking at the wrong pitch before. So fair play to them.

For Ampthill this weekend, I think we'll still be checking the weather forecast.

[secretarymsa]

According to the people at Ampthill there is no covered areas and no seating. Also parking maybe an issue but the team coach and MSA coach have reserved parking spaces
Only food available are rolls and tea / coffee from a hatch by the bar
To save on struggling to park why not book a seat on the MSA coach this Saturday?

[anonymous]

Sept 14, 2016 13:34:04 GMT CJB1 said:

Rosslyn Park would seem to have a stand on one side and a cowshed on the other. Does that sound right to anyone who's been there before?

That is correct, they have reasonable facilities as befits their history and standing as a formerly powerful club.

[alderman]

Sept 6, 2016 11:04:28 GMT CJB1 said:

It's interesting to locate the stadia of our future opponents and look at them on Google Earth. While we know that Coventry, Plymouth and Esher have developed their grounds and have stands with cover of varying kinds (and Mowden Park play in a 25,000 capacity all-seated all-covered stadium), some others seem not to, unless the Google fly-past is now outdated. I can't spot anything at Old Albanians resembling a stand, though there is a club house, and the same is true at Blaydon. At Ampthill there's a building that might have a stand element to it, towards one end of the ground. There might be a small stand at Hull Ionians in front of the clubhouse, difficult to tell accurately.

It looks like careful reading of the weather forecast might be wise! Perhaps supporters of these clubs could comment in case I've got it all wrong and they've put up facilities that don't show up yet.

Unless things have improved over the Summer, you will see a nice playing pitch and precious little else at Old Elthamians...

[alderman]

Hot food and alcoholic beverages now available pitch side at 3 outlets. Still no stand or other cover I’m afraid as improvements have become bogged down in the planning process. Some Coventry fans with mobility issues wisely brought their own chairs when they visited. Looking forward to your visit to College Meadow next week.