Sports And Recreation

Short-Mat Bowls in the Village Hall

We asked several questions to try and find out what the population of Parson Drove did with their spare time and what they would like to do, given the opportunity.

Of the various sports and activities we asked about, the most popular are cycling, swimming, dancing, bowls, golf and fitness training. Among the social activities, walking, social drinking, church, cinema and theatre were those most frequently participated in.

When we asked the above questions, we asked about activities done within a ten-mile radius of the parish. Some of the above require travel either to Wisbech or other villages, for example, swimming, golf and visiting the cinema or theatre.

We then asked the village what sporting facilities they would like to see within the parish. Aerobics and fitness training topped the list, closely followed by tennis, football, badminton, bowls and gym facilities. Since the questionnaire was completed a new pavilion has been provided for the outdoor bowls club.

The Five Bells, Church End – Social drinking is among
the most popular activities

Given that three of the top seven items are fitness related, there is clearly a demand for some form of health and fitness within the village. A club already exists for Yoga, but there is a demand for more energetic forms of exercise.

However, there is more to recreational and free time than just sports. Fig. 13 and fig. 14 illustrate the demand for facilities beyond the pure sporting ones, both in terms of individual projects within the village and in opening up the surrounding countryside for the enjoyment of all.

Continued...