Pavilion at Lawrence Kellett playing field, Dowlish Wake, reopens

The pavilion at the Lawrence Kellett playing fields in Dowlish Wake was destroyed in the attack on October 13, 2016, in a crime which no one has been convicted for yet.

The group of trustees dedicated months to fundraising, and with the help of South Somerset District Council and the News’ parent company Gannett, the rebuild is now complete.

More than 130 people attended the opening ceremony on July 22, including representatives from Coombes contractors and Chris Baranowski, the architect.

Guests enjoying the grand opening. 

Mike Lane, chairman of the Dowlish Wake Playing Field Trust, said: “The grand opening went very well. It was a very special day.

“The new sports pavilion has very modern facilities. It’s been built to a high standard, as well as being environmentally friendly, and very secure.”

The new facilities features a kitchen, a club room and changing rooms.

The ribbon was cut by two of the volunteer trustees who enabled the project to reach fruition.

Mr Lane added: “We asked two of our trustees to cut the ribbon in honour of how hard they both worked.

“Tony Carter, our treasurer, and Mario Ruiz, project manager, officially cut the ribbon.”

Mr Lane made an emotional speech to the crowd to mark the occasion.

He spoke about how proud he was of the team for completing the project in 21 months with £200,000, and thanked the project’s supporters of the ‘huge achievement’.

The finished pavilion. 

“The facility is now for everyone to utilise,” Mr Lane added.

“We want it to be well-used. Not just by the people of Dowlish Wake, but from people of the wider community.

“We didn’t rebuild it for it not to be used. It’s a beautiful facility, and can be used for anything, sports clubs or for social events.”