Heaton Stannington Members Newsletter – December 2021

Greetings all. We hope this finds you well and all set for Christmas. This is the first of what will be a monthly newsletter which we will use to keep you abreast on all the happenings behind the scenes.

We will also use the same facility to let you know of any social events that are upcoming or proposed. For now though, here are updates on some of the things the management committee has been working on.

Football update

Our football teams have had a very positive first half of the season.

The first team currently sit 8 points clear at the top of Northern League Division 2 after 25 games (out of 40). We enjoyed a good FA Vase run which finally came to end against a Eccleshill United. In the new year, we will face North Shields in the quarter finals of the Northumberland Senior Cup – just two wins from St James’ Park!

Upcoming first team fixtures in January:

5 Jan – North Shields (a) – Northumberland Senior Cup
8 Jan – Jarrow (h)
15 Jan – Sunderland West End (a)
22 Jan – Ryton & Crawcrook Albion (h)
26 Jan – Newcastle University (h) – Ernest Armstrong Cup
29 Jan – Carlisle City (a)

Heaton Stan A are also settling into life in the Northern Alliance Division 2, following promotion last season. They sit 10th in the league after 11 games (from 24 to be played).

Jarrow home game – #NoHomeKit

We are proud to confirm that our fixture on Jan 8th verses Jarrow has been assigned as our #NoHomeKit fixture, supporting Shelter’s campaign to raise awareness for those without a home this Winter. In the build up to and on the match day, we will be raising funds for local charity “Making Winter Warmer” who do incredible work for the regions rough sleepers.

More information to follow in due course.

Carlisle away game travel

We will be operating a coach to the Carlisle City away game on Jan 29th. Seats to be put on sale soon – keep an eye on the website and social media for news.

Floodlights

Having been installed over 7 years ago and with two lamps not working it was decided that the floodlights would require a total overhaul. This entailed dropping all four columns to examine, test, clean and replace various components including 16 new lamps

Flooring

Members will be aware of the problems that we have had with the wooden floor in the bar area as a result of a water leak. Originally it was considered that once it had dried out repairs could be carried out by our own volunteers. It was then suggested that due to the nature of the original problem we should claim on our insurance. The Treasurer subsequently registered the claim and we have recently forwarded photos of the damage together with quotations for the cost of replacement.

The Committee are also moving forward with a number of small scale developments which should improve the environment of the club for both football supporters and general club members.

Football Stand

The committee have purchased a new 50 seater stand identical to the existing one, which will sit next to the existing stand providing covered seating for up to 100 supporters. The stand will be delivered and sited within the next week or two.

Ticket Office

The committee have agreed to purchase a new ticket and football office. The unit is a 6m x 3m timber clad unit, see below for similar example, providing sufficient space in two rooms for a ticket office and store room combined and general football admin office.

The site of the existing ticket office and bin store will need to be prepared before the new office can be put into place. It was therefore agreed that the required work of site preparation will not take place until the end of the season.

Cladding of the club house

The committee are exploring the proposal to clad the external wall to the lounge and cellar (north and east elevation) in Western Red Cedar to match the proposed ticket office finishes. Install six wall lights on the cladded facades to illuminate the way to the entrance door. Install 200mm high flat cut stainless steel lettering on the cellar wall facing the carpark ‘WELCOME TO HEATON STANNINGTON AFC’

Elevations

Wall lights

Entry porch

The committee are assessing the development of a standalone porch structure to create a recognisable entrance to the club. Using the buildings existing geometry a timber structure, to compliment the proposed cladding, will be designed and erected with limited disturbance to the function of the building. The front door should be widened by one concrete panel (400mm) to meet Disabled Design Act regulations.

Widen front door Position and geometry of porch

Covered timber porch structure Example of a more modern style

Internal Lobby

The committee are assessing the creation of an internal lobby which would perform a number of functions including being a sound barrier for the lounge, insulating the room, allowing views into the bar when accessing the building. Moving the disabled toilet to the space within the lounge will allow the room be rented out with access to a toilet, without compromising the security of the bar area. The former disabled toilet would become part of the bar for storing spirits, bottles, glasses etc.

The lobby structure would be of insulated stud wall construction, the window units manufactured and glazed off site, door to be self closing fire doors to meet building regs.