WIGAN ST JUDES are properly up and running again after well-wishers, not only locally but from far and wide, contributed to the cost of vital fencing that will, it is hoped, keep vandals at bay at the National Conference League outfit’s impressive Parson’s Meadow base.
The Saints, who run a host of sides at most if not all age levels, plus women’s and girls’ teams, faced their ambitions for this year being derailed when vandals regularly rode round their complex, including on matchdays when children were often present, causing damage to pitches and seating areas.
But fencing, costing more than £30,000, has now been installed by Stan Dawes Fencing Ltd, thanks to support from the Rugby League Facilities Trust and the Wigan Council’s Brighter Borough Fund, with a crowdfunding appeal making up a shortfall of £12,000.
Long-serving St Judes stalwart Joe Fitzsimmons said: “We’re so very grateful to everyone who has supported us.
“Our three councillors have given us every backing for many years and our new MP, Josh Simons, was superb in facilitating our CrowdFunding initiative.
“In addition to the Facilities Trust (aided by the RFL’s John McMullen, I believe) and the Brighter Borough Fund, the police enabled us to secure £6,000 of funding and Wigan Warriors have donated £5,000. And local businesses, and the community in the Worsley Mesnes area, have really got behind us.
“The work has been completed and we really look the part again, in a proper rugby environment. We’re running 19 teams in total.
“Our open-age side are going well after having secured promotion to the National Conference League First Division and, with the fencing in place, we were able to take a gate for our big game on Saturday against our neighbours Wigan St Patricks. And we should have a big crowd when our other good local friends, Ince Rose Bridge, visit.
“We’ll be able to sell pitch-perimeter advertising now, which will bring in much-needed funds, and we simply cannot thank everyone enough.”
