A century of supporting sport celebrated at Imperial’s Harlington Sports Ground

Rector surprises three long serving staff -<em>News</em>

Thursday 12 November 2009
By John-Paul Jones

The importance of sport to life at Imperial was celebrated yesterday with a surprise ceremony for three members of staff, who between them have clocked up 100 years of service.

Rector Sir Roy Anderson thanked grounds staff at Harlington Sports Ground, west London, home to Imperial’s outdoor sports and training grounds, after touring the facilities. Presenting them with “Harlington 100” tankards and champagne he said; “I’m delighted to be here to mark this amazing achievement”.

The Rector (centre) congratulates, from left: Mick Reynolds, Anne Reynolds, Keith Cooper and Phil Ramsdale

He added: “My first visit here was as a student in 1965, for Rugby trials, and it’s great to be back. From my personal experience I know sports are a very important part of life at the College. We’ve got an excellent record for sports facilities here and that’s due to our dedicated and experienced sports staff”.

The staff honoured are Mick Reynolds, Grounds Manager (44 and a half years service); Phil Ramsdale, Grounds Supervisor (26 and a half years) and Keith Cooper, Assistant Groundsman (nearly 29 years). Mick’s wife Anne also received flowers and a silver picture frame, having worked at Harlington part-time for 27 years, currently as Pavilion Supervisor.

Talking about his career at Imperial Mick, the longest server, said: “Working here I see a lot of new faces and it’s very nice to see some old faces too; Sir Roy, for instance. His first Rugby season here was mine too.”

Harlington sports ground has ten football pitches, three rugby pitches and two cricket squares. As well as providing grounds for Imperial members seven days a week it is also home to Queen’s Park Rangers FC’s training centre and England Rugby Football Union teams train there regularly.

Neil Mosley, head of sport at Imperial, said “The contribution staff here at Harlington have made to sport at Imperial is immeasurable.”

He added: “We like to provide the very best facilities across all our campuses. It’s an important balance, to have sport and education to keep your mind sharp for those tough academic courses.”

There are 100 sports-related clubs and societies at Imperial. As well as Harlington staff and students have access to Ethos, the College’s flagship sports centre at Ethos, the Putney Boat House and facilities across all campuses. The College keeps Wednesday afternoons free of lectures to enable students to pursue these and other activities.

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