We manage both competitive and recreational sports, and positively encourage involvement from seniors and juniors alike in all sections. At Towcestrians, we work hard, we play hard, we stay fit and we have fun.
The Old Towcestrians Rugby Club was the first element to be founded in 1933, and consisted of ‘old boys’ from Towcester Grammar School (now Sponne School Technology College). During the following summer, the Old Towcestrians Cricket Club was then established, which naturally included many members from the rugby club too.
Both groups operated independently, however, until the mid-1960s. Rugby was played in the centre of Towcester, whilst the cricket club used the school pitch, pavilion, and canteen (for those wonderfully English cricket teas…).
Then, in 1967, thoughts began to converge in earnest about amalgamating both groups into one, to form a combined ‘open’ club. Negotiations were begun with Hesketh Estates regarding the availability of land. And committee discussion commenced on drafting a constitution for what would become the merged entity. By February the following year, a 30 year lease had been signed by the joint committee for 9 acres of land off the Greens Norton Road. The merger of the two clubs was formally approved in March. And Towcestrians Rugby and Cricket Club moved forward under the chairmanship of Colin Wakelin.
First tennis, and then hockey joins too…
Interestingly, although Old Towestrians Tennis Club was far older than both the rugby and the cricket clubs, having originally formed in 1925, they didn’t join in the party until the summer of 1968. But these were exciting times.
In August the following year, planning permission was then given for the development of further facilities, and construction began on both the actual clubhouse and the surroundings. The new ground was officially opened just one year after that, in August 1970. A mammoth project driven forward by the extraordinary voluntary efforts of the club members.
The Hockey Club joined in in 1982, and they were able to make use of the grass pitch until new hockey rules forced a change and they had to migrate to playing on artificial pitches in Northampton.
Recent developments…
It’s not just the facilities we’ve been expanding. In 2017, the fastest growing sport in the country – netball – also joined in; a superb addition to what was already a great mix on offer at Towcestrians. In 2020, we also welcomed Archery, an active, inclusive and accessible sport that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
In September 2019 The new state of the art Hockey pitch was opened and Hockey returned to their “Home” after a gap of 26 years playing on rented pitches. This has enabled us not only enabled us to expand our ladies’ section but also we now have 2 men’s teams as well as junior, mixed and Masters sides.
Superb modern facilities…
We now have an amazing clubhouse, large enough to host sizeable social events as well as be available for hiring as a venue for weddings, parties, and get-togethers. We also have a new state-of-the-art gym (run by AWG Fitness), an upgraded kitchen, new toilet facilities, and a lovely outside barbeque area. In July 2013 we were able to completely refurbish and extend the changing rooms, and the physiotherapy suite.
For a sports club of any weight, regardless of the size of Towcester itself, we really pack some punch!