|
|
Birth of the Registered Club
The autumn of 1980 marked the opening of the Registered Club and employment of a full time steward. Two further extensions financed by loans followed. The Official opening conducted by Mr. G.H. Moores, Chairman South Yorkshire Police Authority took place on Wednesday 8th September, 1982. Full social and banqueting facilities were now available.
Again the Exchequer made funds available for the Police Authority to acquire and take over ownership and maintenance of the extensions. Members and guests benefited from a complete refurbishment in 1988 and the appointment of a full time Leisure Centre Manager the same year was part of the natural progression of a first class venue.
In this era a decline in athletics and track events culminated in the perimeter running track being grassed over. The additional area enabled the creation of separate football and rugby pitches to meet an increasing demand from teams wishing to play at Niagara.
The 90’s saw the departure of the Mounted Section from Niagara to Ring Farm, Cudworth, as the Force centralised the Mounted Department and the Police Dog Training School expanded.
1994/1995 saw a major work, creating a reception area, redesigned members bar, refurbished and upgraded Niagara Suite to provide modern audio/visual systems to create a multifunctional facility for social events and conferences, positioning the Club to meet the changing demands and expectations of the membership.
Rising customer expectations, advances in technology and a drive towards quality of service and customer satisfaction created the need to refurbish the Niagara Suite in 2003. With additional work to upgrade utility services, install air conditioning, improve access for the less able, provide additional office facilities and create a slick, professional reception service being carried out in 2004.
It seems appropriate to conclude this brief journey through history with a quote from a letter written on the 22nd February, 1929, by the proud President of the City of Sheffield Police Recreation Society Capt. Percy Sillitoe, Chief Constable to Lieutenant – General Sir Thomas Scott, K.C.B.,C.B.,D.S.O. ‘Without any undue egotism, if there is a better equipped all-round Police Sports Ground in this Country anywhere, then I should like to see it…..’
Things have moved a long way since 1928 and so has Niagara. If you know your history, you know your presence and your future.
|
|
