British Army News Release
New sports pitch honours local stalwart.
A new sports pitch will help bring together the military and civillian communities in Woodbridge and celebrates the contribution of a Parish Councillor to Sutton Heath.
The Dawson's Court was offically opened on Thursday 12th December 2013. It has been built to improve sporting facilities for children from both military and civillian families in Sutton Heath, which is home to 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault)
The floodlit pitch's name marks the conribution of Dawson Pratt, vice chair of Sutton Heath Parish Council, to developing links between soldiers, their families and civillians around the base.
Colonel Jacko Jackson, Deputy Commander 16 Air Assault Bridgade, and Mr Pratt were joined by children from Sandlings Primary School to open the pitch, which can be used for football, basketball, netball and tennis.
The £100,000 project was developed by the Woodbridge Armed Forces Community Covenant, which was signed by Suffolk Coastal District Council, Woodbridge Town Council, Sutton Heath Parish Council and The Royal British Legion in December 2011 as a statement of mutual support between the civillian community and Woodbridge troops.
Alongside a £25,000 grant from the Armed Forces Community Covenant fund, Dawson's Court was built with money from Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Coastal District Council and the Colchester Garrison Welfare Fund. The family of Captain Alan Crompton, an officer from 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) who was killed in a road accident in September 2011, also contributed.
Mr Pratt said: "There is a growing sense of community spirit developing between military and civillian residents in Sutton Heath and I'm humbled that my modest contribution has been recognised in the naming of this pitch.
"We worked hard to secure the funding needed to convert what was a derelict basketball court from Woodbridge's days as an American base and it's been exciting to see the pitch take shape. It's already used everyday, including by the school, a group of wives who've set up a netball team and we're looking to start running basketball coaching for children soon."
Lieutenant Colonel Jason Hones, Commanding Officer of 23 Engieer Regiment (Air Assault), said: "This pitch is an excellent example of the close relationship between the military and civillian communties in Woodbridge, and how we can work together for mutual benefit. It is already a well used and lively addition to the welfare facilities that we have developing for all from the local area to use.
"Naming the pitch in honour of DawsonPratt is a fitting tribute to his tirless work locally in support of both the civillian and military communities".