In 1934, rich local timber merchant, Albert Turner, gave 40 acres of land to Lewes, and built a Pavilion in memory of his brother Stanley. He formed a Trust in Stanley's name, and decreed that the land should be used ‘for Public Recreation and for no other purpose’. The Trust became the responsibility of Lewes District Council in 1974. Lewes RFC has used the Ground since 1938, as have Priory Cricket Club, with whom we formed Lewes Sports Club, and in 1979 part funded the Clubroom.

Despite having no security of tenure, we have built the Grandstand, fenced off Pitch 1, installed training lights and funded Pitch drainage.

Because the Ground is owned by the Trust and controlled by Lewes District Council, there are many complications, and problems. We hope that the Trust is now on our side, and are actively seeking to improve things to go forward for another 90 years. There are special Planning considerations too – its an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is now within a National Park.

That is why we need Project Turnaround!