Tucked away between Boothville and Moulton in Northampton is a real hidden gem of a sporting facility where, nearly 40 years ago, trustees were given a long lease on almost eight acres of land off Talavera Way and Fernie Fields for the use of the local community.
Fast forward to 2024 and the facilities are second to none, with Northampton Sileby Rangers playing their football here – having recently been promoted up to Step Five Non League in the United Counties Premier League South – as well as the White Melville Bowls Club being based there
With one of the best football pitches in the county – along with the impressive Fernie Fields Sports and Social Club with capacity for up to 100 people – this season and beyond is a great opportunity for Sileby Rangers to consolidate themselves at the higher level before kicking on and aiming for promotion to Step Four.
With this in mind, two new trustees have been appointed to join the original four who have done such sterling work to build such a lovely ground
Local businessmen Simon Bond and Ian Flaxman, who have known each other for over 30 years join Stephen Tebbutt, Robert Clarke, Geoffrey Law and Paul Thurlow as trustees with a common aim to generate continued investment in both the facility and the team over the coming years
Two major sponsorship deals for Sileby Rangers have been announced, with Key Conveyancing – the largest regional conveyancer with offices in Northampton, Milton Keynes, Bedford, Kettering and St Neots – committing to a two-year kit sponsorship deal, and O’Riordan Bond agreeing ground naming rights for a three-year period
“Sileby Rangers are in the heart of the Northampton community and the facilities at Fernie Fields really are second to none,”
said Ian Flaxman.
“Simon and I were delighted to become fellow trustees to support in any way we can the progress, development and success of Northampton Sileby Rangers and the ground itself.”
“The first Key Conveyancing branch was opened in Northampton 12 years ago and living in the town I, and my fellow partners, have been very aware of what a great set up it is here,”
said Partner John Turner.
“When Simon Bond approached me about sponsoring the kit I was delighted we could lend our support. Key Conveyancing opened its first office in Northampton and today we believe we are acting on in the region of 25% of all property sales in the Northampton area.”
What is now known as the O’Riordan Bond Stadium has free parking off Talavera Way for up to 200 cars and a pitch that is generally considered to be one of the best playing surfaces in Northamptonshire. There has been huge investment in recent years in the Fernie Fields Club House, which is available for hire for parties and company events at competitive prices
The impressive eight-acre site also hosts Sport4Fitness – a Community Interest Company that provides physical activity, well-being sessions and events. Sports4Fitness works with local children – providing a private and safe environment whilst also focusing on those that have special needs or a disability.
“Simon and I are delighted to become trustees alongside Steve, Robert, Geoffrey and Paul, who have done such a super job creating such a great set up over many years,”
added Ian Flaxman.
“We are keen to talk to the Northampton business community – many of whom Simon and I know from years of owning our own businesses – to continue to build on what has been achieved so far. We feel in the first instance consolidation in Step Five and then a real push for promotion to Step Four and even Step Three is achievable!”
Any local businesses that would like an initial discussion as to what involvement the trustees are looking for should email simon.bond@oriordanbond.co.uk in the first instance. Find out more about Key Conveyancing at www.keyconveyancing.co.uk
