30 Mar 2025
Representatives from Wheathampstead Parish Council, Wheathampstead Wanderers FC and Herts police joined county High Sheriff Annie Brewster for a special football match commemorating 10 years of the village’s community astroturf pitch.
The event took place at Marfield Playing Fields, and saw a challenge clash between local police and the Wanderers.
The pitch has been supported by the parish council for the past decade, after local children told them there was nothing to do in the village and they’d like a 3G pitch.
The project was subsequently supported by Sport England and Hertfordshire FA.
It has subsequently reduced anti-social behaviour in the village, supported new friendship groups, kept children active from a very young age, allowed parents and children to play together and even seen some youngsters progress into men’s and women’s professional ranks.
The difference between this pitch and most others is that it is free to use by the community for the majority of the time, with the football team training for just a couple of hours for a fee that supports the maintenance.
Cllr David Johnston, parish chairman in 2014, said he was delighted to welcome Annie to the event as she was instrumental to the concept in her role as vice chairman at the time
In her current capacity as High Sherriff, Annie said how thrilled she was to participate in the day. Her High Sheriff theme for the year has been ‘sport for good’ and was entirely encapsulated by this project.
Annie went on to speak of the importance of volunteers how their role played here and elsewhere is supporting the community.
WWFC former chairman Andy Ellis, and current chairman Miles Briggs added that its availability was instrumental in the development of professional sporting careers of local youth, and in providing a safe pace, fresh air, companionship and exercise for many, many more.
The final score was 8 – 3 to Wheathampstead Wanderers although this was not reflected in what turned out to be a gripping match. The police, accompanied by Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Dodsworth, turned out in force to support their team – captained by Sgt Mark Essam.
Afterwards it was tea and coffee, or fizz, and birthday cake, cut, in style using the High Sheriff’s sword. She was assisted by Parish Council chairman Owain McKenzie, WWFC chairman Miles Briggs and Sgt Essam, who added : “It was a great day, and I was really pleased to see so many members of public taking an interest.
“Same again next year – we will get our revenge!”
