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Nunthorpe & Marton Playing Fields Association - April 2025

Dear Members, Residents and Supporters,

As Chairman of NMPFA, I am pleased to share an update on the progress we have made over the past seven months. It has been a transformative period for the charity, and I want to begin by offering my heartfelt thanks to my fellow co-trustees. Their unwavering support and commitment have been invaluable. I also extend sincere appreciation to the many residents and members whose positivity and encouragement have fuelled our efforts.

Over the past months, we’ve focused on rekindling and strengthening relationships with local organisations and stakeholders. These renewed partnerships are aligned with the foundational vision of Lady Kathleen Harrison, whose generous gift of land and facilities continues to serve as a source of recreation, wellbeing and community unity for the people of Nunthorpe, Marton and Ormesby.

A major milestone has been the successful formation of a new Rackets Section, allowing us to proudly reintroduce Tennis facilities to the grounds. This is a significant achievement in restoring NMPFA as a hub for inclusive sports and recreation.

Working closely with legal teams, we’ve also stabilised the charity’s governance, ensuring compliance and putting in place robust structures to secure our long-term sustainability. This includes substantial investment in our buildings and infrastructure - reversing years of decline and implementing effective controls to safeguard our assets.

On the environmental front, we’ve partnered with local organisations to secure grants that enhance the biodiversity of our green spaces, ensuring they remain vibrant and beneficial for future generations.

One of the most heartening developments has been the homecoming of Nunthorpe Athletic Junior Football Club to their spiritual home. This partnership has opened the door for exciting future collaborations that will support both athletic development and community pride.

We’re also proud to report a steady increase in memberships and participation in our planned events. It’s inspiring to see more residents and local families engaging with our facilities and activities. This growth reflects the community’s confidence in our direction and validates the work being done to make NMPFA a true cornerstone of local life.

Of course, challenges remain. The reintroduction of cricket has taken longer than anticipated, but I’m pleased to report we now have a robust five-year development plan. We look forward to sharing more concrete updates on this front soon.

The collective efforts of recent months have been nothing short of exceptional. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and even more excited about the road ahead. NMPFA now stands on a sound foundation with a clear plan for the future. We will be making further announcements in due course and I welcome your questions, feedback and continued support.

With gratitude and optimism,
Chris Foggin 
Chairman, Nunthorpe & Marton Playing Fields Association