Stephen Ratcliffe

Steve is Chairman of Newlands Park, a Community multi sport venue, owned by Cheltenham Rugby Club. He has been Chairman for 12 years and in 2004 he was the driving force behind the Club leasing and then purchasing the former 19 acre site owned by a local Company. The purchase ensured that the site would never be developed and would be used for grass roots sports for ever. Without Steve's vision and willpower the 'impossible' would never have been achieved. Many people said we would never be able to buy it.The venue provides sport for up to 1000 people a week (over 30,000 sports movements last year) for rugby and football to dance and martial arts. The club has over 800 members and is used by over 30 charity and Community groups. Under Steve's leadership Newlands Park was granted the most prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service for 'providing sports opportunities for young people in the Community'. The Olympic torch relay will leave Cheltenham for Worcester on 24th May and it is very likely to pass Newlands Park, although we are attempting to get the Relay to start at Newlands Park. Our ethos at Newlands Park embraces the spirit of the Olympic Games and epitomises a venue, which will reap enormous benefits from the legacy of the Games, in greater participation. Newlands Park is in the process of applying to the Inspire Programme for a Cultural and Sports Olympiad which will run from 24th May to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Steve is a very very deserving candidate.